HONG KONG, Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Quinlan & Associates and IDA Finance Hong Kong Limited (“IDA”) have co-published a thought leadership report that explores the potential for regulated stablecoins to evolve into trusted legal tender, gaining widespread acceptance for real-world applications, especially local and cross-border payments.

Report link: https://www.quinlanandassociates.com/from-digital-currency-to-legal-tender/ 

The report, titled, From Digital Currency to Legal Tender: The Role of Regulated Stablecoins in Driving Real-world Payments, examines the current stablecoin landscape, where usage remains largely within the Web3 ecosystem. The report also presents a forward-looking vision for a model stablecoin to be widely adopted in everyday real-world applications. A regulated and non-captive stablecoin is expected to offer robust user protection and foster trust, moving beyond the confines of the Web3 space into mainstream financial systems.

In today’s digital asset environment, stablecoins have gained immense popularity for their ability to maintain a stable representation of fiat currency values. “Paired with blockchain-enabled favourable features such as programmability, stablecoins can offer cost efficiency, enhanced transparency, 24/7 availability, and faster processing that traditional financial systems simply can’t match,” said Lawrence Chu, Co-Founder and CEO of IDA. “Due to these features, we see tremendous potential for stablecoins to play a pivotal role in the real-world financial economy.”

To capitalise on this potential, an increasing number of non-Web3 companies have begun issuing their own stablecoins. PayPal, a leading global online payment provider, has launched PYUSD, while Sony Bank is preparing to release a yen-backed stablecoin on the Polygon blockchain. Despite the growing supply, widespread adoption among merchants and consumers in the real economy remains limited.

“Although paying for goods online with digital currencies can be cheaper than using typical payment methods like e-wallets or credit cards, many users hesitate,” explained Benjamin Quinlan, CEO and Managing Partner of Quinlan & Associates. “This reluctance is largely driven by regulatory uncertainty, with 81% of merchants citing it as the primary barrier to accepting digital assets like stablecoin as a mainstream payment option.”

As a result, real-world applications of stablecoins exhibit limited utility.

“While prominent consumer brands such as Tag Heuer and Adidas have begun accepting crypto payments, they typically convert these transactions into fiat currency through third-party processors. This practice diminishes the potential advantages of using stablecoins, as merchants ultimately receive fiat rather than realising the benefits of digital assets,” continued Mr. Quinlan. “On top of this, the stablecoins issued by many financial institutions tend to remain confined within their own ecosystems, otherwise referred to as ‘walled gardens’.”

The report states the case for a trusted regulated, non-captive stablecoin to unlock wider real-world applications, starting from payments. The introduction of stablecoins has the potential to revolutionise Hong Kong’s domestic payment landscape, which currently faces high fees, inflexible options for users, and slow settlement times for merchants.

“Aligned with Hong Kong’s digital economy agenda, as outlined in the policy address, and push for regulated stablecoins, we believe their adoption can accelerate progress in this area,” stated Sean Lee, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of IDA, “We are planning to launch an HKD-based stablecoin product and are actively working to widen our partnership network to integrate stablecoins into existing financial infrastructure, ultimately striving to reinforce Hong Kong’s leadership in the global digital asset landscape.”

“We see a significant opportunity for a non-USD pegged stablecoin, as 83% of countries worldwide do not use the USD as their official or secondary currency for transactions. This means residents and visiting tourists primarily transact in their local currencies,” Mr. Lee added, “An HKD-based stablecoin could provide practical utility for a wide array of applications across various sectors, including retail and commercial payments, and contribute to an increasingly interconnected global economy.”

About Quinlan & Associates

Quinlan & Associates is one of Asia’s leading independent strategy consultancies. We are the first firm to offer end-to-end strategy consulting services. From strategy formulation to execution to ongoing reporting, communications, and training, we translate cutting-edge advice into commercially executable solutions. With our team of top-tier financial service and strategy consulting professionals and our global network of alliance partners, we give our clients the most up-to-date industry insights from around the world, putting them an essential step ahead of their competitors.

For more information, please visit www.quinlanandassociates.com.

About IDA

IDA is the premier digital asset technology company to spearhead the widespread adoption of blockchain finance and to empower businesses to seamlessly integrate between Web2 and Web3.

IDA will launch a stablecoin product which is designed to drive enhanced connectivity of digital currency for seamless commerce and payments between Hong Kong and global markets, 24/7/365. To maintain the highest level of security and stability, all circulating stablecoins will always be fully backed by at least 100% reserve assets in regulated Hong Kong based authorized institutions.

To maximize the network effect of the stablecoin project for domestic and cross-border usage, IDA is partnering with key industry players to facilitate the minting, redemption and widespread acceptance of stablecoins as a payment and settlement digital currency.

For more information, please visit www.idafi.xyz.

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SOURCE IDA

PDRL and Digital Quantum Unite to Drive Innovation and Expand the AeroMegh GeoAI Ecosystem

NASHIK, India, Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PDRL, a leader in drone technology solutions, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Digital Quantum, a global technology consulting firm specializing in digital transformation. This strategic collaboration is set to enhance the capabilities of PDRL’s AeroMegh GeoAI platform, delivering next-generation digital solutions to a wider audience in the rapidly expanding drone industry.

About Indian GIS Industry 2024

The Indian Geographic Information System (GIS) industry in 2024 is experiencing substantial growth, fuelled by advancements in digital transformation and the increased adoption of drone and satellite technologies across sectors like agriculture, urban planning, infrastructure, and disaster management. Government initiatives, including the Digital India program, Smart Cities Mission, and the Geospatial Data Policy, have strengthened the GIS ecosystem, encouraging both innovation and cross-sector adoption of GIS-driven solutions. As cloud-based, AI-driven, and real-time GIS solutions become more prominent, the industry is evolving to support accurate, on-demand data and dynamic decision-making. Partnerships, such as that of PDRL and Digital Quantum, are pivotal in driving this growth by bringing advanced technology and streamlined data capabilities to the forefront.

About AeroMegh, A GeoAI Platform

AeroMegh combines pioneering AI and GIS technologies to enhance drone operations, geospatial intelligence, and data analytics. Its capabilities include comprehensive GIS features for data processing, importing, and workflow integration through APIs, allowing users to efficiently manage geospatial data and generate actionable insights. The platform’s AI-powered features deliver advanced image and video analytics, automating processes such as object detection and annotation to streamline aerial data analysis. AeroMegh also supports LiDAR integration and photogrammetry for high-precision mapping and 3D modeling, enabling applications in agriculture, construction, and urban planning. Collaboration features, including role-based access and real-time interaction, ensure seamless teamwork and data sharing, making it ideal for industries seeking unified solutions for drone missions and geospatial intelligence.

Driving Digital Transformation with AeroMegh GeoAI

Digital Quantum, renowned for its expertise in technology integration and digital transformation, enables organizations to adopt innovative, experience-led solutions for enhanced operational efficiency and growth. Through this partnership, AeroMegh GeoAI, a comprehensive platform for drone operations, data processing, and analytics will leverage Digital Quantum’s customer-centric design and advanced digital solutions. Together, they aim to streamline drone operations and data analytics across diverse industries such as agriculture, infrastructure, mining and more.

Digital Quantum’s unique approach combines design thinking with advanced technologies to deliver scalable, customer-centered solutions that will empower AeroMegh GeoAI to meet the evolving needs of India’s booming GIS industry. By utilizing Digital Quantum’s capabilities, AeroMegh GeoAI is set to expand its reach, enabling organizations to fully harness the potential of drone technology for accurate, data-driven decision-making.

Meeting the Needs of India’s Evolving GIS Landscape

In an era where GIS technology is reshaping industries, this partnership will enable AeroMegh GeoAI to evolve continuously, aligning with the dynamic demands of the GIS and drone technology sectors in India. With PDRL and Digital Quantum working together, the AeroMegh GeoAI ecosystem is poised to provide accessible, impactful digital transformation for businesses across sectors.

Anil Chandaliya, CEO, PDRL: “Our partnership with Digital Quantum comes at a pivotal moment in India’s GIS industry, where digital transformation and drone technology are rapidly converging. Together, we aim to drive innovation in AeroMegh GeoAI, empowering industries with groundbreaking capabilities.”

Amitabh Shukla, CEO, Digital Quantum: “We are excited to partner with PDRL and support AeroMegh GeoAI in advancing India’s GIS landscape. Our expertise in digital innovation and customer-focused solutions aligns perfectly with PDRL’s vision, and we look forward to redefining the drone technology landscape together.”

By joining forces, PDRL and Digital Quantum are poised to reshape the GIS and drone technology landscape, positioning AeroMegh GeoAI at the forefront of digital transformation and empowering industries across India to embrace a future of data-driven innovation and precision.

About PDRL:

Established in 2018, PDRL has swiftly risen as a dominant force in the Drone Technology, commanding a market share exceeding 50%. With three patents secured and three more in the pipeline, PDRL is committed to pioneering advancements that Create More Time to Live.

Central to PDRL’s mission is the development of cutting-edge drone technologies that streamline operations, boost efficiencies, and create more time to live.

At the heart of PDRL’s innovation is AeroMegh, a revolutionary drone SaaS solution integrating flight management, data capture, processing, and analytics. AeroMegh consists of: AeroGCS: Ensures seamless flight operations, AeroMegh GeoAI platform: Delivers precise photogrammetry solutions and provides advanced GeoAI data analytics. Together, these products empower users with actionable insights, simplifying drone operations and enhancing overall efficiency.

PDRL remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability and responsible innovation. By leveraging eco-friendly drone solutions, PDRL aims to mitigate carbon footprints and promote environmentally conscious practices across various sectors.

Through continuous research and development, strategic partnerships, and unwavering customer focus, PDRL envisions leadership in the market and also a future defined by efficiency, sustainability, and enduring societal impact.

Contact Details: 
marketing@pdrl.in | +91-7770013322

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2567466/PDRL_Partners_with_Digital_Quantum.jpg

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SINGAPORE, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ: YY) (“JOYY” or the “Company”), a global leading technology company, announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2024.

For the third quarter, JOYY’s revenue reached US$558.7 million, while the Company’s core business segment, BIGO, generated revenues of US$496.0 million. JOYY’s GAAP and non-GAAP operating income[1] were US$16.4 million and US$34.9 million, respectively, up by 623.5% and 16.4% on a quarterly basis. JOYY recorded a net profit and non-GAAP net profit[1] of US$60.6 million and US$61.2 million, for a GAAP and non-GAAP net margin[1] of 10.8% and 10.9%, respectively. BIGO’s GAAP and non-GAAP operating income[1] reached US$62.7 million and US$72.9 million, respectively, marking sequential increases of 8.2% and 5.0%. The Company sustained its positive operating cash flows, generating US$61.1 million in the third quarter.

During the third quarter, JOYY actively advanced shareholder returns by buying back an additional US$117.8 million worth of its shares. During the first three quarters of 2024, the Company has repurchased 7.31 million of its ADSs for a total of US$243.7 million, demonstrating confidence in the company’s long-term prospects.

Ms. Ting Li, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of JOYY, commented, “We continued to execute effectively on our strategic priorities during the third quarter, cultivating our global social and content ecosystem, and enhancing our global operational capabilities and efficiencies, which yielded solid results. Our group’s GAAP and non-GAAP operating income were US$16.4 million and US$34.9 million, respectively, up by 623.5% and 16.4% on a quarterly basis. During the third quarter, we continued to cultivate long-term initiatives that will further diversify our revenue streams. Our Group non-livestreaming revenue grew by 13.1% to US$119.2 million quarter over quarter, contributing 21.3% of total revenues. Looking ahead, we remain focused on enhancing user experiences through product innovation, further diversifying our revenue streams, and advancing operational excellence across our global footprint. Supported by our strong cash flow and healthy financial position, we are well-positioned to deliver sustainable, profitable growth and create enduring value for our shareholders.”

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Net revenues in the third quarter of 2024 were US$558.7 million.Net income attributable to controlling interest of JOYY was US$60.6 million in the third quarter.Non-GAAP net income[1] attributable to controlling interest and common shareholders of JOYY was US$61.2 million in the third quarter.

Third Quarter 2024 Business Highlights

In the third quarter, Bigo Live sharpened its operational strategy by prioritizing advertising investments and operational resources toward developed countries and premium users, and simultaneously enhanced its content quality and social experiences to drive long-term user monetization potential. This targeted approach yielded strong results in core developed countries, where MAUs grew 3.4% year over year and 3.7% quarter over quarter, and paying users increased 9.1% year over year. Bigo Live also achieved encouraging momentum in the Middle East, where its revenue increased 5.6% sequentially.

To further enhance its global content and social ecosystem, Bigo Live implemented a series of upgrades to boost the creation, quality, and distribution of content on its platform. For example, Bigo Live fine-tuned its content recommendation algorithms to better facilitate content sharing within same-language regions and expand cross-regional content flow between highly interactive markets. These enhancements streamlined its cross-regional content delivery and better served users’ growing appetite for global content and social connections.

In the last quarter, Bigo Live successfully hosted the third season of “BIGO’s Most Talented”, featuring categories in Music, Dance and Beauty Pageantry. The event attracted outstanding creators from around the world. Building on previous seasons, the third season introduced a more rounded judging system incorporating key audience engagement metrics. This allowed a seamless merger of interactive livestreaming elements with traditional talent show elements. The event resonated strongly with viewers, amassing an impressive 5.79 million audience votes. Bigo Live also strengthened bonds with its business partners and user community through a series of mid-year galas across Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. These gatherings brought together the cornerstone members of Bigo Live’s ecosystem – top creators, users and partners – to celebrate their achievements and vital contributions to the platform’s progress in the first half of the year.

Bigo Live also further developed its social engagement features, prioritizing improvements to Real Match and messaging functionality. These upgrades drove deeper user connections and more efficient follow conversions. Notably, Real Match’s average DAU penetration rate increased significantly to 23.4%, while the number of direct chat messages rose by 15.9% from the previous quarter. Bigo Live also achieved a 4.3% rise in average new follows per user. By directing traffic to premium hosts and upgrading interactive features, Bigo Live boosted creator participation and user engagement in multi-guest rooms. Bigo Live achieved a 3.9% sequential increase in the penetration rate of streamers in multi-guest rooms, alongside a 3.6% sequential increase in the overall rate of users going live as guest speakers.

Likee remains rooted in the Middle East and European markets, where it continues to build momentum and enhance monetization across both livestreaming and advertising. As a result, Likee’s advertising revenue grew 33.4% year over year in the third quarter, and Likee maintained its profitability.

During the quarter, Likee elevated its user experience across its core markets through enhanced content quality, interactivity, and community engagement. A standout community-building initiative was its August music festival tour across five European cities, which brought together Likee’s top creators, including music bloggers and dance groups, alongside established performers and celebrities. This unique event delivered an unprecedented interactive experience for the Likee community. In September, Likee served as the official media partner for Phygital Games 2024, providing eight days of livestreaming coverage to immerse users in the competitive prowess of top athletes in digital football, basketball, laser shooting, and simulated dance. Likee’s expanded premium content offerings and content diversity drove a 12.3% quarter-over-quarter increase in users’ video time spent.

In the third quarter, Hago’s targeted incentive strategy across different paying user segments drove improved monetization metrics. This strategy resulted in positive momentum in both its paying users and ARPPU, with its revenue growing 6.1% quarter over quarter. Hago maintained a positive operating cash flow in the third quarter, and its operating losses further narrowed. Hago’s social engagement metrics also remained strong, with average time spent in social channels increasing 2.5% quarter over quarter to 105.8 minutes, and next-day retention rates showing sustained improvement.

[1]. For details of the non-GAAP measures, including the reconciliations of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures, please refer to the press release titled “JOYY Reports Third Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results” issued by the Company on November 27, 2024.

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SOURCE JOYY Inc.