UBank Joins Upstream to Become the First Traditional Bank to Bring Web3 and Digital Collectibles (NFTs) to Members

Community-oriented, relationship bank makes history as first traditional bank to provide digital membership and NFT perks for members

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2022 / UBank, the community-oriented, relationship bank has joined Upstream, the revolutionary trading app for digital securities and NFTs powered by Horizon Fintex (Horizon) and MERJ Exchange Limited (MERJ). UBank is making history as the first traditional bank to integrate a Web3 community-building strategy for members to trade digital collectibles (NFTs) and redeem them for unique perks and experiences. UBank plans to begin their foray into NFTs with a limited release for VIP clients, followed by larger initiatives that will be available to all UBank customers. Learn more on their website: https://u.bank/ubank-nfts.

UBank's emphasis on relationship banking enriches the customer experience and works to create the future of community banking. Since the company's founding in 1961, UBank has provided customers with a refreshingly human experience, which is often lacking in the banking industry. As part of UBank's heart-first approach to banking, UBank team members volunteer monthly through UBank's ‘Go Group' service initiative. In addition, UBank hosts the annual "Good For Country" concert series in Lufkin, Texas, which benefits the East Texas Food Bank. Through the Upstream partnership, UBank continues to extend their community-building mission into the Web3 space.

"Serving our community in creative ways is at the core of who we are and what we stand for," says UBank CEO Shana De Paoli. "Integrating blockchain technology opportunities for our members enables us to facilitate unique customer interactions and digital perk redemptions like tickets to our "Good for Country" concert and other experiences powered by Upstream's simplified, regulated, and ecofriendly platform."

Upstream, a MERJ Exchange market, is the first national securities exchange to offer NFTs. The real-time trading app features in-app blockchain wallet creation; familiar payment ramps like PayPal; and no gas fees charged to users. Unique to competitors, Upstream offers NFT longevity with its compliance-first approach, FDIC-insured US dollar accounts, KYC/ AML checkpoints, and biometric-protected transactions.

"As a regulated MERJ Exchange market, Upstream is uniquely positioned to support financial institutions like UBank and other major brands seeking a safe entry point into Web3 and NFTs," says Upstream Co-Founder Mark Elenowitz. "Upstream is focused on experience-based NFTs and user-friendliness, two areas often overlooked in the fast-moving NFT space.

UBank joins Upstream's growing community of entertainment, sports, and music heavyweights including NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway, NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, Antrel Rolle, Beatclub/Timbaland, BRON Studios, Ruffnation Entertainment, and more. Parties interested in integrating Web 3.0 digital collectibles and memberships (NFTs) into their brands can learn more at https://upstream.exchange/ or reach the team at [email protected].

About UBank:

UBank is a community-oriented, relationship bank that is building the future of relationship banking. We believe that people bank with people, not a bank. That's why we're focused on creating an innovative banking experience that values, knows, and empowers its customers to live their ambitions and forge their dreams today. Since our founding in 1961, we've built a strong product set, successfully navigated the ever-changing regulatory environment, and established a strong team of people who share our vision. We're here to make it happen for you, for your family, and for your business. It's that simple.
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

About Upstream:

Upstream, a MERJ Exchange Market (merj.exchange), is a fully regulated global stock exchange for digital securities. Powered by Horizon's proprietary matching engine technology, the exchange will enable investors to trade NFTs, shares in IPOs, crowdfunded companies, U.S. & Int'l. equities, and celebrity ventures directly from the app: https://upstream.exchange. Interested issuers can reach the team at [email protected].

About MERJ:

MERJ Exchange (MERJ) operates Upstream as a fully regulated and licensed integrated securities exchange, clearing system and depository for digital and non-digital securities. MERJ is an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), recognized by HM Revenue and Customs UK, a full member of the Association of National Numbering Agencies (ANNA) and a Qualifying Foreign Exchange for OTC Markets in the US. MERJ is also a member of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative. Visit https://merj.exchange/ to learn more.

About Horizon:

Horizon is a fintech company that builds and powers global securities exchanges with an integrated suite of software for compliant issuance, management, and secondary trading of securities. Our in-house solutions combine Wall Street and Silicon Valley to power the next generation of securities offerings and trading in the U.S. and globally. Learn more at https://www.horizonfintex.com/.

Press Contacts:

Vanessa Malone
[email protected]

Disclaimers
*NFTs received have no economic value, royalties, equity ownership, or dividends. NFTs are for utility, collection, and display only.

*U.S. investors are not permitted to purchase Upstream listed securities. U.S. and Canadian citizens will only be able to trade in securities they currently own, that have been listed on Upstream, for liquidation purposes only.

*Funding using a bank. Complete KYC and initiate a wire or transfer from your bank or financial institution using the details provided via email after your KYC is approved. If you haven't already completed KYC identity verification or didn't select ‘Bank' as the ‘Deposit From' option when you completed the KYC identity verification process initially, please go through KYC again selecting this payment method. Complete the KYC identify verification process by tapping Me>KYC

Upstream is a MERJ Exchange market. MERJ Exchange is a licensed Securities Exchange, an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges, and a full member of ANNA. MERJ supports global issuers of traditional and digital securities through the entire asset life cycle from issuance to trading, clearing, settlement, and registry. It operates a fair and transparent marketplace in line with international best practices and principles of operations of financial markets. Upstream does not endorse or recommend any public or private securities bought or sold on its app. Upstream does not offer investment advice or recommendations of any kind. All brokerage services offered by Upstream are intended for self-directed clients who make their own investment decisions without aid or assistance from Upstream. All customers are subject to the rules and regulations of their jurisdiction. By accessing the site or app, you agreed to be bound by its terms of use and privacy policy. Company and security listings on Upstream are only suitable for investors who are familiar with and willing to accept the high risk associated with speculative investments, often in early and development stage companies. There can be no assurance the valuation of any particular company's securities is accurate or in agreement with the market or industry comparative valuations. Investors must be able to afford market volatility and afford the loss of their investment. Companies listed on Upstream are subject to significant ongoing corporate obligations including, but not limited to disclosure, filings, and notification requirements, as well as compliance with applicable quantitative and qualitative listing standards.

SOURCE: Horizon Fintex