Chicago, Illinois

Virtual Assets, Inc. d/b/a Crypto Dispensers today announced the promotion of Vladimir Serna to Chief Operating Officer as the company continues scaling Bitcoin POP™, its software-driven retail cash deposit infrastructure designed to give cash-dependent users a modern alternative to traditional Bitcoin ATMs.

Through Bitcoin POP™, customers generate a barcode directly inside their Crypto Dispensers account, visit a participating retail checkout location, and add cash to their Crypto Dispensers balance by presenting the barcode to the cashier along with the amount of cash they wish to load. Once funds become available and required verification steps are complete, customers may use their balance to purchase Bitcoin directly through the platform.

The announcement comes during a major transition period for the broader Bitcoin ATM industry as operators across the sector face increasing scrutiny from state regulators, consumer protection agencies, financial institutions, and law enforcement surrounding fraud prevention, transaction monitoring, licensing requirements, and compliance obligations tied to cash-to-cryptocurrency activity.

The industry has experienced significant instability in recent years, including the collapse of Coin Cloud, enforcement actions involving Bitcoin of America, and most recently the bankruptcy filing of Bitcoin Depot, previously the largest Bitcoin ATM operator in North America.

Crypto Dispensers says these developments reinforced a belief the company began forming years ago: that the long-term future of cash-to-Bitcoin access would eventually move away from loosely monitored standalone kiosk infrastructure and toward more integrated systems combining traditional financial controls with modern Bitcoin access.

“We believed the industry would eventually evolve beyond the earlier Bitcoin ATM model,” said Firas Isa, founder of Crypto Dispensers. “Not because people stopped wanting Bitcoin, and not because cash users disappeared, but because the infrastructure itself needed to mature.”

Instead of continuing to focus primarily on physical Bitcoin kiosks, Crypto Dispensers says it made the strategic decision years ago to begin investing heavily into Bitcoin POP™ and retail cash deposit infrastructure built around customer accounts, software systems, transaction monitoring, retail integrations, and direct wallet delivery.

The company says one of the biggest differences between Bitcoin POP™ and many earlier-generation Bitcoin ATM models is that the retail cash deposit infrastructure operates within a more traditional financial framework that includes transaction limits, account verification requirements, monitoring systems, and oversight controls imposed by regulated financial institutions participating in the retail cash-loading process.

Current limits allow customers to add up to $500 per transaction, $1,500 per day, $3,500 per week, and $5,000 per month through the retail cash deposit system.

Crypto Dispensers says those controls represented an intentional departure from parts of the earlier Bitcoin ATM industry, where some operators historically allowed significantly larger daily transaction activity through standalone kiosk infrastructure.

“We realized early on that the future was going to require merging traditional financial infrastructure with Bitcoin access,” Isa said. “That meant accepting slower growth, stricter controls, transaction limits, monitoring systems, onboarding requirements, and building around long-term sustainability instead of short-term volume.”

The company says that decision fundamentally changed how Crypto Dispensers approached the business.

“We were not interested in building infrastructure dependent on one-time high-risk transactions,” Isa added. “We wanted to build a real product for legitimate everyday users who rely on cash and still deserve access to Bitcoin in a way that is structured, scalable, and sustainable long term.”

Crypto Dispensers says Bitcoin POP™ was designed specifically for cash-dependent users who may not have access to traditional banking products or who continue relying heavily on cash as part of their everyday financial lives.

The company says the platform preserves many of the features users valued most about Bitcoin ATMs, including convenience, speed, nationwide accessibility, and the ability to use cash, while eliminating much of the physical hardware infrastructure traditionally associated with large kiosk networks.

“A lot of the earlier Bitcoin ATM industry operated during what was effectively the Wild West period of crypto,” Isa said. “As the industry matured, expectations around consumer protection, compliance infrastructure, transaction monitoring, and operational controls matured with it. We believed the companies willing to evolve early would ultimately be the ones still standing long term.”

Crypto Dispensers says the company’s nearly decade-long operating history reflects that long-term approach as the broader Bitcoin ATM industry continues consolidating under increasing regulatory and operational pressure.

The company also says it believes direct ownership remains one of Bitcoin’s most important principles.

“A growing number of users want Bitcoin they actually control,” Isa added. “They want the ability to buy Bitcoin and send it directly to a wallet they own themselves instead of leaving it indefinitely inside custodial platforms. We think that matters.”

As Chief Operating Officer, Serna will oversee the continued expansion of Crypto Dispensers’ operational infrastructure, customer support systems, retail cash deposit growth initiatives, and payment operations as the company continues scaling Bitcoin POP™ nationwide.

“Vladimir has played a major role in helping us build the operational foundation behind this transition,” Isa said. “He understands the customer side, the operational side, and the infrastructure side of the business, and he has been instrumental in helping us scale responsibly while maintaining a strong focus on user experience.”

Serna originally joined Crypto Dispensers in customer support before taking on broader operational leadership responsibilities across payment systems, growth initiatives, support operations, and infrastructure development.

Crypto Dispensers currently supports multiple payment methods including in-store cash deposits, debit card purchases, ACH transfers, wire transfers, and crypto exchange services through its partner ecosystem.

About Crypto Dispensers

Crypto Dispensers is a cryptocurrency platform operated by Virtual Assets, Inc., focused on helping users buy Bitcoin through multiple payment methods including in-store cash deposits, debit card, ACH transfer, wire transfer, and other modern payment rails. The company emphasizes direct wallet delivery, customer support, and modern infrastructure designed to improve Bitcoin accessibility for everyday users.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

https://cryptodispensers.com

Important Disclosures:

Retail cash-loading services are provided separately by participating financial service providers. Cryptocurrency services are provided separately by Crypto Dispensers and its partners. Retailers do not sell Bitcoin or provide cryptocurrency services. Funds are typically available within minutes after the retail cash-loading transaction is completed, subject to verification and account review requirements.

Las Vegas, NV

Brian Ferdinand has been named a recipient of the 2026 International Quantitative Strategy Leadership Award, recognizing his contributions to systematic trading, risk-managed portfolio design, and data-driven investment execution across global financial markets.

The award is presented annually by the International Council for Quantitative Finance and honors professionals who demonstrate measurable consistency in algorithmic trading, portfolio optimization, and adaptive market strategy development. Recipients are evaluated on analytical discipline, innovation in quantitative methodologies, and long-term risk-adjusted performance.

Ferdinand was recognized for maintaining a structured investment framework centered on capital preservation, statistical modeling, and scalable trading systems designed to operate across changing market conditions.

“In trading, sustainability matters more than short-term momentum,” Ferdinand said. “A strong process allows you to remain disciplined regardless of market cycles.”

According to the council, the selection process includes a review of portfolio methodology, systematic execution practices, and peer analysis from institutional finance professionals and quantitative researchers.

As institutional markets continue shifting toward automation and advanced analytics, awards such as the International Quantitative Strategy Leadership Award reflect the growing importance of disciplined infrastructure, repeatable systems, and risk-conscious investment management within modern trading environments.

About Brian Ferdinand Portfolio Manager & Trader, EverForward:

Brian Ferdinand is a Portfolio Manager and Trader at EverForward, where he is responsible for portfolio construction, active trading, and firm-wide capital deployment. He leads EverForward’s trading operations with a disciplined focus on execution quality, structured risk management, and consistent performance across varying market environments.

His work centers on identifying asymmetric opportunities, managing drawdowns, and enforcing strict risk parameters while adapting dynamically to evolving market conditions. EverForward operates with a performance-driven mindset, prioritizing clarity of strategy, capital preservation, and scalable trading frameworks.

Brian plays a central role in shaping EverForward’s trading philosophy, ensuring that decision-making remains data-driven, accountable, and aligned with long-term objectives.

He is also a newly selected member of the Forbes Business Council, a prestigious, invitation-only community of senior exe cutives and business leaders. You can review his published insights and contributions here:

About EverForward: 

EverForward is a trading firm focused on portfolio construction, active trading, and execution across liquid global markets. The firm emphasizes clarity of strategy and scalable trading frameworks designed for consistent performance.

Colorado Springs, CO

Generous Family, an initiative of the nonprofit, I Like Giving, dedicated to helping families raise generous children, today announced it is a supporting partner of America250, the national, nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This collaboration will highlight Generous Family’s newest book, America’s Grateful Stateful Road Trip, as a resource to inspire gratitude, patriotism, and the celebration of American freedom in young readers.

America’s Grateful Stateful Road Trip engages children and families in a journey of wonder and discovery through the United States. The story fosters appreciation for the nation’s rich blessings, beloved freedoms, and the principles upon which it was founded. It is a reflection of Generous Family’s mission to help families instill values of love, generosity, thankfulness, and service.

“We are thrilled to partner with America250 to bring America’s Grateful Stateful Road Trip to a wider audience,” said Brad Formsma, Founder & CEO. “America’s Grateful Stateful Road Trip  came from deep within my heart. It shares the power of teaching gratitude to our children while highlighting the freedoms we have been given.”

Drew Formsma, Chief Marketing Officer states, “This kids book gives a glimpse of the freedoms we have and the beauty of our country. Sometimes it’s easy to take that for granted, but there’s a lot to be thankful for. Gratitude changes everything.”

America250 will feature America’s Grateful Stateful Road Trip as part of its broader efforts to engage Americans in the upcoming Semiquincentennial. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to educating and uniting citizens through programs that reflect on the nation’s beauty, strengthen love of country, and encourage democratic ideals.

“As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, it’s essential to engage the next generation in understanding and appreciating the freedoms that define America,” said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President of America250. “America’s Grateful Stateful Road Trip makes learning about our country joyful, meaningful, and accessible for families – helping children feel gratitude for our nation’s past with hope for its future.”

The partnership between America250 and Generous Family brings the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary into everyday family life through a message of gratitude. Together, we’re helping children celebrate the freedoms and beauty of our nation while building habits of thankfulness. This collaboration turns a national milestone into a meaningful, family-centered experience that shapes the next generation.

About Generous Family

Generous Family is a nonprofit committed to creating life-changing resources that help parents raise children who embrace the powerful values of gratitude, kindness, and service. Through engaging books, values-based curriculum, and creative activities, Generous Family encourages the next generation to live generously, contribute positively to their communities, and impact the world around them.  To find out more about Generous Family, please visit www.generousfamily.com 

About America250

America250 is the national nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in celebrating and commemorating the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is spearheaded by the congressionally-appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its sole-supporting nonprofit organization, America250.org, Inc., together known as America250. This multi-year effort kicked off with America’s Invitation on July 4, 2023: a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future of this country. Leading up to July 4, 2026, America250 is working to provide opportunities for all Americans to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. To learn more, visit America250.org, and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Media Contact:

Amy Kemper

Director of Operations & Partnerships

281-814-4021

[email protected]