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Institutional investors embrace next wave of ETFs

Tradeweb

Since their first introduction in the early 1990s, U.S. retail investors have embraced Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) as a way to diversify their investment portfolios, viewing ETFs as a pathway to better pricing, greater efficiency, better investor access and improved execution for a wide variety of assets and trading strategies. Now, as new ETF products have launched and investor demands have changed, institutional investors are playing a larger role in driving ETF adoption. Take the recent listing of spot Bitcoin ETFs, for example. Earlier this year, after receiving approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), eleven spot Bitcoin ETFs debuted in the U.S. market. Hailed as the most successful ETF launch in history, on its first day of trading, total spot Bitcoin ETF volumes reached over $4.6 billion. In the first four days of trading, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) ETF reached $1 billion in assets, the first among the group of eleven newly launched ETFs to reach this milestone. Now the world’s largest Bitcoin fund, the ETF has garnered nearly $20 billion in total assets. Although popular among retail investors, cryptocurrencies have received mixed reviews from institutional investors, with many rejecting the assets outright because of their potentially speculative and unregulated nature. However, in the months following the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs, market makers and institutional investors lined up in force to price these ETFs and gain exposure to these assets – resulting in strong liquidity and high volumes on its first day of trading. This momentum continued to build, with roughly 500 institutional investors allocating funds into spot Bitcoin ETFs in the first quarter of 2024. On the Tradeweb platform, BlackRock’s IBIT ETF reached an average daily volume of $4.2 million in the first six months. Benefits of the ETF Wrapper While the strong volumes that played out across the market and on the Tradeweb platform over the past six months are a testament to the sophistication and preparedness of institutional firms themselves, they also underscore the attractiveness of ETFs more broadly. A variety of characteristics make the ETF structure appealing. The most basic is that an ETF looks, feels and settles like a stock, while simultaneously managing risk efficiently and providing exposure to a wide range of asset classes. Because of this, more types of investors are willing to use ETFs in various ways, such as for cash equitization, asset diversification and tax management purposes. They also serve as hedging tools for traders wishing to express short-term tactical views on the market. In the case of Bitcoin, though, institutional investors may be more focused on the SEC's approval than price transparency and liquidity. This important step could influence whether Bitcoin and other digital currencies become more mainstream, as many institutional investors and ETF providers – skeptical about buying and settling the asset – still reject crypto currencies in their portfolios. Now, the ETF wrapper has made these assets more appealing. Instead of avoiding Bitcoin, investors just might justify with their investment committees buying assets that are more like equity, trade on a national exchange, and have regulatory approval. While the SEC noted that approving these spot Bitcoin ETFs was not an endorsement or approval of Bitcoin itself, the SEC emphasized the protections that would be afforded to investors by SEC regulation of the spot Bitcoin ETFs, such as full and fair product disclosure. Democratizing Fixed Income This is somewhat of a deja vu moment, since we’ve seen ETFs broaden an asset’s investor base before, and indeed transform a market. In fixed income, ETFs have changed the buying and selling of bonds by creating these fungible, easily tradeable proxy shares for assets that had largely been the domain of institutions and high net-worth individual investors. Traditionally, investors were more commonly set up and familiar with trading equities rather than fixed income, making it harder to source, price, bundle and trade certain bonds. As a result, retail investors, in particular, had difficulties accessing the full breadth of the fixed income market. But in the form of ETFs, investors were able to tap into multiple areas of the bond market, bringing on a whole new level of liquidity and price transparency to the underlying assets. That’s opened fixed income to retail investing and spawned a fixed income ETF boom over the past decade. Today, fixed income ETFs make up a $2 trillion asset class and in the U.S. alone, over 700 fixed income ETFs are currently trading, all of which are available to trade on the Tradeweb platform under the request-for-quote (RFQ) protocol. Since launching our first RFQ cash equities platform in Europe in 2018, institutional market participants have increasingly turned toward the protocol because of its advantages, including seamless integration into trading workflows, more flexibility, better pricing and increased efficiency. Moreover, we continue to report strong volumes across the ETF platform, driven by the constant expansion of electronic trade types and the introduction of new trading efficiencies. Since the launch of our institutional European ETF platform in 2012[1] and our U.S. ETF platform in 2016, we’ve reported a rise of 51% and 59%, respectively, in total average annual notional volume growth[2]. Sure, generally, the assets underlying an ETF need to be liquid already for an ETF to be successful, but if our experience watching more retail investors leaping into fixed income ETFs is a guide, we’re likely to see new kinds of investors dabbling in digital assets and institutional investors continue to make a bigger splash in areas where they hadn’t in the past, such as cryptocurrencies. Ethereum Takes the Spotlight With the successful launch of Bitcoin behind us, spot Ethereum ETFs are the latest to get the greenlight after the SEC approved the listing of eight spot ether ETFs in May 2024. On the first day of trading, the eight new spot ether ETFs hit $1 billion in trading volume on their first day – a smaller number than the over $4.6 billion in total trading volume spot Bitcoin ETFs pulled in on the first day, but a significant milestone nonetheless. What the SEC has not signaled in these narrow approvals of crypto ETFs, though, is its willingness to approve listing standards for crypto asset securities in general, citing the speculative, volatile nature of the asset. ETFs based on baskets of different crypto assets have yet to emerge, and investors hoping to broadly diversify their crypto holdings through ETFs have had to settle for shares whose underlying assets are companies that own or deal in crypto currencies – rather than the currencies themselves. Even still, as we’ve seen in fixed income, the ETF wrapper can play a significant role in changing a market, leading the way to greater acceptance of the asset class and promoting broader interest and acceptance among investors by offering a more tax-efficient and transparent way to diversify holdings and gain exposure to a broader range of assets. These characteristics have made ETFs appealing to retail investors, who have historically pioneered ETF adoption, and institutions and high-net-worth investors, who have more recently been driving this trend. It’s a role we’ll continue to watch over time as innovation, new asset classes and technologies shape what’s next for ETFs. [1] Tradeweb’s European ETF platform was launched in October 2012; therefore, data for 2012 does not include a full calendar year. [2] As of July 31, 2024. About Tradeweb Markets Tradeweb Markets Inc. (Nasdaq: TW) is a leading, global operator of electronic marketplaces for rates, credit, equities and money markets. Founded in 1996, Tradeweb provides access to markets, data and analytics, electronic trading, straight-through-processing and reporting for more than 50 products to clients in the institutional, wholesale and retail markets. Advanced technologies developed by Tradeweb enhance price discovery, order execution and trade workflows while allowing for greater scale and helping to reduce risks in client trading operations. Tradeweb serves more than 2,500 clients in more than 70 countries. On average, Tradeweb facilitated more than $1.7 trillion in notional value traded per day over the past four fiscal quarters. For more information, please go to www.tradeweb.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements related to, among other things, our outlook and future performance, the industry and markets in which we operate, our expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, objectives, prospects and assumptions and future events are forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the documents of Tradeweb Markets Inc. on file with or furnished to the SEC, may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In particular, preliminary average variable fees per million dollars of volume traded are subject to the completion of management’s final review and our other financial closing procedures and therefore are subject to change. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are not guarantees of future events or performance and future events, our actual results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, and the development of the industry and markets in which we operate, may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. In addition, even if future events, our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, and events in the industry and markets in which we operate, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this release, they may not be predictive of events, results or developments in future periods. Any forward-looking statement that we make in this release speaks only as of the date of such statement. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise, or to publicly announce any update or revision to, any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this release. Contact Details Tradeweb Media Contact Savannah Steele +1 631-655-4225 Savannah.Steele@Tradeweb.com Company Website https://www.tradeweb.com/

August 08, 2024 08:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Huntington Park Police Renews Knightscope Partnership for Sixth Year as Crime Rates Drop

MarketJar

Knightscope, Inc. (NASDAQ:KSCP), a leading Silicon Valley-based AI and security tech innovator, has once again secured the trust of Huntington Park Police Department, renewing its contract for the sixth consecutive year. This extension ensures that the K5 Autonomous Security Robot (ASR) will continue its crucial role in safeguarding Salt Lake Park, a move that has already led to a significant reduction in crime and enhanced public safety. Knightscope, which is known for its cutting-edge autonomous security robots (ASRs) and blue light emergency communication systems, creates technology that deters, detects, and reports incidents in real time. These robots are more than just gadgets; they represent a new frontier in crime prevention, offering security professionals unparalleled situational awareness. With their cost-effective deployment, Knightscope ’s robots are protecting various environments across the country, from workplaces and schools to parks and public spaces. The company's overarching mission is to transform the United States into the safest country in the world. Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano expressed his enthusiasm about the continued collaboration, stating, “The integration of the K5 ASR into our city resources has been transformative. It has greatly improved our capacity to monitor public spaces, boost public safety, and enhance the overall perception of our community.” The impact of the K5 ASR has been nothing short of remarkable. Since its deployment, the robot has played a key role in reducing crime and nuisance activities at Salt Lake Park. According to the city manager, the presence of the K5 ASR led to a 10% reduction in service calls and a staggering 46% decrease in crime reports during its initial year of operation. These figures underscore the effectiveness of Knightscope ’s technology in fostering a safer environment for the community. Knightscope also upgraded the Huntington Park Police Department to the fifth-generation K5 Autonomous Security Robot (ASR) at no extra cost, further enhancing its capabilities in safeguarding Salt Lake Park and continuing its impressive track record of reducing crime and boosting public safety. 1 The upgraded fifth-generation K5 Autonomous Security Robot features a wider stance for better stability, a raised camera for near eye-level 4K video capture, improved battery architecture, enhanced audio, additional lighting for better nighttime visibility, and a design optimized for easier maintenance. These improvements enhance its effectiveness and operational reliability. 2 William Santana Li, Chairman and CEO of Knightscope, emphasized the importance of equipping law enforcement with advanced tools, stating, “Our law enforcement officers deserve the utmost respect for their dedication and the best tools available to support their mission. We are honored to continue our partnership for another year, helping to protect the places where people live, work, study, and visit.” The K5 ASR, a cornerstone of Knightscope ’s technology suite, is not just making waves in Huntington Park. It’s also gaining widespread recognition in the tech world. Recently, Citi featured the K5 robot in its influential report titled "The Rise of AI Robots," positioning it alongside Boston Dynamics' Spot robot and Tesla's Optimus. 3 This acknowledgment underscores the growing impact of Knightscope ’s innovations and highlights the K5’s role in advancing security technology. Knightscope Expands Contracts with Schools, Transit Agencies, and University of Texas The recent extension with the police department is just the tip of the iceberg. Knightscope, Inc. (NASDAQ:KSCP) has achieved significant contract expansions with a diverse range of clients, including schools, transit agencies, multifamily communities, and universities, highlighting the growing confidence in its security technologies. Last month, the company renewed and expanded its contracts with several school districts and transit agencies. The enhanced agreements will see the deployment of Knightscope 's K5 Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) to patrol and monitor public spaces, offering real-time incident detection and reporting to boost safety. The University of Texas has increased its use of Knightscope 's emergency communication systems, a move aimed at bolstering the university’s preparedness and response capabilities during emergencies. In California, a multifamily community has expanded its contract with Knightscope to include more K5 ASRs. This expansion will enhance security and improve safety for residents through continuous monitoring and prompt incident reporting. Additionally, two other universities have extended their contracts with Knightscope, incorporating more of its security solutions to further strengthen campus security and create a safer environment for students and staff. These expansions reflect Knightscope ’s growing impact and its commitment to improving safety and security across a variety of sectors and locations. For further information on Knightscope 's innovative solutions and projects, please visit Knightscope's website (NASDAQ:KSCP). Footnotes: [1] https://x.com/iKnightscope/status/1765815077918175447 [2] https://www.knightscope.com/post/the-fifth-generation-k5---an-exercise-of-evolutionary-discipline [3] https://www.citivelocity.com/rendition/eppublic/public/documentService/dXNlcl9pZD1qNzhtc2xQZkt0dz0/ZG9jX2lkPTMwMjY0MjM0JnBsYXRmb3JtSWQ9NzgmbWVudUl0ZW1JZD1BTExfSU5TSUdIVFM?ancestor=CVR22 Disclosure: 1) The author of the Article, or members of the author’s immediate household or family, do not own any securities of the companies outlined in this Article. The author determined which companies would be included in this article based on research and understanding of the sector. 2) The Article was issued on behalf of and sponsored by, Knightscope, Inc. Market Jar Media Inc. was paid $1,500 for the production and publishing of this article by Knightscope, Inc.’s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.). Additional details relating to Market Jar Media Inc.’s engagement by Knightscope, Inc.’s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.) are set out in https://pressreach.com/disclaimer-kscp. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not Market Jar Media Inc., its directors or officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Market Jar Media Inc. for this Article. Market Jar Media Inc. was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this Article. Market Jar has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of Market Jar or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Market Jar Media Inc. relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Market Jar Media Inc. has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) The Article does not constitute investment advice. All investments carry risk and each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional. Any action a reader takes as a result of the information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Market Jar Media Inc.'s terms of use and full legal disclaimer as set forth here. This Article is not a solicitation for investment. Market Jar Media Inc. does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on PressReach.com should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on PressReach.com. 5) Market Jar Media Inc. and its respective directors, officers and employees hold no shares for any company mentioned in the Article. 6) This document contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which reflect management's expectations regarding Knightscope, Inc.’s future growth, future business plans and opportunities, expected activities, and other statements about future events, results or performance. Wherever possible, words such as “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “anticipate” or “does not anticipate”, “believe”, “intend” and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) revenue generating potential with respect to Knightscope, Inc.’s industry; (b) market opportunity; (c) Knightscope, Inc.’s business plans and strategies; (d) services that Knightscope, Inc. intends to offer; (e) Knightscope, Inc.’s milestone projections and targets; (f) Knightscope, Inc.’s expectations regarding receipt of approval for regulatory applications; (g) Knightscope, Inc.’s intentions to expand into other jurisdictions including the timeline expectations relating to those expansion plans; and (h) Knightscope, Inc.’s expectations with regarding its ability to deliver shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this document including, without limitation, assumptions about: (a) the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute Knightscope, Inc.’s business plan; (b) that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; (c) Knightscope, Inc.’s ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; (d) the accuracy of budgeted costs and expenditures; (e) Knightscope, Inc.’s ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (f) political and regulatory stability; (g) the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third-party approvals, licenses and permits on favorable terms; (h) changes in applicable legislation; (i) stability in financial and capital markets; and (j) expectations regarding the level of disruption to as a result of CV-19. Such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of Knightscope, Inc. to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (a) Knightscope, Inc.’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; (b) public health crises such as CV-19 may adversely impact Knightscope, Inc.’s business; (c) the volatility of global capital markets; (d) political instability and changes to the regulations governing Knightscope, Inc.’s business operations (e) Knightscope, Inc. may be unable to implement its growth strategy; and (f) increased competition.Except as required by law, Knightscope, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither does Knightscope, Inc. nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this document. Neither Knightscope, Inc. nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this document by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this document. 7) Any graphs, tables or other information demonstrating the historical performance or current or historical attributes of Knightscope, Inc. or any other entity contained in this document are intended only to illustrate historical performance or current or historical attributes of Knightscope, Inc or such entities and are not necessarily indicative of future performance of Knightscope, Inc. or such entities. 8) Investing is risky. The information provided in this article should not be considered as a substitute for professional financial consultation. Users should be aware that investing in any form carries inherent risks, and as such, there is a possibility of losing some or all of their investment. The value of investments can fluctuate significantly within a short period, and investors must understand that past performance is not indicative of future results. Additionally, users should exercise caution as transactions involving investments may be irreversible, even in cases of fraud or accidental actions. It is crucial to acknowledge that rapidly evolving laws and technical issues can have adverse effects on the usability, transferability, exchangeability, and value of investments. Furthermore, users must be cognizant of potential security risks associated with their investment activities. Individuals are strongly encouraged to conduct thorough research, seek professional advice, and carefully evaluate their risk tolerance before engaging in any investment endeavors. Market Jar Media Inc. is neither an investment adviser nor a broker-dealer. The information presented on the website is provided for informative purposes only and is not to be treated as a recommendation to make any specific investment. No such information on PressReach.com constitutes advice or a recommendation. Contact Details James Young +1 800-340-9767 campaigns@pressreach.com Company Website https://pressreach.com

August 08, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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CheersAI Launched by High School Innovators from Sammamish Create Groundbreaking Mental Health Support Platform

Rev Up Marketers

CheersAI, an innovative mental health support platform designed by high school students from Eastlake High School, is now live. Created by co-founders Dhruv Reddy (CEO), Balaji Prasanna Venkatesh (CTO), and Rithvik Rathinasabapathy (CIO), CheersAI offers a simple and accessible way for students to find support during challenging times. Inspired by a local tragedy, CheersAI aims to provide a supportive space for students, free from the distractions and complexities of high-tech features. This initiative aligns with the broader focus on mental health and well-being, making its introduction especially meaningful. CheersAI Co-Founders: - Dhruv Reddy (CEO) - Balaji Prasanna Venkatesh (CTO) - Rithvik Rathinasabapathy (CIO) Features of CheersAI.co 1. Call AI Therapist: Connect with a non-judgmental AI therapist 24x7 by simply clicking the call button, eliminating the overwhelm of complex features. 2. Chat and Ask Questions: Utilize available prompts or ask anything you need, providing a supportive and interactive chat experience. 3. Free and Anonymous: Enjoy complete privacy and confidentiality, with no cost to access and use the platform. Quotes from the Co-Founders: - Dhruv Reddy, CEO: " We wanted to create something that wasn't overly complicated. The simple chat and call features allow students to talk and share their feelings, which can be a crucial step in getting through low phases. It's this simplicity that sets us apart from other platforms." - Balaji Prasanna Venkatesh, CTO: " CheersAI is designed to foster a supportive environment. We want to make sure that students feel they have a place where they can openly express themselves without fear of judgment." - Rithvik Rathinasabapathy, CIO: " Our goal was to create a resource that felt approachable and impactful. ” Addressing Critical Issues: CheersAI addresses three major obstacles in current mental health support for high schoolers: 1. Accessibility: Providing a free and straightforward platform that is easily accessible to all students. This online portal, while targeted for high schoolers, can be used by anyone as it offers universal features that can support individuals during their low moments. 2. Affordability: Offering a cost-free solution to ensure no student is left without support due to financial constraints. 3. Versatility: While primarily designed for students, CheersAI is versatile enough to deal with a wide range of needs. Whether a lonely parent seeking conversation, someone with sleep issues wanting to hear a Buddhist story, or any other individual needing support, CheersAI is always there to help. Direct Connection to the Community: As high school students themselves, the founders have direct access to their peers, allowing them to gather feedback and iterate on the platform quickly. This unique advantage enables them to understand and address the real needs of their target audience more effectively than larger companies. Join the Movement: The CheersAI team, predominantly composed of high school students, is dedicated to maintaining the platform's relevance and user-friendliness. They invite everyone to join them in supporting student mental health by visiting CheersAI's website. For more information, please visit https://cheersai.co About CheersAI: CheersAI is a free, user-friendly website that allows students to communicate and share their feelings through simple chat and call features. The platform has already received positive feedback for its simplicity and effectiveness, highlighting its potential to make a significant impact on student mental health. Contact Details CheersAI Dhruv Reddy help.cheersAI@gmail.com Company Website https://cheersai.co

August 08, 2024 06:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Messari and CryptoRank Research Highlight TRON's Surging Onchain Activity

TRON DAO

Geneva, Switzerland - August 7, 2024 - Messari, a leading provider of digital asset markets intelligence products, and CryptoRank, a leading crypto industry research & analytics platform, have released research reports highlighting the TRON network's significant surge in onchain activity over six consecutive quarters. These reports highlight a continuous rise in network engagement and emphasize TRON's robust, reliable technical architecture and impressive scalability. Messari Research Messari's research report introduces TRON as a public, open-source blockchain network distinguished by its security and efficiency. TRON secures its network using a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) mechanism combined with the Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) consensus algorithm. The TRON Virtual Machine (TVM), which is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), offers developers affordable and fast smart contract execution, further accelerating its adoption and utility in the blockchain ecosystem. Key Analysis: In Q2, TRON was one of the few smart contract platforms that saw increasing onchain activity. Average daily transactions rose by 29% quarter-over-quarter, reaching 6.3 million, with June marking the highest monthly transaction volume of 2024 at 202.6 million. Average daily active addresses grew by 31% quarter-over-quarter from 1.5 million to 2.0 million. Average daily new addresses increased for the third straight quarter, up 12% QoQ from 177,200 to 198,000. TRON's circulating market cap increased for the sixth consecutive quarter. The research from Messari concludes by adding that TRON DAO is actively expanding the TRON ecosystem with strategic initiatives such as the Grants Program, a $100 million AI development fund, and the HackaTRON series. Read the full research report from Messari here. CryptoRank Research CryptoRank's research report provides an insightful analysis of the TRON network, highlighting its impressive technical capabilities. On TRON, blocks are generated every 3 seconds, with the network supporting up to 2,000 transactions per second. The report dives into the TRON architecture, detailing its three foundational layers. The Core Layer manages the consensus mechanism, accounts, and TRON Virtual Machine (TVM) and runs Solidity-based smart contracts. The Storage Layer optimizes data storage and segmentation, prioritizing security and stability. Finally, the Application Layer facilitates the creation of decentralized applications, making TRON a robust and scalable platform for developers and users alike. Key Analysis: TRON now holds the second place in dApps TVL among all blockchains with over $8.2 billion. It is important to note that TRON's TVL, as well as most other indicators, barely correlates with market-wide fluctuations. TRON shows outstanding performance in terms of user on-chain activity with over 181 million active addresses in Q2 2024, repeating its success from Q1. TRON has gained over 274 million unique addresses, mostly represented by user accounts. CryptoRank's research concludes that TRON is a critical player in global crypto transfers. This widespread adoption extends beyond crypto-native users to businesses and e-commerce platforms worldwide. Looking ahead, TRON is set to enhance its capabilities through initiatives like Bitcoin Layer 2 integration and gasless stablecoin transfers, removing barriers and further solidifying TRON's position as a leader in the blockchain space. Read the full research report from CryptoRank here. About TRON DAO TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps. Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON network has continued to deliver impressive achievements since MainNet launch in May 2018. July 2018 also marked the ecosystem integration of BitTorrent, a pioneer in decentralized Web3 services boasting over 100 million monthly active users. The TRON network has gained incredible traction in recent years. As of August 2024, it has over 248 million total user accounts on the blockchain, more than 8 billion total transactions, and over $21 billion in total value locked (TVL), as reported on TRONSCAN. In addition, TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin across the globe, overtaking USDT on Ethereum since April 2021. The TRON network completed full decentralization in December 2021 and is now a community-governed DAO. Most recently in October 2022, TRON was designated as the national blockchain for the Commonwealth of Dominica, which marks the first time a major public blockchain partnered with a sovereign nation to develop its national blockchain infrastructure. On top of the government’s endorsement to issue Dominica Coin (“DMC”), a blockchain-based fan token to help promote Dominica’s global fanfare, seven existing TRON-based tokens - TRX, BTT, NFT, JST, USDD, USDT, TUSD, have been granted statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange in the country. TRONNetwork | TRONDAO | Twitter | YouTube | Telegram | Discord | Reddit | GitHub | Medium | Forum Media Contact Yeweon Park press@tron.network Contact Details Yeweon Park press@tron.network Company Website https://trondao.org/

August 08, 2024 12:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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HTX Releases July Performance Report: 24-Hour Trading Volume Rises to Top 2 Worldwide for the Third Time, Achieving Steady Progress

HTX

The HTX team has recently released its performance report for July, sharing key achievements and milestones with users. The report updates both new and existing users on HTX's significant progress across various fronts, including rankings by external institutions, new asset listings, HTX Ventures' investment projects and participation in activities, HTX's 11th-anniversary events, liquidity pledge received by HTX DAO, as well as security and customer service data. Through this disclosure, HTX expresses gratitude to its users for their continued support and trust. HTX Ranks Second Globally in 24-Hour Trading Volume and Lists Many Quality Assets Despite volatile fluctuations in the crypto market, HTX saw an 11.3% increase in trading volume in July compared to the previous month. According to CoinGecko data on July 24, HTX's 24-hour trading volume reached $2.8 billion, securing second place globally. This achievement marks the third time this year that HTX has attained a top-two position, reflecting its steady progress in climbing the rankings. HTX expanded its asset offerings in July by listing 15 cryptos, including PIXFI, A8, LRDS, and AVAIL, synchronizing their debut with other exchanges like Coinbase. Following the listing, AVAIL's price skyrocketed by 90%, while FIGHT's price surged by 60%. NEIRO, playfully dubbed "DOGE 2.0", was listed at the end of July. HTX Ventures Invests in Two Projects and Participates in EthCC; HTX's 11th Anniversary Events Officially Kick Off HTX Ventures announced in July that it had invested in Lombard and Redstone. The HTX Ventures investment team attended side events at EthCC in Brussels, where they shared insights on "Restaking Development" and "How to Successfully Launch a Web3 Ecosystem". Additionally, they published an industry research paper across various media platforms. HTX Ventures will keep exploring new frontiers to create more opportunities and deliver greater value to the platform users. Dedicated to fostering the long-term growth of the Ethereum ecosystem, it consistently seeks technologies and projects that improve the experience of crypto users. In July, HTX also kicked off its 11th anniversary event—the Battle of Glory for KOLs. Participants who register for the event can compete for a 200,000 USDT prize pool. At the same time, HTX has launched an 11th Anniversary Appreciation Plan for Existing users, offering a refund of account management fees totaling tens of millions of dollars. As HTX marks its 11th anniversary, a lineup of events to thank users for their continuous support is now underway. Please log in to the HTX platform for more information. HTX Intensifies Security Efforts, Ensuring the Protection of User Assets While Providing Quality Services In July, HTX continued to strengthen its security measures by sending 292,937 security alerts to users and combating 5 phishing websites and fake app download sites. We intercepted 4 transactions to scam addresses, recovering 100,000 USDT in lost funds. We also handled 12 incidents involving stolen assets from external sources and helped users freeze over 130,000 USDT in stolen funds. Additionally, we blacklisted 7,118 new addresses, intercepting 35 deposits amounting to about 650,000 USDT. The HTX security team is fully committed to safeguarding user assets through concrete efforts and effective measures. Additionally, HTX DAO announced this month that the Liquidity Pledge for Q2 2024 has been completed. A total of $30.5 million was pledged and burned during this period. In Q2 2024, HTX DAO received ecosystem liquidity pledges totaling $21.5 million, bringing the cumulative amount to $42.5 million. HTX also completed $10 million in compensation for users affected by the pGALA incident. The package covers payouts, platform benefits, and Gala nodes. The platform remains fully dedicated to protecting the interests of its users. Throughout July, HTX's customer service team assisted 38,800 users and effectively addressed 61,646 inquiries and support tickets. The issues mainly involved user account security and P2P trading problems. Over 83% of users have expressed positive feedback. In the face of recent market turbulence, HTX will steadfastly stand by users through the ups and downs of the market and move forward together. The platform is about to celebrate its 11th anniversary and will take the opportunity to thank users for their unwavering trust and support over the years. The "user-first" principle has always been central to HTX. The platform continues to strive toward enhancing the quality of its services with the goal of providing users with the best possible trading experience. Looking ahead, the HTX team will publish performance reports on a monthly basis to ensure full transparency for its users. These reports will cover key metrics such as operational data, asset performance, investment results, security measures, and customer service. With sincerity, HTX aims to forge an even stronger bond with its user community, working together to create a better future. About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved over a decade from a simple cryptocurrency exchange to a comprehensive blockchain business ecosystem. This expansion covers a wide range of services including digital asset trading, financial derivatives, wallets, research, investments, incubation, and more. As a world-leading portal to Web 3.0, HTX is committed to a growth strategy focused on global expansion, ecological prosperity, wealth effect, and safety and compliance. This approach enables us to offer comprehensive, safe, and reliable services and value to virtual currency enthusiasts around the world, reinforcing our position as a global gateway to Web3. Contact Details EE glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/

August 06, 2024 02:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Luke Zaientz Joins Rally Ventures as Operating Partner

Rally Ventures

Rally Ventures, a leading venture capital firm focused on early-stage business technology, today announced the addition of Luke Zaientz as Operating Partner. He will work closely with the firm’s portfolio companies, providing expertise in go-to-market, customer success, product prioritization, new market entry, mergers and acquisitions, pricing/product marketing and more. As the founder, COO and CEO of Reigning Champs, Luke led the student-athlete recruiting platform from inception to over $200M in annual revenue. He executed a highly successful inorganic growth strategy, closing and integrating 10 M&A transactions. Under his leadership, Reigning Champs was sold to Endeavor/IMG Academy and later to EQT for $1.2B. Prior to Reigning Champs, Luke co-founded, raised growth capital from Kleiner Perkins and scaled RMG Networks, a developer and aggregator of place-based video networks, to IPO. He previously held leadership roles at Match.com, BriteVision, i2 Technology, Ryder and UPS. While at Match.com, Luke launched and scaled Match.com Events from 0 to achieve 6,000 events and 500,000 attendees across all major US and European metro areas within the first two years. Luke is a graduate of Northeastern University and MIT. “Luke and I have known each other for over a decade. While at SportsEngine, Reigning Champs was our closest integrated partner and our teams spent a lot of time together. Luke’s extensive experience and strategic vision will be invaluable to our portfolio companies as they navigate critical growth phases,” said Justin Kaufenberg, Managing Director of Rally Ventures and founder and former CEO of SportsEngine. “I’m excited to join the Rally Ventures team and contribute to the success of our portfolio companies. Rally has a stellar reputation for actively supporting entrepreneurs in the growth of their businesses, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to help these companies achieve their full potential,” said Luke Zaientz. Luke will join Rally’s team of three managing directors, four venture partners and seven professionals. The firm also includes a network of 100+ technology partners — executives, technologists and luminaries — who act as an extension to the Rally Ventures team. The firm is currently investing out of Rally Fund V. About Rally Ventures Rally Ventures invests exclusively in early-stage business technology companies, focusing on entrepreneurs creating major new markets or bringing transformative approaches to existing ones. Since 1997, Rally Ventures' partners and venture capital industry veterans have invested in or run early stage enterprise business-to-business technology companies with a proven ability to deliver superior returns regardless of the overall market environment. For more information visit rallyventures.com. Contact Details Rally Ventures Rachel Subasic rachel@rallyventures.com Company Website https://www.rallyventures.com/

August 06, 2024 08:03 AM Central Daylight Time

JustMarkets Releases Native Trading Inside The App

Benzinga

By James Blacker, Benzinga Globally recognized multi-asset broker JustMarkets implemented in June a major update to its trading app that promises to help traders on the go unlock the full potential of the market. The mobile app, which is available on both Google Play and the App Store, now includes In-App Trading, allowing users not only to stay ahead of market movements but also to seize opportunities anytime, anywhere. Previously, the JustMarkets app could only be used to manage orders. With the development of In-App trading in the June update, users have the entire market at their fingertips and can place new trades directly from the app in real time, meaning they will not miss out on big trading opportunities, wherever they are in the world. Advanced Customer Service The new update is a welcome addition to a modern and user-friendly app that already boasts competitive trading conditions. Traders who choose JustMarkets can enjoy low spreads and low fees, boosting their edge in the markets and ensuring that they can maximize their profit. As Mad Money host Jim Cramer famously says, “There’s always a bull market somewhere.” JustMarkets lets you take advantage of this by offering a diverse range of instruments to choose from, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, metals and virtual assets – all within a single platform. With the new In-App Trading function, it is now easier than ever to trade this wide array of financial instruments, thereby diversifying your portfolio and letting you possibly capitalize on a variety of market opportunities. JustMarkets also offers 24/7 customer support in multiple languages. This round-the-clock assistance ensures that any difficulties or problems encountered while using the app are addressed promptly, giving traders peace of mind and allowing them to spend more time trading the markets. A Trusted Broker Since its inception in 2012, JustMarkets has earned the trust of millions of clients from more than 160 countries through its competitive pricing, offering low spreads and zero commissions. The company’s dedication to providing reliable services and creating long-term partnerships with traders has garnered it over 50 industry awards. Further highlighting the company’s status as a trusted broker, JustMarkets operates under licenses from various regulatory bodies, including the Financial Services Authority in Seychelles, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Sector Authority in South Africa and the Financial Services Commission in Mauritius. For more information about JustMarkets and to experience the new In-App Trading feature, visit its website or follow it on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, Telegram, and LinkedIn. Featured photo courtesy of JustMarkets. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 06, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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HPS/PayMedix Acquires TempoPay to Further Expand and Simplify Healthcare Payments for All

HPS|PayMedix

HPS/PayMedix today announced the acquisition of TempoPay, an innovative payments solution created at Redesign Health that helps employees access medical, dental, pharmacy, and other expenses not paid by their insurance. Together, HPS/PayMedix and TempoPay now offer a comprehensive healthcare financing and payments solution, addressing the issues of health equity, affordability, and the need to simplify the healthcare payments experience. According to the PayMedix Healthcare Payments and Financial Disparities Study, one-third of Americans say out-of-pocket costs (33%) and deductibles (31%) are unaffordable. This figure increases to four in ten for those with a credit score of 669 or less. Further, more than half (52%) of insured Americans said that paying for medical bills has been stressful, with nearly all of them (92%) claiming the stress has affected their physical and mental health. “Healthcare costs are increasingly becoming a disproportionate share of the American household wallet, and we need better solutions to manage the stress this puts on family budgets,” said Tom Policelli, CEO of HPS/PayMedix. “The acquisition of TempoPay underscores our mission to simplify healthcare and create greater health equity by removing the financial barriers that stand in the way of employees getting access to the care they need when they need it; not just when they feel that they can afford it.” TempoPay offers all an employer’s employees’ interest-free financing for health and wellbeing care that overlays their current plans. Once activated by the employee, TempoPay VISA® cards can be used to pay for everything from medical care and prescriptions to vision and dental bills; even vet bills for their pet and other approved health and wellness-related costs not covered by their plans. The employer sets the dollar amount and charge types that will be processed, and employees can repay their bills over time interest-free via payroll or bank account. “TempoPay is the lifeline employees need today so they can access care and maintain their health without fearing high interest bills or avoiding needed care,” Erika Davison-Aviles, CEO and Co-founder of TempoPay said. “We are excited to become a part of HPS/PayMedix’s innovative healthcare payment solution and further our mission to alleviate consumers’ financial pressure. For employers we help maximize the value of their benefits plans, pre-tax accounts, and other well-being programs.” With TempoPay and PayMedix combined, all employees can access interest-free financing for all their healthcare needs. While TempoPay offers immediate financing of everyday healthcare expenses, PayMedix provides complete, uncapped financing for all in-network allowed charges that any employee may owe to providers. All employees are automatically enrolled and PayMedix then pays all participating providers in full. The employees each get a simplified consolidated statement (a SuperEOB) each month and can arrange to pay it on terms that fit their budgets. Participating providers, in turn, are simply paid the full employee balance due automatically and therefore have no bill to collect. Because PayMedix and TempoPay are ‘credit-blind’, all employees, regardless their credit histories, can make their healthcare expenses more manageable. “It’s a fact that 1 in 4 PayMedix members would be unable to get financing for their healthcare based on their credit scores. With TempoPay, we can reach even more members to help them get and stay healthy,” said Brian Marsella, President of HPS/PayMedix. “The powerful combination of PayMedix and TempoPay provides employers with a valuable solution to support their workforce. We have proven that improving access to care drives better outcomes – particularly for lower-income employees. This in turn saves employers money.” About PayMedix PayMedix, which began as the financing arm of Wisconsin-based HPS over a decade ago, is the only company solving the problem of high out-of-pocket costs for everyone -- providers, patients, employers, and TPAs. PayMedix is changing how people access, use, and pay for healthcare by guaranteeing payments to providers and financing for all patients. PayMedix has processed more than $5 billion in medical payments for hospital systems and physician practices and can be implemented in conjunction with any PPO or HMO network. About TempoPay TempoPay partners with employers to help their employees manage their medical costs with interest-free financing and flexible repayment options. With theTempoPay Visa ® card employees can take control of how they pay for healthcare without added stress, providing simple access to the financial security needed for happier, healthier lives. About HPS Health Payment Systems (HPS) is a privately held healthcare technology and services organization with solutions that reduce the cost and complexity of the healthcare payments process to benefit providers, employers, patients and TPAs. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, HPS has an independent network of 100+ hospital facilities and 29,200+ individual providers. Contact Details Kaitlynn Cooney +1 609-351-5944 kcooney@brodeur.com Company Website https://paymedix.com

August 06, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NAVEX to Demystify IT Risk Communication at ISACA GRC Conference

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, will deliver a key session at the upcoming ISACA Governance, Risk, and Control (GRC) Conference in Austin, Texas, August 12-14, 2024. The session, " Getting Our Wires Crossed: How to Speak IT Risk as a Compliance Professional," will be presented by Kyle Martin, Vice President of GRC Solutions at NAVEX, and Robert Clark, Chief Audit and Compliance Officer at Howard University. In an era where cybersecurity threats and regulatory pressures are at an all-time high, the ability to effectively communicate IT risks across organizational silos has become a critical skill for compliance professionals. Attendees can join the session, CS 7–4, on August 13th at 11:00 to gain valuable insights into: Understanding and translating risk and compliance terminology. Evaluating program maturity levels and their organizational implications. Assessing risks and controls across all business facets, including third-party risk management. Crafting compelling IT risk reports for executive teams and board directors. "In today's interconnected business environment, the ability to translate IT risk insights into compelling narratives for CEOs is no longer optional—it's essential," said Kyle Martin. "As a result, this session aims to empower compliance professionals with the tools they need to navigate this critical intersection confidently." The ISACA GRC Conference, now in its 11th year, brings together leading minds in governance, risk management, and control to provide world-class content and practical guidance. NAVEX's participation underscores its commitment to advancing the field of integrated risk and compliance management. For more information about NAVEX's participation in the ISACA GRC Conference 2024 or to schedule an interview with the speakers, please contact Senior Public Relations Manager, Scott Levesque at scott.levesque@navex.com. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details Navex Global scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

August 06, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time