Fintech
The Jim Henson Company, Weta Workshop, and Quidd Partner to Celebrate The Dark Crystal’s 40th Anniversary with Digital Collectibles
New York, New York–(Newsfile Corp. – December 15, 2022) – The Jim Henson Company, Wētā Workshop, and Quidd are thrilled to announce their collaboration on a collection of premier digital collectibles featuring characters from the beloved film, The Dark Crystal. This marks the first appearance of officially licensed digital collectibles from Wētā Workshop, the award-winning concept design firm, on Quidd.
Dark Crystal Digital Collectibles
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Originally released in 1982, Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal was a first-of-its-kind dark fantasy film that follows the story of two Gelfling, Jen and Kira, on a quest to restore balance to the world of Thra, and overthrows the evil Skeksis by restoring the Crystal of Truth. Using cutting-edge animatronics and puppetry, the film pushed new boundaries in movie-making.
In the 40 years since its original release, The Dark Crystal has been reviewed and remastered by film enthusiasts and has a dedicated and growing global cult following of all ages.
The Dark Crystal x Wētā: Masterpieces features stunningly-detailed 3D renditions of fan-favorite characters, carefully crafted by the artists at Wētā Workshop, ensuring each digital collectible is of the highest quality. Each collectible is interactive and AR-compatible, giving fans and collectors alike an unprecedented ownership experience.
“We are excited to be partnering with Wētā Workshop and The Jim Henson Company on this exciting, first-of-its-kind collection,” said Michael Bramlage, CEO of Quidd. “Not only was this collection meticulously designed for The Dark Crystal’s passionate fan base, but it also contains a number of special surprises that won’t be revealed until the collection drops.”
Wētā Workshop Head of Consumer Products, Kelly-Ann Tyson says creating digital versions of beloved characters from The Dark Crystal is an opportunity for fans to own something truly unique.
“At Wētā Workshop our artists are constantly innovating and raising the creative bar. We are really pleased to be teaming up with The Jim Henson Company and Quidd to work on this drop of premium digital collectibles and think The Dark Crystal fans will love these new creations. It’s a fantastic way to mark the anniversary of the film.”
And, according to Melissa Segal from The Jim Henson Company, “It’s wonderful to see two trusted partners in Weta and Quidd collaborate to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Dark Crystal in an inclusive way that so beautifully features the iconic characters from the film.”
Starting on Wednesday, December 21, The Dark Crystal x Wētā: Masterpieces collection will be available for purchase with an opening price point of $5.99 on the Quidd marketplace at https://market.onquidd.com/.
About Quidd
Quidd, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, is the original digital collectibles and NFT marketplace. For over six years, Quidd has facilitated the issuance, sale, and exchange of limited-edition, officially licensed digital collectibles, featuring more than 325 of the world’s most popular brands, including Disney, Game of Thrones, Rick and Morty, the NBA, Manchester City, and many others. Quidd supports off-chain and on-chain digital collecting – to multiple blockchains – making it an ideal front door for mainstream fans to start building their first NFT collection. For more information, visit https://market.onquidd.com or download the apps here.
About Wētā Workshop
Wētā Workshop brings imaginary worlds to life by delivering concept design, physical effects, collectibles, immersive visitor experiences, and games to the world’s entertainment and creative industries.
Established by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger in 1987, we are best known for our screen work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Avatar, and Dune, our immersive visitor experiences, Gallipoli: The Scale of our War, Expo 2020 Dubai’s Mobility Pavilion and Wētā Workshop Unleashed. Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Wētā Workshop’s ground-breaking work has earned us multiple international awards.
About the Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 60 years and is recognized as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics, and digital animation. Henson’s most recent television credits include the Emmy-winning Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, as well as Slumberkins, Harriet the Spy and Fraggle Rock: Rock On!, all for Apple TV+, Word Party Presents: Math! for Netflix, Duff’s Happy Fun Bake Time for discovery+, Earth to Ned for Disney+, and the Emmy®-winning Netflix Original series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Other TV productions include Word Party (Netflix), Dinosaur Train (PBS), Splash and Bubbles (PBS), Sid the Science Kid (PBS), and Julie’s Greenroom (Netflix), as well as Fraggle Rock, The Storyteller, and the sci-fi series Farscape. Feature film credits include Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio (Netflix), The Star (Sony Pictures Animation), Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Disney), and the groundbreaking fantasy classics The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth. The Company is currently in production on the feature film The Portable Door starring Christoph Waltz.
With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot, complete with soundstage and post-production facilities. The Company is home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character-building and visual effects group with international film, television, theme park and advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state-of-the-art and vintage equipment. The Company’s Henson Alternative credits include The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell (Netflix), the feature film The Happytime Murders, and the popular live puppet improvisational show Puppet-Up! – Uncensored.
Media Contact: Arooba Niazii, VP of Marketing – [email protected]
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/148105
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.
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Revolut, Bestow, Advyzon, Tyme Group, Nubank)
The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Fintech: Top Stories Today
The fintech world continues to thrive with new developments shaping its future. Today’s highlights cover Revolut’s enhanced crypto fraud protections, Bestow’s recognition as a leading fintech company, Advyzon’s CEO receiving a prestigious award, Tyme Group’s global expansion supported by Nubank, and the rise of Israeli fintech startups. Let’s dive into the details and explore the broader implications.
Revolut Steps Up Crypto Fraud Protection
In a significant move to fortify customer trust, Revolut has announced enhancements to its crypto fraud protection systems. Leveraging advanced security risk scores, the company aims to shield users from the growing menace of crypto-related scams. The platform’s new measures will involve deeper scrutiny of transactions, sophisticated algorithms to flag potential fraud, and proactive alerts for unusual activities.
Revolut’s focus on fraud protection reflects the escalating challenges faced by fintech firms operating in the crypto space. As digital currencies gain traction, fraudsters continue to exploit vulnerabilities, necessitating robust security mechanisms. Revolut’s initiative could set a precedent for the industry, emphasizing that user safety is as critical as innovation. However, the success of these measures will depend on striking the right balance between security and user experience.
Source: Coindesk
Bestow Earns a Spot Among Top 100 Financial Technology Companies of 2024
Bestow, a digital life insurance innovator, has been named one of the Top 100 Financial Technology Companies of 2024. This recognition highlights Bestow’s transformative approach to life insurance, combining cutting-edge technology with customer-centric solutions. By simplifying the traditionally cumbersome insurance process, Bestow has made life insurance more accessible and affordable.
The accolade underscores the growing importance of insurtech in the broader fintech ecosystem. Bestow’s achievements signal a shift in consumer expectations—convenience, transparency, and technology-driven solutions are becoming non-negotiable. As insurtech continues to disrupt traditional insurance models, the emphasis will likely shift from mere digital transformation to delivering personalized and predictive services.
Source: PR Newswire
Advyzon CEO Hailin Li Wins ThinkAdvisor 2024 Luminaries Award
Hailin Li, CEO of Advyzon, has been honored with the ThinkAdvisor 2024 Luminaries Award for Fintech Executive of the Year. This award recognizes his exceptional leadership and Advyzon’s commitment to empowering financial advisors with innovative tools. Under Li’s stewardship, Advyzon has excelled in providing comprehensive technology solutions, enabling advisors to deliver superior client experiences.
Li’s recognition highlights the pivotal role of leadership in driving fintech innovation. Advyzon’s success is a testament to how visionary leadership can redefine financial advisory services. As advisors increasingly rely on technology to navigate complex markets, platforms like Advyzon are becoming indispensable. The award also serves as a reminder that the human element—inspired leadership—remains crucial even in a tech-driven industry.
Source: Business Wire
Nubank Backs Tyme Group’s International Expansion
In a strategic move, Nubank has announced an investment in Tyme Group, a digital bank with operations in South Africa and the Philippines. This partnership aims to accelerate Tyme’s growth in emerging markets, leveraging Nubank’s expertise in scaling digital banking operations. Tyme’s unique business model focuses on financial inclusion, catering to underserved populations in developing economies.
Nubank’s investment signifies a growing trend among fintech leaders to expand their footprint in emerging markets. The collaboration between Nubank and Tyme underscores the potential of digital banking to bridge financial inclusion gaps. However, challenges such as regulatory complexities and technological infrastructure limitations in these regions must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth.
Source: Business Wire
Israeli Fintech Startups Gaining Global Momentum
Israel’s fintech ecosystem is making waves internationally, with startups leveraging the country’s robust tech culture and innovation-driven mindset. From payment solutions to cybersecurity for financial services, Israeli fintech firms are attracting significant investments and partnerships globally. This trend reflects the country’s position as a hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurial spirit.
The rise of Israeli fintech startups is a testament to the country’s ability to harness innovation for global impact. However, scaling these ventures beyond local markets remains a challenge. Strategic partnerships and a focus on addressing global financial challenges will be crucial for these startups to cement their position on the world stage.
Source: Calcalist Tech
Broader Implications for the Fintech Industry
- Enhanced Security in Crypto: Revolut’s initiative highlights the need for continuous advancements in fraud prevention. The increasing complexity of scams calls for adaptive security measures that can evolve with emerging threats.
- Recognition Drives Innovation: Bestow’s accolade and Hailin Li’s award demonstrate the power of recognition in fostering innovation. Industry acknowledgment not only boosts morale but also sets benchmarks for others to emulate.
- Global Collaborations: Nubank’s partnership with Tyme Group underscores the importance of cross-border collaborations in fintech. As markets globalize, such alliances will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial services.
- Emerging Market Opportunities: Investments in developing economies highlight the untapped potential of these regions. Fintech companies must focus on understanding local needs and challenges to create impactful solutions.
- Tech Hubs as Catalysts: The success of Israeli fintech startups emphasizes the role of regional tech hubs in driving industry growth. Policymakers and stakeholders must nurture these ecosystems to sustain innovation.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Revolut, Bestow, Advyzon, Tyme Group, Nubank) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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