Blockchain Press Releases
Key outcomes from a High-Level Roundtable on Voluntary Carbon Markets at The Summit for a New Global Financing Pact
PARIS, June 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The UAE COP28 Presidency and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) co-hosted a high-level roundtable on Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs), as an official side event to the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact. His Excellency COP28 President Designate Dr Sultan Al-Jaber and GFANZ Co-Chair and UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance Mark Carney addressed the session, which brought together policymakers, market standard setters, and leaders in business and finance committed to scaling climate finance.
The session confirmed the urgency of ensuring that high-integrity voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) are scaled, given the critical role they can play in mobilizing significant flows of cross-border financing to emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). Participants highlighted the role VCMs can play in financing some of our most urgent priorities, such as nature-based solutions, the accelerated phaseout of coal assets and investment in new climate technologies.
The discussion addressed that mobilizing VCMs, at the pace and scale needed to preserve nature and the carbon budget, would require addressing any remaining uncertainty on how compliance and voluntary, domestic and cross-border markets come together, and providing capacity building for those countries seeking to leverage the VCMs. Common foundations were needed, across a range of credit types, and coalescing around new supply and demand-side standards being developed by ICVCM and VCMI was critical. Important work to develop the supply of new types of credit – including those designed to accelerate much needed energy transition – was addressed.
The session also addressed the need to enable high integrity demand pathway to net zero for corporate buyers, whereby reductions of absolute emissions are prioritized, with appropriately defined scope to recognize compensation of residual emissions. The discussion emphasized that to secure the foundations of a high integrity, liquid market in 2023, efforts to align supply, demand, legal, and accounting standards must be facilitated and supported.
More specifically, participants addressed:
- Overarching purpose and rules. The session highlighted the specific role VCMs play in generating cross-border finance for nature preservation, energy transition, and new climate technologies, and the need to build understanding of how compliance and voluntary, domestic, and cross-border markets complement and interact with each other. It was noted that there need be no tradeoff between domestic mitigation and raising cross-border finance, even where host countries retain emissions reductions from voluntary projects to count towards their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- High-integrity supply and demand. Speakers applauded progress made on the important work initiated at COP26, to build supply and demand-side standards to secure credibility, integrity, and transparency. Speakers noted the importance of supporting and coalescing around the final standards, led by ICVCM and their Core Carbon Principles and Assessment Framework on the supply side, and VCMI and their provisional Claims Code of Practice on the demand side.
- Building high integrity demand. Lessons learned by corporates and financial institutions seeking to finance high-integrity carbon projects were discussed. Participants noted the need for the private sector to prioritize absolute emissions reductions but with appropriately defined scope to recognize compensation of residual emissions. Participants noted that these efforts sit within a broader architecture of carbon accounting standards and net-zero frameworks and recognized these need to come together in a consistent and efficient way.
- Capacity building and de-risking. The challenges associated with building and scaling high-integrity carbon projects in EMDEs were recognized, as well as the need for innovative financing mechanisms to de-risk these projects in these regions. Attendees also emphasized the need to ensure that local communities and indigenous peoples remain at the core of project design and are able to reap maximum co-benefits.
Following the event, COP28 President-Designate, His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, said: “Voluntary carbon markets have the potential to be a powerful enabler in financing decarbonization efforts across industries, cities and entire economies, especially in emerging and developing economies. In order to achieve their potential, we must enhance the credibility of carbon markets and ensure that the highest-integrity standards are firmly in place. This can only be done through collaboration between governments, organizations, and civil society to create a supportive regulatory environment, establish a level playing field, and raise universal standards. By working together, acting in unity and focusing on integrity, the value of this vital tool in our collective decarbonization efforts will increase.”
UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance and GFANZ Co-Chair, Mark Carney, said: “With only seven years left to halve emissions and keep 1.5 degrees alive, we cannot afford to leave major sources of climate finance untapped. Voluntary carbon markets could channel hundreds of billions of dollars to nature-based solutions and accelerated coal phaseout. Critical work this year to deliver supply and demand side standards for these markets can support a high ambition path to net zero, where companies prioritize decarbonization and compensate for residual emissions along the way.”
For all media enquiries and requests for interviews, please contact [email protected] For up-to-date COP28 news, follow us on Twitter @COP28_UAE
Notes to Editors:
COP28 UAE:
- COP28 UAE will take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30-December 12, 2023. The Conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.
- As mandated by the Paris Climate Agreement, COP28 UAE will deliver the first ever Global Stocktake – a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals.
- The UAE will lead a process for all parties to agree upon a clear roadmap to accelerate progress through a pragmatic global energy transition and a “leave no one behind” approach to inclusive climate action.
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The blockchain universe never sleeps. From pioneering cross-border payment systems in Central America to city-wide crypto strategies in New York City, today’s headlines reveal an industry maturing at breakneck speed. In this edition of Blocks & Headlines, we explore five landmark developments:
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Guatemala’s Banco Industrial integrates blockchain for seamless cross-border remittances.
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NYC Mayor’s Office unveils a comprehensive crypto and blockchain roadmap.
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OSR Holdings, BCM Europe & Taekwondo Cooperative sign an MOU to launch the OSRH token.
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Bybit’s “Chicken Trader” livestream—crypto meets poultry in the world’s first poultry-powered trading showdown.
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FIFA taps Avalanche to build a dedicated blockchain for its NFT platform.
These stories underscore three key trends reshaping the ecosystem:
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Institutional Adoption & Regulation: From national banks to municipal governments, legacy institutions are embracing decentralized technologies.
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Tokenization & Community Engagement: Strategic partnerships are launching specialized tokens that bridge niche communities with global markets.
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Innovative Use Cases: Whether gaming, entertainment, or live-stream events, blockchain’s versatility spawns ever-more creative applications.
Join us as we unpack the implications, weigh the opportunities, and forecast where these trajectories might lead.
1. Guatemala’s Largest Bank Integrates Blockchain for Cross-Border Payments
What Happened
Guatemala’s Banco Industrial, the country’s biggest financial institution, announced the deployment of a private‐permissioned blockchain network to streamline remittances from the U.S. into Guatemala City and beyond. The solution reduces settlement times from days to minutes, cuts fees by up to 60 %, and offers real-time traceability for senders and receivers.
Source: Cointelegraph
Analysis & Commentary
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Financial Inclusion Boost: Remittances account for over 12 % of Guatemala’s GDP. By minimizing friction and cost, blockchain integration will extend financial services to remote communities reliant on diaspora funds.
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Risk & Compliance: Permissioned networks allow Banco Industrial to retain AML/KYC controls, mitigating concerns around illicit flows. This hybrid approach demonstrates that enterprise blockchain can balance decentralization with regulatory rigor.
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Regional Ripple Effects: Neighboring Central American banks are watching closely. Should Guatemala’s pilot succeed, we can expect a domino effect across El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica—each seeking to capitalize on faster, cheaper cross-border rails.
Implications
Legacy banks worldwide should view this as a blueprint: private blockchains can coexist with existing compliance frameworks while delivering transformative user benefits. Early movers will capture remittance market share and cultivate fintech partnerships across the Latin American corridor.
2. NYC Mayor Unveils Ambitious Crypto & Blockchain Agenda
What Happened
New York City Mayor Eric Adams detailed his administration’s multi-pronged strategy to make NYC a global crypto hub. Key initiatives include:
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A regulatory sandbox for crypto startups to pilot DeFi, NFTs, and token-based fundraising under city supervision.
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Partnerships with CUNY and Columbia University for blockchain research and talent development.
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Deployment of a blockchain-based public record system for land titles and business registrations.
Source: GovTech
Analysis & Commentary
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Regulatory Harmony vs. Overreach: By offering a controlled sandbox rather than blanket deregulation, NYC signals a nuanced stance—encouraging innovation without sacrificing consumer protection.
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Talent Pipeline: Academic partnerships aim to remedy the talent shortage plaguing blockchain firms. Local graduates trained in distributed ledger technologies (DLT) will feed startups, financial institutions, and government agencies.
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Public Services on Chain: Land registries and business filings on blockchain promise greater transparency and fraud reduction. If scaled effectively, NYC could set a global standard for government-blockchain integration.
Implications
Other major cities—London, Singapore, Dubai—will feel pressure to match NYC’s playbook. Municipal leaders should prioritize sandbox frameworks and academia-industry liaisons to nurture homegrown crypto ecosystems.
3. OSR Holdings, BCM Europe & Taekwondo Cooperative Launch OSRH Token
What Happened
OSR Holdings, BCM Europe, and the Taekwondo Cooperative signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop the OSRH token, a blockchain-based digital asset aimed at supporting global Taekwondo practitioners. Features include:
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Membership Rewards: Tokens earned through event participation, coaching certifications, and tournament wins.
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Decentralized Governance: Athletes vote on sponsorship allocations and rule-change proposals via on-chain ballots.
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Marketplace Integration: A dedicated NFT marketplace for Taekwondo memorabilia, from digital belts to highlight reels.
Source: PR Newswire
Analysis & Commentary
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Niche Tokenization: OSRH token exemplifies the power of community-focused tokens. By aligning incentives with passion points—training, competition, governance—stakeholders gain ownership and engagement.
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Governance Innovation: Athlete-driven decision-making on sponsorship and funding disrupts top-down federation models. This could democratize sports governance across disciplines.
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Commercial Ecosystem: The NFT marketplace offers monetization channels for athletes and federations alike. Strategic royalties on secondary sales ensure sustainable funding.
Implications
Other sports federations and niche communities should explore token models that blend rewards, governance, and commerce. Successful launches will hinge on clear utility, user education, and regulatory compliance in key jurisdictions.
4. Bybit Presents “Chicken Trader”: The World’s First Poultry-Powered Trading Showdown
What Happened
Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit debuted “Chicken Trader,” a live-streamed event where two contestants trade crypto pairs—and manage live chickens—to earn “Egg Points.” Viewers can stake on their favorite trader, earning NFTs and token rewards based on performance.
Source: PR Newswire
Analysis & Commentary
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Gamification Meets DeFi: Chicken Trader’s fusion of live-stream engagement, staking mechanics, and NFTs exemplifies Web3’s playful ethos—turning trading into interactive entertainment.
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User Acquisition Strategy: Bybit gamified acquisition funnels, leveraging viral social content to onboard nontraditional crypto audiences intrigued by the novelty factor.
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Regulatory Tightrope: Combining staking with competition and livestock raises jurisdictional questions around gambling, securities, and animal welfare. Bybit must navigate diverse regulations to scale globally.
Implications
Other exchanges will replicate gamified formats to differentiate UX and grow communities. Yet long-term viability demands balancing flashy live-events with rigorous compliance, sustainable tokenomics, and authentic value for participants.
5. FIFA Taps Avalanche to Power Its NFT Platform
What Happened
Global soccer body FIFA selected the Avalanche blockchain to launch its official NFT marketplace, featuring digital collectibles—from World Cup highlights to player-card packs. Avalanche’s high throughput and low fees were cited as decisive factors.
Source: TradingView (via Cointelegraph)
Analysis & Commentary
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Scalability & Sustainability: Avalanche’s consensus mechanism delivers sub-second finality and carbon-offset commitments, aligning with FIFA’s environmental pledges.
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Fan Engagement: Tokenized highlights and limited-edition digital memorabilia expand revenue streams beyond broadcast rights, offering fans verifiable ownership and collectible provenance.
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Interoperability: Avalanche’s growing DeFi ecosystem enables future integrations—staking fan tokens, launching prediction-market games, or embedding NFT rewards in FIFA’s mobile apps.
Implications
Major sports leagues and entertainment brands eyeing NFT forays will scrutinize Avalanche’s performance under FIFA’s global load. Blockchain platforms must prove they can handle spikes during marquee events—kickoff times, finals, transfer windows—while preserving UX and sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Today’s Blocks & Headlines illustrate blockchain’s multifaceted evolution:
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Legacy institutions like banks and city governments are unlocking new efficiencies and transparency through private and public DLT networks.
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Community-driven tokens are redefining governance and monetization in sports and niche domains.
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Innovative engagement—from poultry-fueled trading spectacles to global soccer NFTs—demonstrates blockchain’s capacity for gamification, fan loyalty, and novel revenue models.
Yet with opportunity comes responsibility: scalable architectures must coexist with robust compliance; token economies require thoughtful design to sustain value; and regulators, academia, and industry must collaborate to craft frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection.
As blockchain weaves deeper into finance, governance, entertainment, and sports, stakeholders who embrace strategic partnerships, prioritize user education, and invest in resilient infrastructures will lead the charge into Web3’s next frontier.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 22, 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Blockchain Press Releases
CM Global Services (CMGS) Secures Exclusive Multi-Year Logistics & Procurement Partnerships with Compass Mining and NovoMod
DENVER, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CM Global Services LLC (CMGS) proudly announces its official designation as the exclusive logistics and procurement partner for Compass Mining Inc. and NovoMod LLC, two leaders in the Bitcoin mining and modular infrastructure sectors. These multi-year partnerships reinforce CMGS’s growing influence as the supply chain backbone powering some of the most advanced digital infrastructure projects in the world.
Founded with a mission to eliminate the bottlenecks and fragmentation that plague traditional supply chains, CMGS is a fully integrated logistics and infrastructure services firm specializing in Bitcoin mining services, data center development, and high-demand electrical infrastructure. From sourcing crypto mining machine parts and network hardware to coordinating the full deployment of large scale sites, CMGS is designed to scale with our clients and move at the speed they need.
For Compass Mining and NovoMod, CMGS serves as more than a vendor; we are an embedded partner, streamlining critical operations and bringing transparency to every stage of the infrastructure lifecycle. Our team leads:
- Global sourcing and procurement of critical components, from power distribution units (PDUs) and switchgear to Ethernet cables, breakers, and enclosures.
- Inbound logistics and Customs navigation, moving sensitive equipment efficiently across Asia, LATAM, and North America on time, on budget, and compliantly.
- Refurbishment and redeployment of crypto mining machines, ensuring optimal uptime, performance, and recovery value from aging or idle equipment.
- Infrastructure buildout support, including on-site coordination, material staging, labor oversight, and final commissioning of modular and large-scale mining sites.
By centralizing sourcing, logistics, testing, and deployment under one roof, CMGS is helping Compass Mining and NovoMod compress timelines, reduce operational overhead, and eliminate costly inefficiencies that historically slowed down crypto mining and infrastructure projects.
While our partnerships with Compass Mining and NovoMod are foundational, CMGS also supports a growing number of mining companies, original equipment manufacturers, and infrastructure developers behind the scenes. Quietly powering the supply chains of both public and private firms across the U.S., LATAM, and Asia. In a market where downtime is costly and speed is currency, CMGS brings industrial discipline, real-world experience, with timely execution.
CMGS covers the full supply chain lifecycle, including:
- Global logistics and freight management
- Strategic sourcing and vendor negotiations
- Crypto mining machine parts sales, sourcing, and testing
- Full-site infrastructure build outs
- Cleaning, repair, and redeployment programs
- Consulting for operational optimization and supply chain resilience
As the digital infrastructure landscape grows more complex, CMGS is positioned to be the silent engine behind the most ambitious operators, ensuring they have what they need, where they need it, exactly when it’s needed.
About CMGS
CM Global Services (CMGS) is a full service logistics and procurement company specializing in Bitcoin mining and high performance computing industries. CMGS helps clients source equipment, manage global freight, deploy infrastructure, and streamline operations across every stage of the supply chain. With a commitment to reliability, speed, and cost efficiency, CMGS enables miners and data center operators to scale smarter.
To learn more about CM Global Services visit cmglobalservices.io
Media Contact
BlocksBridge Consulting
[email protected]
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Blockchain Press Releases
Bybit Presents “Chicken Trader”: The World’s First Poultry-Powered Trading Showdown Livestream
DUBAI, UAE, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is taking novel trading challenges to new heights with the announcement of the Chicken Trader special, an unprecedented livestream session where professional crypto traders will have their authority challenged by their own pet chickens.
Scheduled to air on May 23, 2025 at 8AM UTC, the first-of-its-kind spectacle will feature Dylon Lord of Entry, Crypto trader & host at Crypto Banter, and DaviddTechI, Crypto trader & Co-Founder at DaviddTech, two seasoned trading pros whose market fortunes will temporarily rest on the shoulders of their feathered advisors.
Highlights
- Chickens Calling the Shots: Each chicken will peck at different treats representative of various trading options to channel their instruction. Yielding the strategizing power to the beaks of the chickens, both traders will be asked to execute the trading decisions faithfully.
- Live PnL Showdown: The resulting profit and loss (PnL) percentage will be tracked real-time during the livestream—and promises to shock the traders and the audience.
- Predictions and Live Giveaways: The audience will share in a 1,000 USDT prize pool by voting and participating in the red packets giveaway.
The special edition at Bybit Live is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Participants should be mindful of the risks associated with crypto trading.
No animals are harmed in the process. Terms and conditions and usual disclaimers apply. The not-to-be-missed battle will go live on May 23, and users may subscribe to upcoming session on Bybit Live.
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-presents-chicken-trader-the-worlds-first-poultry-powered-trading-showdown-livestream-302463077.html
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