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ILJIN SNT Co., Ltd. Calls for Board Restructure at Aurinia Pharmaceuticals

Published

6 months ago

May 21, 2024

SEOUL, South Korea, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —

Fellow Aurinia Shareholders,

ILJIN SNT Co., Ltd. and its affiliates (collectively, “ILJIN“) is a long-term holder of more than 5% of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Aurinia” or the “Company“) and has been supportive of the Company’s mission since 2010 when we invested in the predecessor company, Isotechnika. As one of the largest and longest-standing shareholders, we have had the privilege of supporting the Company through its drug development efforts and subsequent FDA approval of LUPKYNIS. We have also supported the CEO, Mr. Peter Greenleaf, having voted in prior years for his re-election to the Board.

Like other shareholders, we have been greatly shocked and dismayed to see the share price plummet since the Company’s announcement on February 15, 2024 of FY 2023 operational results and the unsuccessful conclusion of its 7-month long strategic review process.

The Company recently announced its Q1 2024 operational results. While the Q1 2024 financials showed some improvement, there has been no sign of share price recovery despite the Q1 performance improvement. If anything, the stock performance following the recent earnings report has reinforced the market perception that there remain substantial uncertainties surrounding the Company’s new corporate strategy (focused on commercial execution of LUPKYNIS) announced in February. We believe that if we choose to ignore and do not respond to these alarming developments, we may only see our shareholder value further eroding going forward.

In response to these concerning developments, we wrote to management and the Board of the Company in March, and have voiced our concerns and requested changes to the management and also the Board’s role as the supervisor of management’s performance. However, we only received inadequate responses from the Company reciting its prior statements.

As one of the long-standing shareholders, we now believe it is imperative to demand management’s accountability, in order to put the Company back on track. If the Company does not change paths despite the massive losses shareholders have suffered during the past several months, it would only mean that there is no alignment of interests between company management and shareholders, and that it is time to establish a system within the Company to enforce management’s accountability.

It is simply not right that while shareholders are suffering major losses, those same executives and Board members responsible for such losses continue to collect hefty amounts of compensation — including substantial amounts of free RSUs — from the Company as if nothing had happened. In our view, the only way we can enforce accountability is to make our Board an independent board, and what this means is that the Board composition must be changed, so that the Board may effectively act as a check and balance to Company management.

For these reasons, Mr. Greenleaf should no longer serve on the Board and should only serve as the CEO going forward. As the Company’s CEO, Mr. Greenleaf will be able to continue to implement his new corporate strategy (focused on commercial execution) announced in February, while the Board without Mr. Greenleaf’s participation will be able to discuss and determine the validity of the new corporate strategy independently and evaluate management’s performance objectively.

In addition, given the Company’s continued poor performance and its single-minded focus on LUPKYNIS (by foregoing all other growth options such as AUR 200 and AUR 300), it is important and necessary that the Board’s size be kept to a bare minimum and no new board member should be allowed until after the Company has showed a clear sign of a turnaround.

In view of the foregoing, ILJIN’s intends to vote as follows at the Company’s upcoming annual meeting:

As explained above, Peter Greenleaf should no longer serve on the Board and should serve only as the Company’s CEO going forward. Although we have previously supported Mr. Greenleaf’s board membership, it has become patently clear that his influence over the Board’s composition and operation is so significant and prominent that the Board cannot serve its critical role of providing independent oversight of management. While we believe the ultimate responsibility for poor management performance and destruction of shareholder value lies with Mr. Greenleaf, the Board has not and is not willing to hold Mr. Greenleaf accountable for all those management mishaps. ILJIN intends to vote “withhold” on the re-election of Peter Greenleaf to the Board.
In response to its letter to management and the Board in March, ILJIN has received a reply letter from the Board chairman, Daniel Billen. Based on his reply, Mr. Billen appears unable or unwilling to exercise any meaningful oversight over management’s performance. So, in our view, Mr. Billen is unqualified to operate the Board as an independent board, and so should no longer serve on the Board. ILJIN intends to vote “withhold” on the re-election of Daniel Billen to the Board.
In September 2023, the Company agreed to add yet another member to an already-excessive Board, and ILJIN believes Dr. Robert Foster should not be elected to a full term on the Board. Given the Company’s revised business strategy to focus solely on commercial execution of LUPKYNIS, ILJIN believes Dr. Foster clearly cannot add any new value to the Company’s management. ILJIN intends to vote “withhold” on the election of Dr. Robert Foster to the Board.
In light of the dire performance of the Company’s share price, the management compensation plan must be rejected. Following a dismal 38.6% say-on-pay vote in 2023, rather than reforming management compensation to align with stockholder interests, the Board has proposed a management compensation plan that is divorced from the Company’s performance metrics, and ILJIN believes options and RSUs must not be freely granted regardless of the Company’s performance — particularly when shareholder value is utterly shattered. ILJIN believes the fact that such a management compensation plan is proposed in these dire times shows that the current Board is not performing its fiduciary duties properly and only interested in enriching corporate executives and Board members at the expense of further shareholder dilution. ILJIN intends to vote “against” the advisory resolution on executive compensation and “against” the amendment to the Company’s equity incentive plan.
We echo the recent message from other shareholders, such as Lucien Selce, that the Board is severely bloated and excessively compensated. So, we agree that the Board must be downsized, and each shareholder should determine which Board members it will be voting to withhold against at this time to keep the Board to a bare minimum. While we clearly see several additional Board members having no fit for the Company’s revised business strategy, we do not believe it is appropriate for us to specify those individual Board members here.

ILJIN believes that the changes above are necessary to strengthen the Board’s role as a supervisor of management’s performance and to enforce management accountability going forward, and respectfully request other shareholders’ support for the changes.

Sincerely,
KH Sung
CEO of ILJIN SNT Co., Ltd.

Media contact: Yoonwha Lee, [email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/iljin-snt-co-ltd-calls-for-board-restructure-at-aurinia-pharmaceuticals-302150680.html

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COCA Celebrates Q2 2024 with Record-Breaking Milestones and New Launches

Published

3 months ago

August 7, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

HONG KONG, Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — COCA, a pioneering force in the crypto wallet and financial services industry, has achieved several remarkable milestones in Q2 2024. Thanks to the steadfast support of its user community, COCA has launched new features, expanded its partnerships, and garnered prestigious accolades, further solidifying its position as a leader in the crypto space.

Launch of Physical Cards

COCA has introduced its highly anticipated physical cards, which are now available globally and compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay. These cards allow users to make transactions with ease, earning cashback rewards on their purchases. This significant launch marks a step forward in integrating crypto with everyday financial activities, enhancing user convenience and financial flexibility.

Wallet Growth Milestone

The company has reached a significant milestone with 510,000 active wallets, reflecting a 102% growth quarter-on-quarter. This surge in active wallets highlights the increasing trust and adoption of COCA’s platform, as more users join the COCA community to manage their crypto assets securely and efficiently.

Transaction Volume Surge

In Q2 2024, COCA processed over USD 450,000 in transactions through its platform, demonstrating the robust usage and popularity of its financial services. This impressive transaction volume underscores COCA’s commitment to providing smooth and efficient crypto payment solutions.

Integration with Revolut

COCA has made it easier for users to fund their wallets by integrating with Revolut. This new feature allows seamless loading of crypto assets, enhancing the overall user experience and accessibility of COCA’s services.

Award Recognition

COCA has been honoured with the “Best Startup” award in the Financial Revolution category at CONF3RENCE & BLOCKCHANCE 2024. This award is a testament to COCA’s innovative approach and significant impact on the future of finance, recognizing its efforts in driving forward the digital financial ecosystem.

New Strategic Partnerships

COCA has formed strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Wirex Pay and GoMining. These collaborations aim to provide users with enhanced rewards and a superior overall experience. The partnerships signify COCA’s dedication to expanding its ecosystem and delivering greater value to its users.

Welcoming Pavel Matveev

COCA is excited to announce the addition of Pavel Matveev, Founder of Wirex, to its team as a Strategy and Product Advisor. Pavel’s extensive experience and visionary approach are expected to drive COCA’s strategic initiatives and product development, contributing to the company’s continued growth and innovation.

Season 2 Point System Launch

Season 2 of COCA’s popular point system has launched, offering users the opportunity to earn points through various activities, including trades, referrals, holding assets, and spending with COCA cards. With a prize pool of USDT 3500 and 5 Wirex Pay Nodes, this season promises exciting rewards and increased user engagement. The season ends on August 9th, so users are encouraged to participate actively.

NFT Giveaway

In a special giveaway, COCA distributed 1000 GoMining NFTs to lucky users. These NFTs provide unique benefits, including enhanced mining capabilities and exclusive digital collectibles, adding significant value to the user experience.

For further details on COCA’s Q2 achievements and upcoming initiatives, visit the company’s blog.

Website: coca.xyz

COCA continues to redefine the crypto experience with its innovative solutions, seamless integrations, and user-focused approach. The company’s recent milestones and future plans highlight its commitment to leading the way in the digital financial landscape.

About COCA

COCA is a next-generation crypto super app designed to simplify and secure the crypto experience for users worldwide. With innovations in security, usability, and integration, COCA is at the forefront of the digital asset revolution. For more information, visit coca.xyz.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/coca-celebrates-q2-2024-with-record-breaking-milestones-and-new-launches-302216619.html

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Stake and Earn with KuCoin’s Innovative GemPool Platform

Published

3 months ago

August 7, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to announce the launch of GemPool, its innovative new platform that allows users to acquire token airdrops as a reward for staking their crypto assets. This unique product is designed to provide early access to emerging crypto projects while offering rewards for their existing holdings at zero cost. By staking respective tokens in separate pools, users can farm new tokens and gain a foothold in the latest developments within the cryptocurrency market.

GemPool also offers flexible staking terms, allowing users to stake and un-stake their assets anytime within the designated period without lock-up restrictions. This flexibility ensures that users can manage their assets according to their preferences and market conditions. Additionally, GemPool provides zero-cost rewards, enabling users to earn tokens while holding their existing cryptocurrencies. By staking their tokens, users contribute to the growth of promising new projects, supporting innovation and development within the crypto space. With completion of tasks offered, users are eligible to earn multiplier bonus and receive more rewards.

Users can participate by staking KCS, USDT, or other specified assets in designated pools. The rewards are earned according to the respective yields of the pools, ensuring a fair and exciting experience for all users.

For more information on how to participate and the benefits of GemPool, please visit the KuCoin GemPool page.

About KuCoin

Launched in September 2017, KuCoin is a leading cryptocurrency exchange with its operational headquarters in Seychelles. As a user-oriented platform with a focus on inclusiveness and community engagement. It offers over 900 digital assets across Spot trading, Margin trading, P2P Fiat trading, Futures trading, and Staking to its 34 million users in more than 200 countries and regions. KuCoin ranks as one of the top 6 crypto exchanges. KuCoin was acclaimed as “One of the Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges of June 2024” by Forbes Advisor and has been included as one of the top 50 companies in the “2024 Hurun Global Unicorn List”. Learn more at https://www.kucoin.com/.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stake-and-earn-with-kucoins-innovative-gempool-platform-302216471.html

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Trust Wallet Launches Gamified Education Platform and Loyalty Program to Enhance and Reward Web3 Learning

Published

3 months ago

August 7, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Trust Wallet, the world’s leading self-custody Web3 wallet and Web3 gateway trusted by over 130 million users, has launched Trust Wallet Quests, a gamified education platform within the Trust Wallet mobile app which encourages users to earn points while exploring and learning about Web3.

Users can engage in task-based challenges ranging from quizzes to complex problem-solving scenarios composed of various DeFi and Web3 activities, all designed to deepen their understanding of blockchain technology and decentralized applications (dApps), and expose them to exciting opportunities within Web3. As an incentive, users will earn Trust Points, a loyalty-based points system designed to reward user activity within the Trust Wallet mobile app. With Trust Points, users can earn rewards upon the completion of specific tasks, making Web3 more rewarding and fun.

In the future, Trust Points will offer additional gamification features, such as unlocking achievements, badges, and levels. This interactive approach not only boosts individual learning but also contributes to broader community education and adoption of decentralized technologies, making Trust Wallet Quests a dynamic and exciting way to reward loyal users and engage with communities in Web3.

On the motive for launching Trust Wallet Quests, Eowyn Chen, CEO of Trust Wallet, stated: “The complex technology and fast-paced industry can be intimidating for both new and seasoned users. The introduction of Quests on Trust Wallet further solidifies our commitment to making it easier for millions to navigate Web3, aligning perfectly with our mission to build a seamless Web3 hub and open ecosystem for all.”

Nate Zou, Head of Product at Trust Wallet, highlighted what to expect from Trust Points and Trust Wallet Quests: “Trust Points and Quests are just the first iteration of a much-needed reward system for our community. Within 2024, we have plans to build on this, combining rewards with many of our other web3 product offerings. Overall, we envision this points system not only changing how users engage with Trust Wallet, but also encouraging more collaboration between Trust Wallet, our users and other web3 ecosystem players.”

Trust Wallet Quests and Trust Points are now available on both Android and iOS versions of Trust Wallet’s mobile app. Download here: https://short.trustwallet.com/TrustWalletQuests

About Trust Wallet

Trust Wallet is the self-custody, multi-chain Web3 wallet and Web3 gateway for people who want to fully own, control, and leverage the power of their digital assets. From beginners to experienced users, Trust Wallet makes it easier, safer, and convenient for millions of people around the world to experience Web3, access dApps securely, store and manage their crypto and NFTs, buy, sell, and stake crypto to earn rewards, all in one place and without limits.