• Lexaria enters agreement with Cannfections to develop an innovative range of cannabis-infused chocolates and gummies incorporating its proprietary technology, DehydraTECH™
• Cannfection’s formulation and manufacturing expertise can be offered to other Lexaria licensee partners
• The agreement is expected to generate new cannabis-based edible products for domestic and international markets

On January 25, 2018, Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (OTCQX: LXRP) (CSE: LXX) announced that it had entered into a seven-year agreement with Cannfections Group Inc. to provide its patented DehydraTECH™ technology for the development of a new range of cannabis-infused chocolates and gummies (http://ibn.fm/qpGlF). Cannfections is a new company, established by one of Canada’s leading chocolate manufacturers with over 85 years of experience in the production of high-quality chocolate and confectionery products for several prominent domestic and international chocolate brands. Cannfections is a pending entrant to the Licensed Producer program for cannabis-infused products.

Under this agreement, Lexaria is able to offer other licensee partners the use of Cannfections’ formulation and manufacturing expertise for the production of cannabis-infused chocolates and gummies, powered by Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH™ delivery technology. This is expected to generate new product entries for Canadian cannabis edibles for the domestic market, as well as the growing number of international markets.

DehydraTECH™ is a patented, cost-effective and proven delivery technology that enhances the taste, smell, speed of action, bioabsorption and bioavailability of beneficial compounds in ingestible products. This technology has been awarded patents in the United States and Australia, and it has patents pending in 44 other countries. Lexaria is the only company in the world with a patent for the oral delivery of all non-psychoactive cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD). Lexaria’s patents involve the use of its proprietary technology for oral delivery of an extensive range of lipophilic active compounds, including cannabinoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), vitamins and nicotine.

Lexaria’s proprietary DehydraTECH™ technology masks recognition of the flavor and odor of compounds by oral and olfactory receptors. It enables manufacturers to create healthier, low-sugar products by eliminating the sugars and sweeteners traditionally used in product formulations to mask bitter tastes and unpleasant smells. This technology also increases the bioabsorption of cannabinoids and other active ingredients by up to 10 times. While other delivery technologies typically take between 60 and 120 minutes to take effect, DeydraTECH™ has been proven to register the onset of effects within 15 to 20 minutes.

Consumers benefit significantly from the enhanced taste of edibles and the reduced time to effect. As a disruptor in the growing cannabis market, Lexaria’s technology can either reduce the cannabinoid per serving unit cost, or deliver stronger effects where serving levels are regulated. The company’s technology can be applied to the manufacture of diverse product dosage forms, including foods, emulsions, liquids, tablets and capsules. Lexaria has produced a range of products for testing, demonstration and sales. These include CBD tablets, protein energy bars, exotic teas and TurboCBD, a high-absorption hemp oil capsule containing ginseng and ginkgo.

Lexaria has signed several royalty agreements for the use of its proprietary delivery technology with companies in Canada and the United States. Its latest venture with Cannfections is another step in the company’s ongoing pursuit of strategic partnerships with leading global companies to expand adoption of its innovative technology and deliver increased value for shareholders.

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

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• SNN is a vertically integrated medial cannabis company operating in California and Canada
• Company’s goal is to increase shareholder value by boosting stock liquidity and increasing exposure to investors
• SNN has a number of subsidiaries, including Sunniva Medical, Inc., CP Logistics, LLC, Natural Health Services Ltd., and Full Scale Distributors, LLC

Sunniva, Inc., (CSE: SNN) began trading on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SNN” in early January, it announced (http://ibn.fm/RtgYr). The company is a North American provider of medical cannabis products and services.

SNN is a vertically integrated medical cannabis company operating in California and Canada, both large medical cannabis markets. It is committed to the cultivation, production and distribution of low-cost products that are free from pesticides and other contaminants. Management of the company has a proven track record in health care and the biotech space.

“Listing on the CSE is an important milestone for Sunniva and a key piece of the equation in our plan to enhance shareholder value by increasing stock liquidity and exposure to investors,” Dr. Anthony Holler, founder and CEO of the company, stated in a news release. He added that the listing greatly expands the company’s pool of potential investors and offers a number of other benefits.

Leith Pedersen, president and co-founder of Sunniva, Inc., told Business of Cannabis in an interview that the company was starting construction on a state-of-the-art greenhouse growing facility in Cathedral City, California (http://ibn.fm/FeBqI). It is also planning a 700,000 sq. ft. facility in Oliver, B.C., he said.

Pedersen added that SNN’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Natural Health Services (NHS), is Canada’s largest referral network of medical cannabis patients to licensed producers in the country. It also operates eight clinics throughout western Canada and Ontario with greater than 76,000 patients, he said.

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

• Transdermal cannabis-based therapy promises greater absorption, less side effects
• Global medical marijuana market projected to reach $55.8 billion U.S. by 2025
• Novel CBD delivery method targets array of unmet healthcare needs

Pivot Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCQB: PVOTF), based in Vancouver, Canada, is an emerging biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals that provide novel treatments for unmet healthcare needs. Pivot’s recent acquisition of BiPhasix ™ Transdermal Drug Delivery technology for the delivery of cannabinoids (CBD) to patients provides the answer for an age-old problem associated with cannabinoid-based therapies: the lack of a robust smoke-less delivery mechanism.

Research into the bioavailability of cannabinoid-based therapeutics shows that rates of absorption vary greatly between smoking cannabis to an orally-consumed product, with a difference noted even between individuals. Cannabinoids are degraded in the stomach and smoking may not appeal to patients for health or lifestyle reasons. Topical delivery, while a better alternative, has suffered from weak formulation issues. Transdermal cannabinoid delivery, on the other hand, could provide a better alternative route since it reduces side effects and bypasses other absorption issues. In addition, transdermal delivery provides the benefit of enabling patients to access a steady stream of medication over a prolonged period with fewer side effects.

Pivot Pharmaceutical’s newly created subsidiary, Pivot Green Stream Health Solutions Inc. (“Pivot Green Stream”), will focus on improving the bioavailability of cannabinoid-based and pharmaceuticals. BiPhasix™ has been tested in FDA and EMA approved human clinical trials, which have shown the delivery system enhances the bioavailability of many drugs and improves clinical outcomes. Pivot Green Stream is tasked with developing several natural health products containing cannabinoids (CBD) that can receive a Health Canada Natural Health Product (NHP) designation. This marketing method ensures a shorter development cycle and faster revenue generation opportunities.

Pivot Pharmaceuticals Inc., which has positioned itself as a growing and crucial vertical in the cannabis industry, represents a compelling opportunity in the biotechnology field. The company’s plans include working with Licensed Producers (LP) and Licensed Dealers (LD) to bring newer therapies to patients. The company has also applied to list on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE).

The global medical marijuana market is expected to reach a value of $55.8 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing number of states and countries gaining approval for using cannabis in therapeutic applications is expected to continue driving the market forward.

Pivot Pharmaceuticals has assembled a highly experienced management team, bringing together a wealth of clinical, commercial, product development and financial experience. Among the many healthcare targets in Pivot’s pipeline are cancer supportive care, pain and inflammation, women’s sexual dysfunction, dermatology and eye disease.

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

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• Global nasal drug delivery technology market expected to reach $64 billion by 2021
• Development of CBD-infused soluble gel for nasal delivery targets range of diseases
• Clinical benefits of Sol-gel delivery method include a safer, more reliable delivery platform with higher efficacy

Health sciences company PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) and UniQuest Pty Limited, the main commercialization company of the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, are expecting 2018 to be an exciting, productive year for joint medical research projects. PreveCeutical Medical, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, has entered into a research and option agreement with the University and UniQuest to develop a soluble gel to deliver cannabinoids directly to the brain via the nasal cavity. In a press release discussing the latest research project, UniQuest CEO Dr. Dean Moss said that PreveCeutical’s interest in the University’s intellectual property and expertise to develop soluble gels (Sol-gels) to deliver cannabinoids to the central nervous system (CNS) fit naturally with the company’s research goals (http://ibn.fm/9WHRg).

“Sol-gels potentially provide a safer, more reliable platform to deliver drugs, such as cannabinoids, directly to the CNS, avoiding unwanted rapid metabolism, thus providing clinical benefit from direct nose-to-brain delivery,” Dr. Moss said in the release.

The global nasal drug delivery technology market is projected to reach $64 billion by 2021, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5 percent, according to a report issued by MarketsandMarkets (http://ibn.fm/miHWc). While the report is segmented based on dosage form, therapeutic application, end user, system, container and region, it also states “intranasal drug delivery is one of the most preferred drug delivery routes among patients as well as healthcare providers.”

PreveCeutical’s proprietary nasal formulations will be designed as a CBD-based nose-to-brain delivery system targeting a range of indications such as pain, inflammation, seizures and neurological disorders. Dr. Harry Parekh, chief research officer for PreveCeutical, will lead the Sol-gel cannabinoid project from his base at the University’s School of Pharmacy.

The Sol-gels begin as a liquid that is sprayed into the nose, which then forms a gel as it is warmed in the nasal cavity. This effectively bypasses the stomach and intestines – eliminating first pass metabolism – and may dramatically improve bioavailability, even compared to nasal sprays and other newer delivery systems.

“This feature can potentially be exploited to deliver drugs through the nasal mucosa,” Dr. Parekh said. “The longer-term goal is to develop Sol-gels as safe, reliable delivery systems for cannabinoid extracts across a range of disease indications.”

Terms of the research program, which has a target start date of March 1, 2018, state that PreveCeutical will own all intellectual property developed under the program and will be granted an option to negotiate an exclusive worldwide license to UniQuest’s background IP.

“Increasing evidence of the clinical benefits associated with cannabinoids and the recent legalization of medical marijuana across a number of jurisdictions were the drivers for the collaboration,” Stephen Van Deventer, PreveCeutical chairman and CEO, added in a news release. “Working with UniQuest and UQ will provide the company with unique opportunities to develop new health and wellness products… Nasal delivery of cannabinoids could potentially provide a safer and more reliable delivery platform with clinical benefits for pain, inflammation, seizures, and mental illness.”

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

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• EVIO is a leading accredited provider of analytical services to the regulated cannabis industry
• The company currently operates nine laboratories in five states
• EVIO is on track to open 18 labs around the U.S. by the end of 2018

EVIO, Inc. (OTCQB: EVIO) provides clients across the United States with consistent, high-quality cannabis analytical services. Backed by a stringent quality control assurance program, the company’s laboratory division, EVIO Labs, is the leading provider of accredited analytical testing, scientific research and advisory services to enterprises in the U.S. regulated cannabis industry. The ancillary services provided by EVIO Labs are state-mandated, requiring the company to ensure the safety and quality of cannabis supplied throughout the nation.

Over the past two years, EVIO Labs has performed more than 50,000 tests, mostly consisting of analysis and testing of cannabis and industrial hemp-based flower, extracts and infused products. The company has grown from one laboratory in Oregon to nine labs in five states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts and Oregon. EVIO Labs is on track to open 18 laboratory facilities at other locations around the United States by the end of 2018. Apart from its analytical services, the company provides advisory services to help cannabis producers and retailers enhance production processes, meet quality goals and achieve regulatory compliance.

EVIO Labs has built up its leading position in cannabis biotechnology by leveraging the extensive experience of its scientists and management team. The company’s laboratories specialize in performing analysis for cannabinoids, terpenes and pesticide residues. They also conduct tests for moisture content, as well as the detection of heavy metals and harmful residual solvents from the cannabis extraction process. EVIO Labs has extensive experience in product research and development, analytical chemistry techniques and the cultivation and production of medical cannabis. The company’s management team has a solid track record in designing and rolling out successful business ventures, ensuring conformance to regulatory and compliance standards.

On December 26, 2017, EVIO announced that its Colorado licensee, PhytaTech CO, had attained ISO 17025 accreditation, the highest recognized quality standard for calibration and testing laboratories. Adherence to this standard requires consistent precision and accuracy of testing, and the implementation of a rigorous quality management system. In early January 2018, EVIO acquired a 60 percent stake in C3 Labs, LLC, located in Berkley, California, with an option to purchase the remaining shareholding over the next three years.

In releasing this news, EVIO’s CEO, William Waldrop, stated, “C3 Labs generated over $1M in consulting revenues during the last two years. EVIO plans to continue offering these services along with traditional compliance testing. The 8,000 square foot facility is already outfitted with the latest analytical testing equipment, and will become our Northern California hub laboratory… Demand for testing services is expected to increase significantly as the state rolls out its adult-use marijuana market.”

On January 3, 2018, EVIO announced the appointment of Al Lustig as its new president, reporting to Waldrop. Lustig has a track record of success in sales management and corporate growth at Pfizer, one of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies. He will be tasked with driving company growth, as well as developing and executing both national and international sales, and operational strategies. EVIO also appointed a new vice president of operations, Ron Russak, on January 29, 2018. Russak had regional operational responsibility, during a 17-year career with Quest Diagnostics, for 529 patient service centers and 228 inter-office phlebotomy sites in the U.S. He will play a major role in driving the expansion of the company’s laboratory operations.

With its established reputation for accredited analytical, research and development, and advisory services, EVIO is poised to expand its operations across North America. Recent key appointments have strengthened the management team to ensure that the company is well positioned to capitalize on the rapidly growing cannabis industry.

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

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• Blockchain-focused business unit launched to create crypto-based ecosystem connecting merchants and consumers
• Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology applications market could reach $10 trillion by 2033
• Institutional investment of $7.55 million will support blockchain initiatives and continued growth

Net Element (NASDAQ: NETE), a global financial technology and value-added solutions group that supports electronic payments acceptance in an omni-channel environment spanning across point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile devices, recently announced that it has completed a $7.55 million private placement of restricted common stock and warrants with a New York-based office that has made several investments in blockchain technology platforms. Shares of Net Element rose on news of the investment, which will be used to fuel development of the company’s blockchain-focused business unit, support growth initiatives and allow for potential acquisitions, Net Element CEO Oleg Firer said in a press release (http://ibn.fm/z1hzf).

“We are delighted to receive a significant investment that will help ensure full scalability of our platform and accommodate the Company’s anticipated future growth as well as the development of our value-added services blockchain platform,” Firer said. “The Company’s balance sheet is now the strongest in its history, allowing Net Element to support future growth opportunities.”

A capital markets analyst with The Royal Bank of Canada predicts that the cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology applications market could reach $10 trillion by 2033, an article in Bitcoin Magazine states (http://ibn.fm/BED3e). In his January 3 report, a summary of which was shared via Twitter (http://ibn.fm/DtSBv), Mitch Steves states that he believes the bulk of the massive market share would be created through blockchain technology’s ability to “secure the internet.” The $10 trillion figure represents one-third of the current size of the market for value storage services such as Dropbox or iCloud, Steves points out.

Net Element’s blockchain-based business unit is expected to become a decentralized crypto-based ecosystem that will act as a framework for an unlimited number of value-added services offered by the company. Net Element’s determination to bring the transparency, security and peer-to-peer sales potential of blockchain technology to its merchants and consumers is driving the company’s move in this emerging market. Net Element has partnered with Bunker Capital to develop and deploy blockchain technology-based solutions.

“We believe that we’re at the dawn of a new evolution where additional digital payment methods are being introduced,” Firer added (http://ibn.fm/vKsaL). “Introduction of our division focused on blockchain as part of the NASDAQ-listed entity will add transparency and compliance assurance to our investors as well as provide access to deploy value-added services to over 20 million electronic commerce clients that are currently part of Net Element’s growing network.”

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

• Company plans mid-2018 commencement of adult-use market sales in Canada as it addresses medical segment opportunity
• The firm received its cultivation license during the fourth quarter of 2017, anticipates receiving its sales license by May
• Phillip Millar, MMG president, said company’s portfolio includes genetic strain that holds the highest level of CBD in Canada, sees potential in medical segment and for European export

Golden Leaf Holdings, Ltd. (OTCQB: GLDFF) (CSE: GLH) recently announced that its subsidiary, Medical Marijuana Group (“MMG”), has received its first order of genetics at its St. Thomas, Ontario facility as it transitions from a production location to a functioning plant-growing unit (http://ibn.fm/8l4tD). The move comes after MMG received its cultivation license in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The firm anticipates receiving its sales license by May, and it has already prepared applications for licenses for oil extraction and wholesale. The plants received at the St. Thomas location are expected to be ready for cultivation in three months, the company said, and it anticipates additional shipments in the future.

GLDFF is a Canadian company with operations in Oregon, Nevada and Canada, and it is one of the largest cannabis oil and solution providers in North America. GLDFF cultivates, extracts, manufactures and distributes its products through its own branded Chalice Farm retail dispensaries, as well as third-party dispensaries. Its advantages include a scalable and proprietary supply chain, low cost production of cannabis supply oils, high brand equity and a proven business model that’s exportable to other states.

“MMG Canada has bold expansion plans for 2018 as its prepares for the commencement of adult-use market sales in Canada in mid-2018, and to adequately address the ever-increasing medical segment opportunity,” William Simpson, CEO of the company, stated in a news release.

The company’s portfolio includes a genetic strain which holds the highest level of CBD in Canada. Phillip Millar, MMG president, added, “This genetic is extremely valuable in the medical market and also holds tremendous potential for European export. We are encouraged by the strong demand for our high-quality THC strains that we expect will provide a strong platform for dynamic growth across Canada.”

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

• YiLo has now received a California state license to manufacture and cultivate cannabis
• YiLo is increasing its product line with introduction of additional CBD products and the ‘Jamyn’ brand of edibles
• Company operates in Arizona, with wholesale operations and the YiLo Superstore on Thunderbird Road in Phoenix, and plans wholesale distribution throughout California

YiLoLife, Inc. (“YiLo”), a cannabis holding company, is setting plans in place to expand into California from its Arizona base. YiLo is now developing operations in California for cultivating and manufacturing products. It has acquired a 34,000 square foot warehouse on a 4.66 acre parcel and also obtained a California state license enabling it to cultivate, manufacture and distribute within the state, according to Carsten Loelke, founder and CEO.

The company is currently working on building out the warehouse to ready it for the processing of its products. YiLo notes that the facility can be expanded to up to 130,000 square feet.

The Phoenix-based company is already operational in the neighboring state of Arizona, where it distributes its line of YiLo-branded edibles, such as soft gels and gummies, drinks and other THC and CBD products, to dispensaries statewide. It also operates the YiLo Superstore on 2841 W Thunderbird Road in Phoenix.

YiLoLife, Inc.’s goal is to become a public company listed on the NASDAQ. To achieve that, the company is seeking to attract more shareholders, as required to qualify to be listed on the exchange. “It’s a new era for cannabis. There’s never been a better time to invest,” Loelke said.

California is developing the largest cannabis market in the world, and YiLo’s expansion could mean an even more lucrative investment for its shareholders.

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

• Cannabis industry expected to reach $24.5 billion in sales within four years
• Company expanding into Canada ahead of expected nationwide legalization
• Medical diagnostic device set for clinical tests to validate detection of STDs

With the sunny investment disposition toward marijuana and blockchain-related industries carrying over from late 2017’s marketplace into the new year (http://ibn.fm/0jJdm), Florida-based Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTC: ETST) is optimistic about its ability to serve the medical and recreational needs of a growing population of cannabis users. The biotechnology company has established a research agreement with the University of Central Oklahoma and DV Biologics Laboratory to study and advance the health care benefits of its high-grade hemp CBD oil, placed its cannabidiol (CBD) food products in retail stores throughout the country, established a non-profit foundation to help underprivileged patients use its products and acquired Quebec, Canada-based Canna Inno Laboratories Inc. in a bid to expand into that country as it prepares to legalize the recreational use of marijuana on a national basis later this year.

Earth Science Tech, Inc. announced in May 2014 that it was entering the legal cannabis and medical marijuana industry as a natural progression of its mission to deliver wellness and alternative medicine options to American consumers. In the nearly four years since, a growing number of states have legalized medicinal and recreational uses for marijuana derivatives as popular sentiment has shifted toward acceptance of the drug despite its continued classification as a controlled substance by the federal government. The revolution in Canada that is expected to result in full legalization this summer has outpaced U.S. attitudes and provided a near-neighbor alternative for U.S. businesses that continue to encounter market obstacles at home.

Variances in forecasts about the market potential for the legal cannabis industry are measured in billions of dollars nowadays; cannabis industry analysts Arcview Market Research, in partnership with BDS Analytics, predicts that the market will reach $24.5 billion in sales within the next three to four years with a 28 percent CAGR that follows on a 33 percent increase between 2016 and 2017 despite ongoing federal prohibition (http://ibn.fm/of9OR). As this market potential grows, Earth Science Tech is working to uplist under the OTCQB’s regulations for new Tier II Regulation A+ companies, with hopes for SEC approval by March.

The proposed uplisting will underpin efforts to raise an additional $4 million in operating capital so the company can complete planned projects advancing its brand in the United States and Canada. In December, Earth Science Tech announced a CBD product revamp and brand education strategy (http://ibn.fm/vyiCM) that it expected to launch by the end of January, along with a renewed push for major donors to help its non-profit foundation and a collaboration with a start-up accelerator in Canada to help it ramp up its brand awareness.

In February, the company plans to begin a nine-month series of human clinical trials on its new CBD formulation, which is designed to decrease cravings and the negative effects of withdrawal in addicts. If the trials prove successful, the product is set to launch in 2019 as a new addition to the stable of Earth Science Tech patent-pending offerings.

“We look to hit the ground running in 2018 with all we have lined-up in the first quarter,” president, director and COO Nickolas Tabraue stated in a news release. “We have other exciting discussions that are progressing well, and we will share those once any material developments have been finalized. Our story and vision will be seen very soon and we greatly appreciate all who have believed in us since the beginning.”

Another aspect of Earth Science Tech’s mission is to develop low-cost, noninvasive home-use diagnostic tools for sexually transmitted infections and/or diseases. The company’s first medical device has been labeled MSN-2, which is set for clinical tests under an agreement with Laboratories BNK Canada to ensure the device meets regulatory requirements as part of the company’s bid to meet the specific needs of women. Earth Science Tech has already established the MSN-2 device’s ability to detect chlamydia, and it now aims to validate similar results for gonorrhea, another sexually transmitted disease that can have permanent consequences for patients if untreated. The company also plans to add testing to detect the different serotypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer. The diagnostic testing market for STDs is expected to grow to $108 billion by 2019, according to Transparency Market Research.

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

• IEG Holdings plans to create its own gold metal-backed cryptocurrency for consumer loans and consumer loan repayments
• The company’s loans offer interest rates that are significantly lower than payday lenders
• Adoption of blockchain technology offers substantial growth potential

On January 10, 2018, consumer loan provider IEG Holdings Corp. (OTCQB: IEGH) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Investment Evolution Crypto, LLC, is negotiating to purchase a gold project with prospecting licenses and known gold resources. The corporation plans to use a gold resource for the creation of its own gold metal-backed cryptocurrency, with a view to offering loans and accepting loan repayments through blockchain technology. Investment Evolution Crypto has not started mineral operations as yet, but it is currently developing plans to explore these crypto/blockchain opportunities. These efforts will include an evaluation of the legalities and associated economic risks.

Unlike other digital currencies like bitcoin, ether, Ripple and Litecoin, IEG Holdings’ cryptocurrency will be backed by gold and registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) as a security.

In a news release, the company’s chairman and CEO, Paul Mathieson, had this to say about the venture: “We believe potentially combining the exciting new blockchain technology with the hard asset of gold metal, expected SEC registration, a leading sophisticated online consumer finance system and individual U.S. state lending licenses is a very exciting proposition. In addition, we believe the future leaders of the crypto/blockchain sector will be companies that are materially compliant with all the existing and future related U.S. government legislation. We aim for IEGH to leverage off its existing fintech business credentials, specifically its extensive experience in online consumer loans, to potentially be a key player in the crypto/blockchain sector.”

IEG Holdings, based in Las Vegas, is a global leader in consumer finance and provides small-sized online personal loans to consumers in the United States. Through its operating subsidiary, Investment Evolution Corporation, the company offers loans under the brand “Mr. Amazing Loans.” Mr. Amazing Loans is a fintech company that specializes in providing loan amounts of $5,000 to $10,000 to consumers through a professional, user-friendly website. IEG Holdings’ loans are unsecured consumer loans with a five-year maturity period and interest rates that are significantly lower than payday lenders.

Through Mr. Amazing Loans, consumer loans receive same-day processing, with no prepayment penalty and no hidden or additional fees. Repayment interest rates are fixed at an annual percentage rate (APR) of 29.9 percent or less for the life of the loan.

According to the Center for Responsible Lending, typical payday lenders charge interest rates ranging from 391 percent to 521 percent APR on loans from $100 to $1,000 (http://ibn.fm/XyAYf). Terms presented by Mr. Amazing Loans offer low fixed repayments which fit into consumer budgets in an effort to ensure that they strengthen their financial positions. Loans may be approved on the same day of application, and funds are deposited directly into approved consumers’ bank accounts.

IEG Holdings is licensed and/or holds certificates of authority to originate loans in 20 states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. All loans are processed and serviced through the company’s corporate offices in Las Vegas, which eliminates the need for physical offices in each state where the company is licensed to conduct business.

While IEG Holdings’ primary goal is to create its own gold metal-backed cryptocurrency, it will explore the acceptance of established digital currencies, like bitcoin, for consumer loan repayment. With its foray into the rapidly growing blockchain space, 2018 promises to be a year of substantial growth for the company.

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

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