Fintech
Brane Trust Announces Board of Directors For Alberta-Based Digital Asset Custodian
Calgary, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – March 1, 2022) – Brane Inc. (“Brane”), a leading independent cryptocurrency custody solutions provider, announced today the inaugural Board of Directors for Brane Trust Company Ltd. (“Brane Trust”) – a wholly owned subsidiary of Brane that, following regulatory approval, will provide regulated custody of digital assets to institutional clients such as banks, asset managers, corporations, and public sector organizations seeking to manage cryptocurrencies.
Granted letters patent in October 2021, Brane Trust is now progressing toward a certificate of registration from Alberta’s Ministry of Treasury Board and Finance that will enable the company to open for business. Brane Trust’s development is overseen by a Board of Directors that includes five distinguished, Alberta-based directors.
“The recent incorporation of Brane Trust was a significant milestone in our roadmap to provide highly secure and independent custody that keeps cryptocurrencies safe on behalf of our clients,” said Patricia McCunn-Miller, Director for Brane Trust. “While expanding into cryptocurrency services may seem like a risky and complex endeavour for institutions, we are proud to support that transition by providing a secure, flexible, and easy to use platform to manage digital assets.”
Following regulatory approval, Brane Trust will provide custody of digital assets through a comprehensive, scalable and modular solution backed by strong insurance policies and institutional-grade risk management.
“I’m proud to be working with Brane, a company that combines innovation and trust, and represents a significant investment in Alberta’s economy and tech sector,” said Stephen Buffalo, Director for Brane Trust. “We look forward to working with Alberta’s regulators and business community to build on our province’s growing reputation as a great place to do business.”
“The Brane Trust Board of Directors brings together a group of talented and experienced executives to help us build a trusted brand for digital asset custody in Alberta,” added Adam Miron, Interim CEO of Brane Inc. and Chair for both Brane and Brane Trust’s boards of directors.
Brane Trust’s directors include:
Patricia McCunn-Miller – Lawyer, energy executive and corporate director with extensive experience in regulatory and environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, President of Blue Bridge Energy, and past member of the National Energy Board and National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy.
Stephen Buffalo – Chair of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, President and CEO of the Indian Resource Council, Governor of the Canadian Energy Executives Association, Senior Fellow of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and former Regional Manager, Southern Alberta of Peace Hills Trust.
Nick Facey – Digital technology solutions expert, Lead, Industry Solutions with Unity Technologies, and Vice Chair of Digital Alberta.
Shree Govindarajan – Community leader and digital marketing expert at Edmonton-based Paper Leaf.
Riyaz Virani – Co-founder of acclaimed Calgary-based homebuilding and property management company Sarina Homes.
Melanie Pump, CPA, CGA – Financial management and operations executive and Chief Financial Officer for Brane Inc.
Adam Miron (Chair) – Entrepreneur, author, and Interim CEO of Brane Inc.
Detailed biographies are available on the Brane website at www.brane.ca/about/.
In the coming weeks, Brane Trust expects to announce key hires, the location of its Calgary headquarters, and further regulatory milestones.
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About Brane
Founded in 2017, Brane Inc. is a carbon neutral, independent Canadian cryptocurrency custody service provider, helping institutional clients unlock the opportunities of blockchain and digital assets. Brane Vault, its core digital asset custody technology, is third-party certified to stringent global standards including ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and NIST CSF Tier 4, and insured against theft and crime.
About Alberta’s Financial Services Sector Concierge
Alberta’s government is committed to diversifying the economy and bringing more jobs to Alberta by making it easier for financial services companies to develop new products and services and set up shop here in our province. Alberta’s Financial Services Concierge works closely with Invest Alberta to save job creators time and money by guiding them through our province’s regulatory environment and providing the information needed to operate in Alberta’s financial sector. For more information or to connect with the concierge, visit: https://investalberta.ca/financial-services-concierge/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (together, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflect Brane’s current expectations regarding future events, including statements relating to: the ability of Brane to become carbon neutral, the ability of Brane and other market participants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words or phrases such as “create”, “continue to”, “expand”, “accelerate”, “enhancing”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Brane’s control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Brane does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.
Contact Information
Fintech
Banking and Capital Markets: Navigating a Complex Future
Curated in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The global financial industry stands at a pivotal juncture, facing a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by technological disruption, sustainability mandates, and geopolitical uncertainties. The end of prolonged accommodative monetary policies has ushered in an era of increased scrutiny, regulatory tightening, and heightened demand for innovation. At the same time, financial technology (fintech) continues to transform the sector, driving new opportunities and challenges for traditional banking systems.
This article delves into the strategic issues currently defining Banking and Capital Markets. Drawing from expert insights curated by Lutfey Siddiqi, Visiting Professor-in-Practice at LSE, it examines the dynamic risk environment, emerging technology trends, shifts in banking business models, and the growing focus on sustainability and talent development.
Key Issues Influencing Banking and Capital Markets
- The Financial Risk Landscape: Heightened geopolitical tensions and regulatory demands are reshaping the industry.
- Financial Technology: Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain offer potential but also pose significant implementation challenges.
- Banking Business Models: Institutions are adopting diverse strategies to navigate competition and shifting market demands.
- Financial Talent: Attracting the next generation of banking professionals requires a clear purpose and forward-thinking policies.
- Sustainability and Finance: Balancing environmental and social goals with immediate business priorities is a growing challenge.
1. Latest Insights: Shifting the Banking Paradigm
Experts highlight the profound challenges and opportunities facing financial institutions today. From geopolitical volatility to advances in fintech, the banking landscape demands unprecedented agility. Recent developments include:
- Monetary Policy Adjustments: China’s central bank explores easing policies to boost investment.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: Global banking rules, such as Basel 3.1 reforms, are under review, signaling potential shifts in global supervision.
- Financial Inclusion: Updates from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) aim to balance anti-money laundering standards with broader access to financial services.
These trends emphasize the need for financial institutions to anticipate disruptions while fostering resilience and innovation.
2. Strategic Context: Transforming Banking in a High-Stakes Era
2.1 The Financial Risk Landscape
Banks are grappling with an increasingly volatile environment characterized by geopolitical tensions, regulatory reforms, and market disruptions. The end of ultra-loose monetary policies has highlighted weaknesses in traditional funding models, exemplified by the high-profile collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse in 2023.
Regulators are tightening oversight, expanding their focus to include non-bank institutions and fintech companies. Additionally, rising geopolitical tensions demand localized data operations, robust cybersecurity measures, and new approaches to global strategy.
Key takeaway: In an age of uncertainty, resilience and stability are essential.
2.2 Financial Technology
The Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to reshape banking through advancements like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing. However, challenges remain, such as limited real-world blockchain applications and increasing cybersecurity risks tied to digitalization.
Financial institutions must adopt technology thoughtfully, focusing on solutions that address specific operational pain points and align with organizational goals. Balancing efficiency with contingency planning for outages and cyber threats is paramount.
Key takeaway: Tech adoption must prioritize practicality, security, and alignment with purpose.
2.3 Banking Business Models
Global trends are driving a diversification of banking models. Some institutions are scaling back operations in unprofitable markets, while others are leveraging acquisitions or digital innovation to expand. The rise of big tech competitors—armed with vast behavioral data—adds a new layer of complexity to the competitive landscape.
Emerging trends include:
- Consolidation of corporate and private banking services.
- Strategic retreats from costly markets, such as HSBC’s exit from US retail banking.
- Big tech firms offering financial services as data-driven loss leaders.
Key takeaway: Differentiation and adaptability are critical in a fragmented, competitive market.
2.4 Financial Talent
The banking sector faces a mounting talent crisis, particularly among younger generations who view the industry as outdated or misaligned with their values. To attract top talent, banks must redefine their purpose and emphasize their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and career growth opportunities.
Surveys indicate that young professionals seek workplaces offering training, flexibility, and inclusive leadership. Reskilling initiatives and a focus on digital expertise will also be key to preparing employees for the future.
Key takeaway: A compelling vision for the future of banking is essential to attract and retain top talent.
2.5 Sustainability and Finance
Sustainability has become a focal point for the financial industry, driven by growing demand for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. However, backlash against greenwashing and tokenism has led banks to reevaluate their approaches.
Balancing short-term priorities like energy security with long-term goals like combating climate change requires bold leadership. Opportunities abound in areas such as carbon trading, green bonds, and sustainability-linked investment products. However, success demands authenticity and a commitment to systemic change.
Key takeaway: Embedding sustainability into core operations is vital for long-term success.
Transformation Maps: A Strategic Tool for Leaders
This analysis leverages the World Economic Forum’s Strategic Intelligence Transformation Maps, which provide an interconnected view of global trends and challenges. These tools enable leaders to explore key topics, such as cybersecurity, fintech, and sustainability, and understand how they shape the future of Banking and Capital Markets.
Conclusion
The financial industry’s journey through this transformative era requires agility, innovation, and a deep commitment to purpose. From adapting to geopolitical tensions to embracing sustainability and nurturing top talent, financial institutions must strike a delicate balance between tradition and progress.
By leveraging technology, redefining business models, and embedding ESG principles into their strategies, the sector can navigate today’s challenges and build a resilient, forward-thinking future.
For more insights and resources, visit the World Economic Forum’s Strategic Intelligence platform.
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Fintech
Former MD of SUI Foundation, Greg Siourounis, Joins xMoney Global as Co-Founder and CEO to build MiCA-Regulated Stablecoin Platform
xMoney Global, the global, inter-bank and cross crypto/fiat integrated payments platform has appointed award-winning economist Dr. Greg Siourounis as Co-Founder and CEO. The company is a Mastercard principal member, with strategic European licenses, such as e-Money and VASP.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve with the coming MiCA regulation, xMoney Global intends to lead Europe into this new transformative EU regulated stablecoin era. Greg Siourounis will lead the integration of xMoney’s advanced blockchain-enabled payments infrastructure with its upcoming stablecoin program. Stablecoins are a key driver of blockchain adoption in today’s market, now surpassing Bitcoin, remittances, and PayPal in annual transaction volume. As such, xMoney’s Global reputation positions it to bridge Web3 innovation with traditional finance, leading Europe into a new transformative EU regulated stablecoin era.
Dr. Greg, who has played a pioneering role in the growth of Sui Foundation as its former Managing Director and who previously founded Everypay, will drive xMoney Global’s next wave of growth. Beyond the standard reference of his academic work in 2024’s Nobel Prize in Economics, Dr. Greg’s career is also decorated with awards such as the 2005 Young Economist Award from The European Economic Association and the 2008 Austin Robinson Prize from The Royal Economic Society. His immediate target will be to focus on partnerships, regulatory alignment and market expansion, as xMoney Global looks to build a comprehensive payments platform that bridges legacy financial systems with the potential of decentralized finance.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Greg Siourounis, CEO of xMoney Global, said, “As Europe prepares to embrace MiCA regulation, xMoney Global is positioned to redefine what compliant, secure, and seamless digital payments can be. Our goal is to deliver a solid and trusted ecosystem that combines the strengths of traditional finance with the flexibility of blockchain technology to create a future-ready payment experience.”
Beniamin Mincu, Co-founder of MultiversX, said, “xMoney Global’s mission aligns perfectly with the vision of MultiversX to bring scalable and secure blockchain solutions to mainstream finance. This appointment marks a significant step toward building a more inclusive and resilient financial system.”
The launch of xMoney Global aims to offer a next-gen blockchain-as-a-service module backed by its native stablecoin, with key white-labeled services including acquiring, issuing, onramps/offramps and a sticky loyalty program, all backed by MultiversX’s state-of-the-art sharding technology. Following the surge in crypto markets after Trump’s pro-crypto Presidential win, xMoney will be ideally placed to accelerate real-world adoption as the easiest way for everyone (consumers, retail and e-commerce) to seamlessly access fiat and crypto currencies in an app, card or payment gateway.
The post Former MD of SUI Foundation, Greg Siourounis, Joins xMoney Global as Co-Founder and CEO to build MiCA-Regulated Stablecoin Platform appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: A Daily Dive into Industry Innovations and Developments
The financial technology sector continues to evolve at a rapid pace, offering innovations that disrupt traditional paradigms. Today’s briefing underscores fintech’s diverse growth avenues: from substantial venture capital plays and strategic partnerships to groundbreaking implementations in lending. Here’s a closer look at recent developments shaping the landscape.
Synapse’s Comeback and Andreessen Horowitz’s Strategic Bet
Source: Axios
Synapse, a financial infrastructure company previously embattled by controversy, is staging a remarkable comeback, backed by none other than venture capital heavyweight Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). With this new infusion of funds, Synapse aims to consolidate its position as a premier platform for building financial services tools.
This resurgence demonstrates the resilience of the fintech ecosystem, where innovation often prevails over turbulence. Synapse’s renewed vigor also signals that top-tier investors remain bullish on infrastructural solutions pivotal to the future of digital finance. Andreessen Horowitz’s participation not only validates Synapse’s model but also underscores the VC giant’s enduring interest in fintech infrastructure, even amid global economic uncertainties.
Analysis:
This partnership exemplifies the dynamism within fintech, highlighting the interplay of innovation, capital, and resilience. It also raises questions about the broader implications of giving second chances to firms with turbulent histories. While Synapse’s evolution could inspire others, it also places a spotlight on governance and accountability in high-growth sectors.
Israel’s Fintech Scene Gets a Boost with Investment in Finova Capital
Source: Calcalistech
Israeli fintech startup Finova Capital has raised an impressive $20 million in a funding round led by prominent institutional investors. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it seeks to expand its suite of financial solutions aimed at underserved markets.
Israel’s fintech ecosystem has long been recognized as a hub of innovation, and this latest investment only reinforces its global standing. Finova Capital’s focus on empowering smaller businesses and fostering financial inclusivity aligns with emerging trends where tech-driven solutions bridge critical gaps in financial services.
Analysis:
With this funding, Finova is poised to enhance its technological offerings while contributing to economic inclusion. However, the broader fintech industry will watch closely to see how the company leverages this capital amid increasing competition from regional and global players.
India’s Yubi Plans a Fundraising Push
Source: Bloomberg
Yubi, a prominent Indian fintech platform backed by Insight Partners, is reportedly preparing for a new fundraising round. Having already established itself as a leader in credit infrastructure, Yubi aims to bolster its offerings and expand its market footprint.
India’s fintech landscape is witnessing explosive growth, with platforms like Yubi playing a critical role in the credit ecosystem. Yubi’s planned fundraising reflects the broader appetite for scaling solutions that streamline credit access, particularly in emerging markets where traditional lending models often fall short.
Analysis:
This development highlights two key trends: the increasing reliance on credit platforms in high-growth economies and the strategic role of international investors like Insight Partners in driving fintech innovation. Yubi’s expansion plans could set a precedent for other regional fintech players seeking to scale amid global economic headwinds.
Provenir and Hastings Financial Services Win Global Recognition
Source: Business Wire
In a testament to the transformative power of digital lending solutions, Provenir and Hastings Financial Services have been jointly recognized for the Best Digital Lending Implementation at the IBSi Global Fintech Innovation Awards. This accolade underscores the success of their collaboration in modernizing the lending process through cutting-edge technology.
Provenir’s advanced decision-making platform and Hastings Financial Services’ lending expertise have delivered a solution that significantly enhances user experience, operational efficiency, and risk management. Such innovations highlight the increasing role of partnerships in advancing fintech’s digital transformation.
Analysis:
This recognition not only validates the efficacy of digital lending but also emphasizes the importance of partnerships in driving innovation. It signals to the industry that collaboration can be a powerful tool for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Microf and Quantum Financial Technologies Forge New Alliances
Source: PR Newswire
Microf, a financial solutions provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Quantum Financial Technologies. This collaboration aims to expand lending solutions for contractors, providing streamlined access to capital for businesses in need of flexible financing options.
This partnership is a timely response to the growing demand for specialized financial products in niche markets. By leveraging Quantum’s technology, Microf can now offer more tailored solutions, particularly to contractors navigating complex financial requirements.
Analysis:
This development reflects a growing trend: the diversification of fintech offerings to serve specific market segments. As competition in mainstream fintech intensifies, targeting underserved niches could become a defining strategy for success.
Key Takeaways for the Fintech Ecosystem
- Resilience in Fintech Funding: Despite economic uncertainties, venture capital continues to fuel innovative fintech players like Synapse and Finova Capital.
- Regional Growth Stories: From Israel to India, fintech ecosystems are thriving, attracting global attention and investment.
- Collaboration as a Catalyst: The success of partnerships like Provenir-Hastings and Microf-Quantum underscores the importance of strategic alliances.
- The Power of Recognition: Awards like the IBSi Fintech Innovation Awards validate industry achievements, inspiring others to push the envelope.
- Focus on Inclusion: Whether through credit platforms or lending solutions, fintech is playing a pivotal role in fostering financial inclusivity worldwide.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The fintech sector’s journey is far from linear. Regulatory complexities, technological disruptions, and market volatility remain persistent challenges. However, as seen in today’s developments, the opportunities far outweigh the risks. By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, fintech players can navigate the complexities of the global financial landscape.
This moment in fintech history is pivotal. It’s a time for bold decisions, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to bridging financial divides. As industry players rise to the occasion, the road ahead promises a future where technology and finance intertwine to empower individuals and businesses alike.
The post Fintech Pulse: A Daily Dive into Industry Innovations and Developments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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