Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024

Fintech

Ankh Capital Inc. Signs Amalgamation Agreement to Acquire Quetzal Copper Limited

Published

on

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – May 16, 2023) – Ankh Capital Inc. (TSXV: ANKH) (“Ankh” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated March 1, 2023, it entered has entered into a definitive amalgamation agreement (the “Amalgamation Agreement”) dated May 15, 2023, with Quetzal Copper Limited (“Quetzal“) pursuant to which, among other things, Ankh will acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of Quetzal (the “Transaction“).

Upon successful completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the combined entity (the “Resulting Issuer“) will be listed as a Tier 2 Mining issuer on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV“) and will carry on the business of Quetzal. The Transaction is intended to constitute the Ankh’s “qualifying transaction” pursuant to Policy 2.4 of the TSXV.

General Information on Ankh

Ankh was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on November 30, 2020. The Company was formed for the primary purpose of completing an initial public offering on the TSXV as a Capital Pool Company (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 of the TSXV). The Company has not commenced operations and has no significant assets. The principal business of the Company is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 of the TSXV), and it is intended that the Transaction will constitute such Qualifying Transaction. The Company’s head office and registered and records office is 250 Howe Street 20th Floor, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3R8. The common shares of Ankh (“Ankh Common Shares“) are currently listed on the TSXV and Ankh is a reporting issuer in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.

Ankh currently has 15,620,000 Ankh Common Shares issued and outstanding and securities exercisable or exchangeable into 2,562,000 Ankh Common Shares, being: (i) 1,562,000 director’s options exercisable at a price of $0.10 per Ankh Common Share (the “Ankh Options“); and (ii) 1,000,000 agent’s warrants exercisable at $0.10 per Ankh Common Share (the “Ankh Warrants“).

General Information on Quetzal

Quetzal was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on April 29, 2021. Quetzal’s head office is located at Suite 401 – 353 Water Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8.

Quetzal is a private copper exploration company which has a portfolio of four drill ready copper properties. Quetzal has assembled its discovery pipeline over the last two years to come to market with mix of open copper intercepts and new drill targets in near mine locations.

In British Columbia, Quetzal has options to acquire an interest in the following three properties:

  1. The Princeton copper project (the “Princeton Project“) is located immediately northeast of the Copper Mountain Mine in southern British Columbia.1 Despite the proximity to an operating mine, the Princeton Project has seen limited drilling. New geophysics studies have defined four targets with proximal copper mineralisation and/or geochemical anomalies. Quetzal has an option to acquire an 80% interest in the Princeton Project.

Pursuant to the terms of an option agreement, Quetzal can acquire an 80% interest in the Princeton Project by making a cash payment of $120,000 within 45 days of such agreement (paid) and issuing 3,850,000 shares in three tranches over a four year period. In addition, Quetzal must incur at least $15 million exploration expenditures over a four year period.

  1. The Big Kidd project (the “Big Kidd Project“) is located in southern British Columbia, halfway between the Copper Mountain and New Afton mines.1 The Big Kidd Project is a large breccia/porphyry system, with previous work intersecting significant copper and gold mineralisation. Two new priority targets, with coincident geochemical and geophysical anomalies, are ready for drilling. Quetzal has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Big Kidd Project.

Quetzal can acquire a 100% interest in the Big Kidd Project by paying $130,000 at the completion of a $500,000 financing and paying $1.15 million in staged payments over five years. Quetzal has also agreed to make aggregate payments of $3,500,000 if certain milestones are met by Quetzal in relation to the Big Kidd Project.

  1. The DOT matrix project (the “DOT Project“) is located approximately 35km south of the Highland Valley Mine in southern British Columbia1 and contains a historic, non-compliant indicated resource of 4.0Mt at 0.53% copper and 3.0Mt at 0.56% copper inferred resource (the “Historical DOT Resource“) at a 0.3% copper cut-off, which was prepared for Dot Resources Ltd. (“Dot Resources“).2,3 Historic drillholes include 62.2m grading 0.75% copper. Quetzal has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the DOT Project.

Quetzal can acquire 100% interest in the DOT Project by paying $200,000 and granting a 2% net smelter royalty.

In Mexico, Quetzal has an option to acquire one property. The Cristinas project (the “Cristinas Project“) is located in the Chihauhua state, which is in the middle of a belt of Carbonate Replacement Deposits.1 The Cristinas Project has never previously been recognised as this deposit type despite shallow mining down to approximately 50 metres depth. The two deepest holes (~80m below surface) from a twelve-hole program in 2012 intersected 4.3m true width grading 3.2% copper and 2.54m true width grading 3.0% copper. These holes are the only drilling completed on the Cristinas Project. These intercepts are open along strike and at depth. An electromagnetic survey completed by Quetzal suggests this mineralization is open to depth over 350m below surface and extends along strike. Quetzal has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Cristinas Project. Quetzal can acquire 100% interest in the Cristinas Project by making a $50,000 cash payment and by undertaking all exploration expenses.

Quetzal currently has 7,130,053 common shares (“Quetzal Common Shares“) issued and outstanding and 713,005 options exercisable at a price of $0.15 per Quetzal Common Share (the “Quetzal Options“).

Selected Financial Information of Quetzal

The following tables set out historical financial information regarding Quetzal, in each case for the periods ended and as of the dates indicated. The selected financial information of Quetzal has been derived from the audited financial statements of Quetzal for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Income Statement Period ended
December 31,
2022
$
Revenue Nil
Total Expenses 460,697
Net Income (Loss) (460,697)

 

Balance Sheet Account As at December
31, 2022
$
Total assets 280,801
Total liabilities 34,607
Total Shareholders’ Equity 246,194

 

The Transaction

Subject to approval by the TSXV and pursuant to the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, the Transaction will be completed by way of a three-cornered amalgamation pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “BCA“). Pursuant to the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, among other things, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ankh and Quetzal will amalgamate (the “Amalgamation“) and all post-Subdivision (as defined below) securities of Quetzal will be exchanged for post-Consolidation (as defined below) equivalent securities of Ankh on a one-for-1.0979668 basis (the “Exchange Ratio“), which may be amended upon finalization of the terms of the Private Placement (as defined below).

In connection with completion of the Transaction:

  • Ankh will consolidate (the “Consolidation“) all of the then issued and outstanding Ankh Common Shares on the basis of one post-Consolidation Ankh Common Share (each, a “Resulting Issuer Share“) for each previously outstanding two Ankh Common Shares and each Ankh Option and Ankh Warrant will be adjusted in accordance with their respective terms to account for the Consolidation;

  • Quetzal will subdivide (the “Subdivision“) all of the then issued and outstanding Quetzal Common Shares on the basis of three post-Subdivision Quetzal Common Shares for each previously outstanding Quetzal Shares and each Quetzal Option will be adjusted in accordance with its terms to account for the Subdivision;

  • all outstanding Quetzal Options, as adjusted for by the Subdivision, will be replaced with equivalent convertible or exchangeable securities of the Resulting Issuer entitling the holders thereof to acquire Resulting Issuer Shares in lieu of Quetzal Common Shares adjusted to reflect the Exchange Ratio, and otherwise bearing the same terms of the securities they replace; and

  • Ankh will change its name to “Quetzal Copper Corp.” or such other name as may be determined by Quetzal.

The Transaction is not a Non-Arm’s Length Qualifying Transaction (as defined under the policies of the TSXV) and therefore will not require approval by the shareholders of Ankh under Policy 2.4 of the TSXV. The Transaction is further subject to, among other things, the approval by the shareholders of Quetzal and the approval of the TSXV.

Upon completion of the Transaction and without giving effect to the Private Placement (as defined below), the shareholders of Ankh will hold 7,810,000 Resulting Issuer Shares and the shareholders of Quetzal, excluding shares issued in connection with the Private Placement, will hold approximately 24,955,186 Resulting Issuer Shares. The final issuance of Resulting Issuer Shares to Quetzal shareholders will be calculated based on the price of the Private Placement (as defined below). The deemed issuance price of Resulting Issuer Shares will be $0.20 on a post-Consolidation basis.

The Amalgamation Agreement includes a number of conditions precedent to the closing of the Transaction, including, but not limited to, receipt of the requisite shareholder approvals, approvals of all regulatory bodies having jurisdiction in connection with the Transaction, approval of the TSXV, including the satisfaction of its listing requirements, completion of the Private Placement (as defined below) and the satisfaction of other closing conditions customary to transactions of this nature. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Following completion of the Transaction, Quetzal will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ankh which will form the Resulting Issuer. The foregoing is a summary of the Amalgamation Agreement and is qualified in its entirety by the Amalgamation Agreement, a copy of which will be available under Ankh’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Private Placement Financing

In connection with and as a condition to the Transaction, Quetzal intends to complete an equity financing of Quetzal Common Shares for minimum gross proceeds of $3,000,000 (the “Private Placement“). It is expected that the issue price per post-Subdivision Quetzal Common Share will be a minimum of $0.20. The post-Subdivision Quetzal Common Shares issued pursuant to the Private Placement are expected to be sold to “accredited investors” and other exempt parties pursuant to exemptions from prospectus requirements under Canadian securities laws.

The Private Placement is intended to be completed prior to or concurrently with closing of the Transaction. The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for exploration and development of the Resulting Issuer’s properties and working capital and general corporate purposes. Quetzal expects the Private Placement to be completed on a non-brokered basis. Quetzal may pay a finder’s fee or commissions, as applicable, in connection with the Private Placement.

Principals of the Resulting Issuer

Upon completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will have the following board and management team:

Matthew Badiali M.S. – Chief Executive Officer and Director

Mr. Badiali is a geologist, financial analyst, and consultant with 18 years experience as a natural resource investment analyst. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science in Geology from Florida Atlantic University. He taught geology classes at Florida Atlantic University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and at Duke University.

Dilshan Anthony – Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Anthony is a thorough, distinguished, and highly organized Chartered Professional Accountant with over 15 years of experience spread throughout various sectors of accounting. He has extensive history with the hotel industry and is currently involved in the mining industry. The cumulation of his past experiences have led him to become accustomed with forensic accounting, bringing forth new technological solutions, engineering efficient accounting procedures, and updating his skillset with modern innovations in the field of accounting. Mr. Anthony received his Chartered Professional Accountant designation from the CGA, BC, in 2014.

Jennifer Hanson – Corporate Secretary

Ms. Hanson is a dedicated and versatile senior professional that brings more than 22 years of corporate finance, accounting and regulatory experience in several industries. She has helped with multiple acquisitions and mergers and has helped to list many companies on the various exchanges in Canada and has recently helped Vizsla Silver Corp. achieve a listing on the NYSE. Ms. Hanson is corporate secretary for many publicly traded companies as well as some private companies.

Christopher Lloyd – Vice President of Exploration

Mr. Lloyd is an exploration geologist with more than 35 years experience throughout the Americas. After finishing the Queens University MINEX program in 1994 and working from coast to coast in Canada, he moved to Mexico to work with Cominco Ltd until 2001. After the buy out by Teck, Chris decided to remain in Mexico consulting for a number of years including recognizing Caballo Blanco as a high sulphidation system and doing the initial work that led to the discovery there. In 2005 he co-founded Soltoro Ltd. and went on to find the El Rayo Silver deposit in Jalisco, which was subsequently sold to Agnico Eagle. More recently Chris led the start up of Vizsla Silver’s Panuco project through to discovery before returning to more property evaluation / due diligence type work. Mr. Lloyd continues to work as a consulting geologist based out of Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Barry Coughlan – Director

Mr. Coughlan is a financier based in Vancouver, who over the past 40 years has been involved in the financing of private and public companies with focus on the identification, negotiations and securing of viable business opportunities worldwide with special emphasis on the resource sector. Mr. Coughlan is a past Member of the New York Stock Exchange, Member of the Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago IL, with clearance from the Canadian Securities Institute, Toronto, ON and the Toronto Stock Exchange as well as the Security Exchange Commission, Washington, DC. He has been involved in the financing of over 25 private and public companies and their subsequent listings on North American Stock Exchanges: NYSE, NASDQ, TSX as well as the London Stock Exchange, LSE.

John Fraser – Director

Mr. Fraser has over 20 years experience in the Canadian capital markets. John worked as an investment advisor at several Canadian brokerage firms with a focus on the mining sector. Since transitioning to the public company side of the business, Mr. Fraser has held board positions and advised several mining and technology companies.

Finder’s Fee

In connection with the Transaction, Ankh has agreed to pay a finder’s fee to PI Financial Corp. (the “Finder“), an arm’s length party to Ankh. Ankh has agreed to issue the Finder Ankh Common Shares equal to 1% of the shares issued upon closing of the Transaction to the current shareholders of Quetzal, subject to the approval by the TSXV.

Bridge Loan

Ankh has agreed to, subject to all regulatory approvals, lend Quetzal $200,000 by way of a secured bridge loan (the “Bridge Loan“) at an annual interest rate of 8%. The Bridge Loan will be forgiven by Ankh upon completion of the Transaction. The Bridge Loan will be repayable within six months of termination of the Definitive Agreement in accordance with its terms. Final terms of the Bridge Loan will be set out in a definitive loan agreement and related security documentation, which will contain such terms as are customary in comparable transactions. The Bridge Loan is subject to the approval of the TSXV and will be advanced in accordance with the policies of the TSXV.

Quetzal will use the Bridge Loan for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Filing Statement

In connection with the Transaction and in compliance with the policies of the TSXV, Ankh will file on SEDAR a filing statement which will contain details regarding the Transaction, Ankh, Quetzal and the Resulting Issuer.

Shareholders Meeting

A special meetings of the holders of common shares of Quetzal will be held to, among other things: (a) approve the Transaction; (b) approve the Amalgamation Agreement; and (c) approve such other matters that may be required to be approved in order to give effect to the transactions set forth in the Amalgamation Agreement and the implementation of the Transaction. The date for the special meeting of the shareholders of Quetzal has not yet been set, but is expected to be called shortly

Trading Halt

Trading in Ankh Common Shares on the TSXV will remain halted in compliance with the policies of the TSXV in connection with the announcement of the Transaction, and is expected to remain halted pending the review of the Transaction by the TSXV, and satisfaction of the conditions of the TSXV for resumption of trading. It is not expected that trading in the Ankh Common Shares will resume prior to the Closing.

Sponsorship of Transaction

The Transaction will be subject to the sponsorship requirements of the TSXV unless a waiver or exemption from the sponsorship requirement is available. If required, a sponsor will be identified at a later date and will be announced in a subsequent news release. Ankh intends to apply for a waiver of the sponsorship requirement in connection with the Transaction.

Additional Information

Additional details regarding Ankh, Quetzal and the Transaction are set out in Ankh’s news released dated March 1, 2023.

Technical Notes

  1. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby and/or geologically similar properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on Quetzal’s properties.
  2. Source: “Technical Report on a Diamond Drill Program and Mineral Resource Estimate for Dot Resources Ltd.’s Dot Property”, prepared by Ronald James Robinson of Aurora Geosciences Ltd., prepared for Dot Resources with an effective date of November 30, 2010. Key assumptions in the report include a Reporting Cutoff = 0.10 Cu-Equivalent (lowcuts: Cu=0.10%, Ag=1.0g/t, Au=0.05g/t, Mo=0.005%). Metal Prices: Copper: $3.00/lb, Silver: $18.00/oz, Gold: $1,200/oz, Molybdenum Trioxide: $14/lb. The resulting CuEQ. value assumes 100% recovery of all metals.
  3. The Historical DOT Resource is considered historical in nature and as such is based on prior data and reports prepared by previous property owners. The reader is cautioned not to treat it, or any part of it, as current mineral resources or reserves. Quetzal has determined the Historical DOT Resource is reliable given that it is based on data collected with modern drilling and sampling methods and was completed by Dot Resources, and relevant to be included here in that it simply demonstrates the mineral potential of the DOT Project. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the Historical DOT Resource as a current resource and Quetzal is not treating the Historical DOT Resource as a current resource. Significant data compilation, re-drilling, re-sampling, data verification and a site visit may be required by a qualified person before the Historical DOT Resource can be classified as a current resource. There can be no assurance that any of the historical mineral resources, in whole or in part, will ever become economically viable. In addition, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Even if classified as a current resource, there is no certainty as to whether further exploration will result in any inferred mineral resources being upgraded to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. The Historical DOT Resource relating to inferred mineral resources was calculated using prior mining industry standard definitions and practices for estimating mineral resource and mineral reserves. Such prior definitions and practices were utilized prior to the implementation of the current standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining for mineral resource estimation and have a lower level of confidence.

Qualified Person

Stewart Harris, is a “qualified person” in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Mike Brown is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists.

For further information please contact:

Ankh Capital Inc.
Roger Milad, CEO and CFO
Phone: (604) 690-2680

Quetzal Copper Limited
Matthew Badiali, CEO
Phone: (888) 227-6821

All information in this press release relating to Quetzal has been provided by Quetzal and is the sole responsibility of Quetzal.

Cautionary Note

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a Capital Pool Company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the exploration and development of Quetzal’s properties, the exercise by Quetzal of options to acquire properties, the proposal to complete the Transaction and associated transactions, including statements regarding the terms and conditions of the Transaction (including the Consolidation and the Subdivision), the Exchange Ratio, the name change of the Company, the Private Placement, the use of proceeds of the Private Placement, the Bridge Loan and the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer. The information about Quetzal contained in the press release has not been independently verified by Ankh. Although Ankh believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Ankh can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risks that the parties will not proceed with the Transaction, the name change of the Company, the Private Placement, the appointment of the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer and associated transactions, that the ultimate terms of the Transaction, the Private Placement, the appointment of the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer and associated transactions will differ from those that currently are contemplated, and that the Transaction, the name change of the Company, the Private Placement, the appointment of the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer and associated transactions will not be successfully completed for any reason (including the failure to obtain the required approvals or clearances from regulatory authorities). The terms and conditions of the Transaction may change based on Ankh’s due diligence (which is going to be limited as Ankh intends largely to rely on the due diligence of other parties of the Transaction to contain its costs, among other things) and the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice for both Ankh and Quetzal. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Ankh undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of Ankh, Quetzal, their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable).

Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States of America. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/166315

Fintech

Copper State Credit Union Takes One Platform Approach with Jack Henry

Published

on

copper-state-credit-union-takes-one-platform-approach-with-jack-henry

 

Jack Henry™ (Nasdaq: JHKY) announced today that Copper State Credit Union will leverage the company’s single technology platform to boost internal efficiencies and improve experiences.

Copper State Credit Union formed in 2020 from the merger of Canyon State Credit Union and Deer Valley Credit Union. Following the merger, the credit union managed multiple products across several different technology providers. This prompted the team to reevaluate their strategy and select Jack Henry as their enterprise technology provider. Jack Henry’s open infrastructure will automate and streamline operations, as well as integrate and optimize offerings.

“Jack Henry’s single platform approach allows us to consolidate our existing relationships into one organization with the option to tap into a vast ecosystem of fintech services,” said Robb Scott, President/CEO of Copper State Credit Union. “This enables us to continue to be innovative in our markets while remaining committed to delivering an exceptional member experience.”

Copper State Credit Union understands the importance of providing a convenient and simple digital experience for members. Their new digital banking platform will give members a complete view of all their finances in a single place. Part of this experience will include the ability to open new accounts and debit cards, manage credit scores, and receive instant payments. And, modern fraud and financial crimes prevention and detection solutions will protect members’ data and monitor transactional behavior.

“Our all-in strategy with Jack Henry ensures our members receive the connected services and resources they need to achieve financial prosperity and empowerment,” Scott continued. “The relationship frees up our internal resources to focus on finding ways to improve the financial lives of member-families within our community.”

Shanon McLachlan, president of Credit Union Solutions at Jack Henry, commented, “The beauty of our technology is the optionality and flexibility. Credit unions can choose to be in all-in with us like Copper State Credit Union or start by investing in their technology future one step at a time. Regardless, we continue to provide the support and services they need to help their members succeed.”

The post Copper State Credit Union Takes One Platform Approach with Jack Henry appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

Continue Reading

Fintech

Moomoo Wins “Best Stock Trading App” Award in 2024 FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program

Published

on

moomoo-wins-“best-stock-trading-app”-award-in-2024-fintech-breakthrough-awards-program

 

Moomoo Technologies Inc. today announced that FinTech Breakthrough recognized the company with its 2024 annual award of “Best Stock Trading App.”  Founded in 2018, moomoo is an investment and trading platform that empowers global investors with pro-grade, easy-to-use tools, data, and insights. With its sister brand, moomoo has over 21 million users globally and it provides users with the necessary information and technology to make more informed investment decisions.

As the FinTech sector becomes more crowded and companies struggle to stand out from the crowd with their products and services, the FinTech Breakthrough Awards help recognize and showcase FinTech innovators based on creativity, hard work, and technologies centered around their products, solutions, and services. Its committee selected winners based on their innovative performance, their impact on solving user needs and problems, and whether their ease of use management can scale at growth.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as the best stock trading app by FinTech Breakthrough as it supports our mission to provide all levels of investors with an intuitive and robust platform,” said Justin Zacks, Vice President of Strategies, Moomoo Technologies Inc.  “Backed by independent research, advanced technological development capabilities, and our unique digital-first business model, we want to level the playing field for retail investors. From powerful stock and option analysis tools to fully extended trading hours, moomoo serves both new and experienced traders.”

“Moomoos’ robust technologies help investors spot potential investment opportunities and make informed decisions. Investors at all levels are looking for in-depth data, market news and global insights,” said Steve Johansson, Managing Director, FinTech Breakthrough. “We want to recognize moomoo as ‘Best Stock Trading App!’ By striving to provide investors with the best online trading experiences possible, investors at any stage can make confident investment decisions backed by readily available data and insights.”

The post Moomoo Wins “Best Stock Trading App” Award in 2024 FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

Continue Reading

Fintech

Insights from Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Speakers (pre-event)

Published

on

insights-from-prague-gaming-&-tech-summit-2024-speakers-(pre-event)

 

As we approach the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, we’ve connected with some of the event’s distinguished speakers to delve into the future of the gaming and tech industries. Their insights shed light on the shifting dynamics, underscoring the significance of adaptability, innovation, and strategic foresight.

We posed the following questions to our speakers:

  • What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career within the gaming/tech sector?
  • Can you share a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
  • In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

Below, you’ll find a brief overview of their responses. For more in-depth insights, scroll down to read each speaker’s full reply.

#### Viktoria Soltesz: Mastering the Financial Game

Viktoria Soltesz, a pivotal figure in the payment solutions space, shared a crucial lesson from her career: the significance of a well-crafted payment plan. Through her work, Soltesz has observed the downfall of companies due to inadequate financial strategies, emphasizing that such pitfalls are easily avoidable with proper planning. Her recent book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think,” aims to demystify banking and payment processes for businesses, advocating for informed financial decision-making within the gaming and tech sectors.

#### Aleksandra Andrishak: The Power of Continuous Learning

Representing Slotsjudge, Editor in Chief Aleksandra Andrishak looks forward to delving into topics like iGaming and blockchain at the summit. Andrishak highlights the transformative work undertaken at Slotsjudge in 2023 and stresses the importance of perpetual learning in the fast-paced gaming industry. Her advice to newcomers is to embrace innovation and remain adaptable to stay ahead.

#### Jakub Tesar: Blockchain’s Expanding Horizon

Jakub Tesar predicts a promising future for blockchain technology, especially within the Ethereum ecosystem, and the rise of Web3. He envisions a world where gamers have greater control over virtual collectibles and in-game items, thanks to blockchain. Tesar anticipates GenAI revolutionizing game interactions and narratives, urging industry professionals to experiment with blockchain’s burgeoning use cases.

#### Kaspar Szymanski: Navigating SEO in the Gaming and Tech World

Kaspar Szymanski, with his rich background in Google Search, identifies the challenge of distinguishing brands in a saturated market. He argues for a focus on unique selling propositions and long-term growth strategies. At the summit, Szymanski aims to dispel SEO myths and offer actionable advice, emphasizing that SEO setbacks can lead to significant growth opportunities.

#### Jasmina Poglavc: Data-Driven Innovation in iGaming

Jazz underscores the impact of advanced data analytics and AI in enhancing the iGaming experience through personalized player engagement. She points out the challenges of data privacy and navigating the regulatory landscape, advocating for a shift towards more player-centric and responsible gaming practices.

These insights from our speakers highlight a common theme: the gaming and tech industries are at a critical juncture, facing challenges that span financial planning, regulatory navigation, and technological innovation. The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit stands as a pivotal platform for addressing these challenges, fostering dialogue, and paving the way for future advancements.

As we anticipate the rich discussions and networking opportunities at the summit, it’s clear that adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic planning are key to navigating the future of gaming and tech. Join us in Prague to explore these themes and more, shaping the trajectory of these dynamic industries.


Viktoria Soltesz – Founder at PSP Angels

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector?

In my career within the gaming/tech sector, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of having a payment plan. While analyzing the financial and banking information of various companies, I noticed a recurring pattern: many companies that failed did so due to poor payment and banking practices. They often miscalculated risks, under-budgeted costs, or neglected to set up a proper payment plan. These errors in financial planning were common culprits behind their downfall. What surprised me the most was how easily these businesses could have avoided such failures with proper payment planning. It became evident that many businesses fail for avoidable reasons, and simply taking the time to understand and establish a payment plan can make a significant difference. By paying close attention to the flow of money and investing just a few hours in crafting a solid plan, a business can set itself on a path to success, outperforming much of its competition.

Can you tell us about a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

One of the achievements I’m particularly proud of in my career is the recent launch of my book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think,” which is now available on Amazon. This book is a valuable resource for businesses, emphasizing the often-overlooked importance of banking and payments in today’s competitive landscape. It provides insights into the intricacies of banking decisions, the history of payment systems, and practical guidance on managing funds more safely and cost-effectively. I’m excited to share this knowledge and help businesses make informed decisions in the realm of payments, especially those that are high-risk or startups.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

In the gaming and tech industries today, one of the most significant challenges is undoubtedly related to payments. While these industries focus heavily on product development, market competition, and marketing strategies, the crucial aspect of payment planning often gets overlooked. This oversight can lead to businesses incurring unnecessary banking fees and facing unexpected operational risks. Understanding the complexities of banking and payment systems is crucial, yet it remains an area with limited knowledge for many in these sectors. Lack of knowledge in this domain can result in poor financial decision-making. As a payment expert, I have observed that addressing these payment-related challenges is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of businesses in the gaming and tech industries. By gaining a better understanding of how payments work and the reasoning behind banking decisions, these industries can navigate financial challenges more effectively and make informed choices, ultimately ensuring smoother operations and cost savings.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

I am greatly anticipating the upcoming Prague Gaming & TECH Summit for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, I’m excited about the high-quality content that will be presented during the event. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights and knowledge about the gaming and tech industries.

Additionally, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old acquaintances and making new connections. Networking is a fundamental aspect of such gatherings, allowing us to exchange ideas, share experiences, and forge new professional relationships.

Lastly, I’m eager to hear about the latest industry developments and gossip. Staying informed about the current trends and happenings within the gaming and tech sectors is essential for keeping a competitive edge in these dynamic industries.

Overall, the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit promises to be an enriching and engaging experience, offering valuable content, networking opportunities, and industry insights.


Aleksandra Andrishak – Editor in Chief at Slotsjudge

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

The vegan catering! Jokes aside, Hipther events are renowned for their best-in-class networking, and I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into topics such as iGaming, eSports, and Blockchain with top experts in the industry. This will mark my second collaboration on stage with Zoltan and the team, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

Can you tell us about a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

I’m honored to represent Slotsjudge at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024. I’m particularly proud of all the work we’ve accomplished with the team in 2023. This year, you can expect even more from us, including new features, a completely revamped website, and even more ways to have fun together with us if you’re a gaming enthusiast!

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry?

Never stop learning. The gaming industry is one of those sectors where innovation occurs almost daily. To stay ahead of the curve, you cannot afford to become complacent. Continuously strive to expand your knowledge and skills. Good luck!


Jakub Tesar – Innovation, Digital & Emerging Tech Lead at EY

What are your top three predictions for the future of gaming and tech industries in the next five years?

  1. The Ethereum ecosystem will evolve into a hub for practical applications, driving large-scale enterprise adoption of blockchain technology.
  2. The growth of Web3 will empower users to have self-custody over virtual collectibles and in-game items, enabling the purchase of ‘phygital’ items that merge the physical and online worlds. This evolution will facilitate free trade on blockchain-powered marketplaces and allow brands to explore new monetization strategies for digital assets.
  3. Generative AI (GenAI) will revolutionize gaming experiences, enabling players to interact with non-player characters (NPCs) in more natural and dynamic ways, and experience storylines that adapt and evolve in real-time.

Can you share a recent innovation in the gaming/tech industry that excites you? What challenges do you think the industry needs to address? The integration of GenAI within gaming environments excites me the most. It offers unprecedented, natural-like interactions with GenAI-based NPCs and allows for fluid, dynamic storylines. However, the industry must navigate the ethical implications of AI, ensuring that these technologies are developed and used responsibly.

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector? In my career, the most valuable lesson has been the constant need for innovation and adaptability. The rapid pace at which technology evolves requires a perpetual learning mindset and the willingness to embrace change.

How do you see the role of AI and emerging technologies shaping the gaming and tech industries? AI and emerging technologies are set to fundamentally reshape the gaming and tech industries by introducing more immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. These technologies will not only enhance gameplay but also offer new avenues for creativity and innovation within the sector.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry? Never stop learning. The gaming industry, in particular, is characterized by its rapid evolution and innovation. Staying informed and continually enhancing your skills is crucial to staying ahead in this competitive field.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today? Addressing the ethical and societal implications of rapid technological advancement, including privacy concerns, data security, and the potential for misuse, remains a significant challenge.

How do you see regulations impacting the gaming and tech industries, and what changes would you like to see? Regulations need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumers. I hope to see regulations evolve in a way that supports the ethical development of new technologies while ensuring they are accessible and beneficial to all.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit? I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into the latest industry trends, connect with fellow professionals, and share insights on the evolving landscape of gaming and technology.

Is there a specific message or insight you hope attendees will take away from your session? I hope attendees recognize the enduring significance of blockchain technologies and are inspired to explore and experiment with their vast potential for innovative use cases.


Kaspar Szymanski – Founder of SearchBrothers

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

One of the primary challenges in an industry saturated with numerous market players offering similar web platforms and services is effectively defining and communicating a compelling unique selling proposition (USP). While brand building, prioritizing user experience, and optimizing website performance are essential, they are merely steps towards the ultimate goal of offering a service or product that isn’t readily available elsewhere. Moreover, developing a long-term strategy presents a significant challenge in an industry that tends to favor short-term success. The pressure of organizational and market demands often hinders decision-makers from adopting strategies focused on sustainable, gradual growth. This challenge is particularly evident in search engine optimization (SEO), where the goals of long-term growth and meeting immediate organizational needs must be aligned, as search engine algorithms prioritize actual ranking signals over organizational constraints.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

I am eager to share the unique insights into Google Search that I gained during my time working for Google, as well as my experiences as a consultant helping clients in competitive niches outperform their competitors. My presentation will include exciting real-life case studies, debunk several myths within the SEO industry, and provide attendees with actionable advice they can immediately apply. I am also looking forward to listening and learning from others, and eagerly anticipate addressing audience questions during the Q&A session following my presentation.

Is there a specific message or insight you hope attendees will take away from your session?

I want my audience to understand that Google penalties are not the end of the world and can be resolved. SEO setbacks, while initially unwelcome, can actually offer an opportunity for significant growth, potentially surpassing any previous rankings on Google Search. These moments can be a hidden blessing, revealing new paths to success. I invite anyone curious about the inner workings of Google Search, how it can benefit your website, and seeking genuine answers to their Google and SEO questions to join my session.


Jasmina Poglavc – Senior Product Manager at Gamanza Group AG & Freelance iGaming Consultant

Can you share a recent innovation in the gaming/tech industry that excites you, and what challenges do you think the industry needs to address?

My background in iGaming platforms and online operations has given me a unique perspective on the transformative potential of advanced data analytics and AI. These technologies promise significant changes, especially in real-time player engagement for iGaming platforms and operators. By analyzing player behavior, preferences, and patterns in real time, we can offer personalized promotions, customized gaming experiences, and targeted loyalty programs. This not only boosts player satisfaction but also optimizes revenue streams.

However, the full realization of these benefits faces challenges, primarily concerning data privacy and security. Protecting sensitive player information is paramount, and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape to align data-driven practices with compliance standards is equally crucial.

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector?

Adaptability has been the most valuable lesson in my career. The gaming and tech sectors are incredibly dynamic, with constant evolutions and innovations. Embracing change, remaining agile, and continuously seeking learning opportunities have been essential for navigating challenges and achieving success. Anticipating industry trends and staying informed about technological and regulatory developments are key to staying ahead.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry?

Stay curious and proactive. Embrace challenges as growth opportunities, keep up with industry trends, and cultivate a strong professional network. Innovation drives the gaming and tech industries, so developing a mindset that embraces change and fosters creativity is crucial.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

The primary challenges include cybersecurity threats, talent acquisition and retention, and adapting to an evolving regulatory landscape. Balancing innovation with compliance is challenging, as regulations often lag behind technological advancements. A strategic, adaptive approach is essential for navigating these challenges, necessitating proactive engagement with regulators and an awareness of legal frameworks.

How do you see regulations impacting the gaming and tech industries, and what changes would you like to see?

The gaming industry, exemplified by the situation in Germany, faces challenges from overregulation, which can drive players toward unregulated, black-market operators. While regulations are crucial for ensuring fairness and consumer protection, too restrictive an environment can hinder the industry’s growth and inadvertently compromise player safety.

I advocate for regulations that evolve with technological advancements, are harmonized globally, and are developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders. This approach aims to balance consumer protection with innovation, ensuring a thriving, responsible gaming ecosystem.


Click here to register and unlock the door to endless possibilities at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. Your next big opportunity awaits!

The post Insights from Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Speakers (pre-event) appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

Continue Reading

Trending