TORONTO, July 28, 2026 /CNW/ — The Ontario Securities Commission today published the results of a survey that shows awareness and ownership of crypto assets among Canadians are on the rise. The survey of 2,360 Canadians found that 59 per cent are aware of crypto assets, while ownership has increased to 25 per cent.

“Crypto markets continue to evolve, and Canadians are participating in them more than ever before,” said Naizam Kanji, Executive Vice President, Strategic Regulation at the OSC. “By identifying emerging trends and behaviours with our research, we can look around corners, anticipate potential opportunities and risks, and ensure our regulatory approach supports investor protection while fostering fair and efficient markets.”

The survey found an encouraging sign that crypto owners are becoming more informed about investor protection measures. Half of crypto owners reported checking whether their crypto asset trading platform is registered before using it, up from 38 per cent in 2023. However, at the same time, knowledge of crypto assets remains limited; many investors had some misunderstanding around regulation, insurance protections and transaction capabilities.

The research also examined emerging forms of digital assets. Awareness and ownership of stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets remain relatively low, but interest is high among those who are familiar with these products.  

The survey found that the majority of Canadians now believe that crypto assets will play a key role in the future of Canada’s financial system. Among Canadians aware of crypto assets, 38 per cent indicated they were highly likely to purchase crypto assets in the future, up 18 percentage points from 2023.

The OSC has resources to help investors understand crypto assets and how they work on GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca. To stay on top of the latest information and resources, sign up for the OSC’s popular e-newsletter, Investor News.

The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. Investors are urged to check the registration of any persons or company offering an investment opportunity and to review the OSC investor materials available at www.osc.ca.

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SOURCE Ontario Securities Commission

Uber fares peaked 62% above baseline, while the World Cup Final produced the tournament’s most expensive rideshare night

NEW YORK, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World Cup fans faced significantly higher rideshare prices on match days, particularly for riders who chose Uber, according to a new analysis from Obi, the global real-time rideshare price-comparison platform.

Obi analyzed more than 15,000 fare and wait time data points from Uber, Lyft, Waymo and DiDi across eight World Cup host cities and 15 key matches, spanning the opening weekend through the Final. Uber prices rose above their prior-week baseline during every match Obi monitored, with an average peak increase of 62%. Lyft fares peaked 43% above baseline on average.

The price impact grew as the tournament progressed. Uber’s average peak increase was 59% during the group stage, rising to 72% during the quarterfinals, semifinals and Final.

“Fans expect transportation to cost more when tens of thousands of people leave a stadium at once, but the size of these increases – as well as the differences between providers for exactly the same trip – were striking,” said Ashwini Anburajan, CEO of Obi. “This is precisely why greater price transparency matters. Riders should be able to see their options clearly and make an informed choice, especially when demand is at its highest.”

Among the report’s key findings:

The Final was the tournament’s most expensive rideshare night. In the New York market on July 19, Uber reached a peak fare of $143, 77% above baseline, while Lyft peaked at $102.New York – New Jersey was the most expensive host market tracked. MetLife Stadium averaged a peak Uber fare of $146 across the four matches Obi measured there.Provider choice produced substantial savings. During Brazil versus Morocco in New York, Uber reached $149 while Lyft was $91 for the same trip at the same moment – a $58 difference and the largest provider gap recorded.The largest variance between Lyft and Uber was during Brazil vs Morocco, recorded at $58, a 64% variance.Lyft was generally less expensive than Uber in U.S. markets. In New York, Lyft frequently ran $30 to $50 below Uber on match nights.Higher prices were often accompanied by shorter pickup times. Obi found that Uber wait times declined on most of the game nights it analyzed, suggesting that higher fares helped draw more drivers onto the platform.

Across the tournament, the difference between the least and most expensive provider averaged $25 on game nights. The results illustrate how quickly major events can change local rideshare markets, as well as how consumers can pay materially different prices depending on which app they open.

“Rideshare pricing is dynamic by design, but consumers rarely have a clear view of the entire market,” Anburajan added. “The World Cup demonstrated that the first price a rider sees may be far from the best one available.”

The complete report, “The World Cup Effect: How Match Days Sent Rideshare Prices Surging,” is available at https://rideobi.com/worldcup/

ABOUT OBI

Obi is a global real-time aggregator that compares millions of pricing and pick-up (ETA) data points, providing consumers and businesses with actionable insights. The free Obi app allows riders to compare all the major rideshare providers, taxis and black cars instantly. With over 1,500,000 users, the Obi app is available in over 175 countries, providing global price transparency for riders. The app is available for free download on iOS and Android at rideobi.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-analysis-from-obi-finds-world-cup-match-days-sent-rideshare-prices-surging-across-host-cities-302836671.html

SOURCE Obi

MedCenter introduces PhoneStash, a versatile MagSafe-compatible multi-tool designed to transform your smartphone into a practical everyday carry companion that ensures you are always prepared for life’s daily tasks.

CINCINNATI, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MedCenter today announced the launch of PhoneStash, an innovative MagSafe-compatible multi-tool and diversion safe that magnetically attaches to the back of any smartphone, transforming an everyday device into a practical everyday carry (EDC) companion.

A bottle opener, a screwdriver, a blade for packages or a hidden cavity for medication and more – users have the tools they need – right where they already keep their phone. PhoneStash by MedCenter can be purchased now through Amazon, select retail partners and at MyPhoneStash.com.

“Most people never leave home without their phone,” said Martin Cooper, CEO at MedCenter. “We asked ourselves: Why not make that device even more useful? PhoneStash was designed to seamlessly integrate practical tools into something people carry every day, without compromising convenience or style.”

Everyday Utility, Reinvented

The slim, magnetically attaching designs securely connect to MagSafe-compatible devices, allowing users to quickly remove the tool when needed and reattach it just as easily when finished. Precision-engineered magnets provide a reliable hold while maintaining the sleek profile modern smartphone users expect.  Constructed from premium materials for durability and longevity, PhoneStash is engineered to withstand daily use while complementing modern smartphones with a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Its compact design eliminates the need to carry a separate multi-tool for many common situations, making it ideal for commuters, travelers, DIY enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, students, and professionals alike. Unlike bulky keychain tools or pocket gadgets that often get left behind, PhoneStash stays with the one item users rarely forget—their phone.

If your smartphone or smartphone case is not already MagSafe compatible, PhoneStash designs include an adhesive iron ring that can be used to create a magnetic bond with any phone or case.

Built for Everyday Carry

PhoneStash models include the following features:

Hidden Diversion Cavity with W/R GasketBottle OpenerScrewdriverBox OpenerAdjustable Finger Ring / KickstandIron Plate insert which allows PhoneStash to attach to magnetic phone holders

Additional Info

PhoneStash line of products are available starting mid-July 2026 through Amazon, select retail partners and at MyPhoneStash.com.

For additional information, product specifications, direct purchase or media inquiries, visit MyPhoneStash.com

About MedCenter

MedCenter Systems LLC is a product developer that creates innovative products that simplify everyday life through practical functionality and modern technology. The company’s initial focus was on creating a pill organizer that simplified complicated doses for elderly patients that were struggling to remain independent. In the wake of watching his father battle with dementia, Martin Cooper began a project based on a simple idea: create a talking system of remembering your daily medications using a repetition of the day’s date. The MedCenter System was born. This flagship medication organizer turned an idea into a full line of products aimed at making people’s lives easier while accomplishing more through smart, versatile solutions built for everyday use.

Mandy Engel
Account Manager
PelzGear Media Relations
aengel@pelzgear.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phonestash-launches-as-newest-magsafe-compatible-everyday-carry-companion-302833846.html

SOURCE MedCenter Systems