Fintech
GlobalBlock to Sell Digital Asset Broker Business
London, United Kingdom and Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – March 23, 2023) – GlobalBlock Digital Asset Trading Limited (TSXV: BLOK) (OTC Pink: BLVDF) (FSE: BD4) (the “Company“) announces that it has entered into a Business Disposition Agreement dated March 22, 2023 (the “Agreement“) with GlobalBlock Ltd. (“GB UK“) and the original shareholders and founders of GB UK (the “GB UK Founders“) to transfer GB UK and its digital asset broker business back to the GB UK Founders (the “Disposition Transaction“). In return, the GB UK Founders will return to the Company the 48,450,000 common shares of the Company collectively held by them (which shares were originally issued to the GB UK Founders when the Company acquired GB UK in 2021). The Disposition Transaction is considered a non-arm’s length transaction because it involves “Non-Arm’s Length Parties” (as defined by the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange“)).
The Company has determined that given the current environment surrounding digital assets and the expense and restrictions surrounding the operation of a digital asset broker business inside of a publicly listed entity, the digital asset broker business being operated by GB UK and its subsidiaries would best be served outside of a publicly listed entity. As a result, the GB UK Founders have agreed under the Disposition Transaction to privatize that business, and the Company will be seeking alternative transactions and businesses to acquire or combine with.
Key Terms of the Disposition Transaction
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At the closing of the Disposition Transaction (the “Closing“), the Company will sell all of the shares of GB UK to the GB UK Founders in exchange for return of 48,450,000 common shares of the Company collectively held by the GB UK Founders.
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The Agreement sets forth how the assets, liabilities and obligations of the Company and GB UK and its business are to be dispersed or transferred amongst the Company and GB UK effective as of December 31, 2022, including the split of cash and liabilities, and the obligations of each of the Company and GB UK going forward. The Company and GB UK have agreed to split on a 50/50 basis: (i) the cost of the Company’s current CFO until the term of his consulting agreement expires, (ii) the cost of preparation of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, and (iii) the costs of the Disposition Transaction.
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At Closing, David Thomas will resign as CEO and a director of the Company and Patrick Bullman will resign as a director of the Company.
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At Closing, the Company will provide a £150,000 loan facility (the “Loan Facility“) to GB UK to assist with the transitionary phase and support GB UK’s business opportunities. The Loan Facility will be a non-revolving loan with a 12-month maturity date and will bear interest at a rate equal to the prime rate plus 2.0% per annum. If the Loan Facility is not repaid on its specified repayment date, then the Loan Facility shall remain outstanding, and GB UK shall be required to issue to the Company that number of its ordinary shares that would result in the Company holding 5% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of GB UK (on a fully diluted basis). If the Loan Facility is not repaid within six (6) months of the repayment date, then the Loan Facility shall remain outstanding, and GB UK will be required to issue to the Company that number of additional ordinary shares such that the Company holds 10% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of GB UK (on a fully diluted basis).
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The Disposition Transaction is subject to usual conditions to Closing, but also includes the following conditions to Closing:
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holders of options to acquire up to 1.5 million common shares of the Company (those holders being David Thomas, Patrick Bullman and certain employees of GB UK) will have entered into agreements to terminate those options held by them; and
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dissent rights in connection with the Disposition Transaction shall not have been validly exercised (and not withdrawn) with respect to more than 1% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company.
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Following completion of the Disposition Transaction, the Company’s remaining assets will be cash and the blockchain patents it acquired in February 2021. Accordingly, the Company will need to identify and, if successful, acquire or combine with a new business. The Company has discussed the Disposition Transaction with the Exchange and the Exchange has advised that after the completion of the Disposition Transaction, the Company’s listing may be transferred to the NEX Board of the Exchange until the Company is able to so acquire or combine with a new business.
Upon completion of the Disposition Transaction, the Company will need to identify and appoint a new Chief Executive Officer and at least one (1) additional director.
Additional Details of the Disposition Transaction
Disposition of All or Substantially All the Property of the Company
The Disposition Transaction involves the disposition of GB UK and its digital asset broker business, which is substantially all of the Company’s property. As such, the Company is required to obtain the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by the shareholders of the Company present at a special meeting of the shareholders (the “Meeting“) in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting, pursuant to section 301 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (“BCBCA“).
Pursuant to the BCBCA, any registered holders of the Company’ shares have a right to dissent (“Dissenting Right“). Each dissenting shareholder is entitled to be paid the fair value of all, but not less than all, of the holder’s shares, provided that the holder duly dissents to the Disposition Transaction and the Disposition Transaction is approved by the required shareholders’ approval.
Related Party Transaction
The GB UK Founders, as parties to the Disposition Transaction, each hold more than 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. As such, the Company is also required to obtain the affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders of the Company present at the Meeting in person or represented by proxy, excluding any votes attached to shares of the Company beneficially owned by the GB UK Founders or over which the GB UK Founders exercise control or direction and any other person who has a material interest in the Disposition Transaction, pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions.
Special Committee
To ensure that the interests of the Company were fairly considered in the negotiation and review of the Disposition Transaction and to manage the conflicts of interest that may arise in the context of the Disposition Transaction, the independent directors of the Company, who do not have a financial interest in the Disposition Transaction, oversaw the evaluation and negotiation of the Disposition Transaction on behalf of the Company.
TSX Venture Exchange Approval
The Disposition Transaction is also subject to approval from the Exchange due to the fact that it involves the disposition of all or substantially all of the property of the Company and a transaction with a party related to the Company.
Additional Information
The Company will issue additional news releases related to the Disposition Transaction and other material information as it becomes available.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
GlobalBlock Digital Asset Trading Limited is a publicly traded holding company (TSXV: BLOK) whose wholly-owned operating subsidiary, GlobalBlock Europe, UAB (https://www.globalblock.eu), is a European Union based digital asset broker that provides a personalised telephone brokerage service, trading platform and mobile app. Following completion of the Disposition Transaction, the Company will not have any operating business due to the sale of GB UK. Accordingly, the Company will need to identify and, if successful, acquire or combine with a new business.
For further information please contact the Company at:
David Thomas, CEO
c/o 65 Curzon Street, London, W1J 8PE, United Kingdom
Tel. +44 20 3307 3795
[email protected]
https://globalblock.eu/ and http://www.globalblockdigital.com/
https://twitter.com/Globalblocknews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/globalblock/
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain information set out in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements in respect of among other things: the structure, terms, conditions and proposed timing for completion of the Disposition Transaction; the ability of the Company to complete the Disposition Transaction; the receipt of all necessary shareholder, TSX Venture Exchange and other third party consents and approvals; and the ability of the Company to successfully identify and complete the acquisition of or combination with a new business. Forward-looking statements are based upon the opinions and expectations of management of the Company as at the effective date of such statements and, in certain cases, information provided or disseminated by third parties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, and that information obtained from third party sources is reliable, they can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements included in this document, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risk factors set forth in the Company’s most recent management’s discussion and analysis, a copy of which is filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and readers are cautioned that the risk factors disclosed therein should not be construed as exhaustive. These statements are made as at the date hereof and unless otherwise required by law, the Company does not intend, or assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
The fintech landscape continues to redefine itself, driven by innovation, partnerships, and groundbreaking strategies. Today’s roundup focuses on the latest digital wallet offerings, evolving payment trends, strategic collaborations, and notable funding achievements. This editorial explores the broader implications of these developments, casting light on how they shape the future of fintech and beyond.
Beacon’s Digital Wallet for Immigrants: A Gateway to Financial Inclusion
Beacon Financial, a leading player in financial technology, recently launched a digital wallet tailored to meet the unique needs of immigrants moving to Canada. This offering bridges a critical gap, enabling seamless financial integration for newcomers navigating a foreign system.
By combining intuitive technology with user-centric features, Beacon aims to empower immigrants with tools for payments, savings, and remittances. This aligns with the growing demand for tailored financial products that resonate with specific demographics.
Op-Ed Insight:
Financial inclusion is more than just a buzzword; it’s a moral imperative in the fintech space. Products like Beacon’s digital wallet highlight the industry’s potential to create tangible change. As global migration trends increase, such offerings could inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
Source: Fintech Futures.
Juniper Research Highlights 2025’s Payment Trends
Juniper Research’s latest report unveils pivotal payment trends poised to dominate in 2025. Central themes include the adoption of instant payment networks, a surge in embedded finance solutions, and the rise of crypto-backed financial products.
The research underscores the rapid adoption of real-time payment systems, fueled by increasing consumer demand for speed and efficiency. Meanwhile, embedded finance promises to blur the lines between traditional banking and non-financial services, delivering personalized and context-specific solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
As the lines between financial services and technology continue to blur, these trends emphasize the industry’s shift toward convenience and personalization. The growing role of crypto-based solutions reflects an evolving consumer mindset, where decentralization and digital-first experiences gain precedence.
Source: Juniper Research.
MeaWallet and Integrated Finance Partner to Revolutionize Digital Wallets
MeaWallet, a prominent fintech solutions provider, has partnered with Integrated Finance to advance digital wallet capabilities and secure card data access for fintech companies. This collaboration focuses on empowering fintechs to deliver better, safer digital payment experiences.
MeaWallet’s role as a technology enabler aligns seamlessly with Integrated Finance’s goal of simplifying complex financial infrastructures. Together, they aim to create scalable, robust platforms for secure payment solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
Partnerships like this underscore the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. As security concerns grow in tandem with digital payment adoption, solutions addressing these challenges are essential for maintaining consumer trust. The fintech ecosystem thrives when synergy and innovation coalesce.
Source: MeaWallet News.
Nucleus Security Among Deloitte’s Fastest-Growing Companies
Nucleus Security has achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking 85th on Deloitte’s 2024 Technology Fast 500 list. This achievement is attributed to its robust cybersecurity solutions, which cater to the increasingly digital fintech environment.
With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, fintech companies are under immense pressure to safeguard their platforms. Nucleus Security’s growth reflects the rising demand for comprehensive, scalable security solutions that protect sensitive financial data.
Op-Ed Insight:
In a digital-first world, robust cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. The recognition of companies like Nucleus Security signals the growing importance of protecting fintech infrastructure as the industry scales globally.
Source: PR Newswire.
OpenYield Secures Funding to Transform the Bond Market
OpenYield has announced a successful funding round, aiming to revolutionize the bond market through innovative technology. The platform promises greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in fixed-income investments.
This funding underscores the growing appetite for digitizing traditionally opaque financial markets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, OpenYield seeks to democratize bond investments, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Op-Ed Insight:
The bond market, long viewed as complex and inaccessible, is ripe for disruption. OpenYield’s efforts to modernize this space highlight fintech’s transformative potential to democratize finance and empower individual investors.
Source: PR Newswire.
Key Takeaways: Shaping the Future of Fintech
Today’s developments underscore several critical themes in the fintech landscape:
- Personalization and Inclusion: Products like Beacon’s wallet highlight the importance of understanding and addressing specific user needs.
- Collaborative Ecosystems: Partnerships, like that of MeaWallet and Integrated Finance, emphasize the power of collaboration in solving industry challenges.
- Emerging Technologies: Juniper Research’s predictions affirm the continued influence of blockchain, embedded finance, and instant payment networks.
- Security at the Core: The recognition of Nucleus Security underscores the essential role of cybersecurity in fintech.
- Market Transformation: OpenYield’s funding signifies the ongoing disruption of traditional financial markets, paving the way for broader accessibility.
The post Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
As fintech continues to reshape the global financial landscape, today’s briefing highlights pivotal developments, strategic expansions, and innovative launches across the industry. This op-ed explores the latest advancements with commentary on their potential impacts and challenges.
Finastra Data Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Fintech Security
Source: KrebsOnSecurity
The cybersecurity landscape is buzzing after Finastra, one of the largest financial technology providers globally, confirmed an investigation into a potential data breach. Reports suggest unauthorized access to its systems, raising concerns about data security across its client base, which includes thousands of banks and financial institutions worldwide.
Implications and Challenges
While the details of the breach remain sparse, this incident underscores a glaring vulnerability in the fintech sector—cybersecurity. As financial services increasingly rely on interconnected ecosystems, breaches like these threaten not only individual institutions but also the trust customers place in fintech platforms.
The key takeaway for the fintech industry is clear: proactive cybersecurity strategies must go beyond compliance. Real-time threat detection, robust encryption standards, and regular audits are no longer optional but essential for maintaining operational integrity.
Future Considerations
This breach could trigger a domino effect, prompting regulators to tighten security standards and requiring fintech companies to double down on investments in data protection. Startups and mid-tier players, often lacking extensive cybersecurity budgets, may face significant pressure to keep pace.
PayPal Resurrects Money Pooling Feature
Source: TechCrunch
In a bid to stay ahead of the competition, PayPal is reintroducing its Money Pooling feature, a popular tool that was discontinued in 2021. The feature allows users to pool funds collectively, catering to families, small businesses, and social groups.
Strategic Revival
This move reflects PayPal’s commitment to customer-centric innovation. By reinstating a feature beloved by its user base, the company seeks to reclaim market share lost to emerging competitors offering similar functionalities.
Broader Industry Impacts
Money pooling represents a broader trend in fintech—customized solutions that cater to niche needs. This reintroduction may inspire competitors like Venmo and CashApp to refine their collaborative payment offerings.
While this move strengthens PayPal’s ecosystem, its success will depend on seamless integration with existing services and robust fraud prevention mechanisms to avoid abuse of the feature.
Santander Expands Fintech Reach in Mexico
Source: Yahoo Finance
Santander is making waves in the Latin American fintech space with the launch of a dedicated fintech unit in Mexico. The initiative aims to capitalize on Mexico’s growing fintech adoption and digital payments market, valued at billions of dollars annually.
Strategic Significance
Santander’s expansion into Mexico highlights the region’s untapped potential. Latin America is a burgeoning market for fintech, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, a youthful demographic, and demand for accessible financial services.
Challenges on the Horizon
While Mexico offers immense opportunities, regulatory complexities and market competition from local players like Clip and Konfío pose significant challenges. Santander will need to blend its global expertise with local adaptability to succeed in this dynamic market.
2024 Global Fintech Awards: Spotlighting Excellence
Source: PRNewswire
Benzinga has announced the winners of the 2024 Global Fintech Awards, honoring companies and individuals driving innovation in financial technology. This year’s winners spanned categories like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and payment solutions.
Recognizing Industry Leaders
Awards like these highlight the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive fueling fintech growth. Recognizing trailblazers not only motivates incumbents but also inspires startups to push the boundaries of innovation.
What It Means for the Ecosystem
The awards also bring attention to emerging technologies. Categories such as blockchain and AI signal the industry’s continued focus on leveraging cutting-edge tech for efficiency and scalability.
Commonwealth Central Credit Union Partners with Jack Henry
Source: FinTech Futures
Commonwealth Central Credit Union (CCCU) has announced a partnership with Jack Henry, a leading financial technology provider, for a comprehensive tech upgrade. The collaboration focuses on enhancing member experience through improved digital services.
Modernizing Member Experiences
Credit unions have often lagged behind major banks in adopting advanced digital solutions. By partnering with Jack Henry, CCCU aims to bridge this gap, offering members streamlined services such as mobile banking, automated lending, and personalized financial tools.
A Growing Trend
This partnership reflects a broader trend in the financial industry—credit unions and smaller banks embracing fintech to remain competitive. As customer expectations evolve, partnerships like this may become the norm rather than the exception.
Key Takeaways for the Fintech Industry
- Cybersecurity is Critical: The Finastra breach underscores the need for robust security measures.
- Innovation Drives Loyalty: PayPal’s revival of its Money Pooling feature highlights the importance of listening to customers.
- Regional Opportunities: Santander’s expansion into Mexico showcases the untapped potential of emerging markets.
- Recognition Matters: Awards like Benzinga’s provide valuable visibility for companies and individuals shaping the industry.
- Partnerships Foster Growth: Collaborations between credit unions and fintech companies signify a trend towards modernized financial solutions.
The post Fintech Pulse: Industry Updates, Innovations, and Strategic Moves appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
The fintech sector continues its relentless drive toward innovation and market dominance. Today’s highlights include a record-breaking customer milestone for Revolut, groundbreaking fintech solutions for women in the EU, open entries for the PayTech Awards 2025, implications of political shifts on funding, and notable recognition at the US FinTech Awards.
Revolut Hits 50 Million Customers: A Global Fintech Giant’s Milestone
Source: Revolut
Revolut, the UK-based financial super app, has achieved a monumental feat: surpassing 50 million customers worldwide. This milestone underscores its position as a leader in the global fintech landscape, furthering its ambition to create the world’s first truly global bank.
Key to this success has been Revolut’s strategy of expanding its offerings, from banking to travel and crypto services, all within a seamless user experience. The company’s recent ventures into emerging markets such as Latin America and Asia demonstrate its intent to bridge financial services gaps while retaining competitive differentiation through technology.
This milestone is not just a triumph for Revolut but a signal of fintech’s capacity to redefine traditional banking. It reinforces the narrative that digital-first strategies, customer-centric innovation, and international scalability can challenge long-standing financial institutions.
PayTech Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Innovation
Source: FinTech Futures
The PayTech Awards 2025 are officially open for entries, promising to spotlight the brightest minds and most innovative projects in the payment technology sector. These awards are a testament to the industry’s commitment to advancing secure, seamless, and scalable payment systems.
This year, the focus is on emerging technologies that redefine how businesses and consumers interact financially. Categories will recognize achievements across multiple domains, including sustainability in payments, AI-driven solutions, and partnerships that push boundaries.
As fintech companies prepare their entries, the awards provide a timely reminder of the sector’s ongoing evolution and the collaborative efforts required to achieve meaningful breakthroughs.
U.S. Politics and the Fintech Sector: A New Era of Funding?
Source: American Banker
The U.S. fintech sector might witness an infusion of optimism as speculation about a second Trump presidency gains momentum. The Trump-era policies of deregulation and venture capital encouragement are remembered as catalysts for unprecedented fintech growth during his first term.
While it remains uncertain how regulatory landscapes will shift, the possibility of a more relaxed approach toward fintech compliance could rejuvenate funding inflows. Investors and startups alike are watching closely, weighing the potential benefits against long-term risks tied to reduced oversight.
A politically charged backdrop often spells volatility, but for fintech, it may also spell opportunity. Preparing to adapt quickly will be crucial for startups and established players in the face of any regulatory pivot.
Klara AI and Unlimit: Addressing the €1.3 Trillion Female Economy
Source: FF News
Klara AI has teamed up with Unlimit to launch a fintech solution aimed at empowering women across the EU. This collaboration targets the €1.3 trillion female economy by addressing the unique financial needs of women entrepreneurs and consumers.
The solution promises to integrate AI-powered tools with streamlined financial management services, enabling users to access credit, manage investments, and scale businesses effectively. By tailoring services to the underserved female demographic, the partnership hopes to drive financial inclusion and support economic growth.
This initiative stands as a blueprint for fintechs exploring niche markets, proving that innovation tailored to specific segments can yield transformative results.
Autire: Accounting Tech of the Year at US FinTech Awards
Source: Business Wire
Autire, a rising star in financial technology, has been crowned ‘Accounting Tech of the Year’ at the US FinTech Awards 2024. The award recognizes Autire’s ability to blend cutting-edge AI with intuitive user interfaces, delivering unparalleled accounting solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Autire’s platform has gained traction for automating complex accounting tasks, ensuring compliance, and delivering actionable insights through real-time analytics. Its emphasis on reducing administrative burdens for SMEs has been particularly impactful, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on growth rather than bookkeeping.
The recognition not only cements Autire’s reputation but also highlights the role of AI-driven accounting solutions in reshaping business operations globally.
Final Thoughts: A Fintech Revolution in Full Swing
From customer milestones to policy-driven opportunities, the fintech ecosystem is in constant evolution. Revolut’s ascent to 50 million users signals growing consumer trust in digital platforms. The PayTech Awards continue to inspire innovation, while political shifts could redefine the regulatory landscape. Initiatives like Klara AI and Unlimit emphasize the power of targeted solutions, and companies like Autire show how niche technologies can achieve broad impact.
The next phase of fintech growth will likely hinge on inclusivity, adaptability, and innovation—pillars that today’s news stories exemplify.
The post Fintech Pulse: Milestones, Partnerships, and Transformations in Fintech appeared first on .
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