Technology

CCI Announces Major Expansion Across Geographies and Expertise

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

Global expansion to Africa, Japan, and a partnership for global standards.Proof of Stake Alliance now part of the CCI ecosystem; new subject matter expert joins.New research partnership with Decentralization Research Center.Read more from CEO Sheila Warren.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI) announced a series of significant developments as part of its continued growth and global expansion.

They include: partnerships with the Japan Cryptoasset Business Association (JCBA) and Global Digital Finance (GDF), the integration of the Proof of Stake Alliance (POSA) into the CCI ecosystem, and the addition of Yele Bademosi as Africa Advisor.

Expanding Expertise: Proof of Stake Alliance

Staking market value has surged to nearly $600 billion. Next year, regulators and policymakers across jurisdictions will turn increased attention to this growing ecosystem.

As part of our commitment to expanding technical expertise and to making sure leaders stay ahead of the curve, CCI is proud to announce the integration of the Proof of Stake Alliance (POSA) as a core project that will prioritize educating global policymakers on the critical role of staking in network security and decentralization.

The project will continue to be led by trusted expert Alison Mangiero, Executive Director of POSA. It is anchored by Figment and Polychain Capital and members include Andreessen Horowitz, Ava Labs, Blockdaemon, Eigen Labs, Electric Capital, Lido, Kiln, and Paradigm. Anchors will help guide the areas of strategic focus and all members will work on advocating for clear and forward-looking policies for an important year ahead.

“CCI has always been about setting the standard for the responsible growth of blockchain technology,” said Sheila Warren, CEO, Crypto Council for Innovation. “Combining POSA’s technical expertise with CCI’s global advocacy reach will create the ideal team to lead the conversation around the future of this crucial issue.”

“With staking more critical than ever, joining forces with CCI is a pivotal step forward,” said Alison Mangiero, Executive Director, POSA. “At the Proof of Stake Alliance, we’ve been dedicated to producing legal and policy research and advocating for policies that support, grow, and protect proof-of-stake technologies and raising awareness about their crucial role in network security and maintenance. We are ready to take this message forward globally.”

“The exponential growth of the staking market underscores its critical role in the blockchain ecosystem,” said Jennie Levin, Chief Regulatory and Strategy Officer, Figment. “As we join forces with Crypto Council for Innovation, Figment is committed to advocating for clear, equitable policies that foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection. Our goal is to educate policymakers globally on the technical nature of staking services, emphasizing their distinct role in network security and decentralization.”

“Polychain is proud to be an anchor of POSA and continue supporting this initiative to educate global policymakers about the essential role staking plays in network security and decentralization,” said Matt Perona, COO, Polychain Capital. “We look forward to identifying and raising topics of critical importance for consideration by the broader group that will help guide POSA’s work.”

Global Expansion: CCI partners in Japan, on Global Standards and adds Yele Bademosi as Advisor

CCI and JCBA Forge Partnership to Expand Digital Asset Policy Collaboration Across Asia

In a groundbreaking move, CCI and JCBA are joining forces to collaborate on advancing digital asset policy in Japan and across Asia. The partnership is focused on sharing regulatory insights, policy developments, and advocacy efforts to amplify their collective voice in the region.

“This partnership strengthens both organizations’ ability to drive thoughtful, informed policy discussions on a global scale,” said Warren. “We look forward to working with JCBA to shape the future of digital asset regulation in an increasingly key global market.”

This collaboration marks an important milestone in uniting the strengths of the U.S. and Japan in the crypto ecosystem. By aligning regulatory efforts across key markets, CCI and JCBA are poised to drive greater consistency in global policy approaches, enabling business and innovation to thrive while ensuring robust consumer protections.

Strengthening Industry Collaboration: CCI and Global Digital Finance (GDF)

CCI is excited to announce its collaboration with GDF. A leading organization dedicated to making finance truly global and digital, GDF focuses on reshaping financial services and markets through decentralized financial market infrastructure and digital assets.

Through this collaboration, both organizations will continue existing joint work on critical issues, including staking; engage jointly on select key policy papers and consultation responses to regulators and policymakers; and further build community engagement in the UK. This work will help ensure that crypto and digital assets are used responsibly and sustainably, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive global financial system.

“GDF and CCI share a common mission of promoting global financial inclusion and accessibility,” said Laura Navaratnam, UK Policy Lead, CCI. “This collaboration, along with CCI’s growing influence across various regions, are setting the stage for a more connected, innovative, and equitable future for blockchain and digital assets worldwide.”

“CCI and GDF are both recognised by industry, policymakers, and regulators as the preeminent global industry associations with a track record of building community consensus and delivering material outcomes that move the digital assets industry forward – the collaboration has created a supranational tour de force,” says Elise Soucie Watts, Executive Director, GDF.

CCI and GDF look forward to continuing to collaborate in order to support the digital asset ecosystem and to achieve appropriate regulatory outcomes for our members to help grow responsible innovation.

Expanding Networks Across Africa: Welcoming New Advisor Yele Bademosi

CCI welcomes Yele Bademosi as a new advisor. Yele, Co-Creator of Onboard Global and a prominent voice in the African blockchain space, will help CCI expand its network across the African continent. His extensive knowledge of Africa’s digital asset landscape and his commitment to fostering blockchain adoption make him a valuable addition to the CCI team.

“Yele’s appointment underscores CCI’s dedication to broadening its global reach, with a particular focus on Africa’s rapidly growing interest in blockchain technology,” Warren said. “Through his leadership, CCI will work to connect African innovators with global policymakers, ensuring that Africa’s burgeoning crypto industry is represented in discussions shaping the future of digital finance.”

With these key developments, CCI is poised to lead the conversation on the future of blockchain technology, fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking regulation across the globe.

Focusing on Fundamentals: CCI and Decentralization Research Center

CCI and the Decentralization Research Center (DRC) are also announcing a partnership aimed at advancing research and promoting collaboration on the critical issue of decentralization within blockchain technology.

As decentralized technologies continue to reshape industries, the DRC will focus on defining use cases, key metrics, and features that illustrate the spectrum of decentralization across blockchain networks.

Through this partnership with CCI, a broad range of stakeholders will gain evidence-based insight from educational materials and analyses that highlight the importance of decentralized models.

The DRC believes that decentralization is not only key to blockchain but is also critical across all emerging technologies to ensure more equitable ownership and governance of the systems that shape our society. While CCI remains focused on the crypto ecosystem, there is increasing interest from policymakers in decentralization as it relates to adjacent technologies, including artificial intelligence.

“This collaborative effort will foster clarity and consensus, helping to elevate the voice of decentralized communities and inform regulatory and policy frameworks that reflect the unique value of decentralized systems,” Warren said.

“Decentralization is the cornerstone of trust and resilience in blockchain systems,” said Connor Spelliscy, Executive Director, DRC. “We’re excited to partner with CCI to deepen understanding and promote frameworks that capture the value of decentralization.”

Addendum – Executive Quotes on POSA

“We founded the Alliance when many of the first proof of stake blockchains were launching, and the first staking as a service providers were beginning to commercialize their services,” said Evan Weiss, COO of Alluvial and Founder of POSA. “In the years since, the staking industry has grown and matured exponentially. I’m excited for POSA to take its next step forward as a global player, advocating for the regulatory clarity that would unleash a new wave of institutional and mainstream adoption for staking ecosystems, and bring millions of new users onchain.”

“At Blockdaemon, we’re proud to be part of POSA, marking a significant step toward amplifying the voice of the staking industry on a global scale,” said Konstantin Richter, CEO & Founder, Blockdaemon. “As proof-of-stake ecosystems expand, it’s crucial to advocate for clear, thoughtful standards to help risk management while pushing forward innovation to establish staking as a critical technical service.”

About the Crypto Council for Innovation

The Crypto Council for Innovation is the premier global alliance for advancing innovation. It believes in leading with a global view, advocating for inclusive regulation, and developing evidence-based insights to support government and business leaders. It has teams in San Francisco, Washington DC, New York, Denver, London, Brussels, and Hong Kong.

Press contact

Amanda Russo, Director of Communications, Crypto Council for Innovation, Amanda@cryptocouncil.org +1 510 761 1657

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SOURCE Crypto Council for Innovation

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2026

PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

Technology

Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

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SOURCE Vendormint

Technology

Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

Published

6 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

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SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage