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Top Two Spots in American Banker’s 50 Top Innovators in Finance Awarded to CEOs of Vantage Bank and Custodia, Hazel Network’s Co-Founders

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Vantage Bank CEO Jeff Sinnott and Custodia CEO Caitlin Long secure the #1 and #2 spots in American Banker’s inaugural “The Most Innovative People in Finance” ranking as live testing for their joint tokenized deposit and stablecoin network advances

SAN ANTONIO and CHEYENNE, Wyo., June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — American Banker placed the two co-founders of Hazel Network atop its inaugural list of The Most Innovative People in Finance, naming Vantage Bank CEO Jeff Sinnott at #1 and Custodia CEO Caitlin Long at #2 among the top 50 executives reshaping the financial services industry.

The Hazel Network functions as a turnkey tokenized deposit and stablecoin network built by banks for banks and tailored to allow banks of any size to integrate programmable tokenization technology. Built with programmatic compliance and operational controls baked in, Hazel features a unique bidirectional mechanism. All tokens in the system originate as tokenized deposits among member banks. When customers send tokens outside the network, the tokens automatically convert to a GENIUS Act-compliant stablecoin, seamlessly reverting to a tokenized deposit upon return.

The parties released Hazel Network on Ethereum mainnet in April and successfully completed the first of four stages of testing.

“Blockchain and tokenization level the playing field for institutions that listen and respond to their customers’ modern payment needs,” said Jeff Sinnott, CEO of Vantage Bank. “By dedicating nearly half of our technology budget to true innovation, we’ve proven that traditional banking principles and decentralized assets can bridge successfully. Co-founding the Hazel Network alongside Custodia allows us to scale these exact efficiencies—such as slashing cross-border settlement friction—to community and regional banks nationwide.”

“We built Hazel Network to reduce the friction between the traditional banking world and its digital counterpart without creating barriers or causing asset disintermediation,” said Caitlin Long, Founder and CEO of Custodia. “Vantage brings the customer relationships and deep banking architecture expertise, while Custodia provides the digital asset infrastructure. To have our shared vision validated by American Banker as the top two innovators in finance is a testament to what bank-native digital assets can accomplish.”

Hazel Network represents a complementary partnership. Sinnott was recognized by American Banker for spearheading the first U.S. bank-issued stablecoin and driving blockchain-based payment initiatives, including an instant cross-border payment pilot for a commercial trucking firm that cut wire costs by 94 percent. Long was honored for her years of pioneering work building bank-grade digital asset infrastructure and regulatory clarity for stablecoins. The parties jointly pioneered a unified smart contract method that services both tokenized bank deposits and stablecoins within the same smart contract. The foundational token design is protected by US Patents 11,392,906, 12,450,578, 12,579,525 and others still pending. Additional patents are also pending on the unified-token model and still other subject matter.

Multiple member-based organizations in the banking industry, including the Texas Bankers Association and loan participation automation firm Participate, are providing support for banks of any size to join Hazel Network.

Banks interested in joining Hazel Network should contact Shawn Main at shawn.main@vantage.bank.

About Vantage Bank

Vantage Bank is prepared for what’s possible! We are dedicated to delivering sophisticated, innovative financial solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to the communities we serve. Family and employee owned, Vantage Bank is headquartered in Texas and operates through a diverse set of locations across the state. Our suite of powerful digital tools and services rivals those offered by fintechs and similar non-bank financial services companies. We operate within a safe and sound environment—providing peace of mind and the financial security that only a regulated institution can offer. By integrating advanced technology with personalized service, Vantage Bank empowers individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals while upholding the highest standards of compliance and community engagement. Visit us at www.vantage.bank.

About Custodia

Custodia is a Wyoming special purpose depository institution formed to serve as a compliant bridge to the U.S. dollar payments system and a custodian of digital assets that can meet the strictest level of institutional custody standards. Custodia is required to fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act and federal “know your customer,” anti-money laundering and related laws and regulations. Custodia also complies with Wyoming’s special purpose depository institution and digital asset laws, which include requirements that fiat deposits be 100% reserved and that Custodia meet the strictest investor protections in the digital asset industry. This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

Media contact: Leslie Ausburn, 12103268992, leslie@kometcommunications.com

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SOURCE Vantage Bank and Custodia

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Changhong at IFA 2026: From Going Global to Going Local

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September 6, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At IFA 2026, Changhong unveiled a new lineup of AI-powered home appliances spanning TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners and laundry appliances. Centered on real-life scenarios, the company is bringing AI technologies designed to better understand everyday needs into the product experience, highlighting its transition from technological innovation toward more intuitive living experiences. The showcase also signals Changhong’s continued localization efforts.

The concept comes to life across Changhong’s latest AI products. The Q60S Pro TV features the Changhong LeDong AI sports platform, extending the TV beyond a traditional content screen into a space for family fitness and interaction. An AI human-sensing air conditioner can recognize users’ locations and habits and adjust airflow accordingly, while an AI refrigerator uses intelligent sensing to help users take a more proactive approach to food freshness. Rather than adding complexity, Changhong is making everyday life simpler.

This is at the heart of Changhong’s exploration of “seamless technology”—technology that works quietly in the background. The best technology does not always need to be seen; it simply helps people worry less.

A distinctive cultural element is also finding its way into Changhong’s smart product experience. The brand has incorporated the giant panda into AI assistant interactions, bringing greater warmth and approachability to AI-powered TVs and other home appliances. Closely associated with Changhong’s Sichuan heritage, the panda also provides a natural way to bring a recognizable element of Chinese culture into the technology experience.

Skiing offers another bridge to European lifestyles. In recent years, Changhong has continued to strengthen its presence in Europe with CHiQ as an important brand vehicle, building closer connections with local consumers through sports partnerships, including sponsorship of FIS Ski World Cup events in Germany, collaboration with the German Ski Association and its role as an official partner of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup. More than a sporting platform, skiing allows CHiQ to connect the speed, passion and outdoor spirit of the sport with its product experience, bringing technology closer to the way European consumers live.

Behind these initiatives is a deeper commitment to localization. From product experience and brand expression to sports, culture and local lifestyles, Changhong is creating more diverse touchpoints with the European market. From “going global” to “going local,” the company is moving beyond products and channels toward a deeper integration of its brands, technology and the markets it serves.

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CoolFly to Showcase Personal Flight Portfolio and NA80 Flight-Control Technology at IFA Berlin 2026

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September 6, 2026

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Dream ST will be on display as CoolFly highlights flagship Urban, high-performance Dream Pro and its expanding global dealer network

BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CoolFly, a developer of personal electric aircraft and eVTOL technologies, is showcasing its Dream ST personal aircraft at IFA Berlin 2026, taking place September 4–8 at Messe Berlin.

Dream ST is on display at CityCube Hall B, Booth CCBB-143, in IFA’s Mobility area. While Dream ST is the aircraft physically presented at the show, CoolFly is also introducing its broader product portfolio, including high-performance Dream Pro and flagship Urban.

Dream ST is a lightweight, single-seat electric aircraft designed for personal and recreational flight, featuring a seated configuration and quick-fold design for easier transportation and storage.

Dream Pro extends the platform with greater payload, endurance and performance. It supports a maximum payload of 120 kg, reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h, and can achieve up to 40 minutes of flight time with a 70 kg pilot onboard, depending on operating and environmental conditions.

Urban, CoolFly’s flagship personal aircraft, features a standing-position configuration and enclosed-propeller architecture, reflecting the company’s effort to create a more intuitive and distinctive personal flight experience.

All three aircraft share CoolFly’s self-developed NA80 flight control system. NA80 uses a dual-redundant architecture with two independent flight-control units, each integrating three aviation-grade inertial measurement units (IMUs). The system continuously monitors aircraft attitude and motion, supports millisecond-level fault detection and failover, and serves as a common technology foundation across CoolFly’s product portfolio.

Dream ST, Dream Pro and Urban have all obtained CE and FCC certifications for applicable product compliance requirements, supporting CoolFly’s continued international expansion.

CoolFly is also actively recruiting dealers, distributors and commercial partners worldwide, with a current focus on Europe, North America, Australia, the Middle East and other key markets.

Prospective partners and media are invited to visit CoolFly at IFA Berlin 2026, CityCube Hall B, Booth CCBB-143.

About CoolFly
CoolFly develops personal electric aircraft and eVTOL technologies, integrating aircraft design, propulsion and self-developed flight-control systems to make personal flight more accessible.

Media: press@coolflyaircraft.com
Business: support@coolflyaircraft.com

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Experience AI Companion in Everyday Life at Hisense IFA 2026

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September 6, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, is inviting visitors at IFA 2026 to experience how AI can make everyday home routines simpler and more intuitive. Under the theme “Innovating a Brighter Life,” the Hisense AI Companion Suite, powered by ConnectLife, brings connected intelligence to the kitchen, laundry and living spaces.

Step into the kitchen and a simple question— “What should I make?”—can set the experience in motion. The AI Companion Refrigerator recognizes stored ingredients and suggests meal ideas based on personal preferences. Once a recipe is selected, it can sync with the AI Companion Oven to support automatic cooking, while the AI Companion Wine Cabinet recommends pairings and maintains suitable storage conditions. After the meal, the AI Companion Dishwasher recognizes dish conditions and adjusts cleaning, demonstrating how AI can support the journey from planning dinner to cleaning up.

In the laundry area, visitors can see how the AI Companion Laundry Suite turns a routine load into a simpler, more automated experience. By recognizing clothing characteristics, it selects suitable wash and dry cycles and adjusts the process automatically, creating a load-and-go experience.

The experience continues in the living space. The AI Companion Air Conditioner senses indoor conditions and user presence, adapting airflow as people move through the room. Meanwhile, the AI Companion Energy System considers weather and time-of-use electricity pricing to help optimize household energy use.

Building on ConnectLife’s support, Hisense is collaborating with Alexa+ to be among the first home appliance brands bringing smart home devices to Amazon’s Alexa+ AI assistant using Amazon’s new Smart Home AI Toolkit. Available in the coming months, Alexa+ customers will be able to control select Hisense air conditioners by simply saying what they need. Alexa+ will then map the request, navigate the settings, and complete the action for them.

Hisense’s approach to innovation has also earned recognition at IFA, with several of its products receiving awards. The Multi Function II Series, an all-in-one energy-saving HVAC solution, received a Winner Award, while the X-zone Master was named an Honoree. The U8 Air Master Air Conditioner, W60 3D Kitchen-fit Series and 60cm Integrated Wine Cabinet were also recognized that underscores Hisense’s focus on combining intelligent technology, thoughtful design and everyday usability.

Across these IFA scenarios, Hisense brings its Smart Home Companion capabilities to life through V AIOS, giving devices the ability to Sense what is happening, Think through what to do, Communicate naturally with users and across devices, and Execute tasks by orchestrating devices and services autonomously. Together, these capabilities help AI Companion Suites understand context, make decisions and take action, helping the home do more while asking less of its users.

About Hisense

Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 180 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2026H1). As The Origin of RGB MiniLED, Hisense continues to lead the next-generation RGB MiniLED innovation. As the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.

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