RD Technologies Secures US$7.8 Million in Series A1 Financing 350

RD Technologies announced the successful completion of its Series A1 financing, securing US$7.8 million. In this funding round, RD Technologies has secured strategic investments from prominent industry players like HongShan, Hivemind Capital, Aptos Labs, Hash Global, SNZ Capital, Solana Foundation, Anagram, and Upward Capital. The capital injection will enable RD Technologies to continue building a financial platform that bridges the Web2 and Web3 worlds and continue to contribute to the development of the Web3 ecosystem in Hong Kong.

RD Technologies announced on 18th July 2024 that its subsidiary, RD InnoTech Limited, has been admitted to the stablecoin issuer sandbox of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). Among the first batch of entities to join the sandbox, RD Technologies is set to test its operational plan for its Hong Kong Dollar stablecoin within the HKMA sandbox. RD Technologies’ other subsidiary, RD Wallet Technologies Limited, has been granted a Stored Value Facility (SVF) license issued by the HKMA and has officially commenced operations at the end of 2023. Leveraging the platforms and capabilities of its subsidiaries, RD Technologies is able to build a trusted and compliant financial platform and network.

This Series A1 financing marks a notable achievement following RD Technologies’ seed round completed in 2020. RD Technologies has consistently garnered strong support from its initial stakeholders, including ZhongAn Digital Asset Group Limited (ZhongAn Digital Asset), HashKey Group, Dragonfly, Bright Venture, and Eminent Vision. This brings strong ecological support to RD Technologies, such as HashKey Exchange, a regulatory-compliant trading platform, Web3 infrastructure including HashKey Chain, as well as ZhongAn Digital Asset’s custody and asset management capabilities. Relying on the support of shareholders with strong backgrounds in both Web2 and Web3, as well as an experienced team, RD Technologies aims to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3 and promote Hong Kong’s establishment as a leading global Web3 hub.

“The legacy payment industry is ripe to be disrupted using blockchain technology and stablecoins to provide more efficient and cheaper cross-border payment networks. Hong Kong is leading the world in virtual asset regulation. We are confident that compliant and transparent stablecoins will invigorate the market and address the pain points of traditional payments and finance to bring in institutions and help Hong Kong become a global Web3 hub”, said Rita Liu, CEO of RD Technologies.

Stanley Huo, Partner and Head of Asia at Hivemind, said, “Hivemind is thrilled to support RD Technologies as they seek to lead the future of stablecoins and cross-border payments. We believe regulated stablecoins are a critical growth area in crypto, offering real product-market fit, particularly as global demand for regulated stablecoins rises among enterprises and institutions. In our view, RD Technologies’ strategic positioning – led by an experienced team under Dr. Norman Chan and Ms. Rita Liu, with the strong support from the key Web3 stakeholders in Hong Kong – uniquely equips them to be a dominant force in Asia’s evolving financial landscape.”

About RD Technologies:

RD Technologies Group (RD Technologies) is the financial platform that bridges the Web2 and Web3 worlds. It deploys innovative fintech to build a business world interconnected by trust. Based in Hong Kong and connected with the global community, RD Technologies was born out of a mission to enable businesses to gain easier access to financial services, enhance trade efficiency, and promote the development of Hong Kong as a trade hub in Asia and an international financial centre. For details: https://rd.group

Compliant and innovative solutions managed by subsidiaries under RD Technologies include:

RD Wallet:
RD Wallet Technologies Limited (RD Wallet) is a licensed Stored Value Facility in Hong Kong (licence number: SVF0016). It enables global businesses to open multi-currency fiat accounts on mobile anytime, anywhere. RD Wallet is committed to facilitating cross-border trade and payments through efficient and innovative payment solutions for businesses, and contributing to the development of Hong Kong as a trade and financial hub in Asia. For details about RD Wallet: https://rd.group/products/wallet/

HKDR Stablecoin (HKDR):
HKDR Stablecoin (HKDR) is a trusted Hong Kong Dollar stablecoin 1:1 backed by the Hong Kong dollar, with high-quality and highly liquid assets safekept in segregated custody accounts with licensed financial institutions. Details of the reserves will be available to the public through regular independent attestation reports. In July 2024, RD InnoTech Limited, the issuer of HKDR, was among the first batch of entities to be admitted to the stablecoin issuer sandbox by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. RD InnoTech Limited will abide stringently by the regulatory requirements for the launch of HKDR to contribute to the continuous development of Hong Kong as a global Web3 and virtual asset hub. For details about HKDR: https://rd.group/hkdr

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Meridian 2024 marks ten years of stellar ecosystem growth 1494

Meridian 2024, Stellar Development Foundation’s annual conference, wrapped up three days of sessions highlighting the growth in the Stellar network’s ecosystem and featured exciting announcements from a number of partner organizations. Meridian 2024 brought together developers, founders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and leaders who are making real-world change with blockchain technology.

“Our community of builders is the true strength of the Stellar network. Meridian is our chance to get together and celebrate the growth of the Stellar ecosystem and all the ways Stellar is making everyday financial services available to people across the globe,” said Stellar Development Fund CEO Denelle Dixon. “This year’s Meridian demonstrated that Stellar is where blockchain meets the real world and that the next decade of Stellar is going to be even more transformative.”

Over the past decade, the Stellar ecosystem built a network with seamless cross-border payments, powerful asset tokenization tools, unrivaled cash-to-crypto gateways, a first-of-its-kind blockchain solution for aid disbursement, and a smart contracts platform purpose-built for developers who want to build with speed and scalability.

Some of the highlights from Meridian 2024 include:

  • Tala unveiled a non-custodial crypto wallet. Built on the Stellar blockchain, the wallet enables Tala customers to have autonomy over their digital currencies.
  • Stripe announced crypto payouts on Stellar.
  • MoneyGram International announced its new wallet built on Stellar.
  • Dune announced that Stellar is now fully integrated into Dune. This integration gives Dune users access to powerful analytics tools for exploring the rich ecosystem of Stellar data, helping developers, analysts, and blockchain enthusiasts unlock new insights.
  • Actor, Filmmaker & UN Goodwill Ambassador Idris Elba debuted the Akuna Wallet, a crypto wallet targeted towards African creators in partnership with Chipper Cash and the government of Ghana.
  • The Stellar Development Foundation announced a new partnership with Mastercard to integrate the company’s Crypto Credential solution with the Stellar network. Mastercard Crypto Credential, which helps verify interactions among consumers and businesses using blockchain networks, will be embedded in the Stellar ecosystem as the exclusive credentialing solution to enable a range of secure, compliant use cases for crypto wallet providers including Coins.ph, Mercado Bitcoin, and Wirex.
  • Etherfuse CEO David Taylor announced that Etherfuse will join the Stellar network in 2025.
  • Paxos announced it will integrate with the Stellar network, bringing its USDL stablecoin to a wider audience. This represents another expansion of Paxos’ regulated tokenization platform to a trusted and growing blockchain.
  • Blockaid announced its security technology is coming to the Stellar ecosystem.

About Meridian

Meridian is a 3-day annual conference that brings together developers, founders and entrepreneurs, leaders from traditional and decentralized finance, policymakers, and more to share, learn, build, and engage on the theme of Transformation.

UBS Asset Management launches its first tokenised Money Market Fund, available through DigiFT 1752

UBS Asset Management, launches its first tokenized investment fund “uMINT”, made available through authorized distribution partner, DigiFT.

With DigiFT, investors can subscribe to uMINT using their preferred custody wallet solution, gaining access to real-time redemption capabilities via DigiFT’s platform. uMINT, a Money Market investment underpinned by high quality money market instruments based on a conservative, risk-managed framework, is built on Ethereum distributed ledger technology and issued under UBS Tokenize, UBS’s in-house tokenization service, a full service offering for digital asset services, that seeks to open the door to the world of decentralized finance to a broader range of market participants.

“We’re honoured to be an authorized distribution partner for UBS Asset Management in launching their first tokenized money market fund. This is a significant milestone in the world of Web3, and a testament of our ability to transform capital markets. Not only does this partnership bridge traditional finance with digital and decentralized technologies, it also demonstrates our ability to deliver next-generation investment solutions on an open network – for a new generation of global investors,” said Henry Zhang, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of DigiFT.

As part of the partnership, DigiFT will provide infrastructure for managing and monitoring on-chain distribution activities and transactions for the new tokenized money market fund. Enabled by blockchain technology, DigiFT’s best-in-class, open infrastructure ensures all transactions are stored and recorded on an immutable ledger, providing real-time operational and audit visibility. Beyond streamlining administrative processes, DigiFT is able to leverage smart contracts and facilitate automated compliance and operational efficiencies, further allowing investors to invest and explore new financial Web3 use cases.

DigiFT is the first exchange deploying smart contract methods and processes, with an automatic market-making mechanism, to be recognized as a Recognised Market Operator (RMO) and awarded the Capital Markets Services (CMS) license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

About DigiFT

DigiFT is the first exchange for on-chain real-world assets to be licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Find out more www.digift.sg

Understanding Homnifi: Your gateway to Web3 1679

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for accessible and user-friendly platforms has never been greater. Homnifi emerges as a vital player in this arena, dedicated to making the world of Web3 available to everyone. The mission of Homnifi is clear: to simplify access to decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain technology, ensuring that users—from beginners to seasoned tech enthusiasts—can navigate this new digital frontier with ease and confidence.

By bridging the gap between traditional internet experiences and the emerging decentralized ecosystem, Homnifi empowers individuals to explore the endless possibilities of Web3. Its user-centric approach fosters an inclusive environment, where anyone can participate in the digital revolution without the steep learning curve often associated with blockchain technologies.

What sets Homnifi apart?

Homnifi stands out in the crowded blockchain space due to its commitment to accessibility and simplicity. Many existing platforms can overwhelm new users with complex interfaces and jargon. Homnifi addresses this challenge by offering a streamlined experience that demystifies blockchain technology. Users can engage with dApps seamlessly, ensuring that their entry into the Web3 world is both enjoyable and enriching.

Moreover, Homnifi actively works on educational initiatives to empower users with knowledge. By providing tutorials, webinars, and resources, Homnifi cultivates a community that is informed and equipped to leverage the benefits of decentralized technologies. This commitment to education further solidifies Homnifi’s role as a gateway to Web3, making it a go-to platform for those eager to learn and grow.

Overview of Web3 and its significance

Web3 represents the next phase of the internet, characterized by decentralization, user ownership, and enhanced security. Unlike its predecessor, Web2, which relies heavily on centralized platforms and intermediaries, Web3 aims to put control back into the hands of users. This shift is significant as it enables individuals to own their data, participate in decentralized networks, and engage with a variety of applications that operate on blockchain technology.

The transformative power of Web3

The importance of Web3 lies in its potential to reshape various industries by promoting transparency, reducing the power of intermediaries, and fostering trust among users. As the world becomes increasingly digital, the transition to Web3 will facilitate innovative solutions in areas such as finance, supply chain management, healthcare, and social interaction.

For instance, in finance, Web3 can enable peer-to-peer transactions without the need for banks, lowering costs and increasing transaction speeds. In supply chain management, blockchain technology can provide verifiable tracking of products, ensuring authenticity and reducing fraud. These applications highlight how Web3 can enhance efficiency and integrity across sectors.

Homnifi’s role in the Web3 revolution

By providing a seamless gateway to this new era, Homnifi plays a crucial role in helping users harness the benefits of Web3. Its platform not only connects users with decentralized applications but also encourages the exploration of innovative solutions that can enhance everyday life.

Furthermore, Homnifi facilitates community engagement, allowing users to share experiences, insights, and feedback. This collaborative approach enriches the platform, making it a living ecosystem where users can learn from one another and grow together.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Homnifi stands as a beacon for those eager to explore the world of decentralized applications and blockchain technology. By making Web3 accessible and engaging, it simplifies the journey for newcomers and empowers experienced users to delve deeper into the opportunities this revolutionary space has to offer. With Homnifi, the future of the internet is not just a concept; it’s an accessible reality.

As we move forward in this digital age, platforms like Homnifi will be essential in shaping the landscape of Web3, ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to participate in this exciting new world.

About Homnifi

Homnifi is a pioneering platform dedicated to making Web3 accessible for everyone. With a mission to simplify the journey into decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain technology, Homnifi empowers users—from novices to seasoned tech enthusiasts—to explore the transformative potential of the digital landscape with ease and confidence. By offering a user-friendly interface and educational resources, Homnifi demystifies complex blockchain concepts, ensuring that individuals can engage with the decentralized world without barriers.

As a gateway to Web3, Homnifi fosters community engagement and collaboration, allowing users to connect, learn, and grow together. The platform promotes transparency, user ownership, and enhanced security, positioning itself as a vital player in the ongoing digital revolution. With a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Homnifi is shaping the future of the internet, making it a place where everyone can thrive in the evolving digital ecosystem.

For more information, visit Homnifi’s website at https://homnifi.com/

Paxos Introduces Global Dollar (USDG) 1419

Paxos, the leading regulated blockchain and tokenization infrastructure platform, today introduced Global Dollar (USDG) – a US dollar-backed stablecoin that is substantively compliant with MAS’ upcoming stablecoin framework. Paxos Digital Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the issuer of USDG and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Paxos’s affiliate, Paxos Global Pte. Ltd., will partner with global exchanges, wallets and platforms to distribute USDG to individuals and institutions.

USDG is a new, safe and trusted stablecoin that will accelerate the global adoption of stablecoins. It is designed to support the needs of regulated institutions that maintain higher standards of operation. USDG is available today on Ethereum and will be issued on more blockchains in the near term. Paxos is required to hold only high-quality liquid assets to back USDG – US dollar deposits, short duration US Government securities and other such cash equivalents. This ensures USDG maintains 1:1 parity with the US dollar and consumers can redeem their tokens for fiat at all times.

Ronak Daya, Head of Product at Paxos, said: “Enterprise interest in stablecoins has never been higher than it is today, but the market lacks a solution that combines regulatory compliance with real economic incentives for enterprises. Keeping with the Paxos tradition of powering infrastructure for the world’s most important and innovative enterprises, we are thrilled to launch the Global Dollar (USDG). USDG offers a trusted solution with a top-tier banking partner in DBS that will be the catalyst to drive stablecoin innovation and enterprise adoption at a global scale.”

Paxos has a strong track record of building blockchain solutions that financial industry leaders can trust. USDG represents the sixth digital asset to be successfully issued by Paxos, the first from Paxos Digital Singapore. Its digital assets include PayPal USD (PYUSD), Pax Dollar (USDP) and Pax Gold (PAXG), which are issued by Paxos Trust Company, LLC, a limited purpose trust company overseen by the New York Department of Financial Services. Paxos International, a UAE-based affiliate of Paxos regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), issues the yield-bearing stablecoin Lift Dollar (USDL). Each of these assets provides users with a quality, 1:1 asset parity overseen by the highest levels of regulatory oversight. The company is the trusted partner for enterprises around the world to tokenize, custody, trade and settle assets.

DBS Bank, Southeast Asia’s largest bank by assets and recognized as the Safest Bank in Asia for 16 consecutive years by Global Finance, will serve as Paxos’ primary banking partner for cash management and custody of USDG reserves. Dollars backing USDG will be held in reserve and managed by Paxos Digital Singapore via DBS.

The smart contract of USDG can be viewed via Etherscan and GitHub. Businesses interested in learning more about Global Dollar can contact the team at www.globaldollar.com.

About Paxos

Paxos is the leading regulated blockchain infrastructure and tokenization platform. Its products are the foundation for a new, open financial system that can operate faster and more efficiently. Today, trillions of dollars are locked in inefficient, outdated financial plumbing that is inaccessible to millions of people. Paxos is replatforming the financial system to enable assets to instantaneously move anywhere in the world, at any time, in a trustworthy way.

Paxos partners with leading global enterprises to tokenize, custody and trade assets. Its blockchain solutions are used by leaders like PayPal, Interactive Brokers, Mastercard, Mercado Libre and Nubank. Paxos is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYDFS and is the issuer of numerous regulated digital assets including PayPal USD (PYUSD), Pax Dollar (USDP) and Pax Gold (PAXG). Its affiliate company Paxos International issues the yield-bearing regulated stablecoin Lift Dollar (USDL). Prudentially regulated by the NYDFS in the US, the MAS in Singapore and FSRA in Abu Dhabi Global Market, Paxos is a top-funded fintech company with more than $540 million raised from leading investors including Oak HC/FT, Declaration Partners, Founders Fund, Mithril Capital and PayPal Ventures.

FDUSD Expands to the Solana Blockchain to Further Strengthen and Bolster Access 1362

First Digital Group (“First Digital” or the “Group”), a leader in digital asset custody and trust services in Asia and parent company of FD121 Limited (also known as First Digital Labs), announces that First Digital USD (“FDUSD”) will be natively deployed to the Solana blockchain, further strengthening and bolstering access to the stablecoin.

The announcement was made at Binance Blockchain Week 2024, marking a significant milestone in First Digital’s commitment to delivering fast, secure, and cost-effective stablecoin transactions for global users. By integrating with Solana’s high-performance blockchain, FDUSD will leverage Solana’s ultra-fast transaction speeds, low fees and high scalability to meet growing demand for accessible, cross-chain stablecoin solutions by end of 2024.

As a fast-growing challenger in the stablecoin arena, FDUSD continues to provide diverse options to users and partners. By adding Solana to its growing list of supported blockchain networks, FDUSD will empower both retail and institutional users to take advantage of Solana’s scalability, unlocking new possibilities for cross-border payments, decentralised finance (DeFi), and everyday transactions.

With Solana’s impressive processing speed—capable of handling up to 65,000 transactions per second—users can experience near-instant transaction confirmations. This integration aims to support applications in areas such as DeFi and payments, driving greater utility and adoption of FDUSD across both emerging and established markets.

Vincent Chok, CEO and Founder of First Digital commented: “Expanding FDUSD onto Solana represents a significant step in our mission to enhance its accessibility, availability and utility across multiple blockchain ecosystems. Solana’s robust and scalable infrastructure will allow us to deliver even greater value to our users, supporting a wider range of financial use cases and enabling faster, more efficient transactions.”

Lily Liu, President of Solana Foundation, added: “As Solana continues to lead the way to redefining blockchain scalability and performance, we are excited to welcome FDUSD into our ecosystem. The integration of FDUSD on Solana will enable new possibilities for real-world, on-chain financial innovations.”

FDUSD is a 1:1 USD-backed stablecoin issued by First Digital Labs, the brand name of FD121 Limited. The FDUSD stablecoin is backed on a 1:1 basis by one U.S. dollar or assets of equivalent fair value, held in accounts of regulated financial institutions globally. Independent reserve audits are published monthly. FDUSD is currently available on Ethereum, BNB Chain and Sui.

About First Digital Group

First Digital Group (“First Digital”) is the parent company of First Digital Trust Limited, Asia’s leading qualified custodian and registered trust company, and FD121 Limited (also known as First Digital Labs), issuer of First Digital USD (FDUSD).

First Digital Group safeguards, advances and innovates to help clients navigate digital assets as well as benefit from trusted next-generation financial services.

First Digital was established in 2017 under the umbrella of the Legacy Trust Company, an established custodian and trust established in 1992 and registered under the Trustee Ordinance in Hong Kong. Its mission is to help clients benefit from a digital-first future by combining digital asset innovation with its strong foundation in trust, custody and asset management services. The Group’s custody and trust arm, First Digital Trust Limited, was established in 2019 and became a fully independent public trust corporation headquartered in Hong Kong with a presence across Asia.

First Digital Trust Limited has been recognised as one of HSBC’s ‘Emerging Giants in Asia Pacific’ Report 2022, while its innovation subsidiary, FD121 Limited (a.k.a. First Digital Labs), is the issuer of the FDUSD stablecoin.

Website: www.1stdigital.com

About First Digital Labs

First Digital Labs is the brand name of FD121 Limited, a Hong Kong-registered subsidiary under the First Digital Group. First Digital Labs focuses on cutting-edge research and development, specialising in the innovation and advancement of digital assets. First Digital Labs is the issuer of the FDUSD stablecoin.

To learn more about First Digital Labs, visit https://firstdigitallabs.com/

DLive: Revolutionizing Live Streaming with Community Focus and Blockchain Integration 1104

DLive, a popular live streaming platform, has experienced significant growth and transformation. The platform has established a reputation for its commitment to both community safety and freedom of speech, setting it apart from other streaming services.

One of the most notable improvements has been in the area of content moderation. DLive has implemented robust policies that effectively balance the need for a safe and inclusive platform with the principles of free expression. This has helped to address concerns raised in the past about the platform’s potential to serve as a haven for extremist ideologies.

DLive’s slogan, “Your Stream, Your Rules!” reflects the platform’s dedication to empowering creators. While freedom of expression is a cornerstone of DLive, it is tempered by a responsibility to maintain high-quality standards and ensure a safe environment for all users. These efforts have attracted a diverse audience to DLive, making it a popular destination for streamers and viewers alike.

To foster a thriving community of creators, DLive has implemented a multi-tiered partnership program offering exclusive features and collaboration opportunities. By meeting specific criteria, such as having a certain number of followers, subscribers, and active streaming hours, streamers can qualify for these partnerships.

The APENFT Streamer Incentive Program is one such partnership program. Launched on May 10th, 2024, with token sponsored by the APENFT Foundation, this program rewards DLive’s Affiliate and Partner streamers for creating high-quality content. Streamers earn points by maintaining a consistent streaming schedule, engaging with their audience, growing their fan base, and participating in various activities. These points determine their share of the total prize pool, which is distributed in reward tokens at the end of the season. Any attempts to manipulate the system result in disqualification, and reward tokens are only distributed to those who provide their HTX UID.

DLive has also demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering partnerships and collaborations within the gaming and entertainment industry. The BIGTIME weekend event, where DLive partnered with BIGTIME, an AAA MMORPG web3 game, to recruit over 50 streamers, showcased the platform’s diverse range of content and introduced new users to both platforms. By offering exclusive rewards, DLive and BIGTIME incentivized viewers to tune in and engage with the content.

DLive’s integration with blockchain technology has been a pivotal factor in its recent growth and success. The platform leverages the TRON and BitTorrent blockchain for its donation systems, providing a secure and transparent way for users to support their favorite streamers. This integration has also enabled DLive to offer unique features and benefits to both streamers and viewers, such as the ability to earn and spend cryptocurrencies within the platform ecosystem.

By harnessing the power of blockchain and prioritizing community safety, freedom of speech, and creator empowerment, DLive has positioned itself as a leading live streaming platform. Its commitment to fostering a thriving community and providing a diverse range of content has attracted a growing user base and solidified its reputation as a platform that values both creators and viewers.