Fintech
WonderFi Continues Consolidation of Licensed Crypto Platforms Through Accretive Acquisition of Coinberry
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – April 18, 2022) – WonderFi Technologies Inc. (NEO: WNDR) (OTC Pink: WONDF) (WKN: A3C166) (FTX: WNDR) (the “Company” or “WonderFi“) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Coinberry Limited (“Coinberry“), one of Canada’s leading crypto asset trading platforms and Canada’s first pure-play licensed crypto broker. The announcement of the proposed acquisition comes shortly after the March 24th closing of WonderFi’s acquisition of Bitbuy, Canada’s first licensed crypto marketplace.
The transaction is valued at approximately $38.3 million in an all-stock deal and is expected to close in Q2 2022.
“This acquisition further establishes WonderFi as a leader amongst crypto companies in Canada, and along with our acquisition of Bitbuy, establishes a great framework for our expansion into global markets in 2022” commented Ben Samaroo, CEO of WonderFi. “As we continue our consolidation of leading licensed crypto platforms, our user count, revenue and pool of talent continues to grow.”
On closing of the acquisition, WonderFi will house one of the largest communities of Web3 users in Canada with over 750,000 users, and will be Canada’s largest employer of crypto-industry professionals with over 180 staff.
Coinberry was founded in 2017 and has become one of Canada’s leading crypto trading platforms with over $1 billion transacted to date. Coinberry currently features 29 of the top cryptocurrency trading pairs and services over 220,000 users, with over $13M in revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.
Kevin O’Leary, strategic investor in WonderFi commented: “WonderFi’s management team continues to execute on accretive acquisitions and this is an extremely important one, because it shows the speed and vision behind WonderFi’s plan”. “Compliant access to crypto is what matters and WonderFi has quickly established itself as a leader in Canada. Next stop, global.”
“We have a shared belief with WonderFi that providing our users with convenient access to crypto wealth building opportunities through a seamless integration and unified access to digital assets is the future and where we are positioning ourselves” commented Andrei Poliakov, CEO of Coinberry. “At Coinberry, we set out to build the global digital financial institution of the future and we are very happy to be joining the phenomenal WonderFi team to achieve this goal.”
Key Transaction Benefits
- Further solidifies WonderFi as a leader of licensed crypto trading platforms in Canada and internationally
- Adds one of Canada’s largest and most recognizable crypto trading platforms with a demonstrated history of revenue growth since inception
- Presents numerous operational synergy and cost efficiency opportunities across WonderFi, Bitbuy and Coinberry via user base integration, cross selling services and a combined global offering
- Immediately adds over 220,000 users to the WonderFi ecosystem and over $100 million of assets under custody as at December 31, 2021
- Presents the ability to bring new features, offerings and functionality to an existing user base on the Bitbuy and Coinberry platforms
- Accelerates product development capabilities and scaling potential by adding over 50 staff including engineers and other personnel
Transaction Details
Under the terms of the agreement, the consideration to Coinberry shareholders will consist of 29,107,000 net newly issued common shares of WonderFi, as may be adjusted pursuant to the definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement“). Coinberry principals and the affiliates and associates thereof will be subject to a 24 month escrow schedule, and other shareholders will be subject to a 12 month escrow schedule.
At the next annual meeting of shareholders, WonderFi will nominate Andrei Poliakov and one Coinberry nominee as an independent member to the WonderFi Board.
The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both WonderFi and Coinberry. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, and is subject to approval by Coinberry shareholders and regulatory approvals. Coinberry has received voting support agreements for the transaction from the holders of more than two-thirds of all Coinberry shares.
Litigation Settlement
Concurrently with the execution of the Definitive Agreement, Coinberry and Cinaport Acquisition Corp. III (“Cinaport“) have reached a settlement regarding the legal proceedings commenced by Cinaport against Coinberry on December 21, 2021 in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The settlement amount will be deducted from the total gross share consideration issued to Coinberry shareholders in connection with the acquisition by WonderFi.
Services Agreement
WonderFi is also pleased to announce that it has retained Digitonic Limited (“Digitonic“), a leading investor relations and mobile marketing firm based in Glasgow, Scotland, to provide marketing services focused on the North American markets.
Under the terms of the agreement, Digitonic is to provide content creation, distribution, and advertising services in North America in exchange for up to US$190,000 over a three month period.
Advisors
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to WonderFi on the Coinberry transaction and Haywood Securities Inc. provided a fairness opinion to the Board of Directors of WonderFi. DLA Piper (Canada) LLP is acting as legal advisor to Coinberry on this transaction and Research Capital Corporation provided a fairness opinion to the Board of Directors of Coinberry.
Additional Information
For additional information, please contact:
WonderFi Technologies Inc.
Ben Samaroo, CEO
[email protected]
(778) 843-9637
Investor Relations Contact: [email protected]
Media Contact:
Binu Koshy, Communications Director
[email protected]
ABOUT WONDERFI
WonderFi is a leading technology company with the mission of creating better access to digital assets through compliant centralized and decentralized platforms. WonderFi provides unified access to digital assets including crypto, DeFi, gaming and NFTs, in a compliant and regulated environment. WonderFi’s executive team and Board of Directors have an established track record in finance and crypto, with previous experience at Amazon, Shopify, PayPal, Galaxy Digital and Hut 8. WonderFi’s core team of engineers and technologists believe that everyone should have equal access to finance, and are aligned in the mission to empower people around the world to access finance in a simple, smart and secure way. For more information, visit www.wonder.fi.
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated”, or variations of such words, and includes the anticipated benefits of the transaction, the ability of Coinberry to obtain all necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals, and the ability of the Company and Coinberry to close the transaction on the terms and timing described herein, or at all.
By identifying such information and statements in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: the inability of the Company and Coinberry to integrate successfully such that the anticipated benefits of the transaction are realized, the inability of the Company and Coinberry to obtain the necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals for the transaction, the inability of the Company and Coinberry to close the transaction on the terms and timing described herein, or at all, the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the transaction on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors, the inability of the Company to work effectively with strategic investors; and material adverse changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.
Neither NEO Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the NEO Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)
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.
Fintech
SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025
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.
Fintech
Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments
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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