Author: Chain Wire

Laramie, Wyoming, July 22nd, 2026, FinanceWire

Mandela Digital today announced a $5 million investment from Datavault AI and the launch of its official digital website at www.mandela.digital.

Datavault AI Commits $5 Million and Technology Platform to Support Mandela Dollar

Datavault AI Inc. has committed and begun deploying $5 million in funding to Mandela Digital. The investment will accelerate the development and launch of the Mandela Dollar (MUSD), a 1:1 USD-backed stablecoin designed to promote financial inclusion, remittances, and digital payments across the Global South and beyond.

Mandela Digital combines institutional-grade financial infrastructure with the moral authority of the Mandela name to address the needs of the billions of people globally who remain unbanked or underbanked.

Under the agreement, Datavault AI’s investment will support stablecoin infrastructure, regulatory compliance, exchange integrations, liquidity, and go-to-market initiatives. As the primary technology partner, Datavault AI will also provide its patented AI platforms, blockchain tokenization expertise, SanQtum quantum-resilient encryption, and real-world asset (RWA) frameworks to power MUSD’s issuance, redemption, compliance, and on-chain transparency.

Key Highlights

• $5 million investment by Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ: DVLT) into Mandela Digital.
• Full deployment of Datavault AI’s technology stack, including AI-driven platforms, tokenization patents, quantum-secure encryption, and RWA infrastructure.
• Launch of the Application Stage of the Early Access Programme, which will remain open for a symbolic 67-day window starting on Nelson Mandela International Day 2026, honoring the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting for human rights, equality and social justice. 
• Official website www.mandela.digital now live as the central global hub for the initiative.

Mandela Digital Launches Official Digital Home

www.mandela.digital

The new website at www.mandela.digital serves as the venture’s primary global hub, offering stakeholders transparent information, official updates, and resources. It follows the recent opening of applications for the Mandela Dollar Early Access Programme on Nelson Mandela International Day.

Key sections of the website will be updated periodically to include details on the MUSD framework, reserves and audits, governance, the Early Access Programme for financial institutions and intergovernmental organizations, partnership information, and educational resources aligned with Nelson Mandela’s values of economic empowerment.

Quotes

Mustaq Patel, Chairman, Mandela Digital: “I conceived the Mandela Dollar to solve what the industry has long failed to deliver: a stablecoin that combines institutional architecture with genuine moral authority. Technology without trust is a commodity; trust without infrastructure is insufficient. Datavault AI’s $5 million investment and full technology deployment under a signed legal agreement mark the transition from vision to construction. www.mandela.digital represents our commitment to transparency and accessibility as we build serious financial infrastructure for the Global South and beyond.”

Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway, Director, Mandela Digital “My grandfather measured progress by its impact on people’s daily lives — whether families could thrive, young people could build futures, and workers could preserve the value of their labor. Mandela Digital, brought to us by Mustaq Patel and now supported by Datavault AI’s capital and technology under formal agreement, carries that vision forward with clarity and seriousness of purpose. The Mandela name stands for what endures, and we are confident this initiative is built to last.”

About Mandela Digital

Mandela Digital is the U.S.-headquartered Joint Venture developing the Mandela Dollar (MUSD), a 1:1 USD-backed stablecoin engineered to institutional standards. The initiative aims to expand reliable U.S. Dollar-denominated financial access across Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and beyond.

Caution Regarding Unauthorized Tokens

The Mandela Dollar (MUSD) is currently in development and not yet live on any blockchain or exchange. Mandela Digital has not authorized any token sale, pre-sale, ICO, IEO, or similar offering. The public is advised to exercise extreme caution against any unauthorized tokens, websites, or individuals claiming to represent MUSD or Mandela Digital. Suspected fraudulent activity should be reported to legal@mandela.digital. All verified information is available exclusively at www.mandela.digital.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including regulatory developments, technology timelines, market conditions, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. Neither Datavault AI nor Mandela Digital undertakes any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Nothing in this release constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation to buy any security or digital asset.

Contact

Chairman
Mustaq Patel
Mandela Digital
PR@mandela.digital

New York City, NY, USA, July 22nd, 2026, FinanceWire

Knot, the leading merchant connectivity platform, has announced its partnership with RBC, Canada’s largest bank, to make RBC cards the default payment method for millions of cardholders wherever they spend. Using Knot’s CardSwitcher, RBC cardholders can set their RBC card as the saved payment method at their favorite merchants directly from the RBC mobile app, without manually entering card details. The partnership marks Knot’s first expansion beyond the United States.

Keeping RBC Top of Wallet

One of the hardest moments in payments is the first one. When a cardholder gets a new RBC card, putting it to use means hunting down every merchant where a card is already saved and updating each one by hand, so a new card often sits idle for weeks before it sees real spend. The partnership removes that friction. From the RBC app, cardholders add their RBC card to their preferred merchants in a few taps and set it as the saved payment method at the places they already spend, from the day the card is in hand.

For RBC, that means a card that goes to work immediately instead of waiting to be activated across a cardholder’s everyday spend. Placing the card as the default at the merchants cardholders use most keeps it top of wallet, turning a new RBC card from an occasional choice into a go-to payment method from the start and driving repeat spend and deeper loyalty to RBC.

Expanding into Canada with the Country’s Largest Bank

For years, Knot has built the merchant connectivity layer across the United States, linking the people, financial institutions, and merchants behind everyday spend. RBC is where that infrastructure goes international for the first time. Canada is Knot’s first market beyond the U.S., and launching it with the country’s largest bank sets the standard for every market that follows.

RBC did not become Canada’s largest bank by standing still. They move early, they invest in their clients, and they push the industry forward. That is exactly the kind of partner Knot wants to build alongside, and the reason RBC is the right first step into a new market. Bringing CardSwitcher to Canadian cardholders is the start of a longer roadmap, both for what Knot and RBC build together and for where Knot goes next.

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Its success comes from the 101,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring the company’s vision, values, and strategy to life so it can help its clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, RBC has a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to its more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S., and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

About Knot

Knot is the leading merchant connectivity platform, simplifying how consumers, merchants, and financial institutions interact. CardSwitcher is the foundation of Knot’s product suite, letting users update and manage card-on-file payments across hundreds of merchants. Building on the same connectivity infrastructure, TransactionLink delivers SKU-level transaction data, and SubManager gives users a single place to view and manage their subscriptions. By removing friction at every step, Knot helps financial institutions grow engagement, loyalty, and spend.

Users can learn more at KnotAPI.com and connect with Knot on X (@KnotAPIs) and LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com/company/KnotAPI).

Contact

Head of Growth
Jose Del Real
Knot
press@knotapi.com

New York City, USA, July 22nd, 2026, FinanceWire

RedotPay, a global stablecoin-based payment fintech, today announced it has been named to CNBC’s World’s Top Fintech Companies 2026 list, in the Payments category. RedotPay’s inclusion in the prestigious list reflects the growth of the company, which is the global leader in stablecoin consumer payments by volume and has over eight million users.

The list is compiled independently by CNBC and Statista, based on the past year’s performance data. Now in its fourth edition, the list honors 500 companies across nine market segments — Payments, Wealth Technology, Neobanking, Alternative Financing, Digital Assets, Enterprise Fintech, Insurtech, Regtech, and Others. For each segment, performance indicators and other metrics were used to evaluate and select companies for inclusion on the list.

“We’re honored to be recognized as a leading payments fintech company by CNBC and Statista. Stablecoin-powered payments are quickly becoming trusted by millions around the world, especially among those who don’t have reliable access to traditional banking infrastructure. We remain focused on making everyday stablecoin payments accessible to many more around the world,” said Michael Gao, CEO and Co-Founder of RedotPay.

The recognition reflects RedotPay’s continued focus on making stablecoin payments accessible, reliable, and compliant for customers and businesses globally. The company recently surpassed $1bn in monthly total payment volume. Its investors include Goodwater, Galaxy, Pantera, and Lightspeed.

About RedotPay

RedotPay is a global stablecoin-based payment fintech that integrates blockchain solutions with traditional banking and finance infrastructure. Our intuitive platform empowers millions around the world to spend and send digital assets, ensuring faster, more accessible and inclusive financial services. RedotPay advances financial inclusion for the unbanked and supports crypto enthusiasts, driving global adoption of secure and flexible stablecoin-powered financial solutions to bring crypto to real life. For more information, visit www.redotpay.com.

Contact

RedotPay
press@redotpay.com

London, United Kingdom, July 22nd, 2026, FinanceWire

New AI-Powered Multi-Asset Trading and Wealth Management Platform Built to Bridge Global Markets

Richard Ashford, Chief Investment Officer at ArkBridge, discusses the growing role of AI in modern investing.

ArkBridge, a new multi-asset trading and wealth management platform, today announced its official launch, introducing a private-client approach to modern investing built around institutional-grade infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and dedicated human expertise. 

Designed under the brand vision “Trade Without Limits. Built to Bridge Global Markets.”, ArkBridge was created to connect individual investors with the type of market access, research intelligence, and strategic support traditionally associated with institutional investment environments.

The platform provides access to global financial markets through a single connected ecosystem, offering opportunities across Equities, Forex, ETFs, Commodities, Indices, and Digital Assets.

“At ArkBridge, our mission is to bridge the gap between sophisticated market infrastructure and the modern investor,” said Sebastian Hawthorne, Chief Executive Officer of ArkBridge. “Clients today want more than access to markets. They want intelligence, structure, transparency, and professional support. ArkBridge was built to deliver exactly that.”

What is ArkBridge?

ArkBridge is an AI-powered trading and wealth management platform designed for investors seeking access to global markets with a more structured and professional experience.

The company combines multi-asset trading, AI-enhanced market intelligence, dedicated investment specialists, and private-client style support within one platform. Its model is built for clients who want more than a standard trading account — they want tools, insight, and guidance that help them make more informed financial decisions. ArkBridge website: https://arkbridge.com/

As an ArkBridge investment platform, the service is designed to support both active market participants and long-term investors. Its focus is not only on execution, but also on research, portfolio thinking, market education, and personalized investment support.

This positions ArkBridge as a bridge between self-directed trading and modern wealth management, combining technology-driven access with human expertise.

Screenshot of ArkBridge’s official homepage.

Why ArkBridge Was Created

Financial markets have changed dramatically over the last decade. Artificial intelligence, global liquidity, algorithmic execution, and cross-asset connectivity have transformed how professional investors identify opportunities and manage risk.

Yet many private investors still operate with fragmented tools, limited research access, and little direct support from experienced investment professionals.

ArkBridge was founded on a clear belief: modern investors deserve access to the intelligence, technology, and strategic thinking that have historically been reserved for institutions and high-net-worth market participants.

The company’s launch reflects a growing demand for platforms that combine speed and market access with deeper guidance, better information, and a more disciplined investment framework.

ArkBridge AI: Institutional Intelligence Meets Human Expertise

At the core of the ArkBridge ecosystem is a hybrid model that combines artificial intelligence with professional judgment.

The platform uses AI-enhanced analytics to monitor market conditions, sector performance, volatility trends, macroeconomic developments, and cross-asset relationships. These insights are designed to help clients identify opportunities, understand market movement, and support more informed portfolio decisions.

However, ArkBridge does not position AI as a replacement for human expertise. Instead, the company views artificial intelligence as a decision-support layer that enhances the work of experienced specialists, portfolio professionals, and research teams.

“AI is becoming one of the most important tools in modern investing,” said Richard Ashford, Chief Investment Officer at ArkBridge. “But the real value comes when technology is paired with human context. Our approach is to use AI to process complexity, while our specialists help clients understand what that information means for their goals.”

ArkBridge’s 1-on-1 Zoom sessions connect traders with experienced specialists for platform onboarding, AI tool setup, and market education.

Multi-Asset Market Access Through One Connected Platform

ArkBridge provides clients with access to multiple asset classes from a unified account structure: https://arkbridge.com/accounts

Available markets include:

• Global Equities
• Forex
• Exchange-Traded Funds
• Commodities
• Major Indices
• Digital Assets

The platform is designed to reduce the complexity of managing multiple providers, tools, and market accounts. Instead, ArkBridge brings global market access together into one connected environment built for fast execution, professional research, and seamless portfolio monitoring.

For private clients and experienced investors, this creates a more efficient way to view opportunities across regions, sectors, and asset classes.

By connecting these markets under one ecosystem, ArkBridge aims to support better diversification, more informed decision-making, and a more complete view of global investment opportunities.

A More Private-Client Approach to Investing

While ArkBridge offers technology-led access to global markets, the company’s long-term differentiation lies in its service model. 

Clients are supported by dedicated investment specialists who assist with platform navigation, market education, investment planning, and long-term strategy development. This approach reflects ArkBridge’s belief that technology is most effective when paired with professional support.

According to Richard Ashford, Chief Investment Officer at ArkBridge, the platform is designed for investors who want access, but also perspective. “Markets move quickly, but long-term financial decisions should not be rushed,” Ashford said. “ArkBridge gives clients the tools to access global markets, but also the structure and expertise to approach those markets with discipline.”

This private-client style approach is expected to become a central part of ArkBridge’s client experience, particularly as the company expands its wealth management offering.

Building the Future of AI-Powered Wealth Management

Beyond trading access, ArkBridge is developing a broader wealth management framework designed to support structured, long-term financial growth.

The company is focused on AI-powered portfolio construction, specialist-led investment planning, research-driven market insights, and client education. These services are being developed to support investors who want to build portfolios with greater clarity, stronger market awareness, and more professional oversight.

ArkBridge’s leadership team includes:

• Sebastian Hawthorne, Chief Executive Officer
• Arthur Tan Boon Hock, Chief Finance Officer
• Richard Ashford, Chief Investment Officer
• Dr. Simone Carter, Chief Scientific Officer
• Lucas Nowak, Chief AI & Innovation Officer
• Matthew Collins, Chief Information Security Officer
• Eleanor Price, Chief Human Resources Officer & Chief Customer Officer

Together, the leadership team is focused on establishing ArkBridge as a serious new name in multi-asset investing, AI-supported wealth management, and private-client financial technology.

About ArkBridge

ArkBridge is a multi-asset trading and wealth management platform built on the principle of Institutional Intelligence for Modern Investors.

The company combines AI-powered insights, institutional-grade infrastructure, dedicated investment specialists, and access to global financial markets. ArkBridge provides clients with access to Equities, Forex, ETFs, Commodities, Indices, and Digital Assets through a connected investment ecosystem designed for clarity, flexibility, and professional support.

For more information: ArkBridge.com

Contact

CMO
David Kaladze
davidk@arkbridge.com

Sydney, Australia, July 22nd, 2026, FinanceWire

Whitechapel Securities Highlights Growing Client Demand for Diversified Investment Strategies Amid Evolving Market Conditions

Whitechapel Securities today announced its continued focus on helping clients build diversified, long-term investment portfolios in response to growing demand for balanced wealth management strategies. The firm said increasing numbers of clients are seeking greater portfolio resilience through diversification as they navigate changing economic conditions, inflationary pressures, and evolving global markets.

According to Whitechapel Securities, clients are increasingly seeking balanced investment strategies that reduce reliance on any single sector, asset class, or geographic region. Rather than focusing on short-term market movements, many investors are placing greater emphasis on long-term resilience, capital preservation, and portfolio diversification.

The trend follows a period of heightened global economic uncertainty, ongoing inflation concerns, changing interest rate expectations, and increased geopolitical developments, all of which have contributed to investors reassessing how they manage risk within their portfolios.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen noticeably more conversations centred around diversification,” said Michael Henderson, Senior Client Advisor at Whitechapel Securities.

“Clients are taking a more measured approach to investing. Rather than asking where the next short-term opportunity may be, they’re increasingly asking how to build portfolios that can remain resilient through changing market conditions.”

Thomas Walsh, Head of Investments at Whitechapel Securities said investors today are spending more time understanding the relationship between different asset classes and how diversification can contribute to long-term financial outcomes.

“Today’s investors are generally more informed than ever before. Many arrive having already undertaken significant research, and they’re looking to understand how different investments work together within a broader portfolio rather than viewing opportunities in isolation.”

Whitechapel Securities believes the shift reflects a broader evolution in investor behaviour, with financial education playing an increasingly important role in investment decision-making.

The firm has also observed growing interest in understanding topics such as portfolio construction, risk management, inflation, global markets and long-term wealth preservation, with clients seeking greater transparency and education before making investment decisions.

“Access to financial information has never been greater,” Thomas Walsh added.

“The conversations we’re having today are increasingly focused on long-term objectives, portfolio balance and disciplined investing. We believe that’s a positive development for investors and for the broader financial services industry.”

Established in 2019, Whitechapel Securities is headquartered in Sydney and provides investment services and market insights to Australian investors. The firm continues to invest in educational resources, market commentary and client engagement initiatives designed to help investors make informed financial decisions.

About Whitechapel Securities

Whitechapel Securities is the trading name of Whitechapel Lane Pty Ltd, an Australian Financial Services Licensee (AFSL 521-472). Headquartered in Sydney, the firm provides professional investment services, market insights and educational resources to individual, wholesale and corporate investors throughout Australia. Whitechapel Securities is committed to helping clients make informed financial decisions through transparency, professionalism and long-term relationships.

Contact

Marketing Director
Oliver Morris
Whitechapel Securities
oliver.morris@wcsec.com
+61 2 7258 2740

Dubai, UAE, July 22nd, 2026, FinanceWire

STARTRADER today launches 42 new 24/5 US Stock CFDs and announces the introduction of 43 new 24/7 US Stock CFDs from 27 July 2026, expanding its offering to 85 new instruments.

STARTRADER today announced the launch of 42 new 24/5 US Stock CFDs and confirmed 43 new 24/7 US Stock CFDs from 27 July 2026, giving clients direct access to 85 widely traded names.

The 24/5 range spans technology, energy, healthcare, finance, and industrials, covering Boeing, SpaceX, Mastercard, and Palo Alto Networks across themes including defence modernisation, cybersecurity, and aerospace innovation.

From 27 July 2026, the 24/7 stock CFD range addresses one of the most persistent constraints in equity trading: exchange schedules. Available from Monday through Sunday, 00:00–24:00 (GMT+3 platform time), it covers CFDs on AI and semiconductor leaders NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, and AMD; platform economy giants Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, and Palantir; financial anchors JPMorgan and Visa; and emerging-sector names including Tesla, Circle Internet Group, and AST SpaceMobile.

As market-moving events increasingly occur outside traditional trading hours, the ability to respond without restriction has become one of the most meaningful advantages a broker can offer. STARTRADER’s commitment is structural: a product architecture built around the pace at which the world moves and the needs of clients across every time zone.

“Our clients follow markets across time zones, make decisions over weekends, and receive news at midnight. This launch is built around that reality, giving every client equal access, wherever they are and at any hour.” Peter Karsten, Chief Executive Officer, STARTRADER

With a growing global client base and a clear direction toward broader, deeper market access, STARTRADER is actively building the next phase of its product offering, one where the barriers between clients and the markets they want to trade continue to narrow.

Trading CFDs involves a significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks before trading.

About STARTRADER

STARTRADER is a global multi-asset broker empowering retail and institutional partners to access global markets through a range of platforms, including MetaTrader, STAR-APP, and STAR-COPY. Regulated in five jurisdictions (CMA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, and FSC), STARTRADER combines strong governance with a client-first approach, serving both retail clients and partners with a commitment to transparency, reliability, and long-term growth.

Contact

Janna Magabilen
STARTRADER
Janna.magabilen@startrader.com

London, United Kingdom, July 21st, 2026, FinanceWire

Austen Little, Head of Product Development at withholding tax reclamation experts TaxTec, has released a summary guidance note on the deployment of AI in highly regulated financial services applications.

The guidance draws on TaxTec’s historical and recent product and service development experience to highlight several areas of risk when using or implementing artificial intelligence in capital markets financial services. Mr Little’s guidance note builds on advice from authorities such as the OECD [1], The World Economic Forum [2] and the International Monetary Fund [3], amongst others, urging caution over the risks of machine learning in financial services processes and decision making.

Mr Little highlights the fact that many financial markets processes, many of which are in the throes of regulatory digitalization, still present challenges for effective AI deployment, including:

• Data quality issues – especially where processes are international and span multiple legislatures
• The rate of digital evolution of the sector and changing regulatory regimes
• The requirements for ‘explainability’ of client decisions (risk, approvals, entitlements)
• The nature and scale of ‘harms’ possibly resulting from AI agent mistakes, and their likely impact on financial institutions
• The AI-generated tension between financial services risk appetite and client service standards/reputation
• Data governance and privacy considerations in data-hungry AI-driven world

Striking a balanced argument, however, Mr Little’s guidance note also highlights where the power and efficiency of AI can be safely deployed and generate substantial value. He points out specific examples from the world of withholding tax reclamation in order to give precise examples that readers can recognize and which are drawn from TaxTec’s real life experience. These include:

• Document management
• Data extraction
• Data quality enhancement
• Research assistance
• Workflow management
• Status monitoring
• Analytics & forecasting

Readers wishing to download their copy of the TaxTec guidance note on AI in capital markets financial services should visit: https://taxtec.com/news/artificial-intelligence-fintech-development/.

About TaxTec

Founded in 2023, TaxTec is revolutionizing tax recovery for institutional investors and their agents. Utilizing the latest AI-enabled digital technology, their highly automated global tax recovery proposition and client-centric service model maximize reclaim opportunities for their clients across all major markets. TaxTec clients recover more tax at a lower cost, enhancing their investment returns.

1. OECD, Supervision of artificial intelligence in finance: Challenges, policies and practices, 27 January 2026 https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/supervision-of-artificial-intelligence-in-finance_92743dc1-en.html

2. World Economic Forum, The AI Playbook for Financial Services: Insight Report, June 2026 https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_AI_Playbook_for_Financial_Services_2026.pdf

3. IMF eLibrary, Regulatory Considerations Regarding Accelerated Use of AI in Securities Markets, 24 December 2025 https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/005/2025/016/article-A001-en.xml

Contact

Sarah Nurgat
ThoughtSpark Ltd
sarah@thoughtsparkagency.com

Dubai, UAE, July 21st, 2026, FinanceWire

• 1inch now supports Maple’s syrupUSDC and syrupUSDT, giving users and builders another route into tokenized lending positions 
• At launch, 1inch supports syrupUSDC and syrupUSDT on Ethereum, with more chain integrations coming in the future
• 1inch provides routing and swap infrastructure only; minting, redeeming and lending stay with Maple

1inch, a leading DeFi ecosystem, today announced its integration of Maple’s syrupUSDC and syrupUSDT, two tokens tied to onchain institutional lending. As a routing and swap layer for the tokens, 1inch makes them tradable across its dApp and Swap API.

Maple is an onchain digital asset manager that connects institutional borrowers with lenders. Borrowers take stablecoin loans against overcollateralized crypto, while lenders supply USDC or USDT and receive syrupUSDC or syrupUSDT, tokens that represent their position in Maple’s lending system. Those tokens currently see around $8.5 billion in monthly transfer volume, highlighting the demand for infrastructure capable of supporting RWA markets at scale.

At launch, 1inch supports syrupUSDC and syrupUSDT on Ethereum, with more chain integrations coming in the future. On 1inch.com, users can access the tokens through Swap, Trade or Terminal. Through the 1inch Swap API, builders and institutional teams can integrate Maple swaps directly. Minting, redeeming and lending remain with Maple, while 1inch provides the routing and swap infrastructure.

RWA token liquidity can be fragmented across venues, chains and pools. 1inch routing facilitates efficient access to available liquidity and supports intent-based execution. For users moving between stablecoins and syrup tokens, this means less manual route hunting and a simpler path to execution.

“Tokenized private credit is one of the clearest signs that real-world assets are moving onchain for good, and syrupUSDC and syrupUSDT are among the most active tokens in that category,” said Sergej Kunz, co-founder of 1inch. “Our role is to remove the friction when swapping assets and enable users to move them freely. That’s the infrastructure 1inch has spent years building.”

“Our focus at Maple is building institutional-grade lending that performs onchain, but access is what turns that into adoption,” said Sid Powell, co-founder and CEO of Maple. “Working with 1inch gives users and builders a direct, efficient route into syrupUSDC and syrupUSDT on Ethereum. We manage the credit and deployment strategies; 1inch makes the tokens effortless to trade.”

Users can access on 1inch and explore Maple tokens across supported networks.

This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any particular digital asset or to employ any specific investment strategy.

Not available in the US and other restricted jurisdictions.

About 1inch

1inch accelerates decentralized finance with a seamless crypto trading experience for 27M users. Beyond being the top platform for low-cost, efficient token swaps with $100M+ in daily trades, 1inch offers a range of innovative tools, including a secure self-custodial wallet, a portfolio tracker for managing digital assets, a dedicated business portal giving access to its cutting-edge technology, and even a debit card for easy crypto spending. By continuously innovating, 1inch is simplifying DeFi for everyone. 

Website | 1inch Business | 1inch Network | Follow on X | Explore Blog

About Maple

Maple, founded in 2019, is one of the largest onchain institutional asset management platforms with decades of traditional finance and crypto experience. Maple combines capital markets expertise with DeFi innovation to power a suite of offerings, including secured lending and structured products. As a leader in decentralized finance and institutional crypto markets, Maple has built a global asset management ecosystem focused on innovation and accessibility. Maple is pioneering the future of onchain asset management. For more information, visit maple.finance.

Contact

Head of PR
Dominic Cox
1inch
d.cox@1inch.com

Tel Aviv, Israel, July 21st, 2026, FinanceWire

Octrado has announced the publication of a new study examining the scale and structure of the retail proprietary-trading market, including a market-size estimate developed through combined bottom-up and top-down modelling.

The study analyzes a market segment that currently lacks unified public statistics due to its combination of proprietary trading platforms, licensed brokers, technology providers, and various funded-account programmes. Octrado’s analysis incorporates market-infrastructure data, regulated-market macroeconomic figures, platform metrics, and provider samples.

Based on this analysis, the study estimates the primary prop-trading market, defined as the direct annual revenue generated by proprietary trading firms, at USD 4.0 billion to USD 4.5 billion. It further estimates the broader ecosystem value, which includes downstream brokerage fees and notionally allocated trading capital, at approximately USD 20 billion.

The study frames prop-trading as a fast-growing new layer of capital access rather than an isolated product. Retail trading apps now count more than 100 million users a year, growing at roughly 20% CAGR (WEF/BCG), while global OTC FX turnover reached USD 9.6 trillion a day in April 2025, up 28% on 2022 (BIS). Platform data reflects the same momentum: the cTrader ecosystem alone lists more than 40 prop firms, over 500 active challenges and more than 500,000 prop traders. Octrado describes prop-trading as a new organisational layer built on top of existing brokerage infrastructure, in which the entry filter is no longer a trader’s own capital but proven risk discipline.

Growth, however, comes with hard selection. Sample data from FPFX Tech indicates about 14% of accounts pass the evaluation and only 7% of all participants reach a payout. The study concludes that prop-trading democratises access to opportunity, not to outcomes, and that transparency, stable infrastructure and clear legal boundaries will decide the sector’s next phase.

About Octrado

Octrado is a dynamic investment company built on transparency, innovation, and professional trader support. Rather than developing our own proprietary platform, we rely on the globally trusted MetaTrader 5 (MT5) environment, allowing our clients to trade on a stable, proven, and technologically advanced system recognized worldwide.

Octrado LTD. is a limited liability company regulated as a Securities Dealer by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority of Seychelles (“FSA”) with license number SD013 and with company number 8417634-1 to carry out certain categories of financial investment business as permitted under the Seychelles Securities Act 2007.

For more information users can visit: https://octrado.com/en/trading

Risk Warning – This marketing material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments.

Trading in securities involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of securities may fluctuate significantly and may result in a total loss of your investment. Investors should be aware that losses may exceed potential profits when buying and selling securities. In certain market conditions, you may sustain losses that exceed your initial investment. Securities and contracts for differences are complex financial instruments that require a high level of knowledge and understanding. You should carefully consider whether you understand how these instruments work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Contact

Analytical team
Octrado
support@octrado.com

Lexington, Kentucky, USA, July 21st, 2026, FinanceWire

Thoroughbred Financial, an OSJ affiliated with Osaic, today announced that Southern Ridge Advisory, led by Steve Allen and his son John Allen, has joined the firm.

Steve Allen built Southern Ridge on the foundation of a highly successful CPA practice, earning a reputation for deep, trust-based client relationships. He is now bringing John into the business to help run day-to-day operations, with a clear path for John to eventually take over leadership of the firm, a succession plan that reflects the same long-term thinking Steve has always brought to his clients’ financial lives.

In joining Thoroughbred, the Allens cited a desire for stronger support infrastructure, a collaborative culture, and room to grow, resources they felt were harder to access on their own.

“From the moment I met Steve, I realized we were a good fit,” said Chris Cantrell, VP of Securities Marketing at Thoroughbred. “You can tell just from a single conversation that taking care of clients is core to his success. We’re excited for Southern Ridge and to be a part of the next chapter.”

Southern Ridge Advisory will operate in partnership with Thoroughbred and Osaic, with Steve and John Allen continuing to serve their existing client base while building out the practice’s next generation of leadership.

About Thoroughbred Financial

Thoroughbred Financial is an OSJ affiliated with Osaic, based in Lexington, Kentucky, supporting independent financial advisors with recruiting, compliance oversight, and practice growth resources.

About Osaic

Osaic is one of the nation’s largest networks of independent financial advisors and financial institutions.

Contact

Vice President
Chris Cantrell
Thoroughbred Financial
c.cantrell@tbredfa.com
8593584895