Blockchain Press Releases
Cuentas Announces OLB Group’s Purchase of Controlling Interest In Cuentas SDI, and the Black011.com Commerce Platform, Enabling the Companies to Offer an Increasing Array of Next-Generation Location-Based Physical and Digital Services to Accelerate the Growth of Cuentas SDI’s Network of Over 31,000 Local Convenience “Bodega” Stores
This Announcement is Designed to Add More Power and Reach to Cuentas’ Growing Portfolio of Financial and Lifestyle Solutions for the Unbanked and Underserved, Enabling the Companies to Offer Next-Generation Location-Based Digital Services to Cuentas SDI’s Growing Network of over 31,000 Local Convenience “Bodega” Stores In the Greater New York / New Jersey Area Alone With the Opportunity to Expand Across the Nation.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., July 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Cuentas, Inc. (Nasdaq: CUEN) (Nasdaq: CUENW) (“Cuentas”), the Company that is creating an alternative financial ecosystem for a hard working population who do not have access to traditional financial alternatives, announced today that OLB Group (NASDAQ: OLB), a leading provider of fintech, digital assets and payment, has acquired the remaining controlling interest of Cuentas SDI LLC (Cuentas SDI). Cuentas is a minority shareholder of Cuentas SDI which has over 31,000 convenience stores in its network, with locations across the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri state area. Cuentas had been seeking a new partner to acquire the outstanding 80% and invest in the expansion of and innovation around SDI. Management is very excited to see OLB take the stake. Subject to the acquisition, Cuentas will retain its 19.99% share in Cuentas SDI and will be providing additional services to the network, including the Company’s new Cuentas Mobile Wireless Service. Management’s goal is to use its growing partnership with OLB to increase its offerings to the underserved markets, providing an exciting new array of digital and traditional commerce services, from telco, OmniCommerce, discounts, debit, and credit opportunities, that can be fulfilled digitally or directly in store via OLB’s innovative POS solutions.
Cuentas further plans to work with its partner InComm, the global financial services giant, with whom the Company announced a partnership in 2022, to add innovative digital product offers and other services to its growing network ( Link CUENTAS and Incomm). Through these partnerships, Cuentas is working to connect the physical world to the digital world, bringing together digital point of sale solutions, physical incentives and cards, digital commerce and financial solutions, with Cuentas’ telecom and communications solutions, to provide deeper and more meaningful access to the underbanked and underserved who frequent the Company’s growing convenience store network. In a world where suburban big-box retailers threaten the smaller, urban outlets, Cuentas wants to empower convenience stores to offer similar levels of connectivity and digital resources including many of the biggest brands in today’s market.
“These small stores are often the heart and soul of the communities they serve,” said Cuentas Founder and CEO, Arik Maimon. “With this announcement we are well on the way to enabling Bodegas and other convenience stores to compete head-to-head with the big-box retailers”, added Maimon.
According to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), there are over 150,000 convenience stores in the US. (SOURCE NACS: LINK), and according to CNBC, over 60% of convenience stores are privately owned. Convenience stores are so common across the United States that 93% of Americans live within just a few minutes of one, yet many of these stores are struggling to stay relevant in a changing economic landscape (SOURCE CNBC LINK). Many of the Bodegas that are part of Cuentas SDI’s network are the first stop for local residents who need instant access, not only to goods but also to digital services from mobile phone bills to discount and prepaid cards. Cuentas SDI was established as a platform to enable individual convenience stores and larger groups to come together and take advantage of the network effect, combining offers, digital connectivity, modern Point of Sale (POS) solutions, and other innovations to enable stores to become increasingly important to their local communities. Management believes this announcement accelerates that journey.
“The Bodega is the place where locals go for a range of critical services beyond shopping, from paying bills to wiring funds, to obtaining discount and debit cards for a range of services,” said Cuentas President and Co-founder, Michael De Prado. “We are revolutionizing that relationship from both a physical and digital perspective,” added De Prado.
OLB has already worked with Cuentas on other initiatives and acquired the remaining equity in Cuentas SDI in this latest transaction. The Companies plan to re-brand the platform and integrate additional services to provide new revenue streams for the store owners, potentially including instant loans and advanced services to their network of customers. Both Cuentas and OLB share the mission of working together to provide new and increasingly innovative solutions to underbanked and underserved communities across North America, which has been estimated to be a trillion-dollar market opportunity.
Ronny Yakov, CEO of OLB Group, said, “We are excited to move forward with this exciting next step in our relationship with Cuentas. Our plan is to immediately focus on adding as many as 1,000 new stores to the network in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut area and then ramp up from that initial base.”
The OLB Group will offer additional products and programs from its list of services to store owners, including wallets with instant credit loaded based on approvals, potentially issuing loans, and providing other novel services as well as building out a common point of sale network that enables store owners to participate in larger promotions and initiatives.
“There is a growing urgency and need to reinvent old financial systems to accommodate the needs of capable, deserving Americans who been increasingly left out of the system,” concluded Cuentas’ Maimon. “This announcement puts us in the heart of the communities we serve and one step closer to providing the most meaningful alternatives for this growing segment of the population who need it the most!”
About The OLB Group, Inc.
The OLB Group, Inc. is a diversified Fintech eCommerce merchant services provider. The Company’s eCommerce platform delivers cloud-based merchant services for a comprehensive digital commerce solution to over 10,500 merchants in all 50 states.
About Cuentas SDI
Cuentas SDI, LLC. is the company that owns the platform of Black011.com and the network serving over 31,000 convenience stores (“Bodegas”) in and around New York and New Jersey. The Company is managed and controlled by The OLB Group, Inc. Cuentas Inc., and is a shareholder in Cuentas SDI, LLC. Black011.com is the network that will deliver a range of services to the network’s customers, including digital incentives, promotions, gift cards, discounts, top up services, telecommunication services, money transfer solutions and other digital and physical products and solutions true the network of financial partners.
About Cuentas
Cuentas, Inc. (Nasdaq: CUEN & CUENW) is creating an alternative financial ecosystem for the growing global population who do not have access to traditional financial alternatives. The Company’s proprietary technologies help to integrate FinTech (Financial Technology), e-finance and e-commerce services into solutions that deliver next generation digital financial services to the unbanked, under-banked and underserved populations nationally in the USA. The Cuentas Platform integratesCuentas Mobile, the Company’s Telecommunications solution, with its core financial services offeringsto help entire communities enter the modern financial marketplace. Cuentas has launched its General Purpose Reloadable (GPR) Card, which includes a digital wallet, discounts for purchases at major physical and online retailers, rewards, and the ability to purchase digital content. In Q1 of 2023, Cuentas launched Cuentas Casa, an alternative housing development initiativethat secured a 10-year supply agreement for a patented, sustainable building system that will provide the bridge between its technology solutions and the affordable housing market. Cuentas has made investments to date in affordable housing projects for over 450 apartments. LINK: https://cuentas.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined in section 27a of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21e of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release, which are not purely historical, are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this news release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements that are preceded by, followed by, or that include such words as “believe,” “plan,” or “expect” or similar statements are forward-looking statements.
Investor Relations
Cuentas, Inc.
800-611-3622
[email protected]
Blockchain Press Releases
Bybit and St. Paul American Scholars School Furthers Partnership Commitment in Bybit’s HQ Visit
DUBAI, UAE, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, extended a warm welcome to an international delegation from the St. Paul American Scholars (SPAS), a top international school in Korea on Monday. The visit is part of a joint initiative between Bybit and SPAS dedicated to fostering the next generation of blockchain innovators through a series of academic and educational programs.
Ryan Kim, Head of SPAS, and Jinny Kim, Director of SPAS, were greeted by Helen Liu, COO of Bybit at the Bybit headquarters in Dubai. The official visit underscores the institutions’ shared commitment to building the partnership from the ground up, and creating a knowledge base to prepare SPAS students for the future of technology and the blockchain-enabled economy.
In the academic year of 2025/26, Bybit has committed a $100,000 scholarship to 300 SPAS students of St. Paul American Scholars (SPAS). The broader theme of the collaboration centers on collective learning and community sharing, which aligns with SPAS’s philosophy of building a closely knitted community for educators, parents, and students. Bybit will organize interactive educational sessions on campus to fill the knowledge gap between the demands for future-ready skills and traditional academic resources.
The fast moving blockchain landscape is central to a changing world. Parents and students today are increasingly aware of the possibilities and potential challenges of the dawning on-chain economy. The new dynamics will require creators and contributors to be equipped with understanding of blockchain technologies, to develop their passion, and to project their creativity onto positive causes. Through workshops and interactive events, the Bybit and SPAS initiative stands to leave a profound impact on blockchain education for international students in SPAS.
SPAS representatives boarded the crypto express to the world of digital assets at the Bybit headquarters, sharing unique perspectives as educators and first-hand insights from Liu at the frontier of the digital economy.
“We are proud to welcome the SPAS family to Bybit’s headquarters, and we hope this will become the starting point of SPAS students’ blockchain journey. The value of blockchain education is not only giving students a headstart in understanding the digital economy, but also to inspire them to think about changing the world for the better with a powerful technology that will one day be entirely at their disposal,” said Helen Liu, COO of Bybit.
“It is a great honor for Saint Paul International School to establish a meaningful partnership with Bybit, a global leader in blockchain technology. This visit to Bybit’s headquarters in Dubai was more than just a meeting; it was a precious opportunity to build a foundation of deep mutual trust,” said Ryan Kim, Head of SPAS. “Bybit’s warm-hearted commitment to providing scholarships for Saint Paul International School students and planning continuous social contribution programs deeply moved us all. We firmly believe that, with its sincere vision and values, Bybit will continue to shine as a world-leading company,” he said.
The SPAS delegation toured the Bybit Crypto Ark Experience Store, a new venue at Bybit’s Dubai headquarters that showcases blockchain innovation and provides an open space for crypto collaborations. Since opening, the store has attracted hundreds of visitors, entrepreneurs, and crypto enthusiasts contributing to the regional ecosystem.
Established in 2015, SPAS operates four campuses across Korea’s major metropolitan areas and is recognized as a leading American educational institution with full accreditation from multiple organizations. SPAS also offers international exchange programs through partnerships with schools in New York, Canada, and the UK, providing students with opportunities to experience diverse cultures and global perspectives.
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 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
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Blockchain Press Releases
From Exchange to Ecosystem Builder: MEXC Celebrates 7th Anniversary at TOKEN2049 Dubai with $300M Ecosystem Development Fund Launch
VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange serving over 36 million users, concluded its successful participation as a Title Sponsor at Token2049 Dubai, where the company celebrated its milestone 7th anniversary and announced a groundbreaking $300 million ecosystem development fund.
7 Years of Excellence: A Foundation for Ecosystem Expansion
The premier crypto event, which took place from April 30 to May 1, 2025 in Dubai, provided MEXC with the perfect platform to commemorate seven years of growth and innovation in the cryptocurrency space. During the celebratory “Celebra7e MEXC Cocktail Party”, Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC, delivered an inspiring opening speech highlighting the exchange’s remarkable journey.
“Seven years may sound short, but in the fast-moving world of crypto, it’s a lifetime,” Jin told attendees. “To thrive in this ever-evolving space takes resilience, vision, and trust—and we’ve only made it this far because of you.”
Jin revealed impressive growth metrics: the MEXC team has nearly doubled to 2,000 employees across Growth, R&D, and Business Support divisions. The platform now offers more than 3,000 crypto assets and has built a community of over 2.25 million Twitter followers and approximately 193,000 Telegram members.
“We’ve also hosted over 2,293 airdrop events, distributing over $136 million in rewards,” Jin added. “This is our way of thanking you for your ongoing trust and loyalty.”
$300 Million MEXC Ecosystem Development Fund Unveiled
The highlight of MEXC’s Token2049 Dubai participation was the official announcement of its $300 million Ecosystem Development Fund, signaling the company’s strategic evolution from an exchange service to a comprehensive ecosystem builder. The five-year fund represents MEXC’s commitment to fostering blockchain innovation across multiple sectors.
The fund will focus on strategic investments in public chains, stablecoins, wallets, and media platforms, providing not only financial backing but also leveraging MEXC’s exchange business cooperation to deliver enhanced value to portfolio projects. This dual approach positions fund recipients to benefit from both capital investment and operational synergies within the MEXC ecosystem.
“After seven years of market resilience, MEXC is uniquely positioned as a trusted ecosystem partner,” said Tracy Jin. “This fund represents our vision for the future of decentralized finance and our commitment to supporting the next generation of blockchain innovations.”
IgniteX: $30 Million CSR Initiative for Web3 Talent Development
Alongside the ecosystem fund, MEXC Ventures launched “IgniteX” – a $30 million, five-year CSR initiative to foster Web3 talent and innovation. The program will support early-stage startups, research, developer communities, and academic institutions, with focus on decentralized infrastructure, AI-blockchain integration, stablecoins, and fintech. IgniteX combines mentorship, education, and funding to build a future-ready ecosystem and prepare the next generation of Web3 users and leaders.
Industry Insights Shared at Panel Discussion
MEXC’s presence at Token2049 Dubai extended beyond celebrations and announcements to include thought leadership. Tracy Jin participated in a panel discussion titled “What’s Next for Crypto Markets: The Exchange Perspective” on the OKX main stage on 1 May. The discussion explored upcoming trends, challenges, and opportunities in the cryptocurrency exchange sector, with Jin offering insights drawn from MEXC’s seven years of operational experience.
During the panel, Jin emphasized MEXC’s continued focus on product innovation and market expansion while maintaining its core commitment to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto” for users worldwide.
Successful Side Events Strengthen Community Connections
MEXC hosted multiple successful side events throughout TOKEN2049 Dubai, including the “Celebra7e MEXC Cocktail Party,” “Dao People x MEXC: VIP Party” at BIRDS, a “TR KOL Exclusive Yacht Party” aboard Xclusive Yachts, and participation in the “AFTER2049” event at Be Beach. These gatherings provided valuable networking opportunities for industry professionals, partners, and MEXC community members.
At the company’s exhibition booth, MEXC showcased its revolutionary DEX+ platform and displayed a collection of seven limited-edition anniversary merchandise items that proved popular with attendees. Throughout the conference, MEXC representatives conducted product demonstrations, engaged with visitors, and discussed potential partnerships.
Behind the scenes, Jin noted that MEXC’s service team has resolved more than 1 million user requests and recovered over $1.8 million in user assets—underscoring the company’s commitment to security and user experience.
Looking Ahead
As Token2049 Dubai concluded, MEXC’s successful participation not only celebrated its past achievements but also laid the groundwork for its future vision. The announcement of the $300 million Ecosystem Development Fund, combined with ongoing product innovations and market expansion efforts, positions MEXC for continued growth in its eighth year and beyond.
About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
MEXC Official Website | X | Telegram | How to Sign Up on MEXC
Risk Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.
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Blockchain Press Releases
Interlace Debuts at Token2049 to Accelerate Web2-Web3 Integration Across MENA
NEW YORK, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Interlace, a pioneering financial innovation platform bridging traditional (Web2) and decentralized (Web3) ecosystems, is making a high-impact debut at Token2049, the world’s largest cryptocurrency conference. The event draws more than 15,000 global Web3 leaders, investors, developers, and policymakers to the heart of the Middle East’s burgeoning digital economy.
As the MENA region solidifies its status as a strategic launchpad for blockchain and digital finance, Interlace is leveraging Token2049 to highlight its global ambitions and regional integration efforts. Through a combination of keynote speeches, panel participation, side events, and interactive showcases, the company will spotlight its technological breakthroughs, regulatory strategies, and innovative Web3 solutions designed to advance financial inclusion and digital infrastructure.
Token2049 has cemented its position as the premier global platform for blockchain dialogue and innovation. With MENA emerging as a magnet for crypto and fintech enterprises—thanks to its progressive regulatory framework and strong investor base—the event provides fertile ground for companies like Interlace to scale their operations in high-growth markets.
Driving Web3 Compliance and Strategy in the Middle East
Michael Wu, Founder and CEO of Interlace, was recently invited to speak at the event Mastering Web3 Finance and Compliance: Blockchain & Beyond, where he joined a panel discussion exploring regulatory frameworks and emerging trends in the Middle East’s Web3 ecosystem. Drawing on Interlace’s extensive global experience, Wu provided a deep dive into the region’s compliance landscape. He emphasized the UAE’s regulatory efficiency as a strategic advantage for Web3 companies, stating: “In MENA, it takes only a few months to obtain a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license, whereas the same process can take up to two years in Singapore. In the United States, conflicting federal and state regulations create persistent uncertainty for businesses.” This favorable regulatory environment, he noted, has enabled Interlace to accelerate its expansion into the Middle Eastern market.
Wu also outlined Interlace’s proactive compliance strategy, highlighting early regulatory investment as a foundation for building long-term competitive advantages. “We’ve secured key licenses—including MSB (Money Services Business), MSO (Money Service Operator), and VASP—across major markets such as Hong Kong, the U.S., and Europe,” he shared. He stressed the importance of integrating technology with compliance, citing the use of biometric solutions to streamline Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. This approach not only ensures regulatory adherence but also enhances user accessibility. “Compliance is not a cost,” Wu asserted. “It’s the foundation of brand trust. For institutional partners and investors, regulatory compliance is non-negotiable—and critical for sustainable growth.”
Addressing the convergence of traditional finance and Web3, Wu presented Interlace’s multi-license model as a blueprint for cross-border innovation. “Our crypto payment card enables seamless interoperability between on-chain digital assets and off-chain consumer transactions,” he explained. “This functionality requires a high degree of cross-jurisdictional compliance.” Wu concluded by sharing that Interlace is actively expanding its footprint in the Middle East, bringing its regulatory expertise and compliance technology to support the region’s rapidly evolving blockchain infrastructure.
Unveiling Innovation at Premier Side Events
Beyond the main conference, Interlace will engage audiences at high-profile side events including 1001 Crypto Nights, Gilded Mirage, and the Hack Seasons Conferencei. These gatherings delve into themes such as the convergence of legacy finance with decentralized protocols and the region’s unique role in accelerating Web3 adoption.
Interlace will showcase its Card-as-a-Service (CaaS) API solutions tailored for the PayFi sector, as well as its custom-designed physical banking cards—which double as exclusive, limited-time gift cards. These cards demonstrate real-time “on-chain to off-chain” transaction capabilities, offering attendees a tangible experience of seamless Web3-enabled payments.
A Strategic Leap Toward Global and Regional Impact
Interlace’s presence at Token2049 is more than a product showcase—it represents a pivotal step in the company’s global expansion and MENA market penetration. As the company deepens its engagement in the region, it aims to collaborate with local institutions to build robust, inclusive digital financial ecosystems.
Wu reflected on the significance of the Middle East in shaping the future of blockchain finance: “The Middle East is rapidly evolving from an energy stronghold into a center of digital innovation. Its open regulatory approach and dynamic capital environment make it a strategic region for Web3 transformation. At Interlace, we’re committed to co-creating resilient financial infrastructure with local partners—enabling businesses and users to fully benefit from the potential of blockchain technology. We see MENA as a future global benchmark for Web3 applications.”
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