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CCI Announces Major Expansion Across Geographies and Expertise

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Global expansion to Africa, Japan, and a partnership for global standards.Proof of Stake Alliance now part of the CCI ecosystem; new subject matter expert joins.New research partnership with Decentralization Research Center.Read more from CEO Sheila Warren.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI) announced a series of significant developments as part of its continued growth and global expansion.

They include: partnerships with the Japan Cryptoasset Business Association (JCBA) and Global Digital Finance (GDF), the integration of the Proof of Stake Alliance (POSA) into the CCI ecosystem, and the addition of Yele Bademosi as Africa Advisor.

Expanding Expertise: Proof of Stake Alliance

Staking market value has surged to nearly $600 billion. Next year, regulators and policymakers across jurisdictions will turn increased attention to this growing ecosystem.

As part of our commitment to expanding technical expertise and to making sure leaders stay ahead of the curve, CCI is proud to announce the integration of the Proof of Stake Alliance (POSA) as a core project that will prioritize educating global policymakers on the critical role of staking in network security and decentralization.

The project will continue to be led by trusted expert Alison Mangiero, Executive Director of POSA. It is anchored by Figment and Polychain Capital and members include Andreessen Horowitz, Ava Labs, Blockdaemon, Eigen Labs, Electric Capital, Lido, Kiln, and Paradigm. Anchors will help guide the areas of strategic focus and all members will work on advocating for clear and forward-looking policies for an important year ahead.

“CCI has always been about setting the standard for the responsible growth of blockchain technology,” said Sheila Warren, CEO, Crypto Council for Innovation. “Combining POSA’s technical expertise with CCI’s global advocacy reach will create the ideal team to lead the conversation around the future of this crucial issue.”

“With staking more critical than ever, joining forces with CCI is a pivotal step forward,” said Alison Mangiero, Executive Director, POSA. “At the Proof of Stake Alliance, we’ve been dedicated to producing legal and policy research and advocating for policies that support, grow, and protect proof-of-stake technologies and raising awareness about their crucial role in network security and maintenance. We are ready to take this message forward globally.” 

“The exponential growth of the staking market underscores its critical role in the blockchain ecosystem,” said Jennie Levin, Chief Regulatory and Strategy Officer, Figment. “As we join forces with Crypto Council for Innovation, Figment is committed to advocating for clear, equitable policies that foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection. Our goal is to educate policymakers globally on the technical nature of staking services, emphasizing their distinct role in network security and decentralization.” 

“Polychain is proud to be an anchor of POSA and continue supporting this initiative to educate global policymakers about the essential role staking plays in network security and decentralization,” said Matt Perona, COO, Polychain Capital. “We look forward to identifying and raising topics of critical importance for consideration by the broader group that will help guide POSA’s work.”

Global Expansion: CCI partners in Japan, on Global Standards and adds Yele Bademosi as Advisor

CCI and JCBA Forge Partnership to Expand Digital Asset Policy Collaboration Across Asia

In a groundbreaking move, CCI and JCBA are joining forces to collaborate on advancing digital asset policy in Japan and across Asia. The partnership is focused on sharing regulatory insights, policy developments, and advocacy efforts to amplify their collective voice in the region.

“This partnership strengthens both organizations’ ability to drive thoughtful, informed policy discussions on a global scale,” said Warren. “We look forward to working with JCBA to shape the future of digital asset regulation in an increasingly key global market.”

This collaboration marks an important milestone in uniting the strengths of the U.S. and Japan in the crypto ecosystem. By aligning regulatory efforts across key markets, CCI and JCBA are poised to drive greater consistency in global policy approaches, enabling business and innovation to thrive while ensuring robust consumer protections.

Strengthening Industry Collaboration: CCI and Global Digital Finance (GDF)

CCI is excited to announce its collaboration with GDF. A leading organization dedicated to making finance truly global and digital, GDF focuses on reshaping financial services and markets through decentralized financial market infrastructure and digital assets.

Through this collaboration, both organizations will continue existing joint work on critical issues, including staking; engage jointly on select key policy papers and consultation responses to regulators and policymakers; and further build community engagement in the UK. This work will help ensure that crypto and digital assets are used responsibly and sustainably, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive global financial system.

“GDF and CCI share a common mission of promoting global financial inclusion and accessibility,” said Laura Navaratnam, UK Policy Lead, CCI. “This collaboration, along with CCI’s growing influence across various regions, are setting the stage for a more connected, innovative, and equitable future for blockchain and digital assets worldwide.”

“CCI and GDF are both recognised by industry, policymakers, and regulators as the preeminent global industry associations with a track record of building community consensus and delivering material outcomes that move the digital assets industry forward – the collaboration has created a supranational tour de force,” says Elise Soucie Watts, Executive Director, GDF.

CCI and GDF look forward to continuing to collaborate in order to support the digital asset ecosystem and to achieve appropriate regulatory outcomes for our members to help grow responsible innovation.

Expanding Networks Across Africa: Welcoming New Advisor Yele Bademosi

CCI welcomes Yele Bademosi as a new advisor. Yele, Co-Creator of Onboard Global and a prominent voice in the African blockchain space, will help CCI expand its network across the African continent. His extensive knowledge of Africa’s digital asset landscape and his commitment to fostering blockchain adoption make him a valuable addition to the CCI team.

“Yele’s appointment underscores CCI’s dedication to broadening its global reach, with a particular focus on Africa’s rapidly growing interest in blockchain technology,” Warren said. “Through his leadership, CCI will work to connect African innovators with global policymakers, ensuring that Africa’s burgeoning crypto industry is represented in discussions shaping the future of digital finance.”

With these key developments, CCI is poised to lead the conversation on the future of blockchain technology, fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking regulation across the globe.

Focusing on Fundamentals: CCI and Decentralization Research Center

CCI and the Decentralization Research Center (DRC) are also announcing a partnership aimed at advancing research and promoting collaboration on the critical issue of decentralization within blockchain technology.

As decentralized technologies continue to reshape industries, the DRC will focus on defining use cases, key metrics, and features that illustrate the spectrum of decentralization across blockchain networks.

Through this partnership with CCI, a broad range of stakeholders will gain evidence-based insight from educational materials and analyses that highlight the importance of decentralized models.

The DRC believes that decentralization is not only key to blockchain but is also critical across all emerging technologies to ensure more equitable ownership and governance of the systems that shape our society. While CCI remains focused on the crypto ecosystem, there is increasing interest from policymakers in decentralization as it relates to adjacent technologies, including artificial intelligence.

“This collaborative effort will foster clarity and consensus, helping to elevate the voice of decentralized communities and inform regulatory and policy frameworks that reflect the unique value of decentralized systems,” Warren said.

“Decentralization is the cornerstone of trust and resilience in blockchain systems,” said Connor Spelliscy, Executive Director, DRC. “We’re excited to partner with CCI to deepen understanding and promote frameworks that capture the value of decentralization.”

Addendum – Executive Quotes on POSA

“We founded the Alliance when many of the first proof of stake blockchains were launching, and the first staking as a service providers were beginning to commercialize their services,” said Evan Weiss, COO of Alluvial and Founder of POSA. “In the years since, the staking industry has grown and matured exponentially. I’m excited for POSA to take its next step forward as a global player, advocating for the regulatory clarity that would unleash a new wave of institutional and mainstream adoption for staking ecosystems, and bring millions of new users onchain.”

“At Blockdaemon, we’re proud to be part of POSA, marking a significant step toward amplifying the voice of the staking industry on a global scale,” said Konstantin Richter, CEO & Founder, Blockdaemon. “As proof-of-stake ecosystems expand, it’s crucial to advocate for clear, thoughtful standards to help risk management while pushing forward innovation to establish staking as a critical technical service.”

About the Crypto Council for Innovation

The Crypto Council for Innovation is the premier global alliance for advancing innovation. It believes in leading with a global view, advocating for inclusive regulation, and developing evidence-based insights to support government and business leaders. It has teams in San Francisco, Washington DC, New York, Denver, London, Brussels, and Hong Kong.

Press contact

Amanda Russo, Director of Communications, Crypto Council for Innovation, Amanda@cryptocouncil.org +1 510 761 1657

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SOURCE Crypto Council for Innovation

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MoFo Survey: Tech M&A Revival Buoyed by Market Rally, Lower Financing Costs, and Private Equity Deal Making

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Enthusiasm for transformative technologies and drive to maintain competitive advantages in an evolving tech ecosystem fuel optimism for increased dealmaking in 2025

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Morrison Foerster, a leading global law firm, today announced the results of its annual Tech M&A Survey conducted in conjunction with Mergermarket, which reveals that momentum for tech dealmaking is gathering steam amid market optimism and demand for transformative technologies across all sectors. This is reflected in aggregate reported deal value, which surged by 39% reaching $482 billion so far in 2024. The new Morrison Foerster and Mergermarket survey report, “Powering Up: Sentiment, Stocks, and Security Drive the Tech Deal Revival” shows that 54% of respondents are expecting deal volumes to increase over the next 12 months, up from 48% in last year’s survey.

Morrison Foerster’s Tech M&A Survey conducted in conjunction with Mergermarket reveals that momentum for tech dealmaking is gathering steam amid market optimism and demand for transformative technologies across all sectors.

“We’re seeing a renewed appetite for big-ticket tech M&A, driven by improved buyer sentiment and a rally in key tech stocks,” said Brandon Parris, partner and co-chair of Morrison Foerster’s global M&A practice. “The tech M&A market is reawakening, marked by a trend toward fewer but heftier transactions. This energy is a decisive shift from last year’s retreat, laying the foundations for a recovery in 2025.”

“Dealmakers are evaluating more considerations in this shifting market with deal structures that offer flexibility, shared risk, and performance guarantees,” added Jeremy White, partner and co-chair of Morrison Foerster’s global M&A practice. “However, tech M&A continues to be a priority as investor interest in larger, domestic acquisitions of high growth companies are seen as the key for unlocking the promise of transformative technologies like generative AI.”

Key Findings

More Tech M&A Deals Expected Ahead: The technology sector witnessed a resurgence in M&A activity during the first nine months of 2024. Volume remained steady at 6,500 deals, while aggregate deal value surged by 39%, reaching $482 billion. This aligns with sentiment among survey participants, with fifty-four percent of respondents expecting deal volumes to increase over the next 12 months, up from 48% in our previous survey.Private Equity Leads Revival: Private equity firms are especially bullish with 57% anticipating tech deals compared to 51% of corporates. Global private equity-backed deals worth $5 billion and above jumped in 2024 and totaled $123.64 billion as of July, already exceeding the $75.2 billion for full year 2023.Tech’s AI Transformation Just Beginning: Survey respondents indicated that companies in business services (59%), technology (55%), and retail (42%) are leading in AI integration and utilization by quickly adopting AI for central tasks. Pharmaceuticals, medical and biotech (51%), and energy, mining, and utilities (49%) were identified as the sectors with the most potential for new or improved AI.Alternative Deal Structures Maintain Appeal: Investors are looking to mitigate financial, regulatory, or market risks through minority investments, earnouts, and other alternatives like joint ventures and contingent consideration. Eighty percent of PE firms surveyed will be exploring minority investments in their tech M&A plans over the next 12 months. Seventy-eight percent of corporate buyers will use earnouts or contingent considerations in future tech M&A transactions.Rise of Shareholder Activism: The focus on technology’s tremendous disruptive potential and high valuations has led to an increase in shareholder activism globally. Fifty-one percent of respondents indicated that shareholder activism in connection with tech M&A is likely to increase over the next three years. Dealmakers now need to carefully assess and prepare for potential activist investors when initiating M&A activity. The introduction of the universal proxy card in the United States has led to the proliferation of first-time occasional activists.ESG Standards Here to Stay: Dealmakers continue to focus on ESG considerations during risk assessments for acquisition targets and rated it 8.1 out of 10 this year. The responses increased to 8.7 out of 10 in ESG importance for future due diligence. New ESG disclosure requirements from various jurisdictions should provide standardized reporting for future M&A due diligence.

To download the full survey results with additional insights, visit: https://www.mofo.com/tech-ma-forecast.

Methodology

In Q2 2024, Mergermarket surveyed 300 dealmakers from around the world to gain insights into the future of technology related M&A. Respondents were equally distributed among corporates with a minimum of $250 million in annual revenue and private equity (PE) firms with a minimum of $500 million in assets under management. In respect of geography, 30% of respondents were based in North America, 30% in Europe, 30% in Asia-Pacific, and 10% in Latin America. All responses are anonymous, and the results are presented in aggregate.

About Morrison Foerster

Morrison Foerster is a leading global law firm that transforms complexity into advantage for its clients. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, banks, consulting and accounting firms, and Fortune 100, technology, and life sciences companies. Highlighting the firm’s commitment to client service, leadership in market-changing deals and impact litigation, and values-based culture, Morrison Foerster has been named to The American Lawyer’s A-List for 20 of the ranking’s 21 years. Year after year, the firm receives significant recognition from Chambers and The Legal 500 across their various guides, including Global, USA, Asia Pacific, Europe, UK, Latin America, and FinTech Legal. Our lawyers passionately care about delivering legal excellence while living our values. Morrison Foerster has a long-standing commitment to creating a culture that respects and celebrates differences, while providing an inclusive environment. The firm has achieved Mansfield Certification Plus since 2018 as a result of having at least 30% women, minority, LGBTQ+, and lawyers with disabilities representation across notable leadership roles and within partnership. In addition, the firm was selected as the “Outstanding Firm for Diversity & Inclusion” as part of the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: USA 2023. Morrison Foerster also has a long history of commitment to the community and society through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education and fostering the wellbeing of children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, enforcing the right to asylum, and safeguarding the environment. For more information, visit http://www.mofo.com.

Media Contact

Ming Lacey, Morrison Foerster, 917-340-7251, mlacey@mofo.com, https://www.mofo.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/mofo-survey-tech-ma-revival-buoyed-by-market-rally-lower-financing-costs-and-private-equity-deal-making-302291268.html

SOURCE Morrison Foerster

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PropertyChecker.com Set to Exhibit at NAR NXT – The REALTOR® Experience 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts

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Boston, Massachusetts, October 30, 2024, PropertyChecker will be exhibiting at the largest real estate expo in the nation and will be introducing their exclusive PropertyChecker Pro membership to realtors, either individuals or agencies.

BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Boston, Massachusetts, October 30, 2024, PropertyChecker will be exhibiting at the largest real estate expo in the nation and will be introducing an exclusive PropertyChecker Pro membership to realtors, either individuals or agencies. Up to 10 users can use the same membership, and they benefit from customized PDF reports. All attendees are invited to stop by their booth and see firsthand why their platform is changing the way real estate transactions are made.

NAR NXT is the largest annual event for top-tier real estate professionals. It features education and networking sessions that encompass every aspect of the real estate industry with renowned speakers from around the globe.

In today’s ever-evolving real estate landscape, making informed decisions can feel like navigating a maze without a map. Whether a seasoned investor, a first-time homebuyer, or an agent striving to close the perfect deal, understanding property data is one’s compass in this complex market.

From tracking trends and pricing dynamics to uncovering hidden gems and potential pitfalls, leveraging accurate property information empowers everyone to make smarter choices that lead to successful transactions. Harnessing the power of property data is not just beneficial—it’s essential for thriving in the competitive world of real estate.

Harness The Power of Property Data:

Property Owner(s): Looking to find out information on who owns a property? Obtain details such as the property owner’s name, phone number, and mailing address.Purchase History: Uncover the property’s sales history, including past sale prices, sale dates, transfer type, and additional details.Loan Records: Conducting loan records searches reveals crucial property details, such as loan amounts, terms, rates, status, lender information, and associated names.Deeds: Searching property deed records can provide a lot of information about the property ownership. Users can find information such as type of deed, seller and buyer info, liens, and terms of sale.Property Details: Property details are essential for anyone buying, selling, or investing in real estate. Reviewing property records provides valuable insights, including square footage, bedroom and bathroom count, lot size and location, renovation history, and more.Neighborhood Info: When purchasing a home, understanding the neighborhood is crucial. Neighborhood records offer details on proximity to parks, schools, and others. PropertyChecker reports also provide critical stats like crime, school ratings, demographics, Household income, etc.Tax Records: Examining property tax records is vital for uncovering tax assessment values, owed taxes, exemptions, land, and property enhancements, and more.Market Values: Knowing property values empowers users with essential information for buying, selling, or investing. Gain insights into size, location, condition, and improvements, as well as historical changes.Building Permits: Gain essential details like permit status, type, applicant name, fees paid, effective date, and permit number.Foreclosures: Explore comprehensive foreclosure records featuring key details such as publication date, record last update, record type, borrower name, lender name, trustee name, foreclosure document instrument number, original loan amount, and auction city.Lien Records: Discover vital information within lien records, including publication date, record last update, record type, debtor name, creditor name, lien amount, lien instrument number, and lien status.Residents: Obtain detailed resident profiles, including full names, contact information, and tenure duration at specific properties.

Property data plays a pivotal role during negotiations. It equips buyers and sellers with essential information that can influence the terms of an agreement. Knowledge of local market trends, comparable property values, and historical sales data can empower negotiators to advocate for their best interests.

During due diligence, having access to comprehensive property data is crucial. Buyers need details on zoning regulations, tax assessments, and potential liens or encumbrances. This knowledge helps identify any red flags before finalizing a deal.

Sellers benefit as well; by understanding current market conditions through accurate data, they can confidently set competitive prices. Armed with this information, both parties can engage in more transparent discussions.

Ultimately, leveraging quality property data fosters trust between buyers and sellers while streamlining the entire transaction process.

For complete information, visit: https://propertychecker.com/

Media Contact

Chafiq Elbissouri, PropertyChecker, 1 (800) 396-4909, press@propertychecker.com, https://propertychecker.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/propertycheckercom-set-to-exhibit-at-nar-nxt—the-realtor-experience-2024-in-boston-massachusetts-302291590.html

SOURCE PropertyChecker

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A passion for purpose: Sun Life’s Marie-Chantal Côté named among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women

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TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2024 /CNW/ – Dynamic and inspiring, Sun Life’s Marie-Chantal Côté, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Sun Life, has been named among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by The Women’s Executive Network (WXN). Marie-Chantal is a winner in the Executive Leader category, which celebrates women who exemplify what it means to be a great leader in their organization and communities.

Marie-Chantal has had a meaningful impact at Sun Life, the industry, and the communities we serve. Since joining Sun Life in 1998 as an analyst, she has held progressively senior roles across the organization demonstrating visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to helping Clients live healthier lives.

“Marie-Chantal is a remarkable and authentic leader who uses her voice to help build up those around her,” said Dave Jones, President, Sun Life Health. “Her passion and advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion shines in everything she does, particularly in her business strategy and efforts to enhance workplace equity for women and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. She has been instrumental in driving real and meaningful change for her team members and our Clients.”

Today, Marie-Chantal leads Sun Life Canada’s Group Benefits business in Canada, helping to provide comprehensive and inclusive benefits for over four million members and their families. She has been a driving force for advancing the Group Benefits industry, ensuring the unique and diverse needs of Canadians are not only met but prioritized.

Under Marie-Chantal’s leadership she’s helped to propel the following key initiatives:

Inclusive Benefits: Marie-Chantal has been a champion for removing the stigma around women’s health, including menopause, and advancing supports in the workplace. Sun Life was the first major insurance company in Canada to offer both fertility treatment and surrogate expense coverage. She was also integral to helping Sun Life lead the way in offering gender affirmation coverage to help gender-diverse employees or dependents.Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): Sun Life and the Government of Canada rolled out the CDCP, one of the largest health programs in Canada in the last few decades. This landmark program will provide dental care for millions of uninsured Canadians, including vulnerable population groups such as the elderly. As of September 19, 2024, more than 2,400,000 Canadians are approved to participate in the CDCP and more than 750,000 members have received care under the CDCP1.Lumino Health Virtual Care: As a market leader, Sun Life has brought many innovations to Clients including Lumino Health Virtual Care, powered by Dialogue. The service offers flexibility and choice to support Clients mental and physical well-being. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Marie-Chantal spearheaded the rollout of virtual care to 1.5 million Canadians free of charge in record time.Mental Health: Marie-Chantal is a vocal advocate for removing the stigma around mental health. She encourages workplaces and employers to play a key role providing supports and having open conversations around mental health. She is regularly requested for speaking opportunities and media interviews to share her insights and perspectives on this important topic.

“I’m honored to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by The Women’s Executive Network (WXN). As a woman and proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I understand the importance of being seen and represented,” said Marie-Chantal Côté, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Sun Life. “This award not only recognizes strong leaders but also helps pave the way for others so their passion can authentically shine.”

Learn more about Sun Life’s commitment to sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.46 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.  

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. 

Media Relations Contact: 

Megan Hawkins 
Manager
Corporate Communications
T. 647-524-8536
megan.hawkins@sunlife.com

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars 

Government of Canada. Canadian Dental Care Plan Statistics, 2024.

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.

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