The stock market rallies through 2020 and 2021 were steeper than the most bullish analysts had predicted. The S&P 500 jumped 16.3% in 2020 and ended 2021 with more than 27% gains, representing the third consecutive year of double-digit growth. The benchmark index closed at record highs a whopping 70 times, with investors looking forward to the global economy recovering after the pandemic. Continue reading
Three in four Brits feel anxious when checking their mobile banking app and more than half want their banks to be more proactive in contacting them if they’re heading towards financial distress, according to new research released today. Continue reading
Japan-based fintech Smartpay has launched Smartpay Bank Direct, the country’s first digital consumer finance service that allows customers to pay for online installment purchases straight from their bank accounts. Smartpay Bank Direct emphasizes user security while delivering convenience for the consumer, through a network of 67 partner banks across Japan[1]. Smartpay is Japan’s first digital consumer finance company to utilize Japan’s open banking system. Continue reading
Renowned business leader and author Ramon Pedrosa-Lopez has released his latest book, “The Philosophy of Investor Relations”, a thought-provoking exploration of the role of investor relations in the contemporary stock market world. Continue reading
The EU Digital Identity Wallet Consortium (EWC), was selected by the European Commission to run one of the Large Scale Pilots for the new EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI) ecosystem. Avast, a leading digital security and privacy brand of Gen™, sits on the Executive Team of the consortium, having been closely involved in its formation. The EUDI Wallet is a part of the proposed eIDAS2.0 regulation, which will provide all European citizens access to a trusted digital identity provided by their government and accepted by all EU Member States and EFTA. Continue reading
For the first time, key players in the Swiss financial industry successfully developed and tested a novel settlement mechanism for tokenized investment products on a public blockchain testnet infrastructure. A smart contract, developed by the Capital Markets and Technology Association (the CMTA), allows for streamlined processes, reduces complexity, raises security, and eliminates counterparty risks from trades. The CMTA’s proof of concept marks a milestone for the Swiss financial industry. Continue reading
Wirex, a banking alternative built for Web3, has listed 52 new tokens on their app. The cryptocurrencies will provide their 5 million customers straightforward access to the benefits of DeFi. Continue reading
LAGOS/BANGKOK – Days before his FTX cryptocurrency exchange collapsed, co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried tweeted “Hello, West Africa!” – his latest nod to a region where a growing number of kitchen table investors had put their faith, and savings, in FTX.
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The Resident Voice Index™ (RVI), a project that gathers the views of social housing residents from across the UK, released its latest report, Cost of Living: Crunch Time, which indicated most respondents are experiencing a lower quality of life. Based on a survey of 5,700 respondents, the report reveals that almost three-quarters (73%) said they would not be able to cope with an unexpected expense, such as a higher-than-expected household bill. Continue reading