Core Viewpoint - Animoca Brands plans to go public on the Nasdaq through a reverse merger with fintech Currenc Group, aiming to create the world's first publicly-listed, diversified digital assets conglomerate [1][2]. Group 1: Merger Details - The merger is expected to close in 2026, with Animoca's co-founder stating that the company has investments across decentralized finance and NFTs [2]. - Under the merger arrangement, Currenc will acquire 100% of Animoca's shares, resulting in Animoca owning 95% of the new entity, while Currenc shareholders will hold a 5% stake [5]. Group 2: Company Background - Animoca Brands, established in 2014, has invested in notable projects such as The Open Network, Immutable, OpenSea, The Sandbox, and Decentraland [3]. - As of September 30, Animoca's portfolio includes 628 investments primarily focused on gaming and infrastructure, with additional interests in sports, art, fashion, and the metaverse [4]. Group 3: Financial Position - Animoca's digital asset treasury includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and MOCA, which recently had a market capitalization of $208 million [5]. - The company's shares dropped 19% to $3.05 on the announcement day but had increased by 61% over the previous five trading days [1]. Group 4: Regulatory Considerations - The merger is subject to approval from Australian regulators, and Animoca was previously delisted from the Australian Securities Exchange in 2020 due to compliance issues [6].

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Innovative Payment Solutions, Inc. (Trading Symbol ‘IPSI’ on OTCID), a provider of digital payment and fintech solutions, today announced the launch of its next-generation Crypto Payment Platform, designed to provide IPSI’s clients including those in online gaming, iGaming, and sportsbook sectors with seamless, compliant, and secure cryptocurrency payment capabilities. This new platform enables operators to accept and process digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ether ...

Core Insights - SurgePays, Inc. plans to host a conference call to report its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, on November 12, 2025 [1] - The company focuses on connecting underserved consumers to essential mobile and financial services through its wireless and fintech technology [3] Company Overview - SurgePays, Inc. operates its own wireless brands and proprietary point-of-sale platform, which is deployed nationwide in thousands of retail locations [3] - The company enables SIM activations, top-ups, and digital financial transactions, targeting underserved communities [3] Business Expansion - SurgePays is expanding into data-driven marketing and digital partnerships aimed at converting verified consumer engagement into recurring, high-margin revenue streams [4] - The company is positioned to grow across both retail and online channels, evolving into a leading data intelligence and digital marketplace platform for America's underserved population [4]

Core Insights - SurgePays, Inc. plans to host a conference call to report its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, on November 12, 2025 [1] - The company focuses on connecting underserved consumers to essential mobile and financial services through its wireless and fintech technology [3] Company Overview - SurgePays operates its own wireless brands and a proprietary point-of-sale platform deployed nationwide in thousands of retail locations [3] - The company is expanding into data-driven marketing and digital partnerships to convert consumer engagement into recurring, high-margin revenue streams [4] - SurgePays aims to evolve into a leading data intelligence and digital marketplace platform serving America's underserved population [4]

Group 1 - PayPal is gaining momentum in AI through partnerships with Google and OpenAI, integrating its payment solutions into their platforms [2][4] - The company's third-quarter results exceeded analysts' expectations, with revenue and adjusted EPS increasing by 7% and 12%, respectively, and total payment volume reaching an annual pace of over $1.8 trillion [4][5] - PayPal has a strong financial position with $14.4 billion in cash and equivalents, and it is expected to generate approximately $7 billion in free cash flow for the year [5][6] Group 2 - The company has prioritized stock buybacks, repurchasing $5.7 billion in stock over the past four quarters, which is likely to continue as a major use of cash [6] - PayPal announced its first-ever dividend of $0.14 per share, translating to an annualized yield of about 0.8%, marking a significant step in its financial strategy [7][8] - The combination of AI initiatives and financial performance positions PayPal as a potential strong investment for those willing to be patient [8]

Core Insights - Coinbase is reportedly close to acquiring BVNK, a London-based stablecoin infrastructure startup, in a deal valued at approximately $2 billion, pending due diligence and potential changes to the terms [1][3] - BVNK, founded in 2021, has raised $90 million in funding from notable investors including Citi Ventures, Haun Ventures, Visa, and Coinbase Ventures [2] - Coinbase aims to expand its business beyond trading fees, with stablecoins contributing nearly 20% of its total revenue in the third quarter [4] Company Strategy - The acquisition of BVNK aligns with Coinbase's strategy to explore various opportunities through building, acquiring, partnering, or investing to enhance global economic freedom [3] - Coinbase has shown a consistent interest in the payments sector, particularly in relation to stablecoins, which are expected to play a significant role in future transactions [4] - The company launched Coinbase Payments in June 2025 to facilitate online transactions using stablecoins, indicating a proactive approach to integrating stablecoin technology into its services [5]

Core Insights - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has launched Fintech 2030, a five-year strategy focusing on tokenization to enhance the financial sector in Hong Kong [1] - The strategy includes over 40 initiatives across four key areas: data infrastructure, artificial intelligence, resilience, and tokenization of finance [1] Tokenization Initiatives - The tokenization pillar aims to create a vibrant digital asset ecosystem by accelerating the tokenization of real-world assets, including financial assets [2] - HKMA plans to regularize the issuance of tokenized government bonds and explore the tokenization of Exchange Fund papers [2] - The authority will collaborate with industry stakeholders and other central banks to incubate innovative tokenization use cases, emphasizing practical implementation [3] Project Ensemble - HKMA will launch Project Ensemble as a pilot program to facilitate real-value transactions using new forms of digital money, incorporating CBDC e-HKD, tokenized deposits, and regulated stablecoins [4] - Ant Group has filed trademarks in Hong Kong for "ANTCOIN" and stablecoin payment services, indicating interest in the digital asset space [4] Cross-Border Collaboration - The central bank is in discussions with Brazil and Thailand to utilize blockchain and tokenization for cross-border trade finance, aiming to reduce transaction costs and accelerate settlement times [5] - This regional initiative aligns with the establishment of a $1 billion Ethereum trust fund to support blockchain infrastructure [5] Broader Strategy Considerations - The Fintech 2030 strategy also addresses AI adoption in financial institutions and cybersecurity resilience, including quantum-safe frameworks [6] - These measures are designed to complement tokenization efforts amid ongoing volatility in the crypto market and uncertainties in US-China relations [6]

Core Viewpoint - The proposed merger between Currenc Group Inc. and Animoca Brands aims to create the world's first publicly-listed digital assets conglomerate, enhancing access to the trillion-dollar altcoin digital economy for investors on Nasdaq [1][5]. Group 1: Proposed Merger Details - Currenc Group has entered into a non-binding term sheet to acquire 100% of Animoca Brands' issued shares via a reverse merger [1]. - Upon completion, shareholders of Animoca Brands will own approximately 95% of the new entity, while Currenc shareholders will hold about 5% [2]. - The merger is expected to close in 2026, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals [3]. Group 2: Company Profiles - Currenc Group Inc. is a fintech company focused on AI solutions for financial institutions, including a digital remittance platform that enhances global payment services [7]. - Animoca Brands is recognized as a leader in the digital asset ecosystem, with a diversified portfolio of over 600 companies across various digital asset verticals, including gaming and decentralized finance [4][8]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The merger is anticipated to unlock significant value for shareholders and position the combined entity as a leader in the digital asset economy, spanning DeFi, AI, NFTs, gaming, and decentralized science [5]. - Currenc plans to divest some existing operations, including its AI-powered solutions, to focus on the merger and the new entity's growth strategy [5][6].

Core Insights - Deel has appointed Joe Kauffman, a former executive from Intuit, as the new chief financial officer to aid in the company's potential plans for an initial public offering (IPO) as early as next year [1] Company Developments - The appointment of Joe Kauffman is a strategic move by Deel to strengthen its financial leadership in preparation for a possible IPO [1]

By Jaspreet Singh (Reuters) -Deel on Monday appointed former Intuit executive Joe Kauffman as president and chief financial officer to support the payroll startup's possible plans to go public as soon as next year. Kauffman succeeds founding CFO Philippe Bouaziz, who will take on the newly created role of executive chairman and chief strategy officer, said the Andreessen Horowitz-backed startup, which was valued at $17.3 billion in a fundraise last month. The California-based company is strengthening it ...