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Groundbreaking Experimentation of DLT Settlement in Central Bank Money by IZNES with the European Central Bank and Banque de France

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2 years ago

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IZNES, collaborating with the Eurosystem comprising the European Central Bank and the Banque de France, has completed a groundbreaking experiment showcasing the potential of wholesale Central Bank Money (CeBM) on interoperable blockchains. Leveraging innovative Hash Time Locked Contracts (HTLC), this initiative demonstrated secure, efficient Delivery versus Payment (DVP) transactions across blockchain platforms like DL3S, IZNES, and Societe Generale-FORGE. Stakeholders included AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM), BNP Paribas, Generali, OFI Invest Asset Management, Societe Generale. The experiment not only highlights the seamless interoperability of blockchains but also underscores the immense potential of digital cash tokens to revolutionize financial operations by enhancing security, reducing settlement times, and cutting costs, setting a new benchmark for the future of financial markets.

PARIS, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In a landmark initiative, IZNES, in collaboration with AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM), BNP Paribas, Generali, OFI Invest Asset Management, Societe Generale and Societe Generale-FORGE and under the aegis of the Eurosystem—comprising the Banque de France (BdF) and the European Central Bank (ECB)—has successfully conducted an innovative experiment exploring the potential wholesale Central Bank Money (CeBM), within financial market operations on three interoperable blockchains.

It concretely demonstrates that interoperability between blockchains—often perceived as a major obstacle to the adoption of DLT technologies in finance—is not only possible but also holds immense potential to transform our financial infrastructures.

IZNES CEO Christophe Lepitre stated, “This groundbreaking initiative underscores IZNES’s commitment to innovation and collaboration, paving the way for future advancements in digital finance. It concretely demonstrates that interoperability between blockchains—often perceived as a major obstacle to the adoption of DLT technologies in finance—is not only possible but also holds immense potential to transform our financial infrastructures.”

The experimentation utilized the DL3S platform operated by the Banque de France under the aegis of the ECB, proving that wholesale CeBM can be used for conducting Delivery versus Payment (DVP) of fund units on three interoperable platforms: DL3S, IZNES and Societe Generale-FORGE.

Innovative Technology in Action

To facilitate the DVP process, a Hash Time Locked Contract (HTLC) was issued on the DL3S blockchain and seamlessly exchanged with the IZNES blockchain. The HTLC technology introduced a layer of cryptographic security, requiring recipients to produce cryptographic proof of payment within a specified timeframe. Failing this, the funds would be returned to the payer, ensuring operational integrity and trust.

“By leveraging the HTLC mechanism, we showcased the seamless interoperability between the DL3S, IZNES and Societe Generale-FORGE platforms, proving that wholesale CeBM can play a transformative role in financial market infrastructures,” stated Bhavesh Senedhun, experiment leader, Director General and CIO of IZNES.

Jean-Robert Hervy, Director General and CPO of IZNES, emphasized: “This experiment represents a step forward in demonstrating the feasibility and efficiency of using digital cash tokens in complex financial operations. By leveraging a secure, digital ledger, transactions could be completed faster, with enhanced security measures and significantly lower operational costs for all stakeholders.”

Two-Tiered Experimentation

The initiative was executed in two streams:

Stream 1: In collaboration with Generali as investor, AXA IM as issuer / asset manager of the tokenized fund, and BNP Paribas’ Securities Services business providing existing services and managing its clients’ wallets in BdF’s DL3S, the experiment focused on the subscription of fund units using Banque de France’s cash token.Stream 2: Partnering with Generali as investor, OFI Invest AM as issuer / asset manager of the tokenized fund, Societe Generale and Societe Generale-FORGE, this stream demonstrated the wholesale CeBM’s capabilities in a complex, multi-layered financial operation. This included the subscription of fund units in wholesale CeBM, which were subsequently reinvested into other funds, and bonds issued by Societe Generale. It concluded with the redemption of positions. Societe Generale Securities Services acted as Paying Agent.

Implications for the Financial Ecosystem

“This experiment carried out in real conditions demonstrated that it was possible to safely reduce the settlement and delivery times of transactions on financial instruments thanks to the interoperability of blockchains between them and the guarantee provided by the digital wholesale Central Bank Money (CeBM). We are collectively very happy and proud of this result which paves the way for a real technological advance for post-market processes, with the use of tokens for a secure settlement method for this type of operation thanks to the CeBM,” stated Jean-Pierre Grimaud, CEO of OFI Invest AM.

“At Generali, we have leveraged IZNES to manage our fund positions efficiently using blockchain. The success of this experimentation with the Eurosystem and the CeBM demonstrates the transformative potential of blockchain technology in streamlining fund management processes. The introduction of a wholesale CeBM represents a significant step forward for insurers like Generali, simplifying operations and enhancing transparency across the funds ecosystem,” further added Rémi Cuinat, Director of Unit-linked Assets at Generali.

This successful experimentation highlights the potential of wholesale CeBM to enhance the efficiency, security, and resilience of financial markets. It sets a precedent for the integration of a wholesale CeBM into real-world financial applications, demonstrating their viability as a cornerstone of the future financial ecosystem.

Acknowledgements

IZNES wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the dedicated individuals and teams who contributed to the success of this groundbreaking wholesale CeBM experimentation:

Generali: Rémi Cuinat, Azdine Fahimi, Fenda Fofana for their insightful contributions.OFI Invest AM: Jean-Pierre Grimaud, CEO, along with Eric Bertrand, deputy CEO in charge of Investments, Nicolas Demont, deputy CEO in charge of Operational Efficiency and Patrick Hobin, COO for their leadership and support.AXA IM: Olivier Loubet for his strategic input.BNP Paribas’ Securities Services business: Maria Darras (Senior Program Manager Digital Assets) for her valuable engagement.Societe Generale Securities Services: Alain Rocher and Morgane Seveno for their expertise.Societe Generale-FORGE: David Durouchoux, Damien Fontanille and Alexandre Tortochot for their leadership.Banque de France: Pierre-Dominique Renard, Victorien Goldscheider, Marie-Aline Vives, Georges Maila, Sana Ghariani along with the DL3S technical team.IZNESIZNES Task Force on Tokenization and CBDC Experimentations: Paul Sylvain, Stéphanie Lheureux, Olivier Macquet for their guidance.

On the IZNES team, special recognition is given to:

Charles Paris, CTO, and Vladimir Kukharenko for their invaluable technical expertise.Jihade El Ouardi for exemplary project management.Axel Baechelen and Noemie Socha for their efforts on the operational and product fronts.Valérie Gilles for her assistance and advice with stakeholders.Isabelle Dhellemmes for legal guidance.

For further information, please contact:
Bhavesh Senedhun
Director General and CIO, IZNES
bhavesh.senedhun@iznes.com

About IZNES:

IZNES is the first European blockchain-based fund marketplace. IZNES offers a disruptive alternative to traditional fund distribution channels and allows asset owners to subscribe directly to all types funds from asset managers. The use of IZNES’s blockchain technology improves operational efficiency and offers institutional investors and asset managers an optimal level of security and IT resilience. IZNES is a regulated investment firm, authorized by the ACPR and supervised by the AMF, and its services are passported in Luxembourg and Ireland.

www.iznes.com

Media Contact

Bhavesh Senedhun, IZNES, 33 633260581, bhavesh.senedhun@iznes.com, www.iznes.com 

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SOURCE IZNES

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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4 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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5 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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5 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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