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GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS BEGIN FOR BACK TO HOGWARTS

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  • Back to Hogwarts returns on 1st September, inviting Harry Potter fans from all over the world to mark the moment the Hogwarts Express departs from King’s Cross for the start of term
  • Fans can join themed events, watch parties, digital and real-life celebrations that promise to be bigger and better than ever

LONDON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, on Harry Potter’s birthday, Wizarding World announces the return of its Back to Hogwarts celebrations, alongside a search for the UK’s most enthusiastic Harry Potter fan to lead the Hogwarts Express’ departure countdown.

The Harry Potter books, written by J.K. Rowling have had a huge impact on fans around the globe, having sold over 600 million copies worldwide, been distributed in more than 200 territories and translated into over 85 languages since they were first published by Bloomsbury and Scholastic 25 years ago.

Beginning as a fan celebration, Back to Hogwarts is recognised as one of the biggest days in any Harry Potter fan’s calendar – marking the moment when students would board the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾ for adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Dressed in their finest cosplay, thousands of fans make the trip to London’s King’s Cross station each year and more come together online to raise their wands for the countdown and share their love of the stories.

Bringing Gryffindors, Slytherins, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs together, this year celebrations are bigger than ever with the launch of a UK competition for one lucky fan between age five and seventeen years old to get the chance to travel to King’s Cross and help host the countdown on 1st September. The competition is live and young wizards and witches wishing to enter can submit a video of their best countdown online (via a parent or guardian) by 11.59pm on 7th August.

The magic doesn’t stop there! This lucky winner (plus a parent or guardian) will get the chance to pack their trunks once again to come back to the capital with a complete package of Harry Potter experiences. The ultimate Harry Potter London Breaks Experience gives this fan the opportunity to discover the filmmaking magic of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and see the critically acclaimed stage production, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. To top it off, the winner will receive an incredible merchandise bundle from the Harry Potter Shop. Full details on prize entry can be found here.

Until 3rd September an array of magical experiences awaits at King’s Cross as fans get the chance to sip on Butterbeer, play Hogwarts Legacy on PlayStation®5 courtesy of Warner Bros. Games, and enjoy LEGO® Harry Potter giveaways and photo opportunities. Additionally, in celebration of the publication of The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac, fans will also be able to spin Bloomsbury’s giant wand spinner and find out whose wand they are best suited to, with free gifts up for grabs for those taking part.  

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Festivities aren’t contained to the station… why not relive the movie magic on the big screen? Theatres around the world will be putting on special Harry Potter screenings for Back to Hogwarts. In the UK, Everyman will screen all eight films at Everyman Kings Cross and select Harry Potter movies at their cinemas nationwide. ODEON will present Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets nationwide over the course of the weekend. US fans can get their fix at Cinemark where more than 250 theatres will be showing an exclusive re-release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Parts 1&2. Down Under? Join in the fun at 15 locations of Village Cinemas across Victoria, Australia as they host screenings of the final two Deathly Hallows films in the iconic series. Further theatres and locations will be announced soon, including screenings in Barcelona and Madrid.

Pam Lifford, President, Global Brands, Franchises and Experiences, at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: Back to Hogwarts is a day cherished by Harry Potter fans of all ages, from all over the world. Just like their passion for the magic of the stories, their celebrations grow every year! 2023 is set to be a year like no other – we will see fan world record attempts in Germany, high octane quiz competitions in France and of course, the UK’s search to find the perfect person to join that amazing countdown. We are so proud to offer new and exciting ways to bring fans together and give them new ways to celebrate the Harry Potter magic – there’s nothing quite like Back To Hogwarts!”

Check out Wizarding World Digital at www.wizardingworld.com for all the Back to Hogwarts updates, including the latest UK activity and info on what’s happening in Italy, Germany, France, Japan, China and more. Look out for news too on how to get involved with Harry Potter Watch Parties (MAX US subscribers will be able to join and watch-along on 1st September) and when to tune into the Back to Hogwarts Digital Showcase.

Join the global community of millions of members following the fun on social and don’t forget to sign up to the Harry Potter Fan Club!

Website:  www.wizardingworld.com/harry-potter-fan-club.
Instagram: @wizardingworld https://www.instagram.com/wizardingworld/?hl=en
Hashtag: #BacktoHogwarts

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About The Wizarding World

In the years since Harry Potter was whisked from King’s Cross station onto Platform nine and three quarters, his incredible adventures have left a unique and lasting mark on popular culture. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films based on the original stories by J.K. Rowling have brought the magical stories to life and today, the Wizarding World is recognised as one of the world’s best-loved brands.

Representing a vast interconnected universe, it also includes three epic Fantastic Beasts films, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child – the multi-award-winning stage-play, state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games, innovative consumer products, thrilling live entertainment (including four theme park lands) and insightful exhibitions, as well as a forthcoming Harry Potter TV series. 

This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. Discovery owned Wizarding World experiences also includes Harry Potter New York – the iconic flagship store, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, and the Harry Potter Shop online and retail shops.

The Wizarding World continues to evolve to provide Harry Potter fans with fresh and exciting ways to engage. For the worldwide fan community, and for generations to come, it welcomes everyone in to explore and discover the magic for themselves.

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About Back to Hogwarts

On 1st September, fans from all generations and corners of the globe come together to celebrate a very special day in the wizarding world calendar: Back to Hogwarts. Having started as an organic fan celebration many years ago, today Back to Hogwarts is an annual tradition recognised as one of the biggest moments in the Harry Potter fan’s calendar when wizards and witches board the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾ for a year of magical adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In a unique celebration, each year fans come together online and in real life to celebrate the magic of these beloved stories and unite with their community.

UK Activity – About The Competition

Parents and guardians can enter their child by 7th August to help lead the Hogwarts Express’ departure countdown at 11.00am on 1st September 2023 at King’s Cross station and win a bundle of Harry Potter prizes.

The Wizarding World is searching for an enthusiastic, confident young fan to lead all the young wizards, witches and Muggles in the countdown moment. For the opportunity to lead the countdown, the parent or guardian of the applicant must send a video lasting no longer than 20 seconds, counting down from ten, showing how they would lead the Hogwarts Express’ departure countdown.

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Entrants must be based in the UK and Northern Ireland, aged between 5 and 17 years old, and details for entering the competition are detailed at https://www.wizardingworld.com/terms/back-to-hogwarts-2023-uk-countdown-competition-terms 

Entries must be sent via email to [email protected] and must be sent via a file sharing platform such as WeTransfer or DropBox.

The opportunity to enter opened at 12.00am on 31st July and will close at 11.59pm on 7th August. The successful applicant will be informed by 18th August.

The Competition Prize

  • Lead the fans in a countdown at 11.00am BST to launch the Hogwarts Express announcement on 1st September 2023
    • Reasonable travel via train for the winner and one parent/guardian to London on Thursday 31st August
    • Reasonable return travel for the winner and one parent/guardian on Friday 1st September
    • Accommodation in London from 31st August – 1st September for winner and one parent/guardian
  • First to enter Back to Hogwarts fan zone at King’s Cross station
  • Wizarding World London Breaks – Ultimate Experience: 1 nights’ accommodation, 2x tickets to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, 2x tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for winner and one parent/guardian – to be redeemed at a later date
    • Note: As a guide, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is recommended for ages 10 and up.
  • A Wizarding World merchandise bundle from the Harry Potter Shop

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2164784/Warner_Bros_Back_to_Hogwarts_Children.jpg 

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Blockchain Press Releases

Purchasers of Quantstamp QSP Tokens May Be Eligible for Payment from the Quantstamp Fair Fund

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COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The following statement is being issued by Simpluris, Inc., the SEC-appointed Fund Administrator.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Before the 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

In the Matter of Quantstamp, Inc.
Administrative Proceeding File No. 3-21535

This Notice is Pursuant to a Distribution Plan approved by the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission in the captioned matter.

If you purchased or acquired Quantstamp QSP tokens from October 1, 2017, through July 20, 2023, inclusive, you may be eligible for a distribution from the Fair Fund created in the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) administrative proceeding captioned above (the “Fair Fund”).

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The Fair Fund is being distributed pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) approved by the SEC. The Plan provides for the distribution of the Fair Fund to compensate investors based on their losses, due to the misconduct of Quantstamp, Inc. described in the SEC’s administrative proceeding, on the purchase of QSP tokens from October 1, 2017 through July 20, 2023. You can view and download a copy of the SEC’s order and the Plan on the Important Documents tab on the website for this matter:  www.QuantstampFairFund.com/documents.  

To be considered for eligibility for a Distribution Payment from the Fair Fund, you must timely submit a completed Claim Form online or via mail.  Claim Forms completed online must be submitted on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (“EST”) on April 10, 2025. Claim Forms submitted via mail must be sent to the address provided on the Claim Form and postmarked (or if not sent by U.S. Mail, received) by April 10, 2025.

You may complete the Claim Form online here: www.QuantstampFairFund.com/form/claim. Alternatively, you may download a paper copy from of the Claim Form on the Important Documents page www.QuantstampFairFund.com/documents, or request a copy of the paper Claim Form from the Fund Administrator via email at [email protected] or by calling 833-215-6101, for submission by mail to the address set forth on the Claim Form.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information regarding the Fair Fund, including copies of the Plan, the Plan Notice, the Claim Form, and other relevant documents may be found at www.QuantstampFairFund.com. You may request copies or seek additional information by contacting the Fund Administrator.

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Email:               

[email protected]

Call:                 

833-215-6101

Write:               

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Quantstamp Fair Fund

Fund Administrator

P.O. Box 25381

Santa Ana, CA 92799

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1232750/New_Simpluris_Logo.jpg

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Blockchain

Humanity Protocol Collaborates with OKX Wallet to Redefine Decentralized Identity Verification and Reward Users

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Humanity Protocol, a $1 billion decentralized, privacy-first digital identity blockchain project, is excited to announce its collaboration with OKX Wallet, which will serve as an identity validator for its testnet ecosystem. This collaboration introduces a seamless way for users to engage with decentralized identity while offering unique rewards for OKX Wallet participants.
Testnet users signing up with OKX Wallet will receive a 10% bonus in their airdrop allocation during the token launch. By connecting their OKX Wallet during the Humanity Protocol testnet registration process, participants will be issued a verifiable credential that confirms wallet ownership. This credential ensures fair distribution and protects user privacy, creating a seamless and secure onboarding experience.
Verifiable credentials form the foundation of Humanity Protocol’s decentralized identity system. These credentials validate wallets as unique OKX Wallet users, safeguarding the ecosystem from fraud, such as duplicate registrations and Sybil attacks. While operating behind the scenes, they play a critical role in maintaining transparency and fairness while enabling privacy-first participation in the network.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with OKX Wallet for our testnet,” said Terence Kwok, Founder of Humanity Protocol. “This collaboration strengthens our mission to create a secure, decentralized identity network. By combining Humanity Protocol’s privacy-preserving solutions with OKX Wallet’s trusted infrastructure, we’re not only simplifying user participation but also fostering trust and fairness across the ecosystem. Together, we aim to set a new standard for privacy and transparency in the blockchain space.”
OKX Wallet, known for its user-friendly design and robust security, plays a critical role in this collaboration by enabling secure wallet verification and streamlining user participation.
Humanity Protocol is dedicated to building a decentralized future rooted in privacy and security. By integrating OKX Wallet as an identity validator, the protocol ensures a trustworthy network that benefits both participants and the broader blockchain community.

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Blockchain Press Releases

HTX Ventures: RWAFi and Stablecoin Payments Set to Dominate the Evolving DeFi Landscape

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SINGAPORE, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The DeFi landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation since the “DeFi Summer” of 2020. With Donald Trump assuming office as the President of the United States, a new era of growth for DeFi is emerging, characterized by deeper integration with traditional finance.

HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, has released a forward-looking report titled A New Era for DeFi with Crypto Compliance and New Opportunities in RWA-Fi and Stablecoin Payments. This report analyzes the evolving environment of crypto trading in 2025, focusing on the significant opportunities and challenges RWAFi and stablecoin payments are facing.

Changes in the Crypto Trading Environment Favor Stablecoins and RWAs Prospects

The gradual easing of crypto regulatory policies is facilitating greater institutional investor participation within the crypto ecosystem. This shift has seen stablecoins and RWAs (Real-World Assets) emerge as crucial bridges connecting the traditional finance and decentralized finance worlds.

Data shows a remarkable surge in stablecoins usage in blockchain transactions, which has risen from 3% in 2020 to over 50% by the end of 2024. The core value proposition of stablecoins lies in their ability to facilitate seamless cross-border payments, making them strategically important in international trade.

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The report underscores the immense potential of stablecoins, stating, “At present, the global cross-border B2B payments market processed through traditional channels is valued at approximately $40 trillion, while the consumer remittance market generates hundreds of billions of dollars in annual revenue. Stablecoins offer a new alternative for efficient cross-border payments via crypto channels. As the adoption gains momentum, stablecoins are set to penetrate and disrupt this market segment, becoming a key player in the global payments landscape.”

Furthermore, the U.S. House Financial Services Committee is actively preparing to introduce a stablecoin bill, which has the potential to be the first comprehensive crypto legislation passed by Congress. This legislation could drive widespread adoption of crypto wallets, stablecoins, and blockchain-based payment channels among traditional banks, enterprises, and individuals. Notably, several prominent traditional financial giants, including PayPal and Stripe, have already initiated active exploration within the stablecoin sector.

The RWA market saw positive growth during the recent bear market cycle, primarily driven by its stable returns. Unlike cryptocurrencies, the value of RWAs remains largely unaffected by the inherent volatility of the crypto market, a crucial characteristic for building a robust DeFi ecosystem. Industry leaders like Binance project that the RWA market could expand to $16 trillion by 2030. This immense market potential has driven companies like BlackRock and Tether to explore tokenized assets, leading to the emergence of compliance tools for RWA token issuance, such as Securitize.

Opportunities and Challenges for DeFi Projects

As stablecoins and RWAFi emerge as the cornerstones of the evolving DeFi landscape, project teams are tasked with developing innovative products tailored to the new environment and demands. While challenges are inevitable, these transformative shifts also unlock numerous opportunities.

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In terms of realizing the vision of yield-generating stablecoins, the report identifies two prevailing market trends:

  • Treasury-backed Stablecoins:
    This approach involves utilizing the U.S. Treasury bonds as the underlying assets for stablecoins, effectively introducing traditional financial assets onto the blockchain through tokenization. This methodology preserves the stability and low-risk nature of Treasury bonds while seamlessly integrating the high liquidity and composability inherent to DeFi. Examples include USDY by Ondo Finance and a range of Treasury-backed Vault products from OpenTrade.
  • Volatility-driven Yield: 
    The alternative approach leverages crypto market volatility and MEV to generate low-risk returns. Ethena, along with its native stablecoin USDe, serve as a prime example of this strategy.

Seamlessly integrating DeFi applications with RWAs presents another critical challenge for project teams. On one hand, the inherent stability of RWAs can effectively mitigate risk in DeFi applications. Collateralized Debt Position (CDP) stablecoins, such as Curve’s crvUSD, are increasingly incorporating RWAs as collateral to enhance their stability. On the other hand, the flexibility of DeFi can significantly boost the utilization rate of tokenized RWAs. Pendle’s newly introduced RWA section, boasting a current TVL of $150 million, exemplifies this synergy. Leveraging the composability of DeFi Lego, Pendle’s diverse yield-generating assets can offer highly attractive APYs, incentivizing users to invest in RWA stablecoins.

Emerging DeFi projects still possess significant untapped potential within niche sectors, such as addressing defaults scenarios within the private credit market within RWA domain and  effectively leveraging RWA public chains to empower institutional finance. Looking ahead, the report suggests that on-chain forex, cross-border payment stacks, and multi-pool stablecoin aggregation platforms are among the promising development directions in the “New DeFi” era.

About HTX Ventures

HTX Ventures is the global investment arm of HTX, integrating investment, incubation, and research to identify and discover the best and most innovative projects in the market. Visit us here.

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