Fintech
Beedie Investments Limited Enters into a Convertible Loan with LifeSpeak Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – March 31, 2023) – Beedie Investments Limited (the “Beedie”) has entered into a credit agreement dated March 30, 2023 (the “Credit Agreement”) with LifeSpeak Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to which Beedie has agreed to loan $15 million (the “Loan”) to the Company.
The Loan will be funded by way of a single advance of $15 million (the “Advance”) on the closing date (the “Closing Date”). The Loan bears interest at a rate of (i) 10% per annum, for the first year from and including the Closing Date, and (ii) 9% per annum, from and including the first day of the second year following the Closing Date. Specifically, of the interest calculated each month, the Company will pay Beedie an amount of interest based on the following: (i) for the first year from and including the Closing Date, a fixed rate of interest of 2.0% per annum calculated and paid in cash on each interest payment date on the outstanding principal amount of the Loan including all Year 1 PIK Interest (as hereinafter defined) previously added thereto, with the remainder of interest of 8.0% per annum (“Year 1 PIK Interest”) calculated, accrued and compounded monthly and added to the outstanding principal amount of the Loan, as at each interest payment date; and (ii) from and including the first day of the second year following the Closing Date, a fixed rate of interest of 7.0% per annum calculated and paid in cash on each interest payment date on the outstanding principal amount of the Loan including all Ongoing PIK Interest (as hereinafter defined) previously added thereto, with the remainder of interest of 2.0% per annum (“Ongoing PIK Interest”, and together with the Year 1 PIK Interest, the “PIK Interest”) calculated, accrued and compounded monthly and added to the outstanding principal amount of the Loan, as at each interest payment date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company elects to pay to Beedie Year 1 PIK Interest in cash for any month in the first year from and including the closing date, the fixed rate for doing so will be 7.0% per annum. Subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Loan and all obligations thereunder will mature on March 30, 2026. Proceeds of the Advance will be used to pay down indebtedness of the Company under its senior lending arrangements.
At any time during the term of the Loan, but subject to obtaining Additional Conversion Approval (as hereinafter defined), Beedie may elect to convert (i) all or any portion of the principal amount of the Loan into common shares of the Company (each, a “Common Share”) at a conversion price of $1.10 per Common Share; and (ii) any accrued and unpaid interest under the Credit Agreement into Common Shares at a conversion price of the greater of $1.10 per Common Share and the “market price” (as defined by the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”)) per Common Share (less any applicable discount permitted by the TSX), subject to TSX approval at the time of conversion in each case subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Beedie will not be able to convert any amount into Common Shares if, (i) as a result of such conversion, Beedie, together with any person(s) acting jointly or in concert with it, would in the aggregate beneficially own, or exercise control or direction over, 20% or more of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (taking into account all other Common Shares collectively held by such shareholders); or (ii) the conversion would result in a number of Common Shares being issued that is more than 25% of the Common Shares outstanding, on a non-diluted basis, immediately prior to the Advance being made, unless, in either case, shareholder approval is obtained by the Company in accordance with applicable securities legislation and the rules or policies of the TSX (the “Additional Conversion Approvals”).
While the Loan is outstanding or Beedie holds, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, calculated on a partially diluted basis, Beedie will be entitled to have an observer attend the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) and certain Board committee meetings. Should Beedie hold, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, calculated on a partially diluted basis, it will have the option to nominate a representative to the Board.
Immediately prior to entering into the Credit Agreement, Beedie, directly or indirectly, beneficially owned and controlled direction over 2,765,482 Common Shares. Assuming conversion in full of the Advance into Common Shares in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, Beedie, directly or indirectly, would own or control a total of 16,401,845 Common Shares, representing approximately 25.38% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially diluted basis.
All of the securities held by Beedie in the Company, including the Common Shares and the Credit Agreement, are being held for investment purposes. Beedie may in the future take such actions in respect of its Company securityholdings as it deems appropriate in light of the market circumstances then existing, including the potential purchase of additional shares of the Company through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, or the sale of all or a portion of such holdings in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions to one or more purchasers, or Beedie may continue to hold its current positions.
A copy of the early warning report relating to the Credit Agreement will be available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and may also be obtained by contacting Beedie Investments Limited at 604-435-3321. Beedie’s head office is located at 3030 Gilmore Diversion, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5G 3B4.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160701
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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