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BTQ Technologies’ QSSN Selected as Core Security Infrastructure for South Korea’s First Bank-Led KRW Stablecoin Proof-of-Concept

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BTQ provides strategic advisory support and QSSN as core PQC security infrastructure for the iM Bank initiative on the Kaia mainnet, advancing post-quantum migration across global financial infrastructure

BTQ has been selected as the core post-quantum cryptography security technology provider for South Korea’s first bank-led KRW stablecoin proof-of-concept, delivering its Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network (“QSSN”) for the initiative.
 BTQ is providing strategic advisory support and helping coordinate implementation across the partnership with iM Bank and Finger, supporting the integration of post-quantum protections into regulated digital money infrastructure.
 Built on the Kaia mainnet, the proof-of-concept is connected to the blockchain ecosystems originally developed by Kakao and LINE, linking the initiative to two of the largest messaging and digital platform ecosystems in Korea and Japan.

VANCOUVER, BC, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – BTQ Technologies Corp. (“BTQ” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BTQ) (CBOE CA: BTQ), a global quantum technology company focused on securing mission-critical networks, today announced that it it has been selected as the core PQC security technology provider through its Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network (“QSSN”) in a proof-of-concept with its Korean strategic partner, Finger Inc. (“Finger”), and iM Bank, a leading Korean commercial bank, for South Korea’s first bank-led Korean won stablecoin infrastructure incorporating post-quantum cryptography (“PQC”).

The proof-of-concept represents more than a technical pilot. It marks an important step in bringing next-generation quantum security into banking infrastructure within Korea’s regulated financial system. In addition to providing QSSN as the core PQC security framework, BTQ is contributing consulting and strategic coordination across the three-way partnership, helping align the project’s security architecture, implementation approach, and long-term post-quantum migration objectives.

“Post-quantum migration requires more than a cryptographic upgrade. It requires coordination across infrastructure, implementation, and institutional stakeholders,” said Olivier Roussy Newton, Chief Executive Officer of BTQ Technologies. “In this initiative, BTQ is providing both strategic advisory support and QSSN as the post-quantum security architecture, while helping lead coordination across the three-way partnership. We believe this proof-of-concept demonstrates how financial institutions can begin integrating quantum-resilient protections into digital money systems in a practical and operationally viable way.”

South Korea’s First Bank-Led PQC Stablecoin Infrastructure Initiative

BTQ is working alongside iM Bank and Finger on a three-way initiative to validate the issuance and distribution infrastructure for a Korean won stablecoin. In addition to supplying QSSN as the PQC security layer, BTQ is providing consulting support and helping to guide coordination across the partnership as the parties evaluate how to integrate post-quantum protections into bank-led digital asset infrastructure.

The proof-of-concept will validate several key components, including real-time reconciliation between bank reserves and blockchain-issued supply, a global-standard smart contract architecture, connectivity to global infrastructure for overseas distribution, and the integration of a PQC-based dual-signature security structure. By applying BTQ’s PQC signature architecture alongside the existing ECDSA cryptographic framework, the system is designed to preserve operational continuity for financial institutions while proactively addressing future quantum computing threats.

Built on Kaia Mainnet

A notable feature of the proof-of-concept is that it will be implemented on the Kaia mainnet, one of Korea’s leading Layer 1 blockchain networks. Kaia was created through the merger of Klaytn, the blockchain originally developed by Kakao, and Finschia, the blockchain associated with LINE. Kakao and LINE sit at the center of two of the largest messaging and digital platform ecosystems in Korea and Japan, respectively, making Kaia a significant piece of regional digital infrastructure.

Klaytn previously participated in the Bank of Korea’s CBDC pilot ecosystem, and the Bank of Korea has continued to advance CBDC testing through initiatives such as Project Hangang.

By combining BTQ’s PQC technology with blockchain infrastructure tied to the Kakao and LINE ecosystems, the proof-of-concept is intended to establish a model that aligns institutional-grade security, blockchain scalability, and evolving regulatory requirements for digital money infrastructure.

QSSN as the Security Layer

The PQC security foundation for the initiative is BTQ’s Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network, or QSSN, a quantum-secure network architecture designed for stablecoin, tokenized deposit, payment, and digital asset infrastructure. QSSN is designed to protect critical issuer functions, including stablecoin issuance, burning, transfer authority, upgrade control, and administrative permissions, by integrating PQC-based signatures while maintaining existing user experience and operational workflows.

BTQ has previously announced that QSSN was highlighted in the U.S. Post-Quantum Financial Infrastructure Framework (“PQFIF”) as a model architecture for post-quantum digital money infrastructure. The Company has also positioned QSSN as a standards-oriented initiative advanced through QuINSA and aligned with emerging post-quantum financial infrastructure requirements.

Addressing the Harvest-Now, Decrypt-Later Risk

The timing of the proof-of-concept reflects the growing urgency surrounding the “Harvest-Now, Decrypt-Later” risk, in which attackers may collect encrypted financial data today and decrypt it later once sufficiently advanced quantum capabilities emerge. Global institutions are already accelerating post-quantum migration. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) has finalized its first set of post-quantum cryptography standards, including ML-DSA, ML-KEM, and SLH-DSA, while major technology companies and financial institutions continue to define their own post-quantum transition timelines.

BTQ’s QSSN addresses this challenge through a dual-signature design that allows existing ECDSA-based infrastructure to operate in parallel with NIST-aligned PQC signatures such as ML-DSA. This approach enables banks and payment infrastructure providers to begin a phased transition toward quantum-safe security without disrupting existing systems.

Expanding BTQ’s Korean Ecosystem

BTQ continues to expand its Korean ecosystem across digital assets, payments, banking infrastructure, and hardware-based security. In October 2025, BTQ announced that Finger had joined Danal as an early participant in BTQ’s QSSN pilot program, with the initiative expected to progress from proof-of-concept toward commercialization under QuINSA-aligned guidelines and broader industry frameworks such as PQFIF.

The commencement of the iM Bank proof-of-concept represents an important commercial signal for BTQ, indicating that demand for post-quantum migration among Korean financial institutions is beginning to move from policy discussion toward infrastructure-level implementation. As Korea advances both quantum technology policy and stablecoin-related regulatory discussions, BTQ believes QSSN is well positioned at the intersection of regulated finance, digital asset infrastructure, and post-quantum security.

About iM Bank
iM Bank is a South Korean commercial bank and a subsidiary of DGB Financial Group. Headquartered in Daegu, iM Bank presents itself as a financial companion for customers and traces its roots to Daegu Bank, which was established in 1967 as Korea’s first regional bank. For more information, please visit https://www.imbank.co.kr/

About Finger Inc. Group
Finger supplies and develops financial IT solutions to provide optimized money management strategies for employees and corporate customers. Providing “Smartphone Financial Services”, “Corporate Cash Management Services” for businesses, “Private Wealth Management Services” for private consumers.

Since the year 2000, Finger has accumulated a number of awards and patents regarding its businesses. Based on its Mobile Enterprise Application Platform(MEAP) Orchestra and its funds management system using screen-scrapping technologies, Finger was the first company in Korea to deliver a smartphone banking banking-service. For more information, please visit http://www.finger.co.kr/

About BTQ
BTQ Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: BTQ | Cboe CA: BTQ) is a quantum technology company focused on accelerating the transition from classical networks to the quantum internet. Backed by a broad patent portfolio and deep technical expertise, BTQ is advancing a full-stack, neutral-atom quantum computing platform spanning hardware, middleware, and post-quantum security solutions for finance, telecommunications, logistics, life sciences, and defense.

Connect with BTQ: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Olivier Roussy Newton
CEO, Chairman
Neither Cboe Canada nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements herein contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to the business plans of the Company, including with respect to its research partnerships, and anticipated markets in which the Company may be listing its common shares. Forward-looking statements or information often can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan” or “may” and the variations of these words are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.

The Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions, the development of post-quantum algorithms and quantum vulnerabilities, and the quantum computing industry generally. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, expressed or implied, by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include risks relating to: the availability of financing for the Company; business and economic conditions in the post-quantum and encryption computing industries generally; the speculative nature of the Company’s research and development programs; the supply and demand for labour and technological post-quantum and encryption technology; unanticipated events related to regulatory and licensing matters and environmental matters; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting blockchains); risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required, and causing potential delays to research and development activities; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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SOURCE BTQ Technologies Corp.

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Cathay United Bank Ho Chi Minh City Branch Receives Three HR Asia Awards for Best Companies to Work for in Asia, Tech Empowerment, and People Transformation

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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cathay United Bank – Ho Chi Minh City Branch (CUBHCM) received the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026” and “Tech Empowerment” awards at the HR Asia Awards 2026 for the second consecutive year. The branch was also honored with the “People Transformation” award. The recognition reflects CUBHCM’s continued efforts to strengthen talent development, enhance employee experience, and advance digital transformation across its overseas operations.

As part of its ongoing HR digitalization initiatives, CUBHCM has established an integrated digital HR platform. Employee basic information, leave applications, and attendance management are now fully processed through the platform, helping improve operational efficiency, reduce manual procedures, and provide employees with a more streamlined experience.

CUBHCM has also digitalized the key talent management and development processes through its self-developed Performance Management & Development (PMD) system and 360-degree feedback platform. These tools support more data-driven performance evaluations, structured development planning, and insightful talent discussions, strengthening the organization’s ability to nurture talent and drive sustainable growth.

In recent years, CUBHCM has continued to strengthen its digital foundation while placing greater emphasis on people development and organizational capability. With the support from Head Office, the branch has advanced a range of initiatives in talent cultivation, leadership development, employee engagement, and workplace culture. These efforts have not only supported long-term sustainable growth but also contributed to recognition across multiple award categories.

To further strengthen the talent pipeline and organizational capabilities, CUBHCM supports talent development through structured programs, including the Cathay Management Associate (CMA) Program, International Master Program (IMP), and Associate Relationship Manager Program (ARMP). These programs provide employees with training, cross-border exposure, and rotational experience to enhance their professional capabilities and broaden their perspectives. In parallel, the branch maintains leadership development frameworks, learning resources, and a well-being program covering employees’ physical, mental, social, and emotional needs, together with engagement channels that encourage communication, inclusion, and feedback.

Keng Yang Lin, General Manager of Cathay United Bank – Ho Chi Minh City Branch, said: “Receiving the Tech Empowerment Award is a strong recognition of our efforts in digital transformation. At Cathay United Bank, technology is not only applied to financial service innovation, but also embedded in how we communicate with employees, strengthen organizational collaboration, and support talent development. The People Transformation Award reflects our sustained investment in people. Through structured development programs, international exposure, and continuous learning opportunities, we aim to help employees build the confidence, resilience, and momentum needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.”

Since entering Vietnam in 2005, CUBHCM has steadily expanded its corporate and consumer banking businesses. Alongside this growth, the branch has remained committed to placing people at the center of its long-term development strategy. Through competitive compensation, comprehensive well-being support, and a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, the branch strives to create an environment where employees can develop their capabilities and contribute to sustainable growth.

 

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SOURCE Cathay United Bank

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FACTOR X Emerges from Stealth with Novel RNA – based Technology to Transform the Global Beauty Industry

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FACTOR X is a newly launched longevity-focused beauty technology company developing a breakthrough cellular delivery platform designed to transform the anti-aging skincare industry. Founded by entrepreneur and model Bar Refaeli, longevity physician Dr. Inbal Gat, Harvard-trained scientist Dr. Shira Orr, and health-tech entrepreneur Eran Orr, the company combines world-class scientific expertise with global commercial experience. The company’s proprietary technology enables the precise and safe delivery of active ingredients directly into targeted skin cells, opening the door to next-generation cosmetic products that can stimulate natural hyaluronic acid production, restore hair pigmentation, activate dormant hair follicles, improve skin pigmentation, and support healthier, more youthful skin at the cellular level. Following a successful pre-seed financing round, FACTOR X is currently raising a seed round to accelerate product development, expand strategic partnerships, and establish laboratory operations in Israel alongside its research activities in Boston. The platform is designed for easy integration into existing cosmetic formulations, offering major beauty brands a scalable, room-temperature-stable solution that could redefine the emerging “Skin Longevity” category

TEL AVIV, Israel, July 12, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — FACTOR X, a longevity-focused beauty technology company, today announced its official launch.

Following the successful completion of a pre-seed financing round, the company is now raising a seed round to accelerate development and expand its operations.

FACTOR X was founded by an exceptional team that combines pioneering science, longevity medicine, and global business expertise. The founding team includes international entrepreneur and model Bar Refaeli, longevity physician Dr. Inbal Gat, Harvard-trained scientist Dr. Shira Orr, and serial health-tech entrepreneur Eran Orr.

The company is developing a proprietary cellular delivery platform based on the principles of longevity science that, for the first time, enables the safe and precise delivery of biological payloads such as RNA directly into skin cells. Unlike conventional cosmetic technologies that primarily act on the skin’s surface, FACTOR X aims to fundamentally redefine how anti-aging products work.

The company’s technology combines a proprietary nanoparticle with RNA therapeutics. The nanoparticle protects the RNA as it penetrates the skin and delivers it directly into target cells, where it instructs them to restore youthful biological function. Potential applications include stimulating natural hyaluronic acid production in aging skin, restoring natural hair pigmentation, reactivating dormant hair follicles, reducing pigmentation disorders, and repairing biological aging pathways within skin cells.

FACTOR X was established through the strategic collaboration of three female founders, each contributing unique expertise to transform the global beauty industry.

The company’s clinical vision is led by Dr. Inbal Gat, a physician (DMD) who graduated with Dean’s Honors from Tel Aviv University and became the first Israeli to complete the global longevity medicine program at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), earning international certification in functional and longevity medicine. Following more than a decade of clinical practice in aesthetic medicine and extensive research in longevity, Dr. Gat developed her “Skin Longevity” philosophy, combining clinical experience with a deep understanding of the biology of aging.

Joining the team is Dr. Shira Orr, Chief Scientist and Co-Founder, who completed her postdoctoral research at Harvard University. Dr. Orr is leading the development of the company’s proprietary platform, whose nanoparticles transport RNA directly into target skin cells.

Completing the founding team is Bar Refaeli, who brings global visibility, brand recognition, and unparalleled access to international luxury beauty, marketing, media, and distribution networks.

Also joining the leadership team is Eran Orr, Founder and CEO of XRHealth and a recognized serial entrepreneur in digital health and medical devices. XRHealth has raised tens of millions of dollars from international investors and operates one of the world’s leading immersive healthcare platforms.

Dr. Inbal Gat, Co-Founder and Skin Longevity Pioneer

“Throughout my career in aesthetic medicine, I have always searched for ways to rejuvenate the skin from within rather than simply covering it with topical ingredients. FACTOR X applies the most advanced principles of longevity medicine and translates cutting-edge scientific discoveries into products that can communicate directly with skin cells, repair biological dysfunction, and restore youthful cellular activity. That is what true Skin Longevity means.”

Dr. Shira Orr, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer

“Our platform is designed to be completely safe for everyday use, non-toxic, stable as a room-temperature powder, and easily incorporated into virtually any cosmetic formulation. Its precision enables RNA to reach specific target cells such as fibroblasts and stimulate them to produce proteins as they would in biologically younger skin.”

Bar Refaeli, Co-Founder

“Throughout my career, I’ve been exposed to countless beauty products, but FACTOR X represents something fundamentally different. When I learned about the science behind the company, it became clear that this wasn’t simply another cosmetic brand—it is a platform capable of changing the future of the beauty industry. Our vision isn’t to compete with existing brands, but to enable them by integrating our technology into the world’s leading skincare products.”

Currently in the proof-of-concept stage, FACTOR X offers several significant scientific and commercial advantages. Unlike many existing intracellular delivery technologies, which often suffer from toxicity, the FACTOR X platform is designed to be non-toxic and suitable for routine daily use. Its precision targeting allows RNA payloads to reach only intended cells, such as fibroblasts, minimizing off-target effects.

The platform also delivers two major commercial innovations. First, it is stable at room temperature with a long shelf life, eliminating the need for costly cold-chain logistics. Second, the RNA-loaded nanoparticles are manufactured as a stable powder that can be easily incorporated into existing cosmetic products—including creams, serums, and masks—without altering their original formulations.

This capability enables a highly scalable B2B business model, allowing FACTOR X to partner with leading global cosmetics companies without requiring them to redesign existing manufacturing processes, while still preserving the option to develop proprietary consumer products.

Initial proof-of-concept studies have already demonstrated promising technological feasibility. The company is now expanding development efforts and building international strategic partnerships, leveraging the scientific expertise and global reach of its founding team to establish Real Skin Longevity as one of the fastest-growing categories in beauty, longevity, and consumer biotechnology.

Media Contact

Shira Orr, Factor X, 972 9999999, contact@factorx.skin, https://www.factorx.skin/

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SOURCE Factor X

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ZEEKR, TPM Automotive, and SINEXCEL Jointly Build Thailand’s Fastest Megawatt-Level Charging Station

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BANGKOK, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ZEEKR, TPM Automotive, and SINEXCEL announced the grand opening of Thailand’s first megawatt-level supercharging station in Bangkok, marking Thailand’s entry into the megawatt charging era. Representatives from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, operators, charging platform providers, and the media gathered to witness this milestone for Southeast Asia’s electric mobility landscape.

The Challenge: High-Voltage EVs vs. Legacy Charging Infrastructure

Thailand’s EV transition is accelerating, with 800V models making up 15% of the market. However, lagging public infrastructure creates a mismatch that presents three critical challenges:

Slow Charging: Low-power chargers can take over an hour, limiting the performance of 800V EVs.Inefficient Power Utilization: Traditional standalone chargers lack dynamic power-sharing capabilities, unable to support simultaneous multi-vehicle charging.Grid Instability: Megawatt-level charging demands introduce intense, instantaneous spikes that threaten local grid stability.

The Solution: 960kW Ultra-Fast Charging Stack

To solve these bottlenecks, the three partners deployed SINEXCEL’s 960kW ultra-fast charging stack —built to pair the fastest EVs with the fastest charging. The system features one 700A liquid-cooled supercharging dispenser paired with three 500A air-cooled fast-charging dispensers, delivering two advantages:

Powering Ultra-Fast EVs at Once, 10-Min to Full Power

The intelligent 960kW power pool dynamically allocates power based on vehicle demand.In live testing, two ZEEKR 7X vehicles charged simultaneously at peak speeds, surging from 20% to 80% in just 10 minutes.Power utilization reaches 97%—16% higher than conventional charging solutions.

Seamless Upgrades, Sustained Speed Leadership

Scalable Power: The system can seamlessly scale from 960kW to 1,280kW simply by adding power modules.Interchangeable Terminals: Supports future upgrades to liquid-cooled or MCS dispensers.Eco-System Integration: Supports solar and energy storage integration to reduce grid impact and expand charging capacity.

Co-Building the Future of Southeast Asian Mobility

As industry pioneers, ZEEKR spearheads premium electrification via its 800V platform, while SINEXCEL delivers 16 years of expertise as the world’s No.1 in megawatt-level charger sales. Alongside TPM Automotive’s premier local network, this tripartite alliance marks a milestone in vehicle-charger synergy.

By successfully validating the “EV + Charger + Local Partner” ecosystem, the coalition establishes a powerful, sustainable blueprint for Thailand’s supercharging network.

Moving forward, SINEXCEL remains committed to deepening its collaboration with ZEEKR, TPM, and industry leaders to accelerate ultra-fast charging infrastructure and power Southeast Asia’s green transition.

Media contact: zhimin_huang@sinexcel.com

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SOURCE SINEXCEL

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