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Botanicals for Better Health and Wellness (BBHW), a national trade organization focused on advancing science-based botanical policy, today commended Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack for their leadership in classifying synthetic and concentrated forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as Schedule I substances.

The organization praised the administration’s decision as a model for other states navigating how to balance consumer safety with access to natural plant-based products.

“Governor Beshear’s action reflects a nuanced and evidence-informed understanding of the issue,” said Dr. Paloma Lehfeldt, MD, Medical Director of BBHW. “Synthetic 7-OH is not the same as natural kratom. It is a highly concentrated, laboratory-modified compound that poses measurable risks for dependence and dangerous adverse effects. By drawing this distinction, Kentucky is helping define what responsible, science-driven botanical regulation should look like nationwide.”

7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, occurs naturally in Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) leaves at trace levels after the drying process, but some manufacturers have produced isolated or chemically enhanced versions. The result, according to BBHW, is a growing category of synthetic products marketed as “kratom” but pharmacologically distinct from the traditional plant.

“Conflating synthetic analogs with natural botanicals creates confusion and undermines both public health and legitimate research,” Dr. Lehfeldt said. “Kentucky’s decision draws a scientific line that other states would be wise to follow.”

BBHW has urged lawmakers to adopt a consistent national strategy that supports scientific research, establishes uniform labeling and purity standards, and ensures that enforcement targets only the high-risk synthetic products that endanger consumers.

“Kentucky’s leadership sends a message that public health policy should be informed by data, not stigma,” Dr. Lehfeldt said. “We applaud Governor Beshear and Dr. Stack for demonstrating that it is possible to protect communities from harm while maintaining a rational, evidence-based path forward for natural products that have been used meaningfully for centuries.”

About Botanicals For Better Health and Wellness (BBHW)

Botanicals for Better Health and Wellness (BBHW) is a national trade organization formed to support the development of robust regulatory frameworks governing botanical products in the United States. For more information, visit www.bbhw.org.

Media Contact

Press Team
paloma@bbhwco.com

Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) ("Sezzle" or "Company"), a purpose-driven digital payment platform, is pleased to update the market on key financial metrics for the quarter ended September 30, 2025.

“Our products continue to resonate with consumers, as we’re seeing clear momentum in both engagement and scale,” noted Charlie Youakim, Sezzle Executive Chairman and CEO. “It’s exciting to cross $1 billion in quarterly GMV for the first time, which reflects a growing loyal consumer base. We’re sharpening our focus on proven results and long-term innovation, and we're looking forward to supporting shoppers with our tools this holiday season.”

Third Quarter 2025 Highlights

• GMV: $1.0B, up 58.7% YoY; driven by subscription/On-Demand usage, marketing-led acquisition/engagement/retention, and underwriting changes. Consumer purchase frequency rose to 6.5x from 5.4x.
• Total Revenue: $116.8M, up 67.0% YoY (11.2% of GMV).
• MODS: +36,000 in-quarter to ~784,000; growth led by Premium/Anywhere subscribers.
• Operating Expenses: $81.2M, up 65.4% YoY; 69.6% of revenue (-0.6 ppt YoY) and 7.8% of GMV (+0.4 ppt).
• Transaction Related Costs [1]: $53.5M (5.1% of GMV vs. 4.8% prior), reflecting higher credit loss provision; FY25 loss rate guidance updated to 2.5%–2.75% of GMV.
• Operating Income: $35.6M, up 70.6% YoY; 30.4% of revenue (+0.6 ppt) and 3.4% of GMV (+0.2 ppt).
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs [1]: $63.3M, up 64.5% YoY; 6.0% of GMV (+0.2 ppt) and 54.2% of revenue (-0.8 ppt).
• Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses [1]: $31.6M, up 50.9% YoY; 27.1% of revenue (-2.9 ppt). Includes $1.3M Corporate Strategic Project Costs (capital markets, antitrust suit, bank charter exploration).
• Net Income: $26.7M, up 72.7% YoY; 22.8% margin; EPS (diluted): $0.75 (from $0.44).
• Adjusted Net Income [1]: $25.4M, up 52.6% YoY; 21.8% margin; Adjusted EPS (diluted) [2]: $0.71 (from $0.47).
• Adjusted EBITDA [3]: $39.6M, up 74.6% YoY; 33.9% margin (+1.5 ppt).

[1] See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
[2] Per diluted share figures reflect 6-for-1 common stock split effective March 28, 2025.
[3] See appendix for reconciliation.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity (as of Sept. 30, 2025)

• Cash & Cash Equivalents: $134.7M (including $30.5M restricted).
• Credit Facility: $118.0M principal outstanding on $150.0M facility at quarter end.
• Post-quarter amendment (Oct. 30, 2025): Borrowing capacity increased to $225.0M via $75.0M accordion.

Guidance

FY2025 (November update vs. August):

• Total Revenue: 60%–65% YoY
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs [3] / Revenue: 60%–65%
• Effective Tax Rate: ~25% (excl. discrete)
• Adjusted Net Income [3]: $120.0M
• Adjusted EPS (diluted): $3.38 — raised from $3.25
• Net Income: $125.0M (note: differs from Adjusted Net Income; see reconciliation)
• EPS (diluted): $3.52
• Adjusted EBITDA [3]: $175.0–$180.0M — raised from $170.0–$175.0M
• Preliminary FY2026: Adjusted EPS (diluted): $4.35 (assumes ~25% tax).

Note: Non-GAAP guidance reflects add-backs for corporate strategic initiatives; November 2025 assumes 35.5M diluted weighted-average shares.

Initiatives Update

• Expanded app features across the shopper journey.
• Earn Tab: Sezzle Arcade, Coupons & Discounts, Gas & Grocery/Dining Discount, Money IQ, Sezzle Quest; tens of thousands of offers; receipt-based rewards launching soon.
• Browser Extension (iOS): Surfaces offers/coupons automatically.
• Usage Growth: MAUs [4] +38% YoY, Revenue-Generating Users [5] +120% YoY (monthly), Monthly Sessions [6] +78% YoY.
  Enterprise wins: D&B Supply; Dunham’s Sports.

[4] Monthly Active Users is defined as the number of unique users that transacted or engaged with the Sezzle app during the month.
[5] Revenue Generating Users are unique users that Sezzle monetized.
[6] Session for the month of September 2025. A Session occurs when a Sezzle Consumer opens the Sezzle app and ends after 30 minutes of inactivity.

Awards and Accolades

Named to TIME 100 America’s Growth Leaders (inaugural list).

Chief Financial Officer Transition

Nov. 1, 2025: Karen Hartje advised of intention to resign as CFO for personal reasons; will continue as CFO and principal financial officer under a Consulting Agreement reporting to CEO Charlie Youakim to ensure a smooth transition.

Upcoming Investor Events

• Nov 17, 2025: Oppenheimer Non-Deal Roadshow (NYC)
• Nov 18, 2025: Wells Fargo 9th Annual TMT Summit
• Dec 16, 2025: Northland Growth Conference
• Dec 17, 2025: Needham Non-Deal Roadshow (Boston) 

Quarterly Conference Call and Presentation

• Nov 5, 2025 | 5:00pm ET.
• Registration: dpregister.com/sreg/10204064/10031acd240
• Webcast: event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=wINtbIvE
• Dial-in (alt): 1-866-777-2509 (US/CA) or 1-412-317-5413 (Intl)
  Replay through Nov 12, 2025: 1-855-669-9658 (US) or 1-412-317-0088 (Intl), access code 9729701.Investor deck to be posted on Sezzle IR before the call.

3Q25 GAAP Operating Results

• Total Revenue: $116,796k vs. $69,958k (+67.0%)Operating Expenses: $81,235k vs. $49,116k (+65.4%); 69.6% of revenue (vs. 70.2%); 7.8% of GMV (vs. 7.4%)Operating Income: $35,561k vs. $20,842k (+70.6%); 30.4% of revenue (vs. 29.8%); 3.4% of GMV (vs. 3.2%)
• Net Income: $26,671k vs. $15,446k (+72.7%); 22.8% of revenue (vs. 22.1%)
• EPS (diluted): $0.75 vs. $0.44 (+70.5%).

3Q25 Non-GAAP Operating Results

• Non-Transaction Related Opex: $31,623k vs. $20,953k (+50.9%); 27.1% of revenue (vs. 30.0%)
• Transaction Related Costs: $53,535k vs. $31,491k (+70.0%); 45.8% of revenue (vs. 45.0%); 5.1% of GMV (vs. 4.8%)
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs: $63,261k vs. $38,467k (+64.5%); 54.2% of revenue (vs. 55.0%); 6.0% of GMV (vs. 5.8%)
• Adjusted EBITDA: $39,623k vs. $22,694k (+74.6%); 33.9% margin (vs. 32.4%)
• Adjusted Net Income: $25,441k vs. $16,668k (+52.6%); 21.8% margin (vs. 23.8%); Adjusted EPS (diluted): $0.71 (vs. $0.47).

Appendix — Reconciliations 

Operating Expenses — Non-Transaction Related Opex (3Q25 / 3Q24):

• Operating expenses: $81,235k / $49,116k
• Less: Transaction expense: $(17,435)k / $(12,761)k
• Less: Provision for credit losses: $(32,177)k / $(15,402)k
• Non-transaction related opex: $31,623k / $20,953k

Operating Expenses — Transaction Related Costs (3Q25 / 3Q24):

• Operating expenses: $81,235k / $49,116k
• Less: Personnel $(14,320)k / $(13,423)k; Third-party tech & data $(3,705)k / $(2,387)k; Marketing/advertising/tradeshows $(8,775)k / $(2,726)k; G&A $(4,823)k / $(2,417)k
• Add: Net interest expense $3,923k / $3,328k
• Transaction Related Costs: $53,535k / $31,491k

Operating Income — Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs (3Q25 / 3Q24):

• Operating income: $35,561k / $20,842k
• Add: Personnel $14,320k / $13,423k; Third-party tech & data $3,705k / $2,387k; Marketing/advertising/tradeshows $8,775k / $2,726k; G&A $4,823k / $2,417k
• Less: Net interest expense $(3,923)k / $(3,328)k
• Total revenue less transaction related costs: $63,261k / $38,467k

Net Income — Adjusted EBITDA (3Q25 / 3Q24):

• Net income: $26,671k / $15,446k
• Depreciation & amortization: $369k / $233k
• Income tax expense: $4,961k / $2,163k
• Equity & incentive-based compensation: $2,409k / $1,456k
• Other (income) expense, net: $6k / $(95)k
• Corporate strategic projects: $1,284k / $163k
• Net interest expense: $3,923k / $3,328k
• Adjusted EBITDA: $39,623k / $22,694k

Net Income — Adjusted Net Income & Adjusted EPS (3Q25 / 3Q24):

• Net income: $26,671k / $15,446k
• Discrete tax (benefit) expense [7]: $(2,520)k / $1,154k
• Corporate strategic projects: $1,284k / $163k
• Other (income) expense, net: $6k / $(95)k
• Adjusted net income: $25,441k / $16,668k
• Diluted weighted-avg shares [8]: 35,675 / 35,435
• Adjusted EPS (diluted): $0.71 / $0.47

[7] Prior periods adjusted for equity-based comp tax windfall/shortfall.
[8] 6-for-1 split effective Mar 28, 2025.

Investor Relations Contact

Lee Brading, CFA
+1 651-240-6001
InvestorRelations@sezzle.com

Media Contact

Erin Foran
+1 651-403-2184
erin.foran@sezzle.com

About Sezzle

Sezzle is a forward-thinking fintech company committed to financially empowering the next generation. Through its purpose-driven payment platform, Sezzle enhances consumers' purchasing power by offering access to point-of-sale financing options and digital payment services—connecting millions of customers with its global network of merchants. Centered on transparency, inclusivity, and ease of use, Sezzle empowers consumers to manage spending responsibly, take charge of their finances, and achieve lasting financial independence.

For more information, visit sezzle.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business. Forward-looking statements include our expectations, whether stated or implied, regarding our financing plans and other future events.

Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "could," "may," "will," "believe," "estimate," "forecast," "goal," "project," other words or expressions of similar meaning (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). These forward-looking statements address various matters including statements regarding the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statement. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, among others: impact of the “buy-now, pay-later” (“BNPL”) industry becoming subject to increased regulatory scrutiny; impact of operating in a highly competitive industry; impact of macro-economic conditions on consumer spending; our ability to increase our merchant network, our base of consumers and gross merchandise value (GMV); our ability to effectively manage growth, sustain our growth rate and maintain our market share; our ability to maintain adequate access to capital in order to meet the capital requirements of our business; impact of exposure to consumer bad debts and insolvency of merchants; impact of the integration, support and prominent presentation of our platform by our merchants; impact of any data security breaches, cyberattacks, employee or other internal misconduct, malware, phishing or ransomware, physical security breaches, natural disasters, or similar disruptions; impact of key vendors or merchants failing to comply with legal or regulatory requirements or to provide various services that are important to our operations; impact of the loss of key partners and merchant relationships; impact of exchange rate fluctuations in the international markets in which we operate; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and third party allegations of the misappropriation of intellectual property rights; our ability to retain employees and recruit additional employees; impact of the costs of complying with various laws and regulations applicable to the BNPL industry in the United States and Canada; and our ability to achieve our public benefit purpose and our election to forego B Corporation recertification and other factors identified in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Annual Report”) and the Company’s subsequent filings filed with the SEC. You are encouraged to read the Company's Annual Report and other filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. You are The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this document, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of these statements. The Company's business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our operating results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), we present the following non-GAAP financial measures: Total revenue less transaction related costs; transaction related costs; non-transaction related operating expenses; adjusted net income; adjusted net income margin; adjusted net income per diluted share; adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”); and Adjusted EBITDA margin. Definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures and summaries of the reasons why management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to the Company and investors are as follows:

• Total revenue less transaction related costs is defined as GAAP total revenue less transaction related costs. Transaction related costs is the sum of GAAP transaction expense, provision for credit losses, and net interest expense less certain non-recurring charges as detailed in the reconciliation table of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP total revenue less transaction related costs above. We believe that total revenue less transaction related costs is a useful financial measure to both management and investors for evaluating the economic value of orders processed on the Sezzle Platform.
• Non-transaction related operating expenses is defined as the sum of GAAP personnel; third-party technology and data; marketing, advertising, and tradeshows; and general and administrative operating expenses. We believe that non-transaction related operating expenses is a useful financial measure to both management and investors for evaluating our management of operating expenses not directly attributable to orders processed on the Sezzle Platform.
• Adjusted EBITDA is defined as GAAP net income, adjusted for certain charges including depreciation, amortization, equity and incentive–based compensation, corporate strategic project costs, and merger-related costs, as well as net interest expense as detailed in the reconciliation table of GAAP net income to adjusted EBITDA. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of our business by removing the effect of certain non-cash and non-recurring charges, as well as funding costs, that may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business.
• Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by GAAP total revenue. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of our business’ unit economics by removing the effect of certain non-cash and non-recurring charges, as well as funding costs, that may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business.
• Adjusted net income is defined as GAAP net income, adjusted for certain charges including discrete tax items, fair value adjustments on warrants, losses on the extinguishment of our lines of credit, corporate strategic project costs, and other income and expense, as detailed in the reconciliation table of GAAP net income to adjusted net income. We believe that this financial measure is useful for period-to-period comparison of our business by removing the effect of certain charges that, in management's view, does not correlate to the underlying performance of our business during a given period.
• Adjusted net income margin is defined as Adjusted net income divided by GAAP total revenue. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of our business by removing the effect of certain charges that, in management's view, does not correlate to the underlying performance of our business during a given period.
• Adjusted net income per diluted share is defined as non-GAAP adjusted net income divided by GAAP weighted-average diluted shares outstanding. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of shareholder return by removing the effect of certain charges that, in management's view, does not correlate to the underlying performance of our business during a given period.

Additionally, we have included these non-GAAP measures because they are key measures used by our management to evaluate our operating performance, guide future operating plans, and make strategic decisions, including those relating to operating expenses and the allocation of resources. Therefore, we believe these measures provide useful information to investors and other users of this press release to understand and evaluate our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors. However, non-GAAP financial measures have limitations, should be considered supplemental in nature, and are not meant as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These limitations include the following:

• Total revenue less transaction-related costs is not intended to be measures of operating profit or cash flow profitability as they exclude key operating expenses such as personnel, general and administrative, and third-party technology and data, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring GAAP expenses.
• Transaction related costs exclude significant expenses such as personnel, general and administrative, and third-party technology and data, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring GAAP expenses.
• Non-transaction related operating expenses exclude significant expenses, including transaction expense and provision for credit losses, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring GAAP expenses.
• Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin exclude certain charges such as depreciation, amortization, and equity and incentive–based compensation, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, recurring GAAP expenses. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain significant cash inflows and outflows, which have a significant impact on our working capital and cash.
• Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin excludes net interest expense, which has a significant impact on our GAAP net income, working capital, and cash.
• Adjusted net income, adjusted net income margin, and adjusted net income per diluted share excludes certain charges such as losses on the extinguishment of our lines of credit, fair value adjustments on our warrants, other income and expense, and discrete tax items which have been, and may be in the future, recurring GAAP expenses. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain significant cash inflows and outflows, which have a significant impact on our working capital and cash.
• Long-lived assets being depreciated or amortized may need to be replaced in the future, and these non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect the capital expenditures needed for such replacements, or for any new capital expenditures or commitments.
• These non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect income taxes that may represent a reduction in cash available to us.
• Non-GAAP measures do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs.
• Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate the non-GAAP financial measures differently or not at all, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.

Because of these limitations, you should not consider these non-GAAP financial measures in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our financial results as reported under GAAP, and these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered alongside other financial performance measures, including net income and other financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. We encourage you to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

Echelon Digital Group, the Saudi technology holding company that delivers innovation to businesses across the Middle East announced, together with Elutions, Inc., a U.S.-based artificial intelligence software company, the signing of a strategic partnership to deploy Elutions’ Maestro AI platform across industrial and energy enterprises in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, His Highness Prince Khaled bin Badr Al Saud, chairman of Echelon Digital, said: “Echelon Digital’s partnership with Elutions represents an important step toward harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen competitiveness, and empower various sectors with the latest technological solutions.”

He added: “Through this agreement, we aspire to localize advanced technologies and develop national talent; efforts that will accelerate AI-driven digital transformation across vital sectors and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a leader in digital transformation in the region.”

The collaboration aims to accelerate AI-driven digital transformation across mission-critical sectors, including energy, petrochemicals, utilities, mining, logistics, and higher education, enabling enterprises to enhance operational performance, boost energy efficiency, and advance sustainability goals.

In addition to technology deployment, the partnership will feature local investment, capability building, and workforce training, with a structured roadmap toward establishing a future joint venture that positions Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for industrial AI innovation.

Omar Saleh, chief executive officer of Echelon Digital Group, said: “Our partnership with Elutions aligns with our mission to localize advanced global technologies and empower enterprises across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. Through this collaboration, we aim to accelerate digital innovation and transformation across strategic sectors — with our work in Saudi Arabia directly supporting the ambitions of Vision 2030.” 

Paul Doucas, chief operating officer and principal owner of Elutions, said: “Elutions’ Maestro AI platform has a proven track record of delivering measurable outcomes; from 15 to 30 percent energy efficiency improvements to up to 25 percent productivity gains. By combining these capabilities with Echelon Digital’s local presence and deep market understanding, we aim to empower Saudi enterprises to realize the full potential of AI at scale.”

Echelon Digital Group is a leading technology company headquartered regionally in Saudi Arabia, focused on accelerating digital innovation and enabling organizations across the region to achieve sustainable transformation. Leveraging its deep regional expertise and diverse global partnerships, Echelon delivers integrated solutions that help businesses create tangible value, enhance operational efficiency, and accelerate the transition towards a knowledge-based digital economy.

Elutions, based in the United States, is a global leader in artificial intelligence. The company’s proprietary Maestro platform is an advanced neural network capable of analyzing complex enterprise systems, diagnosing operational anomalies, and recommending immediate corrective actions.

According to the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), AI is expected to contribute over $135 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, representing about 12.4% of national GDP. With Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector accounting for nearly 40% of non-oil GDP, initiatives like this partnership will play a vital role in enhancing competitiveness and supporting national programs such as Vision 2030 and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP).

Elutions’ Maestro AI platform has been successfully implemented by major global industrial clients, delivering 15-30% energy-efficiency improvements, up to 25% productivity gains, and 10-20% reductions in unplanned downtime. These proven results will help Saudi enterprises achieve tangible operational and sustainability outcomes as they adopt AI at scale.

For more information, visit echelondigital.com.

Media Contact

Ayman Hassan
ayman@jummar.co

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today praised Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for moving to classify concentrated or isolated, synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I narcotic, making it illegal to sell, possess, or distribute in the Commonwealth. The rule limits the allowable concentrations of 7-OH to 400 parts per million (0.04%) by dry weight, effectively removing concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products from the market while leaving natural kratom leaf unaffected. 

This decisive step follows the July 29th, 2025, actions taken by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which recommended the scheduling of concentrated synthetic 7-OH to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Following this, on August 13th, 2025, James Uthmeier, Attorney General of Florida, issued an emergency rule that immediately classified concentrated synthetic 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I controlled substance. Both the FDA and Florida’s rule explicitly distinguish natural kratom leaf from synthetic 7-OH, confirming that natural kratom leaf products are not the focus of these scheduling actions

“This is a major step forward for consumer safety,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “Governor Beshear and his administration are protecting Kentuckians from dangerous, concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products, while preserving access to natural kratom leaf, a botanical with safe consumption for more than 50 years in the U.S. by more than 23 million Americans. This is exactly the kind of leadership we need across the country.”

Unlike concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products, natural kratom leaf contains only trace amounts of natural 7-hydroxymitragynine. Millions of adults use natural kratom leaf products responsibly for its functional benefits. Conversely, concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products are potent by design, containing synthetic 7-OH at more than 100 times the level found in natural kratom leaf. The result is a novel opioid 13 times stronger than morphine -- this presents a high risk for addiction, respiratory depression and death.

The Global Kratom Coalition urges other states to follow Kentucky’s example -- protect public health by scheduling concentrated synthetic 7-OH, while protecting access to natural kratom leaf.

About Global Kratom Coalition (GKC)

The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of natural kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to natural leaf kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit globalkratomcoalition.org.

Media Contact

Patrick George
info@globalkratomcoalition.org

The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition today praised Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear for taking emergency action to schedule concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I narcotic. The rule limits the allowable concentrations of 7-OH to 400 parts per million (0.04%) by dry weight, effectively removing concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products from the market while leaving natural kratom leaf unaffected. =

Governor Beshear’s move marks a critical step toward curbing the spread of "gas station heroin" — a category of often imported, lab-made street drugs that include semi-synthetic and synthetic alkaloid products, tianeptine and nitrous oxide.

While natural 7-OH occurs naturally in only trace amounts in the kratom leaf, the concentrated synthetic opioid products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores nationwide bear little resemblance to the kratom plant. Instead, illicit manufacturers are mass-producing highly concentrated, hyper-potent synthetic 7-OH isolates — sold as tablets and gummies — that are more than 13 times more potent than morphine.

“Kentucky’s enforcement actions send a strong message that concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products have no place in American communities,” said David Bregger, Executive Director of Stop Gas Station Heroin. “These synthetic drugs are misleadingly marketed as natural kratom, wellness supplements, or everyday snacks and beverages, however these lab-made opioid products function like hard narcotics — posing significant risks of addiction, respiratory suppression, and overdose.”

Kentucky’s actions follow the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommendation in July for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to schedule concentrated synthetic 7-OH as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also issued an emergency scheduling order in August for concentrated synthetic 7OH.

The FDA, Florida, and now Kentucky have made clear that these measures do not target the centuries-old kratom leaf, which has an established safety profile and is consumed safely by about 23 million Americans.

“Kentucky’s action is another step forward in protecting Americans from manufacturers peddling lab-made street drugs and fueling for-profit addiction,” said Bregger. “With Kentucky now joining Florida and the FDA in cracking down on concentrated synthetic 7-OH, states are uniting to stop the deceptive, dangerous practices fueling the Gas Station Heroin epidemic and harming our children.”

Stop Gas Station Heroin applauds these leaders on the state and federal levels for using their enforcement authority to hold illicit companies accountable. The coalition also urges other states to follow Kentucky’s lead and keep synthetic drugs off the market.

To learn more about Stop Gas Station Heroin and its mission, navigate to stopgasstationheroin.com.

About Stop Gas Station Heroin

Stop Gas Station Heroin is a national coalition that aims to educate consumers about harmful synthetic drugs and advocate for smart regulation that distinguishes between legitimate, natural botanicals and dangerous, synthetic drugs, combined with enforcement of current federal laws around unapproved drugs. To learn more, navigate to stopgasstationheroin.com.

Media Contact

Media Contact
info@stopgasstationheroin.com

Hills Machinery is pleased to announce it has partnered with Ammann America to add new capabilities to the Hills Machinery Construction Equipment Division serving South Carolina and North Carolina. Hills Machinery is now an authorized dealer for the company’s compaction equipment and will be supported by the Hills Machinery branches located throughout North and South Carolina.

Ammann America is a sixth generation, family-owned business that is known in the industry as a leading manufacturer of soil and asphalt compactors and asphalt pavers, as well as light equipment such as vibratory plates and walk-behind rollers.

“Ammann America shares our commitment to providing high-quality equipment and exceptional service and support. With this partnership, we can strengthen our offering of compaction solutions to meet our customers’ needs,” said Jim Hills, president at Hills Machinery. “We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship that will benefit our customers, the industry and our companies.”

Mike Conley, director of sales and distribution development at Ammann America, added, “Hills Machinery has built a strong reputation for customer service and industry expertise. Their deep regional presence and commitment to supporting contractors aligns perfectly with Ammann’s goal of delivering dependable, high-performance equipment and exceptional support across North and South Carolina.”

About Hills Machinery

Founded in 2007 by brothers Jim and Adam Hills, Hills Machinery is a full-service equipment partner with dedicated industry experts leading the construction, paving, and environmental equipment divisions. Hills Machinery offers complete end-to-end solutions including new and used equipment sales, financing support, equipment rental, 24/7 service and support and robust parts availability. The company also has a collaborative fleet management program — Uptime Operations, where a dedicated team of equipment experts monitor machine performance and health in real-time, manage preventive maintenance and aid in downtime prevention. Hills Machinery also operates a 24/7 paving, aggregate, and environmental group that specializes in the repair and uptime of heavy and support equipment. Hills Machinery serves customers across South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia with 13 locations. For more information, visit www.hillsmachinery.com.

About Ammann America

Ammann is a sixth generation, family-owned business that produces asphalt and concrete mixing plants, compactors and asphalt pavers at manufacturing sites around the world. Its core expertise is roadbuilding and transportation infrastructure. Ammann America, the company’s North American division, is headquartered in Orlando and recently opened a 160,000-square-foot asphalt plant factory in Florence, Kentucky. The North American machines division is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. Visit www.ammann.com for company-related information.

Media Contact

Tim Wirtz
tim@pkamar.com
+1 865-266-3930

21M Insurance, among the world’s first crypto-native insurance institutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Cobo, a leading provider of digital-asset custody and infrastructure. The collaboration delivers institutional-grade safeguards for 21M’s Bitcoin-denominated whole-life policies and operating infrastructure — including its AI-powered underwriting and risk management engine — marking a significant step forward for blockchain-native insurance infrastructure.

Following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 — one of the most successful ETF launches on record—institutional demand for BTC exposure has accelerated. Yet traditional insurers, constrained by regulatory capital frameworks, balance-sheet limitations, and legacy technology, have been unable to serve this segment. Against this backdrop, 21M and Cobo are partnering to build a compliant, blockchain-native operating model with asset safety as the first principle for a trillion-dollar insurance market opportunity.

Under the agreement, Cobo will initially provide custody for the assets backing 21M’s BTC-denominated whole-life policies. As the business scales, the scope will expand to management of tokenized policy assets and to the custody and flow-of-funds controls supporting lending protocols. Cobo’s institutional-grade custody platform will furnish multi-layer security controls, flexible permissioning, and transparent asset tracking—delivering the highest level of protection for policyholders’ Bitcoin while aligning with stringent requirements across major jurisdictions. These capabilities mitigate single-point-of-failure risks in insurance asset management and create a highly secure, transparent, and efficient policyholder environment.

Mr. 21, chief executive officer of 21M Insurance, said:

“As one of the world’s first crypto-native insurance institutions, partnering with a top-tier custodian like Cobo — with a zero-incident track record — is the cornerstone of safeguarding policyholder assets. Technical and regulatory constraints have kept traditional insurers out of Bitcoin insurance, creating a unique structural moat for 21M. Through deep collaboration with Cobo, we are building a secure, transparent, and efficient blockchain-native insurance ecosystem — one that truly scales with Bitcoin adoption. This is not just product innovation; it is a paradigm shift in the industry’s core infrastructure.”

Discus Fish, Cobo’s co-founder and CEO said:

“In digital-asset insurance, institutions need more than technology — they need trust, security, and forward-looking infrastructure. Our partnership with 21M reflects Cobo’s ‘Beyond Custody’ vision. We aim to provide the durable foundation for BTC life insurance to scale with resilience and operational excellence, ushering in a blockchain-native era for the insurance industry.”

Backed by Cobo’s custody services, 21M expects to expand its global insurance footprint more confidently, reinforcing its first-mover advantage in digital-asset insurance. Cobo will continue to deliver secure, compliant, high-performance custody solutions for institutions worldwide, advancing innovation across insurance and digital-asset infrastructure.

About 21M Insurance

21M Insurance is committed to becoming one of the world’s first blockchain-native insurance institutions, backed by prominent family offices and high-net-worth individuals. The company plans to launch crypto-denominated insurance products. Leveraging its AI-powered underwriting and risk management engine, 21M is building next-generation insurance infrastructure spanning whole-life coverage, asset protection, and wealth management to unlock a trillion-dollar digital-asset insurance market. 21M Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Digital Alliance. For more information, visit 21minsurance.com.

About Cobo

Cobo is a trusted leader in digital-asset custody and wallet infrastructure, providing an all-in-one platform for organizations and developers to build, automate, and securely scale their digital-asset businesses. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, Cobo is trusted by more than 500 leading digital-asset businesses globally, safeguarding billions of dollars in assets. Today, Cobo offers the industry’s only unified wallet platform that integrates four wallet technologies — custodial wallets, MPC wallets, smart-contract wallets, and exchange wallets. Committed to the highest security standards and regulatory compliance, Cobo maintains a zero-incident track record and holds ISO 27001 and SOC 2 (Type I and Type II) certifications, as well as licenses in multiple jurisdictions. Recognized for its industry-leading innovations, Cobo has received accolades fromHedgeweek and Global Custodian. For more information, www.cobo.com.

Media Contact

21M Insurance
investor.relations@pacificdigitalalliance.com

Cobo Media Relations
hello@cobo.com

Varadia SE will once again submit a motion for a special audit pursuant to Section 142 (1) of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) at the upcoming Annual General Meeting of Advanced Blockchain AG (ABAG). A corresponding motion had already been filed at the Annual General Meeting on October 20, 2025, which was adjourned without any resolutions being passed.

In Varadia SE’s view, there remains a substantial need for clarification concerning the actions of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of ABAG in the preparation, audit, and approval of the annual financial statements as of December 31, 2024. According to Varadia SE, certain circumstances raise reasonable suspicion that irregularities or violations of statutory provisions may have occurred in this context. 

The company’s auditor issued only a qualified audit opinion on ABAG’s annual financial statements. No audit opinion was provided with respect to the balance sheet item “Receivables from affiliated companies,” amounting to approximately EUR 10 million, which is material to the company’s financial position. 

The requested special audit aims to examine and clarify the circumstances surrounding the qualified audit opinion and the conduct of the Management Board and Supervisory Board in connection with the financial statements, thereby promoting transparency and strengthening shareholder confidence in the company’s proper and diligent corporate governance. 

The special audit motion previously submitted, as well as Varadia SE’s counterproposals, are available in the newsroom at www.varadia.de/#news.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy any securities. The statements contained herein reflect the current views and assessments of Varadia SE based on publicly available information as of the date of publication. While Varadia SE is a shareholder of Advanced Blockchain AG, it does not represent or speak on behalf of the company. All information is provided without warranty for completeness or accuracy.

Media Contact

Cedric Albeke
info@varadia.de

Sajuping (co-CEOs Yoonsup Lee and Hyunguk Sun), an AI-based future advice platform, operated an official booth at the KOOM Festival 2025 New York (also known as Dream Festival 2025 New York), to introduce its Korean AI fortune-telling service to Korean Americans and international visitors.

The festival, held Oct. 16–18 at Brooklyn’s Duggal Greenhouse, is organized by United Korean Founders (UKF) and serves as a cross-cultural platform blending performances, exhibitions, startups, and brand showcases.

This year’s edition gathered start-ups across K-content, beauty, AI, and lifestyle under the theme of “globalizing Korean creativity,” and Sajuping’s booth attracted over 3,000 visitors during the event.

“Turning Uncertain Futures into Actionable Choices” — Sajuping’s Global Debut

Sajuping operates under the philosophy of transforming an uncertain future into actionable choices by analyzing users’ birth dates to provide personalized guidance on relationships, marriage, and careers. During the festival, the company ran an interactive booth offering AI fortune consultations and tailored career, relationship, and compatibility insights.

One visitor remarked that the AI seemed to “understand my fortune and speak to my current self,” and many Korean women in their 20s and 30s praised the service as modern and trustworthy.

A Milestone for K-Fortune Tech

Co-CEO Hyunguk Sun commented, “Fortune-telling is an age-old data system that interprets human character and flow; AI is the tool that reimagines it for today. Our participation in KOOM Festival 2025 New York is the first time we have reinterpreted traditional fortune methodology through technology and showcased it to a global audience.”

He added, “Sajuping is a new form of AI adviser that helps people understand themselves and make decisions in uncertain times. We believe the service will resonate worldwide, and we plan to roll out updated versions and expand partnerships in the United States to set a new standard in K-fortune tech.”

About Sajuping

Sajuping leverages AI to analyze individual fortune data and visualize future directions, easing users’ anxieties. With the slogan “See Your Future, Anytime, Anywhere,” it targets women aged 25–35 who face pivotal life decisions. The service is currently available in South Korea and the United States, and its appearance at KOOM Festival 2025 New York marks the beginning of full-scale global expansion. For more information, visit linktr.ee/sajuping.

Media Contact

Yoonsup Lee
Sajuping
cs@sajuping.ai

Unusual Group, a global collective of specialist agencies focused on sustainable and human-led growth, today announced that its chief executive officer, Luke Tobin, has joined the board of Woya Digital as a non-executive director.

The appointment strengthens ties between the two organisations following Woya Digital’s inclusion within the Unusual Group collective earlier this year. It forms part of Unusual Group’s broader strategy to expand its "collaborative" of high-growth agencies across marketing, technology, and performance disciplines.

Expanding a Collective Built for Sustainable Agency Growth

Founded by Luke Tobin, Unusual Group launched in 2025 to support creative and digital agencies through investment, strategic guidance, and shared operational infrastructure. The group brings together independently run agencies that share a focus on measurable growth, sustainable scaling, and creative excellence.

Unusual Group’s model combines access to capital, leadership expertise, and group-wide operational support in areas including finance, legal, technology, and talent. This structure enables founders to retain their independence while benefitting from the stability and insight of a larger organisation.

Since launch, Unusual Group has continued to expand its collective of agencies across the UK, US and Europe, focusing on innovation in sectors such as digital marketing, brand strategy, sales enablement and data-driven performance. The group’s leadership team includes specialists in operations, finance, and legal governance, all aligned around the principle that unusual brands win by combining creativity with commercial clarity.

Online Search Leadership and Sector Expertise

Woya Digital, headquartered in Malta with operations across Europe, the UK and South Africa, is a digital growth and SEO agency recognised for its strong track record in improving visibility and online performance for clients across the Finance, Healthcare, and Sports industries.

Originally founded by Steve O’Brien and Natalie Karr, Woya Digital has established itself as one of Europe’s emerging specialists in organic search, digital PR, and performance marketing. Its approach combines deep sector knowledge with advanced data analytics, ensuring that each campaign is tailored to drive long-term authority, trust, and measurable growth.

“I am delighted to join the board at Woya Digital,” said Luke Tobin, CEO of Unusual Group. “Our mission at Unusual has always been to empower ambitious, founder-led agencies that think differently. Woya’s success is proof that human creativity, supported by technology and data, continues to outperform purely automated approaches. We believe in using AI and technology to enhance our teams and clients, not to replace them.”

“Luke’s appointment comes at an important time for Woya Digital,” said Steve O’Brien, CEO of Woya Digital. “Our focus on data-driven SEO and organic growth is evolving rapidly as AI and automation reshape digital marketing. With Unusual Group’s backing and Luke’s strategic insight, we are well positioned to strengthen our leadership in finance, healthcare, and sports while expanding our reach into new territories.”

Human-Led Innovation in an AI-Driven Era

Both organisations share a belief that while AI and automation can accelerate efficiency, sustainable growth still depends on human insight, creativity, and collaboration. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement, Unusual Group and Woya Digital are investing in technology to improve performance, streamline workflows, and deepen understanding of consumer behaviour.

This human-centric approach stands in contrast to much of the current marketing industry, where cost compression and automation are driving widespread restructuring. Unusual Group is taking a contrarian stance by building a portfolio of independent agencies that prioritise expertise, adaptability, and partnership.

“The next chapter of growth in our industry belongs to those who can harness technology without losing the human edge,” Tobin added. “That’s where we see the real opportunity, and that’s what Unusual Group and Woya Digital are building together.”

Read more about Woya Digital: "Woya Digital Strengthens Board with Unusual Group and Expands Global HQ to Malta"

About Woya Digital

Woya Digital is a digital growth agency headquartered in Malta. Originally founded by Steve O’Brien and Natalie Karr, the agency specialises in SEO and digital PR. Woya Digital specialises in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, not for profit and legal, plus sports to enhance online visibility, authority, and conversion through data-driven, ethical SEO strategies and technology-supported optimisation. For more information, woya.co.uk.

About Unusual Group

Unusual Group is a collective of specialist agencies helping ambitious brands achieve extraordinary growth. The group brings together creative, strategic, and digital expertise under one ecosystem, providing investment, shared infrastructure, and strategic support to agency founders. Founded by Luke Tobin, Unusual Group continues to expand across the UK and Europe, building a network of high-growth agencies that challenge conventional models and champion human-led innovation. To learn more, visit www.unusualgroup.com.

Media Contact

Natalie Karr
hello@woya.co.uk

FG Nexus (Nasdaq: FGNX, FGNXP) (the “Company”) today announced that the Company’s common stock is now listed for trading on the Deutsche Börse in Germany under ticker symbol LU51. This international listing expands FG Nexus’s global accessibility, increases our access to capital and provides direct access to the Company’s securities for European investors.

The Deutsche Börse listing represents a significant milestone in FG Nexus’s international expansion strategy, offering European investors the opportunity to participate in the Company’s Ethereum treasury strategy and long-term growth initiatives. The listing is expected to enhance share liquidity and broaden the Company’s investor base across European markets.

“Our listing on Deutsche Börse marks another important step in our global expansion and demonstrates the international appeal of our Ethereum-focused strategy," said Kyle Cerminara, CEO of FG Nexus. “This listing provides European investors with direct access to our mission of becoming the dominant corporate stakeholder of Ethereum, and we look forward to building relationships with the European investment community as we continue to execute our long-term strategic ETH vision.”

About FG Nexus

FG Nexus Inc. (Nasdaq: FGNX, FGNXP), (the “Company”), is on the Ethereum Standard, and singularly focused on becoming the largest corporate holder of ETH in the world by an order of magnitude. In order to enhance our ETH YIELD, the Company will stake and intends to implement other yield strategies while serving as a strategic gateway into Ethereum-powered finance, including tokenized RWAs and stablecoin yield. For more information, visit fgnexus.io.

The FGNX® logo is a registered trademark.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These statements are therefore entitled to the protection of the safe harbor provisions of these laws. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “budget,” “can,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “indicate,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possibly,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “probably,” “pro-forma,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “view,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. In particular, discussions and statements regarding the Company’s future business plans and initiatives are forward-looking in nature. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections. While we believe these to be reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may impact our ability to implement and execute on our future business plans and initiatives. Management cautions that the forward-looking statements in this press release are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assume that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Factors that might cause such a difference include, without limitation, fluctuations in the market price of ETH and any associated impairment charges that the Company may incur as a result of a decrease in the market price of ETH below the value at which the Company’s ETH are carried on its balance sheet, changes in the accounting treatment relating to the Company’s ETH holdings, the Company’s ability to achieve profitable operations, government regulation of cryptocurrencies and online betting, changes in securities laws or regulations such as accounting rules as discussed below, customer acceptance of new products and services including the Company’s ETH treasury strategy, general conditions in the global economy; risks associated with operating in the merchant banking and managed services industries, including inadequately priced insured risks and credit risk; risks of not being able to execute on our asset management strategy and potential loss of value of our holdings; risk of becoming an investment company; fluctuations in our short-term results as we implement our business strategies; risks of not being able to attract and retain qualified management and personnel to implement and execute on our business and growth strategy; failure of our information technology systems, data breaches and cyber-attacks; our ability to establish and maintain an effective system of internal controls; the requirements of being a public company and losing our status as a smaller reporting company or becoming an accelerated filer; any potential conflicts of interest between us and our controlling stockholders and different interests of controlling stockholders; and potential conflicts of interest between us and our directors and executive officers.

Our expectations and future plans and initiatives may not be realized. If one of these risks or uncertainties materializes, or if our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, entities are required to measure certain crypto assets at fair value, with changes reflected in net income each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of crypto assets could result in significant fluctuations to the income statement results. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof and do not necessarily reflect our outlook at any other point in time. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect new information, future events or developments.

Investor Contact

invest@fgnexus.io

Media Contact

media@fgnexus.io

Humanity Protocol, an on-chain digital identity solution provider, today announced a new integration that brings together Mastercard's open finance connectivity with Humanity Protocol’s identity verification platform Human ID. Rolling out first in the United States, the enhanced platform will enable users to tap into open finance technology to access credit, loans, and real-world financial services through Humanity Protocol.

Human ID is designed from the ground up to support cross-platform verifications, allowing users to carry their verified identity and financial credentials portable across all extant blockchain and centralized ecosystems. Whether verifying eligibility for RWA on Ethereum, accessing embedded lending in a neobank, or unlocking personalized Defi products on Solana, the same Human ID can be reused privately, securely, and compliantly. For example, users can cryptographically demonstrate specific personal attributes like “I earn over $75,000,” “I own a qualifying asset,” or “I meet the collateral threshold,” safely and securely, with selective disclosure made possible through zero-knowledge cryptography.

Verifying personal financial information when opening an account can often be time-consuming and involve manual touchpoints. Powered by an integration to Mastercard’s open finance technology, Human ID holders will now be able to quickly verify their personal financial details, such as income level, cash flow, or asset ownership when opening a Human ID account. Data is validated and turned into cryptographic proofs that lenders and services can trust.

“We believe that identity is foundational to the future of finance,” said Terence Kwok, founder of Humanity Protocol. “Together with Mastercard, we’re enabling our Human ID holders to demonstrate they meet financial requirements, without spending valuable time on manual processes.”

One key use case is leveraging Open Finance to validate critical elements tied to their Human ID — verifying bank account ownership and validating identity attributes used to link the financial account. These reusable and privacy-preserving credentials facilitate efficient and trusted interactions across traditional and decentralized financial platforms and can simplify and accelerate participation in RWA markets.

“Data — securely permissioned by the consumer who owns it — can be a powerful asset, in many parts of our daily lives,” said Jess Turner, Global Head of Open Finance & Developer Experience at Mastercard. “We’re tapping into the power of open finance to fuel more convenient, secure financial experiences that people can depend on.”

To learn more about Human ID, please visit www.humanity.org.

About Humanity Protocol

Humanity Protocol is a decentralized identity platform that enables individuals to prove they are real, unique, and human without disclosing sensitive personal data. It combines palm-based biometrics with zero-knowledge proofs to create a secure, privacy-first identity layer for Web3 and beyond. For more information, visit www.humanity.org.

Charleston-based Clutter Cleaner South Carolina is setting a new standard in relocation services for seniors and their families. Dedicated to making sure the emotional and logistical challenges of moving and estate management easier, Clutter Cleaner offers white-glove concierge service than manages every aspect of the process with empathy, compassion and care.

Founded by a team passionate about helping seniors and their families navigate one of life's most challenging events, Clutter Cleaner offers support, including home inventory, packing, moving, unpacking, space planning and the responsible sale or disposal of unwanted items. Each service is designed to reduce stress, preserve cherished memories and ensure families can focus on what matters most: their loved ones.

"Moving a lifelong home or managing your loved one's estate is a complicated and deeply emotional journey," said Andy Brusman, CEO of Silver Gen Holdings, the owner of Clutter Cleaner South Carolina. "Our goal is to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible."

With South Carolina's senior population growing rapidly, Clutter Cleaner fills an important community need — combining expertise in every aspect of move management with genuine compassion.

"Families often feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional toll of downsizing or sorting through a loved one's treasured belongings," added Seth Gregg, the company's president. "Clutter Cleaner exists to lift that burden and simplify the process."

About Clutter Cleaner South Carolina

Clutter Cleaner is a Charleston-based franchise providing moving and transition management services specializing in compassionate, full-service relocation support. From packing and organizing to coordinating moves, selling or donating items, and setting up new homes, Clutter Cleaner helps seniors and their families navigate change with dignity, empathy and expert care. For more information, visit cluttercleaner.com/location/south-carolina.

Media Contact

Andy Brusman
andy.brusman@cluttercleaner.com

7-HOPE Alliance, ("7-HOPE"), a trailblazing nonprofit coalition dedicated to protecting legal access to 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), today released a statement following reports that several middle school students ingested kratom products, resulting in hospitalization.

“We are deeply saddened by reports of children ingesting kratom products in Georgia,” said Jackie Subeck, founder and executive director of 7-HOPE Alliance. “No parent should have to worry about their child getting access to products like these. They are meant for adults and the kratom industry and regulators should take every step to protect children wherever possible. This is exactly why we’ve been calling for stronger state and national regulations — to protect kids, support parents, and make sure these products are responsibly manufactured and sold only to adults.”

The 7-HOPE Alliance emphasized that while kratom and its alkaloids, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), have shown potential as harm-reduction tools for adults, they should never be accessible to minors. The group is renewing its call for federal and state legislation that:

• Establishes 21+ age restrictions nationwide for all kratom and 7-OH products.
• Prohibits child-focused marketing, packaging, and placement in stores.
• Requires verified ID checks, independent lab testing, and accurate labeling.
• Mandates clear dosage and warning information for all retail sales.

“Even in states like Georgia, which have 21+ kratom access laws, we’re still seeing gaps that let these products reach children,” Subeck added. “Those laws didn’t go far enough. They left out bans on youth-targeted marketing and didn’t establish strict enough retail controls. We need consistent, nationwide rules that work.”

The Alliance warned that banning individual compounds, like 7-OH alone, does not make communities safer. Instead, such bans push products into unregulated underground markets where quality and age restrictions disappear. According to 7-HOPE, the solution is strong regulation, not prohibition.

“This tragedy is a wake-up call,” Subeck said. “We can’t pretend that banning one compound will keep kids safe. Only comprehensive regulation, covering every kratom-derived product, will prevent this from happening again.”

The 7-HOPE Alliance continues to work with scientists, lawmakers, and public-health advocates to advance national standards that protect youth, support responsible adult access, and ensure ongoing safety research.

About 7-HOPE Alliance

7-HOPE Alliance (7-Hydroxy Outreach for Public Education) is a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) pending) dedicated to advancing public education, user support, and policy advocacy around 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a naturally occurring alkaloid in the kratom plant. Through a foundation of science, storytelling, and community, 7-HOPE empowers individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers with accurate, balanced information on 7-OH and its role in harm reduction, natural wellness, and safe, legal access to alternatives. The organization’s mission centers on four pillars: science, education, advocacy, and user support. By confronting misinformation, promoting responsible use, and providing uplifting real-life testimonials, 7-HOPE aims to ensure 7-OH remains available to the many individuals who find it to be a safe and effective alternative to dangerous painkillers and illegal drugs. For more information or to get involved, visit 7hopealliance.org.

Media Contact

7-HOPE Alliance
media@7hopealliance.org

Draftboard today introduces the Whisper List, the world’s first ranking of venture capitalists by their network strength, rather than quantity of deals or magnitude of returns.

This marks a significant shift in how founders evaluate potential investors: no longer do they have to rely on rumors and unverifiable claims — they can now easily vet which VCs can be most helpful in making intros to their specific buyer persona, enabling smarter cap-table decisions. The Whisper List provides founders with a transparent, data-backed view of a VC’s real-world reach and influence.

The impact is immediate for founders looking for an edge: by surfacing the strongest, most relevant VCs (and providing a way to get intros to them), the Whisper List helps startups accelerate fundraising, accelerate time-to-value from investor relationships, and reduce the guesswork often involved in courting the right partner.

The Whisper List product is an outgrowth of its founding company's (Draftboard) mission to help founders find warm intros to their highest value prospects from within their existing networks. Draftboard’s relationship intelligence engine maps, validates, scores, and surfaces the optimal intro paths to every VC in the Whisper List, making it simple to request meaningful introductions that align with a company’s stage and needs.

"The Whisper List embodies our commitment to transparency and practical usefulness for founders. It arms them with verifiable, action-oriented insights about VC networks, so they can choose investors who genuinely amplify their chances for success," said Zach Roseman, founder of Draftboard.

Looking ahead, Draftboard plans to broaden the Whisper List’s reach to additional markets and cohorts, continually refining network-scoring models and expanding coverage to more VC segments and geographies. The company will also deepen integration with its existing platform tools to streamline outreach and intro requests, helping teams turn network intelligence into tangible fundraising momentum.

The Whisper List is entirely free and will roll out in phases starting Tuesday, November 4, with an initial focus on senior-level VCs in the New York Metro and San Francisco Bay Area regions, and will expand over time.

For more information on the Whisper List, visit whisperlist.draftboard.com.

For more information on Draftboard, visit www.draftboard.com. 

About Draftboard

Draftboard is a relationship intelligence agent that maps who in your network is best positioned to make intros to your highest value prospects. The agent validates, maps, scores and surfaces your best intro paths — and makes it incredibly simple to ask for those intros. To learn more, visit www.draftboard.com.

Media Contact

Zach Roseman
zach@draftboard.com

Amid the ongoing transformation of global industrial structures and deeper supply chain integration, the 6th Jiangxi (Ganzhou) Textile & Garment Industry Expo (GTG), led by the China National Garment Association, will take place from November 24 to 26, 2025, in Yudu, Ganzhou, a city renowned for China’s brand apparel manufacturing. As one of the most prominent and internationally-oriented trade fairs in Central China, GTG 2025, themed “Red Inspires Creation, Weaving a New Chapter of Dreams,” aims to serve as a bridge linking the global textile and apparel industry, showcasing the power of “Made in Yudu, Intelligent Manufacturing in China.”

More than a showcase of industrial achievements, GTG 2025 serves as an open platform for global supply chain collaboration, innovation exchange, and shared value creation. The Expo has attracted apparel brands, department store retailers, and leading distributors from over ten countries, including the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Germany, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, alongside major Chinese brands, e-commerce platforms, and wholesalers. Focusing on intelligent manufacturing, green development, and digital transformation, GTG 2025 highlights China’s global perspective and advanced capacity in textile and apparel manufacturing. Covering more than 30,000 square meters and featuring nearly 300 exhibitors, the Expo encompasses five specialized sections — apparel, fabrics and accessories, intelligent equipment, design innovation, and supporting industries — showcasing a new pattern of collaborative innovation across the entire supply chain.

Global manufacturing resources from leading brands such as Armani, adidas, Ralph Lauren, ZARA, CK, Shein, Anta, Ports, Semir, MO&CO, and INMAN will be showcased, forming a complete industrial ecosystem that connects design, manufacturing, distribution, and consumption. The 6th Jiangxi (Ganzhou) Textile & Garment Industry Expo has become a new gateway for industrial cooperation between China and the world, attracting global buyers and brand representatives. Throughout the event, a series of cross-border procurement meetings, brand partnership signings, and supply chain collaboration activities will be held, facilitating deeper integration between China’s apparel supply chain and the global fashion market. A series of large-scale industry events will be held during GTG 2025, including the 2025 China Fashion Conference and the China (Yudu) Original Women’s Wear Design Week. The 2025 China Fashion Conference, to be held in Jiangxi for the first time, will serve as the intellectual highlight of GTG 2025, bringing together over 500 leaders from China’s textile and apparel industry to explore future trends and innovation pathways in the global fashion sector.

The continued success of the Jiangxi (Ganzhou) Textile & Garment Industry Expo is driving Ganzhou·Yudu toward becoming “China’s Capital of Intelligent Women’s Wear Manufacturing” and a new global hub for the apparel supply chain. It not only reflects Jiangxi’s growing strength in China’s open economy but also provides a strategic bridge for international cooperation, shared resources, and mutual growth across the global textile and apparel industry.

Event: GTG 2025 – Bridging the Global Fashion Industry and Showcasing the Power of “Made in Yudu.”
Date: November 24–26, 2025
Venue: Yudu, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China

Media Contact

Yifan Zhou
zhouyifan2303@gmail.com

The UK has announced the creation and future implementation of digital IDs. While some herald these IDs as innovative, others are concerned about the implications they have for consumer trust and fintech. In this article, we’ll take a look at what digital IDs mean for consumers, businesses and the fintech sector as a whole. From the benefits to the advantages and everything in between, we have you covered.

What is the UK digital ID?

Announced in late 2025, the UK’s digital ID cards are designed to simplify the process of updating personal information and make identity verification significantly easier for citizens. The cards will function like an app, in much the same way that digital bank cards and the NHS App work. Information required from citizens when creating their ID includes residency status, nationality, photo, date of birth, and name.

Perhaps most significantly, digital IDs will be mandatory for anyone seeking a job in the UK. While the digital ID scheme will not be applied retroactively, those applying for work in the country by 2028 (the proposed implementation date) will need to have a valid one. The government claims that in time, digital IDs will make it easier for citizens applying for services such as welfare, childcare and driving licences, as well as accessing their tax records.

While reaction to the announcement has been mixed, so far the government seems resolute in its plan to implement digital IDs in the near future. As you might expect, this kind of change is certain to have a significant impact on both the fintech sector and overall digital trust in business verification.

How does the digital ID affect fintech?

The UK’s proposed digital IDs stand to impact fintech in a variety of ways, both negative and positive. Some of the benefits that the ID offers include enhanced security and privacy as well as streamlined application processes for certain government services. By reducing the need for physical documentation, transactions will be more efficient and secure.

In addition to the positives, digital IDs stand to impact fintech in a few negative ways. The main issue that experts have raised about their implementation centres on innovation in the industry. More specifically, industry leaders are concerned that government-sponsored (and required) digital IDs will stifle private sector solutions revolving around independent verification and innovative solutions tailored to different kinds of users and apps.

None of this is to say that the IDs are an inherently bad or harmful idea for the industry, of course, but it’s worth noting the full range of potential impacts they might have on fintech.

How does the digital ID affect digital trust in business?

Despite the concerns of fintech leaders, digital IDs stand to enhance consumers’ digital trust in businesses of all kinds. This is especially true in online gaming. BetMGM UK, a trusted and well-established name in the online gaming industry, is one example of online gaming platforms planning to implement easier verification processes, strictly adhering to government specifications as IDs are implemented. If corporations are held to stricter data privacy standards, users might feel more comfortable handing over their personal information.

We touched on this briefly above, but digital IDs also help to boost digital trust by simplifying access to government-based services. Instead of requiring extensive paperwork and lengthy verification procedures that sometimes need multiple visits or phone calls, digital IDs can be used to streamline the application process. Because they are designed to reduce fraud and make identity verification as easy as possible, digital IDs might also help to ensure that consumers have an overall safer experience interacting online, whether that means making a purchase or logging into their health records.

The UK’s impending digital ID requirements offer a variety of benefits for both users and businesses. With that said, it is important that they be implemented in a safe and secure way that emphasises data safety without impeding private sector fintech solutions. When used properly, digital IDs stand to reduce fraud and limit unlawful working in the country on both personal and corporate levels. How do you think digital IDs might impact the way that you use the internet?

Workplace safety programs are evolving. For decades, companies relied on compliance-focused approaches. Checklists, protective equipment, and procedures were the standard. Yet, studies increasingly show that human error is the leading cause of incidents across industries, not equipment failure.

Research from the U.S. National Safety Council indicates that human factors contribute to more than 90% of workplace incidents. Fatigue, distraction, and time pressure are common contributors. Modern workplaces, including hybrid and remote environments, create new challenges for maintaining consistent safety practices.

Behaviour-based safety (BBS) programs have emerged to address these human factors. Unlike traditional safety methods that focus on enforcing rules, BBS emphasizes observing behaviour. It identifies unsafe actions and reinforces safer alternatives. BBS programs also focus on the psychological states that influence decision-making, such as stress, fatigue, and rushing.

Evidence behind behaviour-based safety

Recent systematic reviews and studies suggest that BBS programs can reduce behaviour-linked incidents. A 2025 review published in Frontiers in Psychology reported an average 25–40% reduction in incidents in organisations that implemented BBS consistently. Success depends on program design, leadership engagement, and accurate measurement of behaviours.

Key components of effective BBS programs include peer observation, real-time feedback, and reinforcement of positive actions. These components aim to create lasting behavioural change. Unlike traditional methods, they go beyond once-off training or rule enforcement.

Real-world impact of BBS programs

Behaviour-based safety is associated with improvements in both safety culture and operational outcomes.

The leading indicators of BBS are behaviours, observations, and self-assessments. Focusing on these metrics helps companies anticipate risks before they result in accidents. Organisations that track these indicators often see increased near-miss reporting and higher safety awareness. Over time, this proactive approach contributes to a reduction in minor injuries.

BBS also fosters peer-to-peer accountability. When employees observe and reinforce safe behaviours among colleagues, awareness and engagement improve. This approach addresses the limitations of compliance-only programs and encourages proactive safety behaviour.

BBS: Challenges and considerations

While digital BBS tools offer benefits, they also introduce considerations around privacy and data governance. Continuous observation and feedback may raise concerns if not implemented transparently.

Experts recommend anonymising behavioural data. They also suggest clear communication about program goals. Employee involvement in program design improves trust.

Effective BBS programs require integration with broader safety systems and metrics. Success is measured by more than reduced incidents. Metrics include near-miss reporting, participation in assessments, and sustained safe behaviours.

Scaling BBS with digital tools

Digital platforms are increasingly used to extend BBS programs to dispersed workforces. Mobile apps can deliver short training capsules, daily check-ins, and self-assessment tools. These digital nudges help workers maintain awareness of potential risks and reinforce safe habits in real time.

One such platform is YouFactors, developed by SafeStart. It uses neuroscience-based methods to reduce human error. The health and safety app delivers short, repeated prompts and gamified microlearning exercises. These nudges are designed to build safer behaviours over time.

Pilot programs show measurable reductions in near-misses and minor incidents. This is particularly true in industries like logistics, construction, and manufacturing. While independent validation is limited, early results suggest digital nudges can complement traditional safety programs.

Looking ahead: Behaviour-based safety’s role

Workplaces are becoming more complex. Behaviour-based safety will likely play a bigger role in risk management. The shift from rule enforcement to behavioural awareness reflects a broader rethink of safety. Companies are now focusing on what employees actually do, not only what they are told to do.

Digital platforms can support human decision-making and reduce errors. They are most effective as part of a holistic safety culture. Tools such as YouFactors show how technology can scale these efforts. They complement traditional programs. The goal is safer workplaces across industries.

Global Z Capital, the performance-based investment advisory founded by Zier Hassan, announced new strategic partnerships and infrastructure expansion across Europe, strengthening its position as one of the fastest-growing independent advisory firms in the region.

Since its founding in 2021, Global Z Capital has attracted a growing network of high-net-worth individuals and family offices seeking a transparent alternative to traditional fund management. The firm’s model allows clients to retain full custody of their capital while receiving conviction-driven stock strategies and portfolio guidance directly from Hassan and his analytical team.

“Our focus has never been on volume — it’s on precision,” said Hassan. “We work with clients who value control, rational strategy, and long-term alignment over short-term speculation. That’s why our model remains fully performance-based and client-centric.”

Global Z Capital integrates advanced data analytics with discretionary insights to identify undervalued equities and emerging sectors across U.S. and European markets. The firm continues to emphasize independence, eschewing pooled funds or custodial management in favor of what it describes as assets under guidance, where investors retain both transparency and authority.

The new European expansion includes the establishment of advisory partnerships in Liechtenstein and Luxembourg, strengthening the firm’s ability to serve cross-border clients under a unified framework of digital infrastructure and regional compliance.

Hassan notes that this growth phase marks a shift from early-stage performance milestones to sustainable scalability. “Global Z Capital was built to prove a concept that transparency and performance can coexist,” he said. “Our next chapter is about building a global institution on those same principles.”

With offices in Dubai and operations now extending through Europe, Global Z Capital continues to position itself as a next-generation investment partner for discerning investors who prioritize autonomy, alignment, and measurable results.

Black Banx Group today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30 2025, delivering strong performance with further progress toward its full‑year targets.

Key Figures for Q3 2025

• Revenue: USD 4.3 billion
• Profit before tax (PBT): USD 1.6 billion
• Cost‑to‑income ratio: ≈ 62%
• Customer base (period‑end): ≈ 92 million clients

YTD (first nine months) results: Revenue USD 12.7 billion, PBT USD 4.7 billion, positioning the Group on track toward its full‑year ambitions of approximately USD 17 billion revenue and USD 6.4 billion PBT.

“Our Q3 results reaffirm the scalability and resilience of our platform,” said Michael Gastauer, Group CEO. “By continuing to scale our client base, deepen engagement, and drive operational efficiencies, we maintain momentum toward our 100 million‑customer milestone and full‑year ambitions.”

Daniel Dumitrascu, Group CFO, added, “We are pleased to demonstrate sequential improvement in our cost/income ratio despite ongoing investment in growth markets. With the first nine months delivered, our Q4 plan is well calibrated to close the year strongly.”

Business Highlights

• Net customer adds of approximately 8 million during Q3, bringing the total client count to approximately 92 million as of September 30, 2025 — on pace for the 100 million‑customer target by year‑end.
• Continued growth across emerging markets, driven by expansion efforts in Africa, South Asia and Latin America.
• Strong transaction volumes across cross‑border payments and cryptocurrency‑adjacent services, contributing to top‑line resilience.  
• Ongoing initiatives to optimise operations and automate processes delivered a sequential improvement in cost/income ratio to approximately 62% from 64% in Q2.
• Strategic investments sustained in growth markets while preserving profitability and shareholder value.

Outlook

With three quarters behind it, Black Banx remains aligned with its 2025 full‑year targets of approximately USD 17 billion in revenue and USD 6.4 billion in pre‑tax profit. The company anticipates a seasonally stronger Q4 performance, underpinned by ongoing global client acquisition and further monetisation of its platform.

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