Blockchain Press Releases
Cuentas Releases Shareholder Update and New Branding Initiative, Highlighting the Successful Launch of Key Initiatives of the Company’s Strategy of Building a Complete Ecosystem to Serve the Underserved but Well Deserved, An Estimated Trillion-Dollar Market Opportunity
Company Management Reports the Successful Completion of Key Strategic Initiatives that are positioning the Company to take advantage for the escalating demand for financial and lifestyle solutions for a growing segment of the population who have been left out of the system.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., July 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Cuentas, Inc. (Nasdaq: CUEN) (Nasdaq: CUENW) (“Cuentas”), the Company that is creating an alternative financial ecosystem for the growing, hard-working segment of the population who do not have access to traditional financial and lifestyle alternatives, today released their shareholder update, underscoring the Company’s progress and the new company branding and unified focus on serving the underserved. Over the past 12 months, Cuentas Management has successfully launched its new mobile platform, Cuentas Mobile as well as the recently announced, sustainable community technology solution Cuentas Casa, which stands to revolutionize sustainable and affordable living. To round out it its core ecosystem, the Company is currently on track to launch its new Cuentas Money Application and financial solutions package, in the fall of 2023. Management believes that these accomplishments put the Company in the position to grow significantly in the coming months and years, updating, upgrading, and rebranding around its core mission providing tools for managing life and solutions for living life to the millions of hardworking Americans who have been left out of the system.
Management further reports that its successful stock split and subsequent NASDAQ confirmation have enabled the company to focus on its core business objective of building a complete ecosystem for what Forbes has called a “the next trillion-dollar market opportunity” (LINK Forbes Article).
“It has been an incredible year as we have taken the Company out of its infancy and into a new focus on serving the underserved” said Cuentas CEO and Co-Founder, Arik Maimon. “We are hitting our stride and looking forward to an exciting next 12 months.” Highlights from management include:
CUENTAS Mobile Launch. Company’s launch of Cuentas Mobile represents an important evolution in its Telco services solution. Cuentas Mobile (www.cuentasmobile.com) offers consumers straightforward access to affordable telco services, including free talk and text in each package.
CUENTAS Money Update. Cuentas is re-imagining its money solution in partnership with global financial giant, InComm, creating a digitally driven money management platform that can be directly integrated into its mobile devices as well as into physical locations via network connectivity or directly in Cuentas cards, a collection of debit and bonus cards which management expects to launch in the fall of 2023. (LINK Nasdaq Article)
CUENTAS SDI Partnership. As reported earlier this week, Cuentas has brought in its partner, OLB to take the majority interest in Cuentas’ 31,000+ convenience store “bodega” network. Cuentas will be providing its Mobile and Money solutions through this growing local store platform, serving local urban communities with big-box type retail options while OLB will manage the day-to-day business from core retail to advanced point of sale integration.
CUENTAS Casa Successful Initial Project and Growing Pipeline: Built upon the Company’s unique deal with revolutionary sustainable building technology company Renco, Cuentas is partnering to roll out entire sustainable residential communities in key areas in Florida hardest hit by a rental housing crises that a recent Harvard Report has called “the worst in the nation” (LINK: Housing Crisis). In under six months, Cuentas has locked up the land option for five new projects which represent over 1500 residential units in over 100 acres across Florida, with the initial test project complete and the next nearing ground break. Management believes that this bold move creates a first-of-its kind and incredibly powerful third pillar to Cuentas Mobile and Cuentas money, with actual physical community development.
“Tying physical construction technology to our portfolio of fin-tech solutions dramatically broadens our portfolio, creating the opportunity for immense, measurable return and value creation”, said Cuentas President and Co-Founder, Michael De Prado. “The response from the communities we are impacting, as well as shareholders and partners, has been overwhelming.”
In addition to its core initiatives, the Company has launched a rebranding program, bringing together the three pillars of Cuentas Mobile, Cuentas Money and Cuentas Casa into a single web presence, Cuentas.com, while re-launching the Company’s mobile site, Cuentasmobile.com with fresh branding. Management expects further product and solution launches as well as new Cuentas Casa development announcements to continue throughout the year.
NEW CUENTAS POSITIONING BRINGS A BROAD RANGE OF SERVICES TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF
“We have spent the last year investing in bringing together meaningful solutions that serve the underserved, and the progress is inspiring”, continued Maimon. “We do not believe anyone has ever approached the underserved problem with such a broad scope of integrated solutions.”
About CUENTAS Mobile
CUENTAS Mobile is Cuentas’ first step in our plan to bring increasingly powerful and cost-efficient telecommunications solutions to those that have been unable to acquire or afford them. With a growing selection of plans and services, delivered on the nation’s largest 5G and 4G LTE network, Cuentas Mobile puts the power of the network in the palm of your hand.
About CUENTAS Money
CUENTAS Money is designed to provide a broad range of instant access financial services and solutions to the growing segment of the population who do not have access to such services. In partnership combines a powerful application with even more powerful access, giving users the control of managing all their transactions, payments, money transfers, transfers in one place.
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., 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 Casa
CUENTAS CASA’s unique approach to property development combines state-of-the-art sustainable building technology with intelligent property management systems with the goal of developing complete residential communities in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost of traditional development. By selectively acquiring locations near metropolitan areas and immediately working with our partners to move into the construction phase, CUENTAS is able to pass on the savings in construction and maintenance directly to the resident. Management has seen rental prices reduced by as much as 30% over traditional residential communities.
About Cuentas
Cuentas, Inc. (Nasdaq: CUEN & CUENW) is creating an alternative financial ecosystem for the growing 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 under-banked and underserved populations across America and eventually, the world. The Cuentas Platform integrates Cuentas Mobile, the Company’s Telecommunications solution, with CUENTAS Money, its core financial services offerings to help entire communities enter the modern financial marketplace. In Q1 of 2023 Cuentas launched Cuentas Casa, an alternative housing community development solution based on a revolutionary, patented, sustainable building system. Management believes adding this construction technology to its offerings bridges the ‘need gap’, providing a first of its kind combination of financial and lifestyle solutions to the underbanked and underserved, putting the Company in a unique position to take advantage of what has been called a Trillion-dollar opportunity (LINK Forbes Article).
CUENTAS 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
info@cuentas.com
Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 12, 2025 | Rootstock, Zimbabwe Carbon Registry, Fastex, 21Shares, The Blockchain Group
Welcome to Blocks & Headlines, your daily op-ed style deep dive into the most pivotal blockchain and crypto stories shaping today’s market. In this edition—May 12, 2025—we cover:
-
Bitcoin DeFi Security Strengthens as Rootstock garners 81% of Bitcoin’s hashrate
-
Zimbabwe’s Blockchain Carbon Credit Registry aims to restore investor trust
-
Token2049 Dubai Highlights spotlight Fastex’s Web3 innovations
-
21Shares’ New ETP for Cronos (CRO) bridges traditional finance and DeFi
-
The Blockchain Group’s €9.9 M Capital Raise fuels its Bitcoin treasury strategy
Below, each story is summarized with key takeaways and opinion-driven context.
Introduction
Today’s blockchain landscape is defined by two contrasting forces: institutional maturation—as legacy players and governments adopt tokenized assets and infrastructure—and startup-driven innovation—where Web3 pioneers push boundaries in DeFi, NFTs, and on-chain governance. Major trends include:
-
Security & Scalability: Layer-2 solutions and cross-chain bridges are gaining traction to secure and scale Bitcoin and Ethereum ecosystems.
-
Transparency & Trust: From carbon credits to capital markets, blockchain is repeatedly chosen to enhance auditability and investor confidence.
-
Mainstream Access: Crypto ETPs and regulated token offerings are lowering barriers for retail and institutional investors.
-
Treasury Management: Public companies are increasingly using Bitcoin and token holdings as strategic assets to hedge against macro volatility.
Let’s unpack today’s five developments and their broader implications.
1. Bitcoin DeFi Security Strengthens with Rootstock’s Hashrate Share
What happened: A new Messari report finds that Rootstock (RSK), Bitcoin’s oldest layer-2 smart-contract platform, now commands 81% of Bitcoin’s total hashrate, up from 56% before major mining pools Foundry and SpiderPool onboarded in February. Transactions on Rootstock are 95% cheaper than on-chain Bitcoin and 55% cheaper than Ethereum, positioning RSK for sustained DeFi growth in 2025.
Source: CoinDesk
Analysis & commentary:
Rootstock’s dominant hashrate share underscores two key shifts:
-
Security by Convergence: By leveraging Bitcoin’s massive mining network, RSK mitigates the common 51% risk faced by smaller chains.
-
Cost-Efficiency for DeFi: Lower fees make RSK an attractive alternative to Ethereum for yield protocols, lending markets, and decentralized exchanges.
However, challenges remain. Smart-contract developers must integrate robust cross-chain bridges—Rootstock’s partnership with LayerZero is a start—to attract liquidity. Moreover, regulatory scrutiny of DeFi is rising; RSK’s governance will need transparent on-chain dispute resolution and compliance tooling to win institutional adoption.
2. Zimbabwe’s Blockchain Carbon Credit Registry to Revive Investor Confidence
What happened: In Harare on May 9, the Zimbabwean government launched the world’s first blockchain-enabled carbon credit registry, developed by Dubai’s A6 Labs. The immutable ledger will record issuance, trading, and retirement of credits, addressing the fallout from 2023’s abrupt project cancellations and a 50% revenue levy that spooked developers. The new Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority (ZCMA) will oversee licensing via the zicma.org.zw portal.
Source: Bloomberg
Analysis & commentary:
Zimbabwe’s registry is an instructive case study in how blockchain can restore transparency and rebuild market trust:
-
Immutable Audits: Every credit’s provenance is verifiable on-chain, deterring double-counting and fraud.
-
Regulatory Framework: A dedicated authority streamlines approvals, balancing market access with environmental integrity.
-
Investor Reassurance: By codifying rules in smart contracts, Zimbabwe signals that future policy shifts will be governed by code, not sudden ministerial edict.
Nonetheless, blockchain is not a panacea. Effective enforcement still depends on reliable on-the-ground measurement and reporting. The real test will be whether smaller African producers—Kenya, Zambia—adopt interoperable registries, creating a pan-continental carbon marketplace.
3. Web3 Innovation Takes Center Stage at Token2049 Dubai
What happened: Between April 30 and May 1, Token2049 Dubai convened industry leaders in the Emirates. Fastex, a platinum sponsor, showcased its Bahamut blockchain (PoSA consensus), the YoWallet custodial solution, and a wave of new apps—YoHealth, YoPhone/YoSIM, YoBlog—all designed to expand Web3 use cases beyond finance. Fastex also co-hosted regulatory forums with Solidus Labs and launched the Bahamut Grants program to seed developer innovation.
Source: Cointelegraph
Analysis & commentary:
Token2049’s Dubai edition highlights an ecosystem maturation where:
-
Compliance & Growth Coexist: Legal breakfasts signaled that self-regulation and layered oversight can lower entry barriers without stifling ingenuity.
-
Beyond Finance: By unveiling telecom and health apps, Fastex challenges the notion that blockchain is niche—real-world use cases can drive mainstream adoption.
-
Brand Ambassadors: Football legend Patrice Evra’s presence at YoHealth’s booth illustrates how cultural icons can amplify blockchain’s reach.
Moving forward, projects must demonstrate measurable end-user utility and scalable infrastructure to avoid the “pilot-only” trap. Dubai’s supportive regulatory sandbox remains an ideal proving ground.
4. 21Shares Launches ETP for Cronos (CRO) – Bridging TradFi and DeFi
What happened: Swiss issuer 21Shares listed a new ETP (CRON) on May 12, offering direct exposure to CRO, the native token of Cronos—a Layer 1 chain built for DeFi, NFTs, and cross-chain interoperability with Ethereum and Cosmos. Investors can now trade CRO through regular brokerages without managing private keys or wallets.
Source: The Paypers
Analysis & commentary:
Tokenizing blockchain assets into regulated ETPs remains one of the most powerful drivers of institutional capital inflows:
-
Familiar Interfaces: By packaging CRO as a ticker, 21Shares lowers the learning curve for asset managers and pension funds.
-
Regulatory Alignment: ETPs fall under securities law, offering clear governance compared to unregulated spot tokens.
-
Ecosystem Growth: Cronos stands to benefit from increased liquidity and brand recognition, which in turn fuels DeFi activity on its network.
ETPs also invite scrutiny: fees, redemption mechanics, and underlying custodial risks must be transparent to preserve investor trust. As competition heats up—with products for BTC, ETH, SOL, and more—issuers will vie on pricing, ease of access, and institutional credibility.
5. The Blockchain Group’s €9.9 M Capital Raise Advances Bitcoin Treasury Strategy
What happened: Europe’s first Bitcoin Treasury Company, The Blockchain Group (ALTBG), completed a €9.888 million capital increase at €1.0932 per share on May 7, 2025. Proceeds will bolster its strategy to accumulate Bitcoin per fully diluted share while expanding consulting and AI-driven blockchain services.
Source: ActusNews via MarketScreener
Analysis & commentary:
The Blockchain Group’s financing round underscores a new corporate paradigm where holding BTC is core to the business model:
-
Shareholder Alignment: By tethering equity value to Bitcoin accumulation, management and investors share upside in crypto markets.
-
Operational Synergies: Subsidiaries in data intelligence and decentralized consulting can monetize both service fees and on-balance-sheet Bitcoin appreciation.
-
Regulatory Compliance: As a publicly listed entity on Euronext Growth Paris, ALTBG navigates EU financial rules, offering a transparent vehicle for crypto exposure.
Yet this approach carries volatility risk: sudden BTC price swings can compress earnings per share and spur shareholder activism. Mitigation strategies—such as hedged derivatives and staggered BTC purchases—will be critical to sustain growth without alarming investors.
Conclusion
Today’s highlights reveal a blockchain industry at once foundational and frontier:
-
Security & Scale: Rootstock’s hashrate gains fortify Bitcoin DeFi’s underpinnings.
-
Transparent Markets: Zimbabwe’s carbon registry sets a template for blockchain-backed commodity markets.
-
Web3 Diversification: Token2049 Dubai shows that true mass adoption demands real-world applications in health, telecom, and beyond.
-
Institutional Access: ETPs like CRON democratize token ownership for mainstream investors.
-
On-Balance-Sheet Crypto: The Blockchain Group exemplifies the rising class of publicly traded crypto-native firms.
As blockchain extends into supply chains, tokenized securities, and identity, the winners will be those who blend innovative protocol design with pragmatic regulatory alignment. Keep tuning into Blocks & Headlines for tomorrow’s top stories.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 12, 2025 | Rootstock, Zimbabwe Carbon Registry, Fastex, 21Shares, The Blockchain Group appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Once live, the Input | Output (IO) led integration will bring full Cardano support to Brave Wallet, including Cardano native assets, as well as send, receive, swap, and signing capabilities- all natively embedded within Brave’s best-in-class browser wallet. This establishes Brave as a key partner to the Cardano community in the age of Voltaire.
SAN FRANCISCO and LONDON, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Input | Output (IO), the preeminent Web3 blockchain infrastructure and engineering firm, today announced a strategic partnership with Brave Software, the creator of the leading privacy-first browser and integrated multi-chain Brave Wallet. Together, they will integrate Cardano into the Brave Wallet, enabling Cardano blockchain access and token management from within the Brave wallet.
“Our partnership with IO reflects Brave’s commitment to building a Web3 that maximizes interoperation for user choice, while giving them better tools to engage with decentralized ecosystems,” said Brendan Eich, CEO and co-founder of Brave and the Basic Attention Token (BAT). “Integrating Cardano into Brave Wallet not only expands multi-chain access, but also enhances security, governance participation, and the overall user experience.”
Through this integration, Brave users and the broader Cardano community will gain direct access to Cardano’s blockchain for activities such as governance participation and native asset management, all within the privacy-focused Brave Wallet. Additionally, Brave Wallet will support the execution of swaps with Cardano native tokens and other on-chain transactions. This major milestone enhances Brave’s multi-chain capabilities, adding to its existing support for networks like Ethereum and Solana. Cardano users will now be able to manage native assets like NIGHT, engage in governance, and seamlessly swap tokens—securely and privately—through Brave’s in-browser wallet.
“This collaboration with Brave is a natural fit,” said Charles Hoskinson, CEO of IO. “We share a vision for a more secure, accessible, and user-respecting Web3. By bringing Cardano into Brave Wallet, we are not only expanding functionality for Cardano users in the age of on-chain governance, but also advancing a new standard for how blockchain networks should empower individuals—protecting privacy while enabling active, on-chain participation.”
The partnership also sets the stage for future innovation around engagement with Cardano’s governance and Midnight, a blockchain developed by Shielded Technologies, an Input | Output spinout focused on confidential smart contracts and data protection.
Media Contacts:
Georgia Hanias
Input | Output (IO)
[email protected]
Catherine Corre
Brave Software
[email protected]
About Input | Output (IO)
Input |Output (IO) is a world-leading blockchain infrastructure and research engineering firm dedicated to building a sustainable Web3 ecosystem. IO is committed to advancing the next generation of blockchain innovation, focusing on scalability, security, and real-world adoption through pioneering research and cutting-edge engineering.
About Brave Wallet and Brave
Brave Wallet is the secure, multi-chain crypto wallet built directly into the Brave privacy browser—no extensions required. With Brave Wallet, users can manage tokens and NFTs; connect to DApps and onramp to Web3; and explore decentralized finance, social media, gaming, and more. Brave Wallet users can connect other “cold” wallets like Ledger & Trezor. They can buy, store, send, and connect to DApps on Solana, Ethereum and EVM chains, Zcash, and Filecoin.
Brave Wallet is available on desktop, Android, and iOS, and is free to use. To get started on desktop, Brave browser users can click the wallet icon near the address bar. On mobile, users can tap “⋮” (Android) or “…” (iOS), then tap the wallet icon.
Brave is a driving force leading the way for Web3 adoption, directly supporting Web3 into the broader Web through its privacy browser, independent search engine, and browser-native, multi-chain crypto wallet. Brave currently has over 85 million monthly active users. Learn more at brave.com.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2683708/Charles_Hoskinson_Profile.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2683709/IO_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/input–output-partners-with-brave-to-integrate-cardano-into-brave-wallet-302451409.html
Blockchain Press Releases
Bybit Introduces BOB to P2P: Bolivian Traders Can Now Buy, Sell in Local Currency and Earn Commissions
DUBAI, UAE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has expanded its peer-to-peer (P2P) platform to support the Bolivian Bolíviano (BOB), enabling users in Bolivia to buy and sell crypto with their national currency for the first time on the platform.
In addition to enhancing local access to digital assets, Bybit is launching a new merchant program that invites users to list BOB trading ads and earn generous bi-weekly commissions. High-performing merchants can earn up to 400 USDT every two weeks, with added incentives for those listing in multiple fiat currencies.
“Expanding our P2P platform to include BOB is a reflection of our dedication to financial inclusion and local empowerment,” said Mazurka Zeng, Head of Fiat at Bybit. “We’re proud to offer Bolivian users more ways to access crypto markets while also opening the door to new opportunities”.
Bybit P2P merchants receive tailored support, including 1-to-1 customer service and faster appeal resolutions. To qualify for rewards, merchants must maintain active listings for a specified number of hours each week and meet trading volume and order count targets. Performance is reviewed every two weeks, and rewards are distributed through the Rewards Hub.
This launch represents another step in Bybit’s ongoing commitment to bring crypto access and earning potential to communities around the world through localized, user-friendly P2P services.
Bybit is actively expanding in the LATAM market and has seen a consistent rise in user requests from Bolivia to support the Boliviano (BOB) on its P2P platform. As crypto adoption continues to grow across the region, adding BOB would enhance accessibility for local users and empower them to engage more easily with the digital asset economy.
#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]
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2684795/Bybit_Brings_BOB_P2P___Bolivian_Traders_Can_Now_Buy.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267288/Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-introduces-bob-to-p2p-bolivian-traders-can-now-buy-sell-in-local-currency-and-earn-commissions-302452489.html
-
Blockchain Press Releases6 days agoHTX Premieres USD1 Stablecoin Globally, Partnering with World Liberty Financial to Forge a New Era of Decentralized Economy
-
Blockchain5 days ago
Colb Asset SA Raises $7.3 Million in Oversubscribed Round to Bring Pre-IPO Giants to Blockchain
-
Blockchain Press Releases5 days agoHTX and Justin Sun Launch $6M Mars Program Special Edition, Offering One User a Historic Space Journey
-
Blockchain4 days agoBitget Blockchain4Youth sostiene l’innovazione del Web3 e dell’IA all’hackathon “Build with AI” di Google Developer Group
-
Blockchain4 days ago
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 9, 2025 | Robinhood, Solana, Tether, China, Women in Web3
-
Blockchain5 days ago
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 7, 2025 | Coinbase, Riot Games, Curve DAO, Litecoin, AR.IO
-
Blockchain Press Releases4 days agoBybit Surpasses 70 Million Users, Reinforces Commitment to Transparency and Institutional Growth
-
Blockchain Press Releases6 days agoJuCoin made a global impact at TOKEN2049 Dubai, advancing its ecosystem with the “Peak Experience” vision and JuChain’s robust tech.
