Blockchain
WISeKey and Long State Investment Limited (“LSI”) to Establish Comprehensive Partnership in Asia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WISeKey and Long State Investment Limited (“LSI“) to Establish Comprehensive Partnership in Asia
WISeKey Announces an Equity Financing Agreement with LSI
Geneva/New York/Hong Kong – December 17, 2019 – WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity and IoT company, today announces the establishment of a comprehensive partnership with Long State Investment Limited (LSI), a leading Asian based investor, to expand the reach of WISeKey in the growing Asian markets and to become one of the leading providers of semiconductors, IoT and blockchain services in the region.
Under the arrangement, WISeKey and LSI plan to establish a Joint Venture (the “JV”) in Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2020 to focus on business opportunities in Asia. A memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) has been executed between WISeKey and LSI to that effect. LSI has further agreed to invest approximately USD 1,000,000 directly or through WISeKey into the JV, by subscribing, on a non-preemptive basis, for new Class B Shares at an issue price of USD 2.64, such price reflecting a premium over current trading prices. LSI has also agreed to provide WISeKey a CHF 30 million unsecured convertible term loan facility to support WISeKey’s expansion in Asia. Under the terms of that facility, WISeKey will be able to draw-down individual term loans of up to CHF 500,000 or, if so agreed between the parties, up to CHF 2.5 million at an interest rate of 1.5% p.a., up to an aggregate amount of CHF 30 million over a commitment period of 24 months. LSI will have the right to convert a draw-down tranche into Class B Shares within a short period (of 21 SIX trading days) after each individual draw-down, or, if so agreed among the parties and permitted by law, American Depositary Shares (ADSs) representing Class B Shares, at 95% of the higher of (i) the then prevailing market rate and (ii) the minimum conversion price of CHF 1.80 (the “Conversion Price”). Any term loan not converted by LSI initially will automatically convert (20 SIX trading days before the expiration of the commitment period) into Class B Shares, or ADSs, at the applicable Conversion Price. Under certain circumstances, interest payments may be “paid in kind” by capitalizing such interest and adding to it the aggregate principal balance of the loan outstanding. The objective of the JV is to establish a market foothold with credible leaders in the region to maximize revenue in the near term and realize reputable category position in the sectors of retail, financial transaction, mobile communications, automotive, smart cities, consumer products, healthcare, smart card, industrial, transportation and IT infrastructure in the long term.
Carlos Moreira, WISeKey’s CEO noted, “WISeKey has already started the localization of some of its IoT semiconductors production in China specifically designed for the Chinese market, having as a goal, the ramp up of its secure chip installed base to 10 billion within the next 3 years, with a new Secure Microprocessor nanoSEAL for IoT, Blockchain, AI and WISeCoin. WISeKey IoT has an installed base of over 1.5 billion secure chips (since 2010) in virtually all IoT sectors – autonomous cars, smart cities, drones, anti-counterfeiting, smart lighting, servers, mobile phones, etc. VaultIC407 features an outstandingly rich set of Security Protocols and Security Functions tailored to IoT applications. While WISeKey will continue manufacturing chips in other countries in Asia and Europe, its new plant in China will become the main manufacturing center for Asia. WISeKey China has the goal of becoming one of the leading providers of IoT and Blockchain services for the growing Chinese market. The over-arching objective of the new company is to establish a market foothold with credible in-country leaders to maximize revenue in the near-term and realize reputable category position in the sectors of: retail, financial transaction, automotive, smart cities, consumer products, healthcare, smart card, industrial, transportation, and IT infrastructure, in the long-term. Trusted Semiconductors are the building blocks of IoT, found in everything from autonomous cars, smart cities, drones, anti-counterfeiting, smart lighting, servers, mobile phones, etc. Although China has mastered the art of assembling products with semiconductors produced elsewhere (the iPhone is the most famous example), the aspiration is for technology companies in China to move from being mere assemblers to manufacturers of semiconductors, therefore there is huge opportunity for WISeKey to become one of the first global companies to establish its semiconductors manufacturing facility in mainland China.”
“WISeKey is an outstanding investment opportunity for us,” said Jessie Chen, Director of LSI Advisors Ltd. “As a global leader in the delivery of integrated security products for the Internet of Things and digital identity ecosystems, WISeKey has significant potential to expand in the large and fast growing Asia Pacific markets. We are eager to work with WISeKey to penetrate the Asian markets through our JV, and support its financing needs during this expansion phase.”
H.C. Wainwright & Co. acted as financial advisor to WISeKey for the partnership and the related financing.
About WISeKey WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY; SIX Swiss Exchange: WIHN) is a leading global cybersecurity company currently deploying large scale digital identity ecosystems for people and objects using Blockchain, AI and IoT respecting the Human as the Fulcrum of the Internet. WISeKey Microprocessors Secures the pervasive computing shaping today’s Internet of Everything. WISeKey IoT has an install base of over 1.5 billion microchips in virtually all IoT sectors (connected cars, smart cities, drones, agricultural sensors, anti-counterfeiting, smart lighting, servers, computers, mobile phones, crypto tokens etc.). WISeKey is uniquely positioned to be at the edge of IoT as our semiconductors produce a huge amount of Big Data that, when analyzed with Artificial Intelligence (AI), can help industrial applications to predict the failure of their equipment before it happens.
Our technology is Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey’s Swiss based cryptographic Root of Trust (“RoT”) provides secure authentication and identification, in both physical and virtual environments, for the Internet of Things, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. The WISeKey RoT serves as a common trust anchor to ensure the integrity of online transactions among objects and between objects and people. For more information, visit www.wisekey.com.
About Long State Investment Limited
Based in Hong Kong, Long State Investment focuses on investments in disruptive technologies and applied sciences, including blockchains, AI, machine learning, AR technologies, advanced materials, battery technologies and related supply chain. LSI has strong established relationships with many technology developers, as well as companies engaging in fintech, transaction technology, telecommunication services, communication equipment and industrial systems engineering in Asia. Long State intends to leverage on these relationships and WISeKey’s proprietary technology, product and service offerings, to assist WISeKey’s expansion in the region.
Press and investor contacts: Long State Investment Limited Disclaimer: This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.
WISeKey International Holding Ltd
Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
Chairman & CEO
Tel: +41 22 594 3000
[email protected]
WISeKey Investor Relations (US)
Contact: Lena Cati
The Equity Group Inc.
Tel: +1 212 836-9611
[email protected]
Company Contact:
Communications Manager
Tel: +852 2911 1275
[email protected]
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Blockchain
BioSig Technologies, Inc. Signs Definitive Share Exchange Agreement with Streamex Exchange Corp. to Launch First-Mover Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization Company Bringing Commodity Markets On-Chain.
Blockchain
From Onboarding to Settlement in Minutes: TransFi Launches BizPay to Redefine Global Business Payments
TransFi
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:
-
Guatemala’s Banco Industrial integrates blockchain for seamless cross-border remittances.
-
NYC Mayor’s Office unveils a comprehensive crypto and blockchain roadmap.
-
OSR Holdings, BCM Europe & Taekwondo Cooperative sign an MOU to launch the OSRH token.
-
Bybit’s “Chicken Trader” livestream—crypto meets poultry in the world’s first poultry-powered trading showdown.
-
FIFA taps Avalanche to build a dedicated blockchain for its NFT platform.
These stories underscore three key trends reshaping the ecosystem:
-
Institutional Adoption & Regulation: From national banks to municipal governments, legacy institutions are embracing decentralized technologies.
-
Tokenization & Community Engagement: Strategic partnerships are launching specialized tokens that bridge niche communities with global markets.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
A regulatory sandbox for crypto startups to pilot DeFi, NFTs, and token-based fundraising under city supervision.
-
Partnerships with CUNY and Columbia University for blockchain research and talent development.
-
Deployment of a blockchain-based public record system for land titles and business registrations.
Source: GovTech
Analysis & Commentary
-
Regulatory Harmony vs. Overreach: By offering a controlled sandbox rather than blanket deregulation, NYC signals a nuanced stance—encouraging innovation without sacrificing consumer protection.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Membership Rewards: Tokens earned through event participation, coaching certifications, and tournament wins.
-
Decentralized Governance: Athletes vote on sponsorship allocations and rule-change proposals via on-chain ballots.
-
Marketplace Integration: A dedicated NFT marketplace for Taekwondo memorabilia, from digital belts to highlight reels.
Source: PR Newswire
Analysis & Commentary
-
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.
-
Governance Innovation: Athlete-driven decision-making on sponsorship and funding disrupts top-down federation models. This could democratize sports governance across disciplines.
-
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
-
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.
-
User Acquisition Strategy: Bybit gamified acquisition funnels, leveraging viral social content to onboard nontraditional crypto audiences intrigued by the novelty factor.
-
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
-
Scalability & Sustainability: Avalanche’s consensus mechanism delivers sub-second finality and carbon-offset commitments, aligning with FIFA’s environmental pledges.
-
Fan Engagement: Tokenized highlights and limited-edition digital memorabilia expand revenue streams beyond broadcast rights, offering fans verifiable ownership and collectible provenance.
-
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:
-
Legacy institutions like banks and city governments are unlocking new efficiencies and transparency through private and public DLT networks.
-
Community-driven tokens are redefining governance and monetization in sports and niche domains.
-
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 Releases6 days agoCoinW Unveils Industry-First Futures Protection Program：Instant Refunds Designed to Safeguard Traders
-
Blockchain Press Releases3 days agoCM Global Services (CMGS) Secures Exclusive Multi-Year Logistics & Procurement Partnerships with Compass Mining and NovoMod
-
Blockchain Press Releases3 days agoOnRe, Backed by Ethena, Solana Ventures, and RockawayX Launches Structured Yield Product Combining Real-World Stability and On-Chain Upside
-
Blockchain5 days agoBlocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 19, 2025 | DoubleZero, Toobit, Story Protocol, Marco Polo, Argo Blockchain
-
Blockchain4 days agoVanEck Prepares to Launch PurposeBuilt Fund to Invest in Real-World Applications on Avalanche
-
Blockchain Press Releases5 days agoHTX Unveils Finalists for $6M Mars Program Special Edition, Space Journey Selection Enters Final Phase
-
Blockchain Press Releases5 days agoHTX Launches Multi-Assets Collateral Mode for USDT-Margined Futures, Empowering Traders With Enhanced Capital Efficiency
-
Blockchain Press Releases4 days ago
HTX Executives Go Face-to-Face: Justin Sun & Molly Dive Into Market Strategy, Space Visions, and More Opportunities
