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HTX Ventures: Striking a Balance between Compliance and Innovation in a Shifting Regulatory Landscape

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SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTX, a leading crypto exchange, has been ranked as the “Top 3 Exchanges for EUR-Stablecoin Trading Activity” in a recent CoinDesk report titled “MiCAR: The Institutional Playbook for Europe’s Digital Asset Market“. The report explores key trends shaping the European digital asset market with the implementation of Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) and highlights that HTX achieved a monthly average EUR-stablecoin trading volume of €48 million, with a notable volume of €33 million in November 2024, ranking third following Binance and Coinbase.

This surge in EUR-denominated trading coincides with the regulatory shifts. Regulatory clarity has become a key driver of institutional adoption and market confidence. The full rollout of MiCAR represents a major milestone for the industry, offering a unified framework that spans across 27 European Union (EU) member states. While MiCAR streamlines compliance and fosters innovation, it also brings along complex challenges that exchanges must navigate. HTX Ventures explores both the opportunities and hurdles that come with this landmark regulation.

Alec Goh, Head of HTX Ventures, said, “The implementation of MiCAR is a major step in the right direction for the crypto industry, providing much-needed regulatory clarity and fostering an environment conducive to institutional adoption. As jurisdictions worldwide become more crypto-friendly, a united framework like MiCAR will accelerate innovation while ensuring robust compliance. At HTX Ventures, we see this as an opportunity to drive the development of on-chain compliance tools, support the emergence of compliant DeFi solutions, and bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.”

Opportunities:

Unified Regulatory Framework Reduces Costs and Boosts Market Confidence
MiCAR covers all 27 EU member states through a “single license” approach, enabling exchanges to significantly reduce compliance costs across borders. This unified regulatory framework provides a clear and stable regulatory environment for the market, increasing confidence and participation among institutional investors while positioning Europe to becoming the world’s largest compliant digital asset market.

Technological Innovations Drive On-Chain Compliance Tools
To meet MiCAR’s stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and reserve monitoring requirements, exchanges can actively explore compliance tool innovations, including: Using oracle networks to modularize AML rules and reserve monitoring, executing them on-chain for real-time data transparency.Adopting zk-SNARKs to build an on-chain central platform for regulatory data, enabling transaction data desensitization to balance regulatory transparency with user privacy.Leveraging account abstraction technology (ERC-4337) to integrate KYC processes into non-custodial wallets, lowering barriers for traditional financial institutions to access DeFi.New Opportunities for the Convergence of Traditional and Crypto Assets
With platforms such as Coinbase launching securitized tokens, exchanges can introduce real-world asset (RWA) trading. This includes income-based stablecoins backed by US stocks or Treasuries, enabling users to leverage assets like USDT for multi-asset allocation and global liquidity matching. 

Challenges: 

High Costs and Technical Complexity of Compliance
MiCAR imposes strict requirements on stablecoin issuers and Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs), including adequate reserves, regular audits, and robust anti-money laundering measures. Exchanges must invest significantly in R&D to integrate compliance tools, data desensitization techniques, and on-chain regulatory platforms without compromising market fluidity.Uncertainty in the Dynamic Policy Environment 
With regulatory policies evolving rapidly, exchanges must establish multi-chain testing environments and collaborate with regulatory-friendly regions (e.g., Lithuania, Malta) for cross-border stress tests and regulatory scenario simulations. This requires continuous investment, with risks at the policy interpretation and implementation levels.Security Risks and Stringent Custody Requirements 
Following high-profile incidents like FTX, MiCAR has introduced rigorous digital asset custody requirements, mandating bank-level security measures to prevent hacking and asset loss. As DeFi integrates with traditional financial regulations, exchanges must address both technical vulnerabilities and evolving security risks.

HTX Ventures firmly believes that under a clearer regulatory framework such as MiCAR, exchanges can achieve a win-win situation through technological innovations and global asset allocation,  balancing compliance with market innovation. Moving forward, the firm will continue to leverage its insights and expertise to actively explore on-chain compliance tools, expand RWA trading, and build a dynamic testing environment, navigating regulatory complexities and ensuring that crypto innovation remains aligned with long-term institutional adoption and market sustainability.

– End –

About HTX Ventures

HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With more than a decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice.

HTX Ventures currently backs over 300 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most active FOF (Fund of Funds) funds, HTX Ventures invests in 30 top global funds and collaborates with leading blockchain funds such as Polychain, Dragonfly, Bankless, Gitcoin, Figment, Nomad, Animoca, and Hack VC to jointly build a blockchain ecosystem. Visit us here.
Feel free to contact us for investment and collaboration at VC@htx-inc.com.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, wallets, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses. As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance”, HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

For more information on HTX, please visit the HTX Square, or https://www.htx.com/, and follow X, Telegram, Discord. For further press enquiries, please contact glo-media@htx-inc.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/htx-ventures-striking-a-balance-between-compliance-and-innovation-in-a-shifting-regulatory-landscape-302404290.html

SOURCE HTX Ventures

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Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center collaborate on cancer research and personalized prevention

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May 13, 2026

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ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, together with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and home to three Nobel laureates.

By pairing Abu Dhabi’s unified clinical and genomic data infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities and governed data environments with Fred Hutch’s globally renowned research engine, the ensuing collaborations will pave the way to shortening the distance between scientific discovery and patient benefit, for Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond.

Among the projected collaborations, the two organizations will consider leveraging Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system, and layering Fred Hutch’s world-class science onto the secure, high-quality, real-world data foundation Abu Dhabi has built. That foundation includes the emirate’s pioneering liquid biopsy programme launched last year, one of the first national-scale efforts of its kind anywhere in the world. Alongside Abu Dhabi’s AI multi-cancer early detection work, and the world’s largest clinically integrated population-scale genomics programme – with nearly one million genomes sequence.

During his visit to the center, HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH commented: “Cancer is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and progress depends on combining world-class science with population-scale data, advanced AI, and research. In Abu Dhabi, we have built an AI-enabled health system that ‘cares before it cures, delivering prevention at population scale. We are already achieving some of the highest early cancer detection rates in the world, and through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center we are committed to bringing breakthroughs to people in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

“This MOU between Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health underscores the power of working together to prevent and treat cancer,” said Thomas Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Our organizations share a deep commitment to research and to provide the highest levels of cancer prevention, diagnosis and care to our communities, and we are excited to bring our expertise, tools and datasets together to identify unique approaches to cancer care and research in pursuit of our boldest goals.”

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SOURCE The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

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L’Mychele & Associates Founder LaKessia Hill Completes North Texas FWC Hospitality Program (FIFA World Cup) and Appears on The Jeff Crilley Show

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May 13, 2026

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DALLAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Mychele & Associates LLC is proud to announce two significant milestones for the growing strategic meetings and events firm: Founder & CEO LaKessia Hill has successfully completed the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Hospitality Program and was recently featured on The Jeff Crilley Show.

These accomplishments reflect the company’s continued momentum within the hospitality, tourism, and events industries as L’Mychele & Associates expands its presence through strategic partnerships, leadership engagement, and elevated client experiences.

The completion of the North Texas FWC Hospitality Program further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering intentional, guest-centered experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and meaningful connection — values that are central to the L’Mychele & Associates brand.

In addition, Hill recently joined veteran journalist and media personality Jeff Crilley on The Jeff Crilley Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind L’Mychele & Associates, and the company’s approach to creating experiences as bold as its clients’ goals.

“Both opportunities represent growth, visibility, and the continued evolution of our brand,” said Hill. “Hospitality is more than service — it’s about creating intentional moments that leave lasting impressions. Being recognized through the hospitality program and having the opportunity to share our story on The Jeff Crilley Show were both incredibly meaningful experiences.”

Known for its consultative and strategy-first approach, L’Mychele & Associates specializes in executive summits, conferences, nonprofit galas, incentive experiences, corporate meetings, and curated social gatherings. The firm partners with organizations, brands, and leaders to transform ideas into impactful experiences through strategic planning, management, and execution.

Guided by the company’s signature philosophy — “The Art of Listening. The Science of Execution.” — L’Mychele & Associates continues to position itself as a strategic partner within the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

The episode of The Jeff Crilley Show featuring LaKessia Hill is now available across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Transistor.

About L’Mychele & Associates LLC

L’Mychele & Associates LLC is a Dallas-based strategic meetings and events firm specializing in executive summits, corporate meetings, conferences, nonprofit events, incentive experiences, and curated social gatherings. The company is known for blending strategy, hospitality, and execution to create experiences that drive connection and lasting impact.

Media Contact

LaKessia Hill
Founder & CEO, L’Mychele & Associates LLC
469-402-7825

LaKessia@LMychele.com
www.LMychele.com  

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SOURCE L’Mychele & Associates LLC

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HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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May 13, 2026

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LONDON, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) announces its Half Year 2026 results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.  

TTV up +17% to €3.8bn, and Revenue of €309m, up +1% YoY at constant currency, reflecting targeted commercial and strategic actions to prioritise growth and capture market share, partly offset by disruption from the Middle East conflictAdjusted EBITDA up +9% at constant currency to €163m, with margin of 53% expanding +4ppts in constant currency. Profit after tax was €28m (H1 25: €(227)m).Strong cash generation with 103% cash conversion and leverage at 1.7x Adjusted Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA. S €100m share buyback programme and a 7.5 cents per share (c.€18m) interim dividend.Executing the strategic building blocks, including the acquisition of Bridgify announced today.FY26E guidance revised to reflect the impact of Middle East conflict and macroeconomic uncertainty. New FY26 guidance is for constant currency TTV growth +11% to +15%, Revenue growth -4% to +1% and Adjusted EBITDA growth -5% to -2%, and Operating Free Cash Flow conversion between 90% and 100%. Medium-term guidance is unchanged.

First half 2026 Financial Performance Summary1

6 months
ended 31
March 2026

6 months
ended 31
March 2025

Change
constant
currency2

Change 

Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m)

3,770

3,370

+17 %

+12 %

Revenue (€m)

309

319

+1 %

-3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (€m)

163

159

+9 %

+3 %

Delivering profitable growth

Group TTV increased to €3.8bn in the first half, up +17% at constant currency. TTV contribution increased from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply and Online Travel Agents.

Revenue of €309m, increased +1% in constant currency. Take rate was 8.2%, down 1.3ppts year‑on‑year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9%, with margin +4ppts.

Net finance costs were €35m, 77% lower than the prior year. The tax charge was €16m. Adjusted Earnings were €83m, up +44% at constant currency.

Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy

Commercial progress in H1 2026 reflected HBX Group’s strategy to expand its global travel ecosystem and drive profitability through AI-driven operational efficiency and commercial performance. Key developments included new distribution partnerships in Asia-Pacific, acquisitions such as Bridgify and PerfectStay to strengthen experiences and dynamic capabilities, and new platform and fintech initiatives.

HBX group also continued embedding AI across products and operations, including AI-powered solutions for Bedsonline and HotelTech, while scaling internal AI agents already delivering measurable savings and supporting more than 120 identified use cases, reinforcing the Group’s connected B2B travel ecosystem strategy.

Regional performance and trading dynamics

TTV grew in double-digits in all three regions, up +18% in the Americas and +16% in both MEAPAC and Europe, at constant currency.

In Europe, TTV growth was supported by strong intra‑regional and domestic travel. Asia Pacific up +18%, partly offset by slower growth in the Middle East and disruption on some Europe-Asia corridors. In the Americas, TTV was predominantly driven by domestic demand.

Middle East impact and near‑term outlook

Since late February, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has impacted travel demand across affected destinations and selected international corridors, resulting in increased volatility, shorter booking windows and reduced near‑term visibility. The impact of this on H1 Group TTV growth was approximately 1ppt.

HBX Group implemented dynamic pricing, inventory reallocation and active partner support. Demand outside affected corridors has been more resilient.

Cost discipline, cash generation and capital allocation

Underlying operating costs fell by 5%. Performance was supported by productivity initiatives, automation and AI.

On a last 12-month basis, Operating Free Cash Flow was €447m, with cash conversion of 103% over the last 12 months. Adjusted Net Debt at 31 March 2026 stood at €741m.

Outlook

The Group started FY26 with strong performance. Since late February, trading conditions have been adversely impacted by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

The Group has revised its FY26 guidance. Updated outlook reflects a -4ppt effect of the Middle East conflict on TTV growth. Assumes four months of disruption with gradual stabilisation.

For the complete press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit www.investors.hbxgroup.com

1 See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
2 Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.

Contact: 
Clara Truyols
clatruyols@hbxgroup.com 

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SOURCE HBX Group

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