Fintech
Letter to Gambier Gold Corp. Shareholders
Frastanz, Austria–(Newsfile Corp. – April 11, 2022) – Dear Shareholders of Gambier Gold Corp. (TSXV: GGAU) (the “Company”), we are significant shareholders of the Company representing approximately 19.872% of the issued and outstanding capital of the Company. In addition, we have engaged with shareholders and currently have arranged support from a total of approximately 40.196% of the issued and outstanding capital of the Company. We have, over the last year, reached out to the directors and officers of the Company expressing our concern over the management. We are major shareholders and they have consistently failed to address our concerns. We asked for a change of the board of directors and, again, they declined. We requisitioned a meeting of shareholders to change the board of directors on March 21, 2022 (which the Company failed to disclose), and the Company has now set an annual general meeting for June 1, 2022. We have confirmed to the Company that any issuance of shares after the date of our requisition (March 21, 2022) will not be eligible to vote at the shareholders meeting. We are writing to elicit your support for our nominee directors and for our vision for the Company. We commit to rigorous corporate governance, consistent disclosure, effective shareholder engagement and working to increasing shareholder value. We will listen to your concerns and improve investor relations.
The Company needs a new start and here is what we are proposing:
- A new board of directors consisting of five directors, two professional geologist (Sebastien Ah Fat and Rafael Vaudrin), all experienced directors of public companies and one business managing director (Owen Garfield), one financial managing director (Sven Gollan) and one governance managing director (Daniel Rodriguez). One of the nominees (Rafael Vaudrin) is a former director of the Company and will provide knowledge continuity;
- Our new nominee board has the experience, strategic vision and the resources to finance the Company and move it to the next level;
- We commit to engaging with shareholders and having full disclosure of all matters;
- March 31 is the Company’s financial year end and now is the time to make this change and grow Company value; and
- We have attached a brief description of our nominee directors and their backgrounds evidencing their expertise.
We also want to address why, in our view current management, should not remain in place.
There has been incredibly poor communication and even non-existent communication with shareholders over the last year. There were no News Releases issued between May 10, 2021 and February 18, 2022. There was no Winter Drill Program as discussed and Michael Schuss (Director/CEO) provided no operational update in the second half of 2021, despite our requests. The March 31, 2022 News Release was, in our opinion, poorly drafted and did not evidence a sound exploration program. It appeared to try to blame others for their failures.
There are a series of gaps in disclosure, an example of which is the January 12, 2021 appointment of Darin Wagner as a technical advisor. We are advised Mr. Wagner subsequently left this position but there was no disclosure of this. In another example, the latest unaudited financial statements do not set out the changes to the board of directors and there is no disclosure of an advisory board.
Michael Schuss, in our opinion, appears to spend an excessive amount of his time on Twitter rather than running the business of the Company.
In our view, this lack of proper governance and disclosure has depressed the share price and placed the Detour West Property, the Company’s main asset, at risk. In addition, there has been an increase in the salary of the CEO (Michael Schuss) without any regard to the lack of performance. The Company will need to raise capital for future exploration and the confidence of the existing shareholder base as well as that of potential investors has been lost.
Both Mr. Michael Schuss and Mr. Geoff Balderson provided us with their agreement, in writing, to resign and/or not stand for re-election and then refused to follow through with this. Mr. Bruland and Mr. Forward were just appointed February 18, 2022 and appear to have no vested interest in the Company. The Vendors and Royalty holders of the Detour West Property, have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the current management.
We ask that you support our nominees to ensure the success of the Company. Again, the date of the annual general meeting of shareholders has been set for June 1, 2022. We ask that you complete your proxy:
- to set the number of directors at five (5); and
- to vote for our nominees:
(a) Sven Gollan;
(b) Sebastien Ah Fat;
(c) Daniel Rodriguez;
(d) Owen Garfield; and
(e) Rafael Vaudrin.
Please deliver your proxy as set out in the proxy and email a copy to [email protected]. We want to ensure every vote is counted so will ensure your proxy is valid.
We can be reached as follows if you have any questions:
FruchtExpress (FEx) investment board
Email: [email protected]
April 11, 2022
FruchtExpress Grabher GmbH & Co KG
By: “Grabher Felix”
Name: Grabher Felix
Title: CIO / Executive Director
| Name, Province or State and Country of Residence | Present Principal Occupation, Business or Employment and Principal Occupation, Business or Employment During the Preceding Five Years | Number of Common Shares Beneficially Owned or Controlled or Directed (Directly or Indirectly) | |
| Sven Gollan Møre og Romsdal, Norway |
Treasurer with Fruchtexpress GmbH & Co. KG, major shareholder of Gambier Gold. Sven is currently director of Sego Resources, Alianza Minerals and Teako Gold. He spent 16 years as an Investment/Private Banker in Germany and Austria and was active in the education and training of securities advisors and investment bankers. From 2011 to 2015 he was an external consultant for the Grabher Family, Austria. Mr Gollan has been with FruchtExpress Grabher, Corporate Treasury Unit/Family Office, Austria since 2015, and currently with FruchtExpress Norge the Norwegian Branch of FruchtExpress. | Nil | |
| Sebastien Ah Fat Alberta, Canada |
Professional Geologist with over a decade of experience in the mining and energy sectors. He is the Vice President of Exploration at Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd., a precious-metal-focused mining company, and the co-founder and Vice President of Exploration at Glacier Resources Corp., a lithium exploration company. Previously, Mr. Ah Fat was the manager of geological services and software development of a leading energy geosteering consulting firm. Prior experience includes the role of mine geologist at Bralorne Gold Mines Ltd., a junior gold producer in Canada. Mr. Ah Fat holds a bachelor of science degree in geology from the University of Calgary and is registered as a professional geoscientist with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA). | 20,000 | |
| Daniel Rodriguez British Columbia, Canada |
Corporate Development of Warrior Gold with over 14 years of capital markets and financial service experience. Previously, he was an Investment Advisor with a focus on the junior mining sector and managed a retail branch bank for a top-tier Canadian bank. For the last two years, he has been working in Corporate Development for Warrior Gold Inc. He holds a BA from the University of Toronto and both Certified Financial Planning (CFP) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designations. | Nil | |
| Owen Garfield West Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
Managing Director; Owen is a Chartered Mineral Surveyor based in the UK who worked for the Valuation Office Agency as a specialist mineral valuer for over 10 years. He also has a degree in Mineral Estates Management from Sheffield Hallam University. Owen is currently the Managing Director and owner of a successful Surveying company in the UK, advising multi-national clients on major infrastructure projects. | 100,000 | |
| Rafael Vaudrin British Columbia, Canada |
Professional Geologist, former Director of Gambier Gold. Senior Project Geologist with great expertise in field planning, data analysis, and drilling initiatives. Mr. Vaudrin has a master’s degree in geosciences from the University of Tubingen in Germany, where he specialized in exploration, mineralogy and structural geology. | 200,000 | |
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.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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.
Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”
Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.
Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.
The post Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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