Qatar to attract Blockchain and digital asset entities

Qatar to attract Blockchain and digital asset entities

The Qatar Central Bank( QCB)  sets to attract Big Tech and Fintech entities in the fields of Blockchain, AI, Tokenization, Digital assets and crypto to the country.

As per its third financial sector strategy launched by HE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani, the Qatar Central Bank recommended enhancing financial inclusion, measures to facilitate building a world-class shared market infrastructure and establishing a financial technology talent center of excellence.

The third financial sector strategy is to make Qatar a leading ecosystem embracing emerging technologies to accelerate digital transformation supported by adaptable and consistent regulatory frameworks and trusted market infrastructure. The regulatory framework is one of the key initiatives and aims to develop framework for DLT ( Distributed Ledger Technology), Blockchain, Crypto and digital assets as well as Decentralized Finance (DeFi). The regulations will ensure a trusted, legal and economic environment for AML, IP rights, and KYC KYT.

Growth areas include payments ecosystem specifically retails, as well as introduction of solutions such as robo advisory, Blockchain, artificial intelligence, digital assets and tokenization.  It also includes digitization in Islamic Finance and ESG (Environmental Social Governance).

The strategy contains 48 actionable items with 20 high priority ones as per the strategy.

The Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority and QFC Authority have jointly developed a QFC digital assets framework, as well as launched their digital assets lab which will work as a sandbox for incubating startups.

QCB governor Sheikh Bandar bin Mohamed bin Saoud al-Thani. Stated,”We believe in the importance of digital finance ecosystem in supporting the development process. As a result, we have adopted this ecosystem as a third pillar within our strategy to lead the digital financial transformation for the sector to be pioneer in the adoption of modern technologies.”

UAE InvoiceMate tokenizes real world asset on XDC blockchain

UAE InvoiceMate tokenizes real world asset on XDC blockchain

UAE based InvoiceMate, a blockchain enabled invoice financing platform, has tokenized a real world asset, an invoice, using the XDC blockchain in its recent pilot. The project used TradeFinex’S open source smart contract standards.

InvoiceMate showcased the potential of obtaining liquidity by tokenizing a Real World Asset (RWA). Acting as the loan originator, InvoiceMate secured funds for client H & H International LLC through the tokenization of essential documentation including the invoice. This streamlined process resulted in a cash flow of $FXD 100,000 (FXD) for a 60-day period. $FXD is a fully decentralized stablecoin soft pegged to US Dollars and over collateralized with the $XDC token using the Fathom Protocol and primarily focused on for RWA DeFi use cases. The success underscores blockchain-powered financing’s efficiency and innovation in traditional finance.

This pilot transaction is an important milestone in the partnership between TradeFinex and InvoiceMate.

Said Muhammad Salman Anjum, CEO of InvoiceMate, “This successful transaction represents the first step in our collaboration with TradeFinex using XDC Network. We are actively exploring the XDC Network as the blockchain protocol for future pilots within our invoice financing platform.”

“Deploying smart contracts powered by the XDC protocol allows us to address the MSMEs funding gap in trade finance. We look forward to scaling up Private Credit deal flow with like-minded partners and establishing standards within the RWA space using Powerful Smart contract Standards created by Tradefinex.” commented Chen Shanlong, Marketing and Partnerships Lead of XDC Network and TradeFinex.

Mahesh Kumar, CEO of Eclipton added, “Eclipton’s core value is to bring more use cases to the blockchain and crypto industry, offering access to a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, crypto, bank accounts, and cards, all in one place. The collaboration with XDC and InvoiceMate further strengthens Eclipton’s commitment to expanding blockchain applications and fostering financial inclusion through innovative solutions.”

In November 2023, Muhammad Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) selected Blockchain powered working capital financing solutions startup, InvoiceMate to be part of its accelerator program. 

Saudi University survey shows positive correlation between Bitcoin and Ecommerce

Saudi University survey shows positive correlation between Bitcoin and Ecommerce

Researchers at King Saud University Saudi Arabia have released a research on the relationship between Bitcoin and e-commerce in Saudi Arabia with results showing rapid growth in ecommerce, some knowledge of Bitcoin, and a positive correlation between Bitcoin and e-commerce in the Kingdom

Researchers Dr. Layla Hajr, Suzan Katamoura, and Abdulrahman Mirza, developed a hypothesis to investigate and test the impact of Bitcoin on Ecommerce use in Saudi Arabia using a survey.

The survey analyzed factors such as Bitcoin awareness, usage among Saudi Arabian consumers. Responses were collected from individuals and employees of various companies working in different occupations in Saudi Arabia. In addition, statistical tools SPSS and SmartPLS were used to test the study’s hypotheses.

As per the survey results, there has been a rapid growth in e-commerce transactions and some knowledge of Bitcoin. Most importantly as per the researchers the survey showed a positive correlation between digital currencies ( Bitcoin) and e-commerce in Saudi Arabia.

The authors noted “The study also opens the way for future investigations into topics including Saudi Arabia’s regulations for Bitcoin, consumer attitudes toward Bitcoin, and the potential of blockchain technology for enhancing the nation’s e-commerce processes.”

Saudi Arabia is among the world’s largest e-commerce markets; the statistics in this sector reported that the volume of e-commerce transactions approached $5.7 billion. Also, Saudi e-commerce contributed to the GDP with a return of $10,482 billion in 2020 (Chamber, 2019). As a result of this swift growth in both technologies’ inventions and e-commerce transactions, new electronic methods were developed, for example, STC Pay, and others.

The King Saud University authors expected that the usage of Bitcoin might increase e-commerce transactions. Using an anonymous online survey to test their hypothesis the survey targeted different  community sectors, including various professionals (governmental, semi-governmental, private companies, private businesses, and students) in Riyadh and Jeddah cities.

124 respondents from the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah answered 14 questions.  Responses were collected from participants who work in different occupations, including governmental entities, Semi-governmental Authorities, Private Sector Companies, Private Business individuals, and students. Of the questionnaires answered, 56.5% were female. Additionally, 42.7% of the respondents were between 31 and 40; the rest were distributed between different age categories. The least (11.3%) of the participants held Diploma, and the remaining had a degree of Bachelor and above.

The survey while just a beggining is interesting especially as KSA is working on its CBDC project.

Hayvn ousted CEO is incognito with speculations about possible embezzlement

Hayvn ousted CEO is incognito with speculations about possible embezzlement

UAE based HAYVN which is a digital asset focused financial institution, providing trading, asset Management, custody, and payments previously regulated and active in Abu Dhabi, has fallen under a great wall of scrutiny and a black cloud both with regards of the activities of its previous CEO as well its current status as a regulated entity in the UAE.

In less than a week, Hayvn not only announced the so called resignation of its CEO Christopher Flinos and the request to make its status inactive in Abu Dhabi ADGM ( Abu Dhabi Global Market), but it also insinuated that the CEO had carried out a huge misconduct. In an email statement made by the PR agency of Hayvn, Fully Vested, to UNLOCK Blockchain, the agency noted, “The CEO stepped down from the management of the business, following a request from the Board of Directors due to the CEO’s conduct.”

Sources close to LaraontheBlock have noted that there has been speculation moving around with regards to possible embezzlement. This is further reconfirmed by the fact that Christopher Flinos is nowhere to be found. His phone is off, he does not respond to LinkedIn or other messages, and he himself has not made any statement to clear his name or explain his actions and that of the board of Hayvn.

LaraontheBlock reached out to the FSRA (Financial Services and Regulatory Authority) at ADGM with two questions. The first question, as a regulatory authority what actions have or will be taken towards Hayvn given the current cloud of speculation around it and the activities of its prior CEO?

The second question, can ADGM confirm that institutional clients in the UAE have not been effected financially or otherwise from the actions taken by the prior CEO and Hayvn as a crypto custodian and if effected will there be restitution?

The response which came from FSRA attributed to Mr. Emmanuel Givanakis. CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority at ADGM stated, “As the financial regulator of ADGM, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) is bound by the highest levels of confidentiality and therefore is not positioned to discuss individual firms. The FSRA is committed to supervising all regulated entities so they maintain high standards to address risks related to their activities. ADGM stands as a transparent jurisdiction and has relevant public information on registered and licensed entities by its independent regulatory authorities in ADGM available on the public register.”

As per its license, AC Limited (Hayvn) is not permitted to deal with Retail Clients and is restricted to USD 1 million in total assets (Fiat and Accepted Virtual Assets) for a maximum of 100 clients.

When the same questions were posed to Ahmed W Ismail Co-Founder, Board Member & Operating Committee Member of HAYVN, he replied with this statement, “I can confirm that there has been a change of management at HAYVN. The CEO stepped down from the management of the business, following a request from the Board of Directors. Client funds are safe and there will be no disruption to the service of any clients. We continue to be a globally regulated business through our entities in Australia, Cayman and Lithuania.”

Hayvn was granted a license in ADGM in December 2021, allowing it to offer deals for investments, and virtual asset custody. In October 2023 Hayvn announced that had processed over 22 000 cryptocurrency transactions to date in 2023.

While back in August 2023 Swedish and UAE based Gayo aviation, a luxury travel company that offers aircraft management, consulting services, aircraft purchase and sales and flight deck services announced they were now offering crypto payments utilizing UAE HAYVN Pay.

In May Hayvn also announced that it had recorded returns of 19 percent increase on its crypto index fund since its launch in January 2023. The index fund  included the top 20 digital assets by market capitalization with a maximum weighting of 10% for any asset to increase diversification. It is a broad based index strategy with monthly rebalancing.

In short Hayvn was busy partnering and launching products.  It partnered with WooCommernce to offer a plug-in allowing merchants to create an additional revenue stream by accepting cryptocurrency payments from customers globally. It also partnered with crypto hardware manufacturer, Ledger to provide safe and robust off-ramping rails to users of Ledger’s Ledger Live service, as well as strategic partnership with Akurateco, a cutting-edge white-label payment software vendor operating worldwide to broaden crypto payments, and finally the most recent partnership with Malta based Apcopay, a Single Layer – Payments Orchestration Platform which they noted was crucial to HAYVN Pay’s global expansion strategy, providing an alternative payment avenue for businesses.

This flurry of activity while to many looks like reflections of growth and expansion could also have been a cover up for activities that led to the current situation Hayvn is in today.

Could the rushed technology upgrade implemented just before Flinos’s resignation which created widespread disruptions for Hayvn Pay Clients been part and one of the issues realted to the misconduct of the CEO?

These questions and many more should become clearer as the Abu Dhabi Global Market regulator investigates, and as Hayvn’s new leadership takes form.

WeMade brings on Whampoa digital for its $100 million UAE Web3 Fund

WeMade brings on Whampoa digital for its $100 million UAE Web3 Fund

South Korean, Wemade brings onboard Whampoa Digital as an ecosystem partner for its $100 million Web3 Fund in UAE. Wemade will also partner with Whampoa Digital for its WEMIX Play center in Dubai International Financial Center Innovation Hub ( DIFC Innovation Hub).

Both parties will engage in mutual deal and project referrals, particularly in the Web3 industry, and potentially co-invest in promising projects. In addition, Whampoa Digital and Wemade will also leverage each other’s technical and operational know-how to develop blockchain infrastructure and solutions for the gaming and Web3 industries. The solutions developed will be applied and integrated with financial institutions supporting these industries to promote seamless adoption of digital assets globally.

Wemade operates WEMIX PLAY, an established global Web3 gaming platform with over 250,000 concurrent players. It has developed a suite of blockchain solutions and has an established track record in investing in gaming studios, notably in Lionheart Studio, Shift Up and MADNGINE, the developer behind the massively successful NIGHT CROWS mobile and PC game.

Wemade is also developing the WEMIX PLAY Center, a global Web3 gaming hub at the DIFC Innovation Hub. The US$100 million Wemade Web3 Fund is targeted at promising gaming studios and blockchain projects that intend to set up an office in the WEMIX PLAY Center.

Whampoa Digital is the technology investment arm of Whampoa Group, a privately-held investment company owned by several established families in Asia. It is an early investor in digital assets and Web3 ventures, working with Web2 and Web3 visionaries to propel innovation and drive mass adoption of blockchain technologies.

Whampoa Digital was also approved in Bahrain to set up a digital Bank and has committed to investing $50 million in the country.

Whampoa Group Senior Partner Aureole Foong said,“We are excited to be joining forces with Wemade, a powerhouse in the gaming space. This partnership will allow us to pioneer new horizons in the digital asset industry beyond our already established sectors, as well as foster innovation in the Middle East, one of the world’s fastest-growing regions in the Web3 space.”

“Through our partnership with Whampoa Digital, a leading investment firm in Singapore, we strive to share valuable insights related to blockchain technology, each party bringing their unique expertise to the partnership,” said Wemade CEO, Henry Chang. “We are committed to consistently expanding collaborations with outstanding global partners.”

Phoenix Group invests in Lyvely creator platform from the UAE

Phoenix Group invests in Lyvely creator platform from the UAE

Phoenix Group PLC, crypto mining and Web3 Group, has strategically invested in Lyvely, a UAE-based platform poised to reshape how creators and consumers interact and monetize online.

According to the news, Lyvely’s revolutionary platform with the investment will leap beyond the confines of e-commerce, fostering direct-to-consumer relationships through a unique blend of Web2 and Web3 features. Powered by its own digital currency launching in Q1 2024, Lyvely empowers creators with seamless monetization opportunities and grants consumers exclusive access and personalized experiences.

Bijan Alizadehfard, Co-Founder & Group CEO of Phoenix Group, stated, “Phoenix Group’s strategic investment in Lyvely illustrates and supports Phoenix’s Vision to support home grown tech start-ups and the future of innovation. With Lyvely, we are not just acquiring a stake in a company, we’re investing in the future of the digital and creator economy, which has huge potential and is on an exponential growth trajectory. “

“We are proud to invest in Lyvely, a UAE homegrown platform, which represents a revolutionary fusion of Web 2 and Web 3 capabilities, poised to redefine how creators and consumers interact in the digital space. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey, showcasing our dedication to fostering groundbreaking tech startups, backing visionary founders and diversifying our portfolio. More than just a platform, Lyvely’s vision of empowering creators and users alike, perfectly aligns with Phoenix Group’s commitment to leading the tech industry with trailblazing initiatives.” said Alizadehfard.

Farah Zafar, CEO of Lyvely and MD & Group CLO of Phoenix Group, elaborates, “This isn’t just an investment – it’s a strategic alliance between a Web3 powerhouse and tech innovators with the collective vision to revolutionise the way people monetise online and to empower everyone’s digital and web3 footprint. Lyvely’s unique blend of social e-commerce and content monetization, powered by Web3 capabilities, has the potential to disrupt the status quo and empower both creators and users alike. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of digital experiences and lead the way in this rapidly evolving landscape.”

Dave Catudal, Co-founder of Lyvely, expressed his enthusiasm, “Phoenix’s expertise in the cryptocurrency sector perfectly complements our mission at Lyvely. Their investment and support validate our vision and will significantly enhance our technological capabilities and growth trajectory in the Web3 space.”

Phoenix Group is also an investor in M2 crypto currency exchange that launched recently out of Abu Dhabi UAE.

UAE freezone regulator toughens up on AML/TFS policies

UAE freezone regulator toughens up on AML/TFS policies

Regulatory arm of Financial Free zone ADGM tells registered companies in ADGM that they have to adhere to the AML ( Anti money laundering) TFS ( targeted Financial sanctions) legislations and policies of the UAE Federal government. What this means is that even if companies have registered in ADGM as offshore or freezone entities they will still be legally bound to the UAE AML/TFS legislations which also include virtual assets.

The FSRA announced these  revisions that clarify the requirements that previously appeared in the AML Rulebook, reflecting the federal regulatory framework the UAE has put in place to combat money-laundering, the financing of terrorism and proliferation financing and ensure compliance with targeted financial sanctions. In particular, minor drafting changes have been made to the provisions relating to wire transfers in order to provide greater clarity that the FATF “Travel Rule” applies to Virtual Assets.

The revisions will be relevant to all firms subject to the provisions in the AML Rulebook, including authorized firms in the financial services sector and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions.

The amended AML Rulebook, as per FSRA ( Financial Services and Regulatory Authority) of ADGM asserts that “ The AML Rulebook is made in recognition of the application of the Federal AML Legislation in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) of the Federal AML Legislation. Nothing in the AML Rulebook affects the operation of Federal AML Legislation.”

A Relevant Person’s Governing Body is responsible for establishing, maintaining and monitoring the Relevant Person’s AML/TFS policies, procedures, systems and controls and compliance with applicable AML legislationthe AML Rulebook, the Financial Services and Markets Regulations 2015 (“FSMR”), and all applicable Federal AML Legislation.

The FSRA in its amended rule book clearly states, “ Federal AML Legislation applies in the ADGM.”

According to FSRA,  the definition of Federal AML Legislation is broad. It includes all federal legislation as may be in force relating to money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing, the financing of unlawful organizations and sanctions compliance including Targeted Financial Sanctions. Particular pieces of legislation to be aware of include:

(a) Federal Law No. (7) of 2014 regarding Combatting Terrorism Offences;

(b) Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering, Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations;

Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2019 concerning the Implementing Regulation of Decree Law No. (20) of 2018;

(d) Cabinet Decision No. (74) of 2020 concerning the Terrorism Lists Regulation and Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions on the Suppression and Combatting of Terrorism, Terrorist Financing, Countering the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and its Financing and Relevant Resolutions.

In addition FSRA has made it clear that it will hold the governing body and senior management of a registered entity as responsible for compliance with AML rulebook.

FSRA adds, that the Regulator expects the RBA (Risk Based Approach) to determine the breadth and depth of the Customer Due Diligence (“CDD”).

The same regulations apply when it comes to Sanctions. These UNSC obligations Targeted Financial Sanctions (“TFS”) are Sanctions issued by the UNSC or the U.A.E. involving asset freezing and other financial prohibitions targeted at individuals, entities or groups with the aim of combatting terrorism and terrorist financing, and countering the proliferation of WMD.

This also applies for FATF.

UAE Triterras and Mamun partner to bolster trade finance in Oman

UAE Triterras and Mamun partner to bolster trade finance in Oman

UAE and Singapore based Triterras, a fintech company focused on digital trade and supply chain finance, using Blockchain enabled trade finance platform Kratos, has partnered with Oman based Mamun, fintech infrastructure provider to bolster trade finance in Oman.

This collaboration harnesses Triterras’ technological expertise and leverages Mamun’s experience in Oman’s financial services sector. The duo will initially target the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) finance sector in Oman, with a specific emphasis on the food and beverage industry. The collaboration will also enable Triterras to offer the blockchain enabled KRATOSTM financing platform to banks in Oman on a white-label basis.

As part of the alliance, Triterras will introduce eDirect Debit, a direct debit payment technology developed by Mamun, in the UAE. eDirect Debit is designed to offer businesses a seamless and highly efficient payment solution, with the aim of enhancing the ease of handling transactions within the region.

“One of the key challenges for startups and micro businesses is a lack of capital and financing, which hinders growth and accessibility to markets. Our primary aim is to enable MSMEs with access to immediate and workable financial solutions to maintain business continuity and foster growth opportunities,” said Ashish Srivastava, Chief Commercial Officer at Triterras. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to deliver cutting-edge finance solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses in Oman, and the wider Middle East region. This 2-way agreement facilitates Triterras’ expansion in the MENA region.”

With Oman’s vibrant market in mind, this collaboration potentially makes a substantial impact on businesses looking for finance by simplifying access to financial resources. As with Triterras’ global mission, the collaboration will support MSMEs, enhancing financial inclusivity for businesses in Oman.

“We are excited to witness the expansion of our eDirect Debit technology into the UAE through our collaboration with Triterras,” said Mohammed Al Tamami, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, at Mamun.

Coinbase, Kraken, Ripple support US PAC for a president that supports crypto and blockchain

Coinbase, Kraken, Ripple support US PAC for a president that supports crypto and blockchain

In a recent twist of events, and while the United States gears towards its presidential elections, a new political action Committee (PAC) called Fairshake and its network which includes names such as CoinBase, Kraken and Ripple, have announced that they will be reporting $78 million raised and in the bank at the end of the 2023 to support leaders who support US crypto and Blockchain innovation and responsible regulation in 2024 elections.

Fairshake is dedicated to advancing leaders who are poised to champion innovation and navigate the complexities of responsible regulation in the digital age.

It has already garnered support from Andreessen Horowitz,  Ark, Brian Armstrong, Blockchain Capital, Wences Casares, Circle, CoinBase, Ron Conway, Cumberland, Framework Ventures, Hunter Horsley, Jump Crypto, Kraken, Lightspark, Messari, Multicoin Capital, Paradigm, Potter Ventures, Ripple, Fred Wilson, Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss.

Interestingly Binance and other prominent players are still not on this list.

In a reccent Coinbase blog post the company noted, “The US’s current crypto regulatory standards are sub-par, ultimately driving innovation and financial freedom offshore. Given the stakes, crypto’s superpower of grassroots support will now be amplified through significant spending. Fairshake Super PAC and its affiliates representing the nation’s crypto community, have raised over $78 million – and counting – from 20 companies and leading industry voices to support bipartisan, crypto-forward candidates in 2024. That’s over $78 million to support the 52 million Americans who own digital assets and want a fair shake at the American Dream.”

Fairshake and its affiliates remain steadfast in their mission to support leaders who champion the interests of progressive innovation, including blockchain technology and the crypto industry, through independent advertising efforts.

In the  press release, Fairshake stated,”  In order for the blockchain economy to realize its full potential, a clear regulatory and legal framework for success is needed. The crypto community continues to advance initiatives to promote stability, tech innovation, and growth of the blockchain economy in the U.S., positioning it as a hub for blockchain technology development and adoption.”

Fairshake is a federal independent expenditure-only committee (super PAC) registered with the FEC and supports candidates solely through its independent activities. Protect Progress and Defend American Jobs are also federal super PACs registered with the FEC and are affiliated with Fairshake.

So could we soon be seeing a US president that will foster the crypto blockchain ecosystem in the United States?

UAE crypto custodian Changer waives fees at its launch

UAE crypto custodian Changer waives fees at its launch

On its launch day, UAE based Changer, a crypto custodian is waiving custody fees for its premium wallet clients. Changer is providing individuals globally with a reliable, convenient, and accessible wallet to safeguard and manage their digital assets.

This comes after Changer received its license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) allowing it to safe custody provisions, technology governance, and other system controls.

Changer’s launch of custody services for the safe storage of virtual assets comes in line with an increasing demand for independent custody and fund administration of digital assets from asset managers and asset owners, as this market continues to evolve.

Changer’s premium wallet and offerings are unique to the market being the only regionally built, independent custody provider. Changer’s premium wallet brings to the market a transparent, subscription-style monthly service for users based on the assets held under custody.

As Changer ramps up its operations, it is currently waiving custody fees for early adopters, which is planned to come into effect in Q1 2024.

Cryptocurrency investors from all over the world can easily open an account via the user-friendly Changer mobile application that can be downloaded from the App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery, and once verified, can use it to store their digital assets.

Changer is planning to introduce additional services in early Q1 2024 which will allow its users to convert their virtual assets into fiat currencies and hold those in escrow (client-money account) arrangements with a strategic bank partner which is yet to be disclosed.

Nadeem Ladki, Senior Executive Officer of Changer, commented on the launch: “We are happy to witness the successful and global launch of Changer.ae, as the region’s first locally built, independent virtual asset custody provider catering to individuals. For widespread adoption of digital assets, users need a safe, trusted counterpart; and we are committed to investing in the infrastructure and abiding by the regulations necessary to provide that peace of mind to our global users to be a leader in this space. We are proud to launch Changer.ae in the UAE, as the Nation has a well-balanced approach to digital asset adoption and financial regulation, thus making it a great market for our premium crypto custodian service platform. The UAE is a key driver of innovation and economic growth, encouraging more investors to enter the market, accelerate growth, enable collaboration, and continue to shape the future of finance”.