Nasdaq NCT has announced the strategic acquisition of Starks Network (zCloak) to enter the on-chain digital asset infrastructure.

**December 8 – Official sources confirm Intercont (Cayman) Limited (Nasdaq: NCT) has signed a letter of intent to acquire a minority stake of less than 50% in Singapore-based Web3 firm Starks Network Ltd. The pair will jointly advance the zCloak Network project, formally moving into on-chain digital asset infrastructure development.** **zCloak Network is known for its AI digital identity, enterprise-grade self-custody wallet, stablecoin payments, and AI encryption payment tech. It has secured backing from top institutions including Coinbase Ventures.** **The collaboration will apply Web3 to digitalize shipping trade payments and business processes, accelerating the industry’s smart transformation.** **NCT and Starks noted the acquisition is a key step to advance the group’s long-term strategy and explore cross-industry expansion. Together, they will drive enterprise-grade Web3 adoption in global shipping and trade.**