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Global fintechs and web3 giants unite to increase blockchain-based cash assistance for humanitarian crises

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Humanitarian Council members include the Algorand Foundation, Circle, Worldpay, Mercy Corps Ventures, HesabPay, the United Nations Development Programme, and others

BARCELONA, Spain, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, in a move led by the Algorand Foundation, a coalition of fintech, web3, and humanitarian organizations announced the formation of a council seeking to increase access to blockchain-based cash assistance during humanitarian crises. The council’s objective – among other activities – is to advise UN agencies and NGOs on using blockchain technology for aid payments, and to develop a roadmap for the successful piloting of blockchain-based cash programs in distressed areas.

Over the past decade, the United Nations and NGOs have begun to offer more cash-based assistance (vs. in-kind or service assistance). According to the CALP Network, a thought leader in humanitarian cash and voucher assistance, this form of assistance now comprises 21% of all international humanitarian aid, reaching $10 billion in 2022, and there is potential for that proportion to be much higher (source). Humanitarian organizations are working to deliver this kind of aid as rapidly and economically as possible whilst navigating ever more complex financial regulations. Given this, the projects under the purview of this council will explore the potential benefits and opportunities of blockchain-based payment solutions in addressing these particular constraints.

The aim in using blockchain is to first offset the lack of financial and technological infrastructure in aid locations such as Afghanistan and others. In these regions, applying blockchain technology could bring more efficiency and ease to the delivery of cash-based aid, making it possible to respond on an even larger scale.

Scaling cash-based aid also requires transparency. Cash aid programs need to be traceable and auditable without infringing on the rights of its beneficiaries. By using blockchain, organizations can maintain an immutable, unchangeable record of how cash was distributed, without disclosing how it is used by the recipient. This model protects the privacy of those in crisis while maintaining the traceability and verification that aid programs, donors, and governments need.

Built on Algorand, global payment app HesabPay is already proving the effectiveness of merging blockchain and aid delivery. It facilitates the world’s largest humanitarian project ever to be run on a public blockchain, bringing support to more than 14,000 families in Afghanistan in collaboration with United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and supported by the WFP Innovation Accelerator.

Bernhard Kowatsch, head of the WFP Innovation Accelerator, added, “The success of HesabPay in Afghanistan highlights the significant impact and scalability of this technology. We are eager to extend these innovations globally to revolutionize aid delivery.”

“Direct cash-based humanitarian assistance has been growing rapidly and is the future thanks to the extraordinary benefits cash provides for recipients. To be effective, humanitarian payments must meet several requirements: instant settlement, easily scalable to thousands if not millions of recipients,  and transparent and traceable,” said Matt Keller, director of impact at the Algorand Foundation. “Blockchain checks all of these boxes, and one reason we invested in HesabPay, which delivers humanitarian aid payments in Afghanistan without sacrificing time or accountability.”

“At Circle Impact, our mission since 2021 has been to empower underserved communities and reach people who have traditionally been excluded from financial systems. We are excited to be part of the Humanitarian Council, where we can cultivate a new generation of financial inclusion aimed at powering humanitarian aid and disaster relief,” said Mercina Tillemann-Perez, Vice President of Circle Impact.

“Launching 16 crypto pilots in 10+ countries over the past 4 years, Mercy Corps Ventures has been actively deploying first-of-a-kind real world use cases in the humanitarian and development context leveraging blockchain technology. We’re now building out a Humanitarian Venture Lab with a pipeline of humanitarian pilots, use cases, and insights that show where the challenges Algorand Foundation is addressing are playing out – and getting solved – in real time,” said Sandra Uwantege Hart, Humanitarian Venture Lab lead at Mercy Corps Ventures.

“Humanitarian crises demand faster, more transparent aid solutions. Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize aid delivery through unparalleled traceability. If this initiative can match the speed and efficiency of the 40 billion+ transactions Worldpay processes annually, there is an opportunity to provide life-saving support to the millions facing humanitarian crises, ensuring funds reach those in need without delay,” said Ahmed Zifzaf, head of crypto/web3 partnerships for Worldpay.

“In UNDP, we are exploring with Algorand how digital payments can bring transparency while making payments with more speed and trust to support the lives in countries without a strong banking ecosystem. Special attention is being paid to supporting the work of civil society organizations, such as through our Tadamon network of 4000 CSOs,” said Robert Pasicko, Innovation Team Leader a.i. at UNDP.

Serving council members currently include:

Sandra Uwantege Hart, Humanitarian Venture Lab Lead at Mercy Corps VenturesMercina Tillemann Perez, Vice President, Circle Impact at CirclePaula Gil Baizan, PoliSync Centre for International Policy EngagementAhmed Zifzaf, Head of Crypto/Web3 Partnerships at WorldpayHasan Fallaha, Livelihoods and Economic Recovery programme Analyst at UNDP SyriaAli Theyab Al-Zuhairi, Economic Reform (FFER-FED) Project Coordinator at the UNDP Iraq Country OfficeRobert Pasicko, Innovation Team Leader a.i., United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)Henri de Jong, Chief Business Development Officer at QuantozRory Crew, Technical Advisor on Data & Digitalization at the CALP NetworkNigel Pont, Senior Advisor at HesabPaySuzana Moreno, Blockchain Technology Strategy and Portfolio Project Manager at WFP Innovation AcceleratorKelly Stablein, Independent Humanitarian Consultant

About Algorand Foundation
Algorand’s mission is to power a world where information has integrity and innovative ideas can scale. The Algorand Foundation supports Algorand’s rapidly growing ecosystem by providing a best-in-class developer environment, supporting key infrastructure and setting technical standards, offering comprehensive support to builders and entrepreneurs, and providing the infrastructure for decentralized governance.

Founded by Turing Award-winning cryptographer Silvio Micali in 2019, Algorand has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of developers, entrepreneurs, and enterprise partners that benefit from institutional-grade certainty and resilience, while features like low fees, instant finality, and a minimal carbon footprint also appeal to the protocol’s millions of retail users. Builders of all kinds can use common programming languages like Python to develop advanced apps and protocols that solve important problems at a global scale: instant payments in war and disaster zones, self-sovereign identity for the disenfranchised, supply-chain traceability for global commerce, permissionless protocols addressing financial inclusion, and the creation of entirely new markets through tokenization, to name a few. To learn more and start your journey on Algorand, visit algorand.foundation.

About Circle
Circle is a global financial technology firm that enables businesses of all sizes to harness the power of digital currencies and public blockchains for payments, commerce and financial applications worldwide. Circle is the issuer of USDC and EURC – highly liquid, interoperable, and trusted money protocols on the internet. Circle’s open and programmable platform and APIs make it easy for organizations to run their internet-scale business, whether it is making international payments, building globally-accessible Web3 apps, or managing their internal treasury. Learn more at https://circle.com.

About HesabPay
HesabPay is a global payment app at the forefront of global financial inclusion, targeting the 2 billion unbanked individuals worldwide. With exponential growth, HesabPay now boasts over half a million users, facilitating $35 million in peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers monthly. The platform serves 250,000 households in managing their bill payments and supports over two dozen donors in distributing humanitarian cash assistance. HesabPay’s impact is evident in its expansive reach and the vital financial lifeline it provides. Discover the full extent of HesabPay’s services at hesab.com.  

About Mercy Corps Ventures
Mercy Corps Ventures invests in and catalyzes venture-led solutions to increase the resilience of underserved individuals and communities. Founded in 2015 as the impact investing arm of global development agency, Mercy Corps, we’ve supported 50 early-stage ventures to scale and raise over $465 million in follow-on capital. 44% of our portfolio has at least 1 female co-founder and centers around climate adaptation and resilience-building solutions in adaptive agriculture and food systems, inclusive fintech, and climate-smart technologies, so that those living in frontier markets can withstand disruption and plan for the future. Through capital and support, piloting new approaches, action-oriented insights, and rigorously managing impact, we catalyze the ecosystem toward smarter, more impactful investments. Learn more at www.mercycorpsventures.vc.

About Worldpay
Worldpay is a leading payments technology and solutions company with unique capabilities to power omni-commerce across the globe. Our processing solutions allow businesses of all sizes to take, make and manage payments in-person and online from anywhere in the world. Annually, we process over 40 billion transactions across 146 countries and 135 currencies. We help our customers become more efficient, more secure and more successful.

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SOURCE Algorand Foundation

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365 Retail Markets Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Hires

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Announcement Comes as Two Long-Time Executives Retire

TROY, Mich., Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 365 Retail Markets, the global leader in unattended retail technologies, today announced the appointment of Anton Rakushkin as Chief Technology Officer and Bill Reidy as VP of Sales for North America. These strategic hires come as two long-time leaders, Joe Rogan and John Chidiac, retire after years of dedicated service to the company.

365 Retail Markets announces the appointment of Anton Rakushkin as CTO and Bill Reidy as VP of Sales- North America.

Rakushkin comes to 365 with twenty years of experience in retail technology including time with Streamware Corporation and Crane Connectivity Solutions. He holds impressive accomplishments in the areas of vending management, including the architecture of Vendmax, an extensively used VMS system across the industry. His achievements also include innovations around data exchange and tools for operator success such as industry-first pre-kit and dynamic scheduling features. Rakushkin has had notable success working closely with both customers and other solution providers to create widely adopted industry standards.

“I am excited to bring my experience to the world-class team at 365 and look forward to elevating their impressive accomplishments across the industry as well as extending that success to more opportunities. By understanding customer needs and providing solutions that will drive the industry forward, we will accomplish great things,” said Rakushkin.

Reidy joins 365 Retail Markets with over thirty years of experience in sales leadership and executive management. Throughout his career, he has successfully developed and grown businesses across various verticals and industries. Reidy has cultivated a deep understanding of the SaaS industry by advancing through prominent firms, including well-known players in the automotive technology space, such as KPA, Netsertive, and DealerMatch. During his time at vAuto, he designed highly effective sales and operations management processes and built a renowned national sales team.

When asked about his optimism around 365’s growth potential, Reidy noted, “I’m fortunate to be joining a well-established team at 365 Retail Markets, and I believe that through coaching and establishing the right processes, we can expand our opportunities immensely. I am looking forward to elevating the reach and success of this organization through the help of a world-class sales team.”

Joe Hessling, CEO at 365 Retail Markets, expressed his excitement about the leadership additions. “Bringing experts like Anton and Bill onto the team is essential to keep up with the intense growth we are seeing in our unattended retail business. We have heard for years that the market is tired of the lack of investment by the legacy VMS providers and the lack of consumer-focused features from the me-too payment terminal providers.  Anton and Bill will be focused on being sure 365 remains the global leader for decades to come.”

Joe Rogan retires after 10 years with 365. While currently serving as Chief Strategy Officer, he has previously served as Chief Financial Officer and an early advisor and Board Member helping define nearly every successful initiative in the company’s history.  Joe will be missed greatly by his industry colleagues and friends at 365 but will remain in an advisory role in his retirement.

John Chidiac’s decade of service to 365 comes with many accomplishments in roles as Chief Operating Officer and later as President of International, spearheading international growth. His dedication to 365 has positioned the long-term success internationally and his relationships with many in the industry has gained him immense respect among his peers and colleagues.

Hessling acknowledged their contributions, stating, “I would like to thank both Joe and John for helping me turn 365 into what it is today.  Taking the leap to join over 10 years ago was a risk neither had to take and their impact on 365, me, and the industry has been something that most don’t ever get the chance to do in their careers.  I will miss working with them both but am happy for them in their next stage of life.”

Both retirements are effective December 31, 2024 and 365 Retail Markets thanks both individuals for their incredible dedication and commitment to the organization and industry.

CONTACT:       
Navreet Gill
VP of Marketing & Communications, 365 Retail Markets
navreet.gill@365smartshop.com

About 365 Retail Markets
365 Retail Markets is the global leader in unattended retail technology. Founded in 2008, 365 provides a full suite of best-in-class, self-service technologies for food service operators including end-to-end integrated SaaS software, payment processing and point of-sale hardware. Today, the company’s technology solutions autonomously power food retail spaces at corporate offices, manufacturing and distribution facilities, hospitality settings and more, in order to provide compelling foodservice options for consumers. 365’s technology solutions include a growing suite of frictionless smart stores, micro markets, vending, catering, and dining point-of-sale options to meet the expanding needs of its customers. 365 continuously pioneers innovation in the industry with superior technology, strategic partnerships and ultimate flexibility in customization and branding.  

For more information about 365 Retail Markets, visit www.365retailmarkets.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE 365 Retail Markets, LLC

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The Inner Circle acknowledges, Tane Remington as a Pinnacle Professional Member

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LIVERMORE, Calif., Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Tane Remington is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions at the Forefront of Innovation in Physics & Engineering.               

Dr. Tane Remington, a trailblazer in the fields of physics, engineering, and materials science, continues to drive forward technological innovation as the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Maelstrom Water Technologies. With a profound commitment to advancing environmental sustainability through cutting-edge research and development, Dr. Remington has established herself as a visionary leader in the industry.

Dr. Remington’s journey into the realm of scientific discovery began with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, laying a solid foundation for her academic pursuits at Swarthmore College. At the University of California, San Diego. Here, she earned a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering, followed by a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, completing her education in 2015. Her academic achievements underscore her deep expertise and dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.

Throughout her illustrious career spanning over a decade, Dr. Remington has amassed multiple pending patents and has actively contributed to pioneering research initiatives. Her seminal works, including groundbreaking articles on Numerical Simulations of Laboratory-Scale Hypervelocity-Impact Experiments for Asteroid-Deflection Code Validation and Deformation and failure in extreme regimes by high-energy pulsed lasers, highlight her pivotal role in advancing the frontiers of science and technology.

An active member of the American Physical Society, Dr. Remington remains committed to fostering collaborative partnerships and driving impactful change within her field. Her contributions have not only garnered acclaim but have also set new standards for innovation and excellence in physics and engineering.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Remington attributes much of her success to the support of her family and peers, expressing gratitude to “all the dreamers” who have inspired and motivated her throughout her journey.

Looking ahead, Dr. Remington envisions a future marked by continued growth and success in her pursuit of environmental sustainability through technological advancement. Her unwavering commitment to innovation and scientific inquiry positions her as a catalyst for positive change in the global landscape of physics and engineering.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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The Inner Circle acknowledges, Donald B. Olson as a Pinnacle Life Achiever

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MIAMI, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Donald B. Olson is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Life Achiever for his contributions in Leading Oceanography and Marine Science Innovator.

Dr. Donald B. Olson has established himself as a prominent figure in oceanography, marine, and atmospheric science over his illustrious 50-year career. Currently a professor at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science since 1979, Dr. Olson’s contributions span across education, research, and international collaboration.

Dr. Olson’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming in 1974, followed by both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy from Texas A&M University in 1976 and 1979, respectively. His early academic achievements paved the way for a distinguished career focused on advancing our understanding of oceanographic systems and their impact on marine ecosystems.

Throughout his career, Dr. Olson has been instrumental in fostering educational opportunities in South American oceanographic programs. He served as visiting faculty at the University of Buenos Aires and the University of Sao Paulo, pioneering graduate courses in physical oceanography tailored for fisheries and climate studies across Latin America. Additionally, Dr. Olson led a groundbreaking summer program on biophysical interactions in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, supported by funding from the U.S. Navy to enhance biophysical models of the ocean.

Dr. Olson’s expertise spans multiple disciplines within oceanography, including marine ecosystem ecology, mesoscale oceanography, and mathematical physiology. He is a member of prestigious scientific organizations such as the American Meteorological Society, American Geophysical Union, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Oceanographic Society, and American Fisheries Society, reflecting his influence and recognition in the field.

His prolific research has garnered numerous grants from institutions like the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, and NASA. Dr. Olson’s work is widely published, with over 150 articles in scholarly journals and contributions to various book chapters. He has also served as an associate editor for Oceanography magazine, the Journal of Marine Research, and as editor of Geophysical Research Letters-Oceans.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Dr. Olson received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wyoming, celebrating his impact on oceanographic research and education. Looking ahead, Dr. Olson remains committed to advancing oceanographic knowledge, fostering international collaborations, and mentoring future generations of scientists in the field.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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