STATELESS NATIONAL OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY CHARGED WITH VISA FRAUD

STATELESS NATIONAL OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

CHARGED WITH VISA FRAUD

Defendant lied about involvement with violence along Gaza-Israel border

BOSTON – A stateless national was charged today in federal court in Boston with fraudulent procurement of a U.S. visa and making false statements regarding acts of violence he committed against the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) along the Gaza-Israel border. 

Waad Alzerei, 19, a stateless national of the Palestinian Authority, was charged with visa fraud and making materially false statements.  He is currently in ICE custody and will appear U.S. District Court in Boston this afternoon.

According to the charging documents, on Feb. 27, 2019, Alzerei arrived at Boston’s Logan International Airport on flight from Paris, France, which originated in Cairo, Egypt. Shortly thereafter, two Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers interviewed Alzerei to determine whether he met the admissibility requirements to enter the United States.  Alzerei identified himself as a Palestinian citizen and presented a tourist visa. 

He claimed that he was coming to the United States in order to receive medical treatment, but was unable to produce any medical documentation to verify the claim and, instead, presented medical paperwork from 2018.  The CBP officers determined that Alzerei had traveled to the United States in 2017 for a six-month stay.  Alzerei, who had his leg amputated above the knee, was fitted for and provided with a prosthetic leg at the time.   

During a subsequent interview, Alzerei allegedly told CBP officers that he lost his leg on Oct. 23, 2015, when he was shot by a stray bullet from the IDF while picking olives in a field near the Gaza-Israel border. Alzerei stated that, at the time he was shot, there were no protests going on and he was not involved in any type of riot, rally, or demonstration. The CBP officers asked Alzerei if he had ever been “involved in any border riots, rallies, or demonstrations” in his life, and Alzerei responded, “No.” 

The CBP officers then conducted a search of Alzerei’s cell phone and found numerous images and videos demonstrating that Alzerei had a possible affiliation with members of Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Hamas, both of which have been designated by the U.S. Government as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) since 1997. CBP officers allegedly found photographs that were taken of Alzerei hurling large rocks at the IDF on Oct. 23, 2015, the day he was shot in the leg near the Gaza-Israel border. 

After reviewing the images and videos on Alzerei’s phone, CBP officers conducted another interview with Alzerei, where he admitted that the images depicted him on Oct. 23, 2015—hours before he was shot—slinging rocks at Israeli troops near the Gaza-Israel border. Alzerei allegedly said that he lied on his visa application and to the U.S. Consulate about the circumstances surrounding his injured leg in order to obtain a tourist visa. Alzerei told the CBP officers that he lied because he did not want to get arrested by the Israelis, and also because he knew he would not get a U.S. visa if he told the truth about his activities on Oct. 23, 2015.   

The charge of visa fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; William Ferrara, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Field Office made the announcement today.  The investigation was conducted by the FBI Boston’s Joint Terrorism Task Force with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys B. Stephanie Siegmann and Jason Casey of Lelling’s National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations.  The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

首屆波士頓台灣電影展訂5/26-27在MIT舉辦

           (Boston Orange)波士頓台灣影展籌備小組歷經數月商討，聯繫後，現已初步確定在麻省理工學院場地舉辦，日期訂為五月26，27兩日，預計放映5部紀錄片，首波主打"我們的青春，在台灣"，並安排有映後座談會，導演傅榆將親自出席與觀眾對話。
          以下為籌辦小組發佈在臉書上的資訊:
【5/26-5/27 波士頓台灣影展 Taiwan Film Festival @ MIT】
📣首波主打《我們的青春，在台灣》+傅榆導演映後座談會
Let's welcome OUR YOUTH IN TAIWAN and director Fu Yue to Taiwan Film Festival in Boston!📢
《我們的青春，在台灣》
▍告別青春、走向成熟的故事，總是發生在世界各地的年輕生命裡。本片主角們的青春夢想，是藉由反抗體制，追求一個更好的國家，卻在動盪的兩岸關係裡，變成歷史的一部份。
一個反抗中國的台灣學運明星、一個喜愛台灣的中國學生、一個政治狂熱的台灣紀錄片工作者，他們之間理應充滿矛盾，卻在社會運動裡找到合作的可能性。在一場台灣24年來最大型的社會運動之後，他們從接近成功的巔峰，逐漸墜入失望的谷底，曾經堅持的理想，還有可能延續嗎？
《Our Youth in Taiwan》
▍Stories about bidding farewell to one’s youth and growing up are commonplace. The dream shared by the protagonists in the film is to build a better country by rebelling against the current establishment. However, their fight becomes part of history in the turbulent relations between Taiwan and China.
A celebrity Taiwanese student fighting against China, a Chinese student who loves Taiwan, and a Taiwan documentary filmmaker passionate about politics - they should have clashed with one another, but instead find common grounds for collaboration in the social movements. After the biggest social movement in Taiwan in 24 years, they were close to realizing their goals but, ultimately, were let down again. Is it still possible for them to continue fighting for the ideals they had been pursuing?
#TaiwanFilmFestival #sunflowermovement
#第55屆金馬獎最佳紀錄片

中華網協職業展為學子鋪搭職場關係

波士頓留學生網有不少探問者。(張雨坤攝)

           (Boston Orange 張雨坤波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華資訊網路協會(NECINA)3月17日在波士頓大學健身娛樂中心舉辦職業峰會，以四名專業人士分享經驗的圓桌討論、模擬面試和招聘攤位，提供許多有用資訊，吸引了大約250人出席。

會場在波士頓大學健身中心。(張雨坤攝)

當天擺攤招聘的企業包括網腦科技(NetBrain)，紐約人壽，Segway，英代爾(Intel)，Cutler & Wilensky和MT Law兩家律師事務所，萬家網(Boston Web Power)，NASU，雨計算(Rain Computing)，AuthRight，Liepin，波士頓留學生網，誓約科技(Pledge Technologies)，Couree，中美波士頓創新中心(CUBIC)，網協企業家俱樂部會員公司等。

戴晨方律師(左)和求職者面談。(張雨坤攝)

在圓桌討論部分，四名詹業人士分別來自科技、金融、生物科技和移民法律四個領域，主要為學生們解答關於找工作和簽證方面的疑問。

金融專家、Santander Bank的副首席量化分析師張智禕說，學生們最想要了解的是如何從學校過渡到第一份工作，而他很樂意跟學生們分享自己的經驗和職場信息。

            會場上的模擬面試，不只給出席者一次鍛煉面試的機會，還有20多名面試導師根據求職者情況，量身打造的提供建議。

波士頓大學機械工程系學生康芝昕說，學校的職業中心往往只是修改簡歷的格式，但她從NECINA的模擬面試，得到很多針對她個人情況的建議。

NECINA的多名董事，幹部當天親自上場服務，擔任面試導師。

在賽默飛世爾(Thermo Fisher Scientific)任職的鄭茹表示，“我見過的很多職業展，只是有人擺個攤位、修下履歷表，但我們的模擬面試有培訓和諮詢的性質，幫出席者評估一下現有情況，這是很有價值的”。

鄭茹指出，很多求職者，不管經驗多寡，都有目標不清晰的問題。 “如果你不能想像自己五年之後在做什麼，你就會浪費很多時間。”她說。

Parametric 科技公司的陶東斌說，“我們年輕時走了很多彎路，很希望現在的年輕人能早點得到忠告。當年我們甚至沒有想過要去參加這樣的活動。但年輕世代現在願意花時間來參加，本身就是一種進步。”

            陶東斌說，來參加模擬面試的人，不僅有年輕學生，還有已經有經驗但很久沒找過工作的人，而他會根據不同狀況提供建議。

            當天的職業展示場，有半個室內籃球場那麼大，十幾家公司擺出了招聘攤位，許多是找IT，管理和市場行銷人才的。

            英代爾(Intel)的張歡歡說，該公司參加職業峰會是想和求職者建立聯繫，告訴他們哪個方向有工作機會。當天早上，他們就已收到大約20份簡歷。

律師事務所Cutler Wilensky在找一名市場溝通和營銷人才。NetBrain這家有350名員工、總部在伯靈頓(Burlington)的技術諮詢公司，招聘軟件工程師和質量工程師。

當天參加NECINA職業峰會的人，經驗背景各異。東北大學的Deeraj Mandya Gopala說，他是從Eventbrite上知道這活動的，想來找項目管理方面的工作。來自Salisbury的Jane，因為孩子長大了而想重回職場，但她只是來觀摩，沒帶簡歷。來自廣東的黃子豪去年畢業，現在佛蒙特州(Vermont)一家公司上班，這週末專門來波士頓找數據科學(data science)方面的機會。他說在這次峰會上“認識了很多人”，還說，“在北美居然能用國語交流，很特別。”

負責籌辦這次峰會的徐永光表示，和去年相比，今年的峰會舉辦場地對學生來說交通比較方便。 “對於剛畢業的學生來說，他們的業界關係非常少，我們辦職業展的初衷，就是給他們一個平台，讓他們建立關係，這可能是他們職業生涯的轉折”。

Governor Baker Files Legislation to Establish Innovation Partnership Zones Within School Districts

Governor Baker Files Legislation to Establish Innovation Partnership Zones Within School Districts

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker filed legislation that will allow local school districts to establish Innovation Partnership Zones as a way to address school underperformance or to encourage innovation. An Act to Enable the Establishment of Innovation Partnership Zones creates a framework to facilitate and simplify the process for establishing zones among a group of schools, giving local educators more autonomy and authority to make decisions in the best interest of their students.

“Every student in the Commonwealth should receive a quality education, no matter where they live, and as part of this effort we are committed to improving under performing schools through this proposal,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “Innovation Partnership Zones are a collaborative approach that will empower local educators on the ground by giving them more tools to make necessary changes to provide better learning environments for all students and we look forward to working with the Legislature to pass this bill.”

The bill defines an Innovation Partnership Zone as a group of at least two schools or one school enrolling more than 1,000 students that is governed by a board of directors with the approval of the local school committee or the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

“This approach is working successfully in Springfield and we are focused on replicating the model in other struggling districts around the state to produce positive results,”said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Innovation Partnership Zones can empower local communities to structure their schools in new and innovative ways to address the unique needs of their own students.”

Established in 2015, the Springfield Empowerment Partnership Zone is a partnership among the state, Springfield school officials, a board of directors, and the Springfield teachers union, and is composed of nine middle schools and Commerce High School.  Educators at each school – primarily principals working with teacher leadership teams – have discretion over scheduling, school site budgets, hiring, working conditions, curriculum, and professional development.

The teachers’ union contract for the Springfield Zone schools includes higher teacher salaries, as well as additional time for teacher professional development, increased flexibility over the length of school days and school years, and new roles for teacher leaders. 

The Governor’s legislation would establish a framework so the Springfield model can be replicated in other school districts. Last legislative session, Governor Baker supported similar legislation filed by Senator Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow) and Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley).

“Schools themselves need to be the primary unit of change in order to stimulate innovation and drive meaningful change,” said Education Secretary James Peyser.“Superintendents and other local leaders have asked for new tools and opportunities to make significant improvements as an alternative to state receivership or as a vehicle for accelerating and sustaining innovation.”

“I’m interested in any tool that will help communities come together for the benefit of students,” Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley said. “School improvement is difficult work that can benefit from innovative thinking.”

“I have been impressed by the work being done in the Springfield Empowerment Zone and the enthusiasm for the model expressed by the teachers and principal with whom I met. It is critical that all districts have the flexibility to do what best serves the students and that is why I have also filed legislation to facilitate a broader adoption of the practice that has so well served Springfield,” said Rep. Alice Peisch.

“I stand, with my Superintendent Dan Warwick in support of this education legislation. Based off our own Springfield Empowerment Zone experience, this very unique, respectful and collaborative partnership between our business community, teacher’s union, families and students, has combined, what we do well in our public system with the flexibility of a charter system – ‘in this initiative, everyone has a seat at the table,’”said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “The bottom line here, is what’s best for our students and families, especially in an urban setting, to show them that they can and will succeed.”

“The Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership has been very positive for the city’s public school district. The increased flexibilities and autonomies that are given to schools under this model has allowed us to make progress in some very challenging schools because school leaders are supported in a way that allows them to make bold, sometimes unprecedented, changes to effectively address the specific challenges facing their schools. The model provides a space that encourages and embraces results-driven creativity,” said Springfield School Superintendent Daniel J. Warwick.

Under the legislation, a superintendent, mayor, local teachers’ union, school committee members, teachers, or a group of parents can initiate the process to create an Innovation Partnership Zone.  For schools that are performing in the approximately lowest 15% of all schools statewide, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may also initiate a zone as an alternative to receivership or as a transition out of receivership, under state-local governing boards.

In all cases, an Innovation Partnership Zone would only be implemented after extensive consultation with local officials, stakeholders, educators, and parents.  Zones would operate subject to renewable five-year performance agreements between the zone’s board and the local school committee or the state’s Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.

How it Works:

·         A wide pool of community members can initiate an IPZ – including parents

·         The Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education can initiate an IPZ for schools in need of assistance or intervention

·         An IPZ board of directors, with local members appointed by either school committee or Commissioner, oversees the approved IPZ proposal and five-year operating plan

·         The board of directors can contract with eligible operating entities for day to day management of zone schools –  nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, or groups of experienced educators

·         Zone schools receive a minimum of 85% of average per pupil funding for the district

·         Zones have the ability to negotiate directly with the local teachers union for changes to facilitate zone objectives , with expedited dispute resolution procedures for schools in need of assistance or intervention

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Grants to Support Promotion of Massachusetts Seafood Industry

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Grants to Support Promotion of Massachusetts Seafood Industry

Research Grants Will Enhance Seafood Marketing and Fishing Infrastructure

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $116,034 in grants for research projects that will support efforts to increase awareness and demand for Massachusetts seafood products. Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton announced the grants at the Seafood Export North America Trade Show while cutting a ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the first “Massachusetts Avenue,” a collection of several of the state’s seafood companies presenting together at the show, organized by two EEA agencies to highlight the sustainability, diversity, and economic impact of the Commonwealth’s fisheries.

“The Commonwealth’s commercial fishing industry and fishing ports contribute greatly to the Massachusetts economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By supporting these research projects, our Administration is proud to provide the fishing industry the most thorough and up-to-date information possible to better promote sustainably-harvested local seafood.”

“Through programs like the Seafood Marketing Grant Program, our Administration is working to ensure the continued vibrancy of our coastal communities and food economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The seafood marketing grants announced today will support the research and advocacy needed to increase awareness and demand for Massachusetts seafood products.”

The grants were awarded through the Division of Marine Fisheries’ (DMF) Seafood Marketing Grant Program, created three years ago to enhance the viability and stabilize the economic environment for local commercial fishing and seafood industries and communities.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to supporting the continued viability of the Commonwealth’s seafood industry, which employs about 100,000 people and has an economic impact of $2 billion,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “This year, our Seafood Marketing Grant Program is focused on funding research to ensure new information will be available to those working in our commercial fishing and seafood industries.”

The following projects received grants:

$25,000 - Fishing Partnership Support Services: Involving Massachusetts Fishermen in Seafood Traceability Programs

The Fishing Partnership will research current seafood traceability programs and present the information to fishermen and stakeholders across the Commonwealth to inform them of opportunities and technologies. The Fishing Partnership will conduct roundtable discussions to gather feedback concerning the most effective ways to increase participation in traceability programs so that fishermen can receive a premium price for their catch thus improving the economic security of Massachusetts fishing families.  

$41,034 - Urban Harbors Institute at University of Massachusetts Boston: Developing Port Profiles and a Commercial Fishing Infrastructure Assessment for Massachusetts Coastal Harbors

Urban Harbors Institute will gather information for each fishing harbor in Massachusetts by conducting a survey, interviews, an analysis of existing data, and research to develop unique port profiles to ensure that the space, infrastructure, and amenity needs of the commercial fishing communities are met, and that decision-makers are informed about existing inventory so that municipalities and communities can have a benchmark and improve upon current conditions.

$50,000 - Michael T. Carroll and Josh Weirsma: Assessing Massachusetts Consumer Preferences to Purchase Local and Fully Traceable Seafood

The authors will create a survey tool to assess consumer preferences for local, fully traceable seafood to better understand the purchasing decisions and attitudes towards Massachusetts seafood products and attributes. The research will be administered to seafood shoppers at major supermarkets across different regions of the state to inform stakeholders about the New England ground fish market.

The research reports generated by the grant awardees will be spread statewide and beyond to inform the work of organizations, advocates, municipalities, and others about Massachusetts’ port infrastructure, consumer preferences for local seafood, and fishermen’s approach to traceability technology. The stakeholder engagement, literature reviews, and surveys done by the awardees will advance the efforts of those with similar goals as DMF.

“Support for the Massachusetts Avenue includes funding from our Seafood Marketing Program, which seeks to increase consumer awareness and preference for local seafood products,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Amidon.”The program supports the state’s commercial fishing and seafood industries and communities through many efforts, including the seafood marketing grant program.”

“MDAR is pleased to have facilitated USDA funds to offset costs for the Massachusetts Avenue seafood businesses," said Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux. "Bay State seafood companies have been awarded over $310,000 annually since 2011. MDAR has been accessing export market development programs and services for seafood through the USDA cooperator "Food Export" since 2004.”

The “Massachusetts Avenue,” organized by DFG’s Division of Marine Fisheries and the Department of Agricultural Resources, aims to highlight the economic impact of the industry and the focus on sustainability while promoting this opportunity to meet customers. Massachusetts Avenue participants included: Aquacultural Research Corporation Hatchery (ARC), Dennis; Cape Seafoods, Gloucester; Intershell International , Gloucester; John Nagle Company, Boston; North Atlantic Pacific Seafood, Gloucester;  Pangea Shellfish Company, Boston; Plymouth Rock Oyster Company, Plymouth; and Red’s Best, Boston. More than 40 other Massachusetts businesses promoted and sold seafood products at the Seafood Expo North America.

“We are proud to be participating in the Massachusetts Avenue, a showcase to communicate to the world our well managed and sustainable fisheries including scallops, oysters, striped bass and of course, lobster, clams, cod and haddock, as well as lesser known species such as black bass, scup and mackerel,”  said Charles M. Nagle, Owner, The John Nagle Company.  “As we begin our 132^nd year of family ownership, we expect to continue supporting local fishermen and fisheries for many more years to come.”

DMF’s Seafood Marketing Program works to educate people on seafood availability, preparation, health benefits, economic contribution and environmental sustainability through printed material, events, partnerships and more.

“The Seafood Marketing Grant Program continues to further our knowledge of our local seafood, and strengthen our partnerships with the commercial fishing and seafood industries and families,” said DMF Director David Pierce.

“I appreciate any and all investments that can be made to highlight the important fishing industry in Massachusetts,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer). “These grants will help in long term planning for continued viability to make sure we have plenty of fish from the sea to our tables.”

“Our commercial fishing industry is not only an important part of our heritage, it is also critical for our future,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). That’s why it’s important that we invest in its evolution and adaptation, so that it can continue to support fishing families and fishing ports while providing a prime food source for our country.” 

“The Massachusetts Seafood Marketing Steering Committee has been working diligently for ways to get the word out nationally and internationally that we have the best seafood in the world.  In order to do that, we have to know what the consumer wants and utilize modern technology to deliver,” said State Representative Susan Gifford (R-Wareham). “We must also capitalize on the resources readily available and work on the underdeveloped areas that currently are not allowing us to reach our full potential.  These grants will be instrumental in providing information we need, and I thank the Baker-Polito Administration for their commitment to this very valuable part of our economy.”

“I am proud to see Massachusetts’ seafood industry continues to remain at the forefront of innovation and expansion,” said State Representative Paul Schmid III (D-Westport). “By investing in local companies and research, we are working to improve the sustainability of the commonwealth’s blue economy which has been nationally recognized as one of the best.”

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is responsible for promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Commonwealth's natural resources. DFG, with its divisions including the Division of Marine Fisheries, carries out this mission through land protection and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and wildlife species, and ecological restoration of fresh water, salt water, and terrestrial habitats. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

IBM Blockchain World Wire - A new global payment network launched

IBM Blockchain World Wire, a New Global Payment Network, to Support Payments and Foreign Exchange in More Than 50 Countries

Provides real time settlement using a variety of digital assets

SINGAPORE, March 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- MONEY 20/20: IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced IBM Blockchain World Wire, a real-time global payments network for regulated financial institutions, is officially accessible in a growing number of markets.

Designed to optimize and accelerate foreign exchange, cross border payments and remittances, World Wire is the first blockchain network of its kind to integrate payment messaging, clearing and settlement on a single unified network, while allowing participants to dynamically choose from a variety of digital assets for settlement.

"We've created a new type of payment network designed to accelerate remittances and transform cross-border payments to facilitate the movement of money in countries that need it most," said Marie Wieck, General Manager, IBM Blockchain. "By creating a network where financial institutions support multiple digital assets, we expect to spur innovation and improve financial inclusion worldwide."

Today World Wire has enabled payment locations in 72 countries, with 47 currencies and 44 banking endpoints.  Local regulations will continue to guide activation, and IBM is actively growing the network with additional financial institutions globally.

World Wire provides a more straight-through model for cross border payments using the Stellar protocol that makes money transfers point-to-point in lieu of the complexities of conventional correspondent banking. It reduces intermediaries and allows users to accelerate settlement time often in seconds by transmitting monetary value in the form of digital assets, commonly known as cryptocurrencies or "stable coins." This simplified approach improves operational efficiency and liquidity management, streamlining payment reconciliation and reducing overall transaction costs for financial institutions. 

The network already supports settlement using Stellar Lumens and a U.S. dollar stable coin through IBM's previously-announced collaboration with Stronghold.  Pending regulatory approvals and other reviews, six international banks, including Banco Bradesco, Bank Busan, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), have signed letters of intent to issue their own stable coins on World Wire, adding Euro, Indonesian Rupiah, Philippine Peso, Korean Won and Brazilian Real stable coins to the network. IBM will continue to expand the ecosystem of settlement assets based on client demand.

"Bradesco continuously adopts innovation that enhances customer experience and improves efficiency," said Luiz Carlos Brandao Cavalcanti Junior, Innovation and Digital Channels Executive Director, Banco Bradesco. "The World Wire Network addresses both of these aspects, and therefore presents a valuable opportunity for Bradesco and its customers in Brazil."

"RCBC is pleased to be an early innovator with plans to issue our own Peso stable coin on World Wire, pending final approval from our regulators," said Manny T. Narcisco, First Senior Vice-President, RCBC. "We're focused on innovation that adds value for our customers, and World Wire presents a tremendous opportunity to transform and enhance our payment infrastructure."

World Wire is now in limited production and available in a growing number of countries.  Interested organizations can learn more at https://www.ibm.com/blockchain/solutions/world-wire.