• The New York Times reports that World Bank forecasts 8.3 percent growth for Ghana’s economy in 2018, driven in part by major offshore oil deposits
• Petrogress is seeking expansion in Ghana, where it already operates service and shipping facilities at the Port of Terma in Greater Accra
• In 2017, Ghana experienced a 124 percent oil export revenue increase over the prior year, The New York Times said, citing central bank statistics

Petrogress, Inc. (OTC: PGAS) is hoping to expand its operations in Ghana, West Africa. That nation, with its robust energy and diverse economic growth, is forecast to have one of the world’s fastest-growing GDPs globally. A recent article in The New York Times quoted the World Bank as projecting that Ghana’s economy will expand by 8.3 percent in 2018 (http://ibn.fm/7WrsQ). In addition to increases from oil and energy exploration, sales, exports and operations, the Ghanaian economy will enjoy growth from other industries, such as cocoa and coffee exporting, the article reports.

Petrogress and its subsidiaries have already been operating within the energy sector in Ghana, and the company wants to expand operations in West Africa. It is authorized to conduct local sales of oil products and shipping business from the Port of Terma in Ghana. The goal of parent company Petrogress, which holds several subsidiaries, is to be a fully vertically integrated oil and natural gas energy company.

The World Bank forecasts that, after the predicted 8.3 percent rise in 2018, Ghana’s economy will continue to expand at a 5.5 percent annual increase in GDP in both 2019 and 2020 (http://ibn.fm/jd3Hm). The African Development Bank Group also predicts that Ghana’s economy, assisted by energy growth, will expand at a rate of 8.5 percent in 2018 before dropping slight to 6.2 percent growth in 2019 (http://ibn.fm/pCnQp).

Major offshore oil deposits will help drive that growth. Ghana recorded a 124 percent increase in oil export revenues in 2017 over the prior year, The New York Times article quoted central bank statistics as showing, and Ghana plans to continue to expand its oil exploration activities moving forward.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PetrogressInc.com

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• IEG Holdings’ shareholders will be provided with the opportunity to obtain shares in Investment Evolution Coin Ltd., which is pursuing cryptocurrency projects
• Arrangement allows shareholders unique opportunity to remain involved in the crypto industry with lower regulatory risk, but investors must be an IEGH shareholder before the end of April to be eligible for one Investment Evolution Coin Ltd. share for every one IEGH share held
• Investment Evolution Coin Ltd. has entered a partnership with a reputable consultancy company for the purpose of launching its cryptocurrency, which will facilitate financial transfers from abroad to the Philippines

IEG Holdings Corp. (OTCQB: IEGH) announced that the company will refrain from directly pursuing cryptocurrency-related projects for the time being. However, shareholders on the measure date (April 30, 2018) will retain the upside in the cryptocurrency field through the launch of a new cryptocurrency by Investment Evolution Coin Ltd. (“IEC”), a company that’s managed by IEG Holdings CEO Paul Mathieson. According to a company press release (http://ibn.fm/6HiEh), IEG Holdings’ shareholders will be provided with an opportunity to receive IEC shares, allowing them to remain involved in the crypto industry with lower risks.

Based on Mathieson’s announcement, all IEGH shareholders will be provided with the opportunity to receive shares in IEC that are equivalent to the number and percentage of IEG Holdings common stock in possession of the respective shareholder. The offer will be valid for shareholders on record as of 5 p.m. EDT on April 30, 2018.

As of March 19, 2018, there are over 17.46 million outstanding IEG Holdings shares. The paid up IEC capital is represented by the same number of ordinary shares.

Investment Evolution Coin Ltd. is a Singapore-incorporated public unlisted company. Currently, it is exploring the launch of a new cryptocurrency called Investment Evolution Coin. According to official information, the launch date for Investment Evolution Coin is currently set for May 2018. Initially, the cryptocurrency will aim to simplify financial transfers to the Philippines from nationals who work in other countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Singapore. To ensure the success of the venture, IEC has entered a partnership with HashCash Consultants, a cryptocurrency consultancy company based in the Silicon Valley, California.

IEG Holdings Corporation currently provides unsecured consumer loans ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The operations occur under the brand name ‘Mr. Amazing Loans’. An online application portal was developed for the brand, allowing for completion of the entire loan application process in the digital realm.

In February 2018, IEG Holdings announced a partnership with Intellectsoft – a prominent blockchain consultancy company. The plan focused on the creation of an IEG Holdings’ cryptocurrency for the offering of loans and the easier acceptance of repayments. However, the company last week announced that, upon further investigation and risk analysis, a cryptocurrency offering will not be pursued at the current time. However, IEG Holdings is set to continue monitoring the development of blockchain technology, possibly considering cryptocurrency ventures in the future.

Borrowing and lending with cryptocurrency (http://ibn.fm/OCs2v) is a concept that has been around for some time. While the range of applications is still limited, the market is potentially huge. Another potential application is using cryptocurrency as a form of collateral (http://ibn.fm/gh1yz) to obtain a loan – a possibility that’s still in its early stages of development.

According to Mathieson, the combination of blockchain technology and a powerful online loan provision system is an exciting proposition that will enable IEG Holdings to eventually become a key player in the blockchain sector.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.InvestmentEvolution.com

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• Choom™ is a high-quality hand-crafted cannabis brand created for the Canadian recreational market
• Last month, the company opened retail opportunity to entrepreneurs and businesspeople across Canada
• Choom™ inked first deal, not for just a single store, but rather for an entire territory

Set to be legalized in July of this year, Canada’s recreational marijuana market is estimated to exceed $8.7 billion annually. That figure doesn’t include ancillary businesses such as paraphernalia, weed-related tourism, testing labs and security services. All factored in, the market potential jumps to up to $22.6 billion a year (http://ibn.fm/wxPqn). The general consensus is that the marijuana market in Canada will only continue along an upward trajectory. Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) is rapidly positioning itself to become the premier recreational cannabis brand in Canada and capture a significant portion of this newfound cannabis bonanza.

Choom™ is a high-quality hand-crafted cannabis brand created exclusively for the Canadian recreational market. By cultivating outstanding bud as well as an exceptional customer experience, Choom™ intends to become the recognized market leader in reaching the cannabis consumer. To achieve that end, Choom™ is developing a chain of modern, stylish dispensaries designed by the same team responsible for some of the most desirable retail environments in Canada. The company has expanded the opportunity to entrepreneurs and businesspeople interested in participating in the lucrative new recreational marijuana market by registering for their own Choom™ stores.

Announced only about a month ago (http://ibn.fm/1t22D), the response to owning a Choom™ store is exceeding expectations, as savvy business folks are lining up for a piece of the cannabis pie. This comes as little surprise, since legal recreational marijuana dispensaries are expected to generate more revenue per square foot than Whole Foods. In line with this response, the company recently announced that it has signed the first agreement in its retail investor program (http://ibn.fm/tk7WS).

Following its bold agenda, Choom™ has inked a deal not for just a single store but rather for an entire territory. A consortium of local investors and business partners known as the ‘Thompson Okanagan Choom Group’ has secured the exclusive territory rights to open multiple Choom™ branded retail dispensaries in the Thompson-Okanagan region. The Thompson-Okanagan region is a tourist magnet located in the central interior of British Columbia and offers wineries, boating and loads of outdoor activities. The investment consortium is led by Debra G. Adams, Sherman Dahl, Imre Kovacs and Kent Adams, all of whom are excited about the Choom™ opportunity. In a news release, Adams stated, “We’ve been closely monitoring the explosion of Cannabis companies in Canada and are very pleased to be working with a ‘best in class’ operator such as Choom™. The branding, professionalism and style of Choom™ is second to none and our team can’t wait to get started!”

By cultivating outstanding bud as well as an exceptional consumer experience, Choom™ is likely to attract evermore retail partners and is fast on its way to establishing a significant retail footprint and becoming a recognized leader in the Canadian recreational cannabis markets.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Choom.ca

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• Potential Canadian marijuana market upside estimated at $22.6 billion
• Choom™ strategy is soil-to-shelf integration through cultivation, branding and retail marketing
• Company seeking phase 1 and 2 revenue growth in Vernon and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) is focused on the recreational marijuana market in Canada and is projecting revenues from its retrofit and expansion efforts in Vernon and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. In its investor presentation of March 2018 (http://ibn.fm/SAggO), the company positioned itself to become a branded, fully integrated cannabis company in the recreational marijuana market of Canada. Its plans for growth include its own product cultivation, retail expansion and acquisitions.

In its presentation, Choom quotes the ‘Canaccord Genuity Canadian Cannabis Industry Overview’ as projecting that the total marijuana market will reach $6 billion by 2021. It finds that recreational users will outnumber medical marijuana users by almost eight times, calling for 3.8 million recreational users to roughly 500,000 medical users.

The Vancouver-based company is focused on branding, building a chain of its own Choom retail dispensaries, positioning its premium brand and acquiring production assets.

Choom has two significant projects. Through its presence in Vernon, British Columbia, it expects phase 1 revenue of $6.6 million, with $15 million from phase 2. A retrofit is scheduled for completion by July 2018, and expansion is planned for the end of 2018. In Vancouver Island, British Columbia, phase 1 potential revenue is estimated at $4.5 million, with $9 million in phase 2. All revenue projects exclude oils. Retrofit completion is scheduled for July 2018, and phase 2 expansion completion is planned by the end of 2019.

The larger picture focuses on the total marijuana market’s potential upside of $22.6 billion, according to the Deloitte Recreational Marijuana/Insights and Opportunities report (http://ibn.fm/NmWX2). This upside figure represents the additional revenue from growers, tourism, license fees, business taxes and base retail market value.

As it grows, Choom’s shares are now Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) of New York-eligible, allowing for easier trading of Choom shares on the OTC (http://ibn.fm/ZG7BU). The company recently named Chris Gagan as its senior vice president of marketing, making him responsible for the development of the Choom brand and retail marketing (http://ibn.fm/xSEtp).

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Choom.ca

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• Denver presents the first recreational cannabis lounges
• Las Vegas officials cautious about pot lounge endeavors until 2019 legislative meetings
• Pilot projects in effect to weigh pros and cons of new recreational marijuana use

Denver’s first social-use marijuana permit was awarded to The Coffee Joint in early March of this year, establishing it as the first of what looks to be many pot consumption lounges to open in the coming years. Denver’s cannabis consumption establishment makes allowance for those who are over 21 to consume legal quantities of pot through methods of consuming edible products, vaping and dabbing within the venue itself, with the sole exclusion of smoking only being allowed outdoors (http://ibn.fm/ja7BB).

City officials in Las Vegas are currently waiting on the City of Denver to approve the country’s first marijuana club, prior to their own discussions revolving around the licensing and regulation of lounges dedicated to marijuana within Las Vegas. With Nevada having permitted the lawful sale of recreational marijuana in July of 2017, a great demand has been placed on related commercial industries brought by the tourists that visit the state. The law mentions, however, that no public consumption of the substance is allowed outside of private residences.

In a public meeting following discussions around the opening of pot lounges, Commissioner James Gibson of Clark County, Nevada, said, “I don’t know if we need to be the first or not, I don’t see any reason why we have to be first, but we certainly have to be right.” Gibson went further to say that regardless of what happens, officials need to do their part and remain consistent through implementation of thorough procedures.

Denver’s announcement in August of 2017 allowed for the submission of applications by businesses that are looking to open marijuana clubs. Up until now, there have been few developments in this regard, with the slow start having been expected because of overly extensive application procedures. “What I have heard from the commission today is that they are open to the idea in concept, but they are not ready to move forward,” added Andrew Jolly, storeowner and president of the Nevada Dispensary Association. Jolly mentioned further that the presentation of a pilot project is the intention. This process would then critically highlight several pros and cons regarding the matter at hand.

As mentioned in the Las Vegas Sun, both the Las Vegas City Council and the Clark County commission have taken a ‘wait-and-see approach’, this being the first notable time that any timeframe of the endeavor had been given. As the situation currently stands, industry advocates have had their eyes on public lounges for consumption since the start of recreational sales last July. It is with the notion of over 40 million tourists entering Nevada each year, with the restrictions on cannabis consumption severely limiting use within hotels and casinos.

The Clark County Commission is currently planning to wait on public consumption of marijuana until the 2019 state legislature meetings. Chris Giunchigliani, county commissioner, urged that his group first wants to monitor the social use implementation in Denver prior to any decisions on their part (http://ibn.fm/oOBVP).

State Senator Tick Segerblom put forth his disappointment in that his vision of Las Vegas being the first major city within the United States to open marijuana lounges did not come to fruition. The step taken by Denver was noted to be a step forward, with the potential of benefiting Nevada. A further step forward would see the allowance of smoking the substance within lounges, with consumers not necessarily being restricted to consuming edible products, vaping and dabbing, as is the case in Colorado. It is with great anticipation that Las Vegas is awaiting the 2019 legislature meetings to prove successful within the recreational cannabis consumption industry.

• MCOA is involved in the production and distribution of high quality hemp-derived CBD products
• Company continues to add high-demand retail products
• Strategic investments and joint ventures offer broad-based opportunities

In spite of all of the short-term political gyrations, the cannabis and hemp markets continue to bloom. The demand for cannabidiol (CBD) products remains persistent, and there are many attractive opportunities in the sector. Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC: MCOA) is in position to thrive in spite of any short-term contortions in the cannabis and hemp markets. The company’s low-risk, high-return profile results from its focus on industrial hemp-based CBD products and its portfolio of synergistic companies that operate in the space. MCOA has already undertaken multiple initiatives, building a portfolio of investments and joint ventures in the space.

MCOA recently invested $100,000 into Convenient Hemp Mart, LLC’s Benihemp-branded CBD product line for a 25 percent equity interest in Convenient Hemp Mart, LLC. BeniHemp products include topicals, tinctures and edibles, conveniently packaged in one-day, two-day and 30-day supplies. The target markets for these products are convenience stores, smoke shops, gas stations and similar types of small retail businesses where CBD commerce has significant potential to generate sales from the impulse buyer at the register. Convenient Hemp Mart officially launched the Benihemp product line at ASD Market Week (www.ASDOnline.com) in Las Vegas, Nevada, which took place from March 11-14. The trade show hosted 45,000 buyers from over 90 countries, representing major department stores, convenience stores, gift shops, grocery stores and other retail outlets.

Visit the Convenient Hemp Mart, LLC website at www.ConvenientHemp.com

Marijuana Company of America’s other line of hemp-based CBD consumer products is researched, developed and sold via an affiliate marketing model under the brand name hempSMART™. hempSMART™ sells a variety of wellness products on its website, including full spectrum bioavailable CBD drops, pain capsules with a blend of premium CBD and botanical supplements, pain cream and the latest new product targeting the booming $70 billion pet care market, hempSMART Full Spectrum Pet Drops. MCOA utilizes a unique hempSMART affiliate network-marketing program to promote and sell its hemp-based CBD consumer products.

In conjunction with joint venture partner Global Hemp Group Inc. (OTC: GBHPF), MCOA successfully cultivated industrial hemp during the 2017 growing season. For this phase of the project, hemp was grown for research purposes, as this was the first time in 20 years that industrial hemp was grown in northeast New Brunswick. The joint venture partners are now focusing on the next season of crops. Farmers have been recruited, and a minimum of 125 acres of hemp cultivation is planned for 2018, with the goal of increasing the acreage under cultivation to 1,000 acres by year three of the project. This first commercial crop will focus on CBD extraction. In addition, discussions are underway regarding the purchase of extraction equipment for cannabinoids and straw processing equipment for building materials. The companies expect the facilities to be in place and operational for the 2018 harvest in October.

In a joint venture with Bougainville Ventures Inc., MCOA further expanded its portfolio by completing financing of $800,000 in cash and 15 million shares of the company’s common stock, in full satisfaction of the amended agreement, to begin construction of a turnkey 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the art agricultural cultivation and processing facility in Oroville, Washington. The turnkey facility will accommodate Bougainville’s contracted cannabis production and processing tenant with an approved Tier 3, I-502 license.

Marijuana Company of America’s diversified business plan is rapidly creating a broad range of opportunities with synergistic companies, positioning the company well into the future.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.MarijuanaCompanyofAmerica.com

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Compensation Disclosure

Section 17(b) of the 1933 Securities and Exchange Act requires publishers who distribute information about publicly traded securities for compensation, to disclose who paid them, the amount, and the type of payment. In order to be in full compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, Section 17(b), we are disclosing that we entered into a contract with Marijuana Company of America, Inc. The Company agreed to compensate us with $5,000 USD a month for our services.

• Petroteq announces new office, staff and features for its blockchain platform
• PetroBLOQ is first blockchain platform developed exclusively for the supply chain needs of oil and gas sector
• Oil industry pioneer with history of patented environmental solutions

With its patented and proprietary technologies that produce zero greenhouse gas and zero waste, Petroteq Energy Inc. (TSX.V: PQE) (OTCQX: PQEFF) established itself as a pioneer in the environmentally safe extraction of heavy oils from oil sands and oil shale deposits. Petroteq is about to set another industry milestone with its new blockchain initiative, PetroBLOQ, to become the first blockchain-based platform developed exclusively for the supply chain needs of the oil and gas sector.

Back-to-back press releases issued in March 2018 outline some details of Petroteq’s pioneering initiative. The company’s release on March 9 announced the opening of its PetroBLOQ Blockchain Labs in California (http://ibn.fm/FH5YN). The company has leased purpose-built space and staffed the facility with blockchain and smart contract developers and UX/UI designers. The PetroBLOQ team is focused on developing robust blockchain capabilities, beginning with proofs-of-concept that can be developed into functioning prototypes with the objective of the platform integrating with existing solutions in the oil and gas supply chain. PetroBLOQ is only a part of the company’s broad strategic investment around digital transformation and innovation in oil and gas supply chain management.

In a news release, Alex Blyumkin, CEO of Petroteq, stated, “Technological innovation is a top priority for Petroteq— the company intends to continue to strategically invest in technology to benefit our industry, where success or survival depends heavily on being innovative.” Petroteq’s PetroBLOQ blockchain initiative is fast gaining acceptance from oil majors, like Pemex and Socar, and the company anticipates adding additional energy producers to its roster of partners when its technology is further developed.

After receiving numerous expressions of interest from industry participants and the trade press, Petroteq announced components and features of its proposed blockchain-based oil and gas supply management platform on March 13 (http://ibn.fm/0F8Jj). Through the deployment of a network of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors throughout a facility to monitor operations, PetroBLOQ intends to use proprietary blockchain technology to start and end processes and adjust parameters using the data collected by its IoT sensor network. The company believes that the PetroBLOQ blockchain platform will make oil production, facilities maintenance, and capacity upgrades more cost efficient and transparent, and it expects that the platform will provide a safer working environment for its users. PetroBLOQ believes that these technologies will extend to wearable devices, offering smart analytics that will maximize production efficiency and reduce the manpower required to operate a facility.

“PetroBLOQ recently opened its development labs for blockchain solutions for the oil & gas industry and looks forward to being at the forefront of the deployment of technologically advanced solutions for our industry,” Blyumkin added.

With a history of creating value by delivering unique industry-specific solutions, Petroteq now intends to disrupt industry norms and create enormous new value with its pioneering blockchain initiative, PetroBLOQ.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Petroteq.energy

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• Permits obtained for importation of cannabis into Australia
• PreveCeutical conducting research at University of Queensland for cannabinoid-based Sol-gel products
• Cannabis-based Sol-gel products targeted at relieving symptoms such as pain, inflammation, seizures and neurological disorders

PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H), a health sciences company aiming to become a preventive health sciences leader, has announced the grant of three permits from the Australian government’s Department of Health allowing for the importation of cannabis into Australia for purposes of research. The permits, which have been granted to the Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE) at the University of Queensland, will allow PACE to import cannabis plant material shipments for research purposes. Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX: ACB) (OTCQB: ACBFF) (FSE: 21P) (WKN: A1C4WM) will export the cannabis to PACE and has obtained the necessary Canadian permits to do so. Once shipped by Aurora, the cannabis will be used in PreveCeutical’s drug delivery research program for its Sol-gel (soluble gel).

The Sol-gel drug delivery research program, which is being undertaken at the University of Queensland, targets the development of a system that will enhance the bioavailability of drugs using a nose-to-brain delivery system. The program is being conducted by PreveCeutical’s research partner, UniQuest Pty Inc., and is being led by PreveCeutical Chief Research Officer Dr. Harendra Parekh.

The intention of PreveCeutical is to apply its Sol-gel technology to cannabinoids for the development of therapies to relieve a variety of symptoms, including pain, inflammation, seizures and neurological disorders. The permits obtained by PACE will allow PreveCeutical to test various cannabis strains for the development and commercialization of cannabinoid-based Sol-gels. Sol-gels boast a variety of advantages over traditional liquid nasal sprays, offering longer therapeutic effects, lower dosage requirements and a reduction in irritation and other unwanted side effects.

In consideration of its cannabis shipment for the research program, Aurora Cannabis has been granted certain rights, including an option to either license (on a nonexclusive basis) the Sol-gel technology for Canada and Australia or to choose a royalty arrangement on product sales, along with an option to purchase PreveCeutical shares. Part of Aurora’s strategy in becoming involved with PreveCeutical’s initiatives is gaining access to cannabis-based products that are more narrowly targeted at specific therapeutic areas but with a higher value add.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PreveCeutical.com

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• Graphite is key to clean technology, such as solar energy in homes and electric cars, per Bloomberg report
• As demand increases, graphite prices projected to continue rising in 2018
• GRXXF begins drilling on property in Southern Quebec after promising assay findings show up to 22 percent high-grade large flake graphite in site samples

Graphite Energy Corp. (CSE: GRE) (OTC: GRXXF) (FWB: GOA) has started drilling on its Lac Aux Bouleaux (“LAB”) graphite property located in Southern Quebec. Commencement of these operations follow shortly after the company received promising assay results confirming the presence of high-grade large flake graphite.

Graphite is an important element in electric cars and is key to lithium-ion battery technology, as well to fuel cells and nuclear and solar power. Demand for the mineral, also used in the automotive and steel industries, is rising globally. In addition, it is used in robotics manufacturing and in desalination plants. GRXXF believes that natural jumbo flake graphite is of special demand. A recent Bloomberg article points to graphite use in home battery packs for solar roof panels for companies such as Tesla. As a result, graphite is finding its role in the development of clean technology (http://ibn.fm/eHjc1).

GRXXF is a Canadian company that explores mineral properties in Canada. It holds the right to acquire 100 percent interest in the LAB graphite property, subject to royalties. The company has commenced core drilling at the property based on the promising assay results. During the assay, a graphite pit was found indicating historical extraction of graphite from the property. Other drill holes were also located on the property, the company said.

The assay results found in mineralized samples from several locations at the LAB property included graphite carbon (Cg) up to 22.3 percent. GRXXF said that the assay results confirm its initial thoughts about the presence of high-grade flake graphite and warrant further drilling and exploration on the property (http://ibn.fm/RN5zs).

Investing News reports that prices of fine flake graphite increased by 36 percent to $863 per ton, while medium size flake graphite grew 31 percent to reach $953 per ton last fall — the first price increase for graphite since 2016. Large flake graphite rose 25 percent to $998 per ton (http://ibn.fm/0T8VS). Investing News quotes research firm Roskill as saying that higher prices will continue in 2018.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.GraphiteEnergyCorp.com

• Company has added CNBC personality Jon Najarian to its board of directors and various committees
• Net Element is furthering plans for a decentralized blockchain platform
• Company entered 2018 with its strongest-ever balance sheet

Adding some notable star power and financial prowess to its board of directors, global technology and value-added solutions group Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) recently announced the appointment of Jon “Dr. J” Najarian to its board of directors (http://ibn.fm/p1MaV). In addition to serving on Net Element’s board, Najarian will serve the company as a member of its audit, compensation, nominating and corporate governance committees.

Najarian, who is a professional investor, money manager and media analyst, is a cast member of the ‘Halftime Report’ and ‘Fast Money’ programs on CNBC and was formerly a linebacker for the Chicago Bears. Among his many accomplishments, he co-founded Investitute LLC, optionMONSTER and tradeMONSTER; founded Mercury Trading; and serves as host of the International ICO Channel. He is additionally featured in the ‘DRJ Report’ on CBOE-TV.

Regarding his appointment to Net Element’s board of directors, Najarian commented that he has been impressed with the company’s technologies, as well as its endeavors to disrupt the payments industry with innovations and value-added services, including recently announced plans for a decentralized blockchain platform.

As Net Element moves forward with its corporate initiatives, Najarian’s considerable expertise in finance, capital markets, cryptocurrency and blockchain will be invaluable to the company. Net Element continues a strong forward march in 2018, supported by the strongest balance sheet the company has ever had, and it is positioned for growth as it continues to execute on promising opportunities.

Hailed as one of Deloitte’s ‘2017 Technology Fast 500™’ and one of the fastest-growing technology companies of 2016 by South Florida Business Journal, Net Element operates a payments-as-a-service transactional and value-added services platform for small to medium enterprises in the United States and select emerging markets. Domestically, the company endeavors to grow transactional revenue by innovating SME productivity services through blockchain technology solutions and Aptito, its cloud-based restaurant and retail point-of-sale solution. On an international level, the company is leveraging its omni-channel platform to offer flexible services to emerging markets with varied banking, regulatory and demographic conditions.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.NetElement.com