Connect with us

Technology

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

Published

on

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 

LinkedIn

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/groundbreaking-experimentation-of-dlt-settlement-in-central-bank-money-by-iznes-with-the-european-central-bank-and-banque-de-france-302338126.html

SOURCE IZNES

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Real-World Study of Over 185,000 Users Finds Engagement with UpLife Digital Mental Health App Yields Significant Reductions in Depression and Anxiety

Published

on

By

Five-year evaluation shows a clear “dose–response” link between deeper engagement with UpLife’s CBT-based ‘Journeys’ programs and greater depression and anxiety symptom improvement

LEESBURG, Va., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — UpLife Inc, a digital mental health and self-therapy platform, today announced a set of research findings from a large real-world evaluation of its app, showing that people who engaged with the platform reported statistically significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety over time. The evaluation drew on five years of real-world data from an engaged user base of more than 185,000 people across the United States and 197 other countries worldwide.

“These results reflect what we hear from users every day, now backed by data at real-world scale. What stands out is the dose–response signal where the people who lean into the work by completing their Journeys and doing the exercises are the ones who get the most out of it.” Jeff Musa, CEO, UpLife

The research analysis examined anonymized data collected between 2021 and 2026 using three validated clinical outcome measures: the PHQ-9 (depression), the GAD-7 (anxiety), and the WHO-5 (well-being). Among UpLife users who completed assessments at baseline and follow-up, depression and anxiety scores decreased significantly over time.

In the fully adjusted analysis, average depression scores (PHQ-9) fell by approximately 3.7 points; moving the typical UpLife user from the “moderately severe” range toward the “moderate” range. Anxiety scores (GAD-7) showed comparable significant reductions over time.

A clear dose–response relationship

One of the study’s central findings was a consistent dose–response pattern regarding the relationship between engagement and outcomes. Users who completed UpLife’s CBT-based ‘Journeys’ experienced a reduction in their symptoms. The study also found that the completion of additional Journeys were associated with a further measurable decrease in their assessment scores, even after accounting for subscription type and other factors. Notably, depth of engagement with therapeutic content was a stronger predictor of improvement than simply the amount of time spent in the app.

“These results reflect what we hear from users every day, now backed by data at real-world scale. What stands out most is the dose–response signal where the people who lean into the work by completing their Journeys and doing the exercises are the ones who get the most out of it. That tells us our job is to keep building an experience that helps people stay engaged, because engagement is where the clinical value lives.” — Jeff Musa, Chief Executive Officer, UpLife

Built on cognitive behavioral therapy

UpLife delivers evidence-based psychological education and interventions grounded in the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through five core features: structured Journeys, a Daily Plan, a Mood Tracker, journaling, and an AI assistant (“Lila”) that recommends relevant content from the platform. The app does not provide AI-generated therapy; its assistant only directs users to content that has been created, curated, and reviewed by clinicians.

For clinicians, UpLife also offers a HIPAA-compliant therapist portal that supports a Blended Care model, allowing providers to extend therapeutic support between sessions through structured digital programs, progress tracking, and shared assessments.

The platform has also been extensively used in humanitarian settings. Through UpLife’s Ukraine Humanitarian Gift Program, tens of thousands of users in Ukraine have received full, free access to a localized version of the app through UpLife’s Ukraine Humanitarian Gift Program.

About the evaluation

The study used an observational pre–post design based on real-world data and was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. As an observational evaluation without a control group, it demonstrates associations between app engagement and symptom improvement rather than establishing causation, and well-being scores (WHO-5) did not change significantly over the study period. The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that CBT-based digital interventions can be associated with meaningful symptom reduction, while underscoring the central role of sustained user engagement.

About UpLife

Founded in 2019, UpLife is a digital mental health and self-guided therapy platform that is designed to help people improve their emotional well-being, build healthier thinking patterns, and develop positive daily habits through structured, evidence-based psychological programs. UpLife also provides a secure, HIPAA-compliant portal to help therapists and health systems to extend care beyond the through a Blended Care Therapy model. Learn more at www.uplifecare.com.

Media Contact

Matt Landry, UpLife, 1 617-699-7205, matt@thesecondrow.net, https://www.uplifecare.com/ 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/real-world-study-of-over-185-000-users-finds-engagement-with-uplife-digital-mental-health-app-yields-significant-reductions-in-depression-and-anxiety-302829280.html

SOURCE UpLife

Continue Reading

Technology

TruHeight Joins Nordstrom and JCPenney Marketplaces as Wellness Brands Reshape the Department Store

Published

on

By

Family nutrition brand’s newest retail partnerships reflect a broader shift: health and wellness products are becoming a staple of platforms once reserved for fashion and apparel

LAS VEGAS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TruHeight, the family nutrition brand, today announced it is joining the Nordstrom Marketplace and the JCPenney Marketplace, bringing its lineup of clean-label vitamins, gummies, protein shakes, and everyday nutrition products to two of America’s most iconic department store names.

The partnerships place TruHeight at the center of one of retail’s most notable shifts. Department stores and fashion-first marketplaces, long defined by clothing, shoes, and accessories, are rapidly expanding into health and wellness as consumers increasingly treat wellness as part of their everyday lifestyle rather than a separate shopping trip. For a generation of shoppers, the same platforms where they buy back-to-school outfits and activewear are becoming destinations for the products that fuel those activities.

“Five years ago, you wouldn’t expect to find a family nutrition brand next to denim and sneakers,” said Justin Rapoport, Co-CEO of TruHeight. “Today, wellness is part of how families shop for everything. Nordstrom and JCPenney recognize that, and we’re proud to bring family nutrition to their marketplaces.”

The move extends a period of rapid retail growth for TruHeight, which launched in 5,000 CVS stores nationwide in June following its national debut at Target earlier this year, and is also available at iHerb and on Amazon. With the addition of Nordstrom and JCPenney, TruHeight’s products will reach shoppers across drug, mass, e-commerce, and department store channels.

“Every retailer we add is a signal of the trust families place in our brand,” said Eden Stelmach, Co-Founder of TruHeight. “Department stores are where families have shopped together for generations. Meeting them there with simple, clean nutrition products is a natural next step.”

TruHeight products will be available on the Nordstrom and JCPenney marketplaces in the coming weeks, joining the brand’s existing availability at CVS, Target, iHerb, Amazon, and truheightvitamins.com.

About TruHeight
TruHeight is a family nutrition brand offering clean-label vitamins, gummies, protein shakes, and everyday nutrition products for kids, teens, and active families. Founded with a commitment to simple ingredients and convenient formats, TruHeight products are available at major retailers nationwide and online at truheightvitamins.com.

Media Contact
TruHeight Vitamins
Kim Brown
419189@email4pr.com
4704265920
truheightvitamins.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/truheight-joins-nordstrom-and-jcpenney-marketplaces-as-wellness-brands-reshape-the-department-store-302830436.html

SOURCE TruHeight Vitamins

Continue Reading

Technology

TrendyMinds Founder Trevor Yager Returns as CEO to Lead Agency’s Next Phase of Growth

Published

on

By

Veteran agency leader returns to accelerate TrendyMinds’ AI capabilities and advance the firm’s evolution as a strategic partner helping organizations drive growth, strengthen reputation, and navigate transformation.

INDIANAPOLIS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trevor Yager has returned as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TrendyMinds, the Indianapolis-based agency he founded in 1995, while continuing to serve as Chairman. In this dual role, Yager has resumed direct involvement in day-to-day leadership, working alongside account and delivery teams on client work in addition to setting the agency’s strategic direction. As CEO, he is leading the company’s next phase of growth by advancing the firm’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities while strengthening its position as a strategic partner to organizations navigating growth and change.

Yager previously transitioned from CEO to Chairman as part of a planned leadership evolution that reflected both the agency’s maturity and his own exploration of future ownership opportunities. As AI has accelerated the pace of change across the industry, reshaping how organizations operate and compete, he made the decision to step back into the CEO role and lead TrendyMinds through its next chapter directly.

“Moving into the Chairman role was the right decision at the time because the Board, including myself, believed TrendyMinds needed to demonstrate it could thrive beyond its founder,” said Yager. “But after more than 30 years of leading through every major technology shift, I believe artificial intelligence represents one of the greatest opportunities our industry has ever seen. The environment shifted fast enough that it made sense for me to step back in and lead it personally, continuing to build the capabilities our clients will need and position the agency for what’s next.”

Beginning in 2019, TrendyMinds became increasingly intentional about optimizing the artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation capabilities already embedded within the technologies used across the agency. Following a comprehensive assessment of AI-enabled tools and workflows, the agency integrated AI across strategy, research, creative development, marketing operations, and internal business processes while establishing governance, security, and data protection standards to support responsible implementation.

By transforming its own business first, TrendyMinds refined its methodologies, validated new approaches, and built the operational discipline that now informs how it evaluates AI opportunities with clients. Today, TrendyMinds continues to expand its internal AI capabilities through a dedicated team of AI transformation specialists, developing proprietary workflows, audience intelligence tools, and implementation frameworks. Drawing on that experience, the agency helps clients responsibly evaluate and implement AI in ways that align with their business objectives, regulatory requirements, and governance standards.

That experience also enables TrendyMinds to support clients developing innovative AI technologies, including a leading healthcare AI innovator. By combining firsthand AI transformation experience with strategic consulting, communications, and market positioning expertise, the agency helps organizations communicate complex technologies, build trust with stakeholders, and accelerate market adoption.

Founded as a traditional marketing agency more than 30 years ago, TrendyMinds has continually evolved alongside the changing needs of its clients, bringing together strategic consulting, integrated marketing, communications, creative, thought leadership, media relations, digital strategy and development, research, analytics, and emerging technologies.

About TrendyMinds

TrendyMinds is the Agency of Preference®, a multidisciplinary consulting partner helping organizations accelerate growth, strengthen and protect reputation, and navigate transformation. Founded in Indianapolis in 1995, the firm has spent more than 30 years uniting strategic consulting, communications, marketing, creative, technology, and data-driven insight into a single integrated practice built to solve complex business challenges.

Learn more at TrendyMinds.com.

Media Contact:
Claire Gregory
419095@email4pr.com | 317.902.6973

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trendyminds-founder-trevor-yager-returns-as-ceo-to-lead-agencys-next-phase-of-growth-302830444.html

SOURCE TrendyMinds

Continue Reading

Trending