June, 2017

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NEW REPORT: Can Western Union Leverage Its Heritage To Build A Better X-Border API?

PYMNTS

There was a time when the telegraph was as important to keeping people connected as the smartphone is today. And while the telegraph’s heyday may well be over, the network it once rested upon can still be put to good use, especially with an assist from API solutions. As more merchants and smaller businesses seek to engage in global commerce, several companies are stepping up their efforts to help merchants address the complexities presented by international trade.

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Girl Scouts Will Get The Chance To Earn Badges In Cyber Security

PYMNTS

Girl Scouts will soon get the chance to earn their first ever cyber security badges. The Huffington Post reports that Girl Scouts can earn the first of 18 cyber security Girl Scout badges beginning in September 2018. The program will reach as many as 1.8 million Girl Scouts in kindergarten through sixth grade and is being developed in a partnership between the Girl Scouts and Palo Alto Networks, a security company.

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Adding Digital Value to The In-Store Experience

PYMNTS

To say that the retail industry is going through a minor transformation right now would be an understatement. While several store closings and bankruptcy filings have been reported over the past year, the retail news cycle hasn’t exactly painted an inspiring image for the future of retail. Moving into the digitally driven age, retailers are looking for new and meaningful ways now more than ever to engage, maintain and retain consumer attention.

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How IoT And The Cloud Can Save A Restaurant

PYMNTS

There’s a lot more to running a restaurant than making good food and serving it with a smile — and no, we don’t mean listing the menu on GrubHub, UberEats or OpenTable. Restaurants have to follow regulations set by the food and health administrations, such as cleanliness guidelines and storing various foods at specific temperatures. It can be a lot for one owner to track, especially owners of multiple establishments or franchise locations.

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How to Build the Ideal HR Team

HR doesn’t exist in a vacuum. This work impacts everyone: from the C-Suite to your newest hire. It also drives results. Learn how to make it all happen in Paycor’s latest guide.

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Chain CEO On B2B Payments’ Blockchain Blockbuster

PYMNTS

The blockchain has a bit of an identity crisis. Everyone who is anyone in financial services knows what it is, and there is broad consensus at this point that it will play a very important role in financial services. Yet few can really articulate how it all works or what exactly it will do — and when. Here’s a little proof. According to WEX’s First Annual Payments Pulse Survey , 66 percent of the 500 CFOs interviewed say that they are quite certain that they understand blockchain; 50 percent thi

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Bitcoin Regulations Catch Good Guys Along With The Bad

PYMNTS

With many cybercriminals choosing bitcoin as their currency of choice, the U.S. Department of Justice has naturally done its best to set up regulations that would prevent criminals from using the cryptocurrentcy for nefarious purposes. But those regulations may be doing more harm than good, since they’re also keeping vigilante security consultants from doing business to protect their law-abiding clients from those same cybercriminals.

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IBM Japan Announces Mizuho Bank As API Customer

PYMNTS

IBM Japan announced Thursday (June 8) the launch of API banking for Mizuho Bank, that provides the bank with the ability to tailor services to its customers. In a press release IBM announced the bank will use IBM Japan’s FinTech API solution, as well as IBM API Connect on the IBM Cloud and IBM DataPower Gateway. “API banking becomes a crucial step that helps drive open innovations by new technologies for customers, business partners, and Mizuho Bank,” said Masahiko Kato, senior technical

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Kaspersky Lab Report Shows U.S. Is No. 1 Target For Mobile Ransomware

PYMNTS

Wealthy countries with developed financial and payment infrastructures are most likely to have their data encrypted and held for ransom by cybercriminals, according to a recent report by global cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab. In 2016-17, cyber attackers have set their sights on mobile users in the U.S., first and foremost, with Canada, Germany and the U.K. following closely in terms of risk.

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Is 5G The Oxygen Connected Cars Need To Ignite?

PYMNTS

The world is becoming an increasingly connected place such that internet connections aren’t just for phones and computers anymore – appliances, household systems, dog collars, hair brushes, cars and VR headsets are just a short sampling of the world of things looking for secure, consistent connections to the web. By most estimates there are 6.3 billion such devices as of today – by Gartner’s estimate, that number will have exploded to over 20 billion worldwide by 2020.

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Potcoin Value Soars Thanks To Dennis Rodman’s Trip To North Korea

PYMNTS

Potcoin , the digital cryptocurrency similar to bitcoin but aimed at the legal marijuana market, got much-needed publicity by sponsoring Dennis Rodman’s trip to North Korea. According to a report in Business Insider , the value of Potcoin jumped nearly 97 percent, to more than $0.18, in trading on Tuesday after Rodman was photographed wearing a Potcoin T-shirt when he arrived in the country.

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Planning Your Restaurant's Path to Profitability

Speaker: James Kahler, COO of Full Course

Ever wondered where to splurge and where to safely conserve when it comes to operating and growing your restaurant? 🤔 Join James Kahler, COO of Full Course and industry visionary, in this new webinar where he'll talk all about best practices to invest in your restaurant's success! Whether you're a new business or an established restaurant, a seasoned pro or a rookie, you'll learn the keys to sustainable success in this competitive industry.

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New Delivery Method By Walmart Flirts With The Gig Economy

PYMNTS

Walmart made some news lately when it dipped its toe into the gig economy waters, asking employees to deliver packages ordered by customers who live along their commutes. Employees can opt into the program via a smartphone app to take home up to 10 deliveries a day and earn a little extra cash. The success of this quasi-gig delivery program depends on several key factors.

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AI/Bot: Dole’s Secret Artificial Intelligence Weapon

PYMNTS

Artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted technologies have been on the rise over the past few years. From virtual personal assistants to video games, smart cars, online customer support, and music or movie recommendations, AI has infiltrated nearly every aspect of consumers’ everyday lives. Yes, we can all thank AI for our Netflix addiction. While AI certainly makes consumers’ lives easier, it’s also working in nearly every industry to help streamline operations.

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Amazon Opens Up Video Skill API So Alexa Can Control Any TV

PYMNTS

Could Alexa’s latest API skill stem losses to streaming services for pay TV providers and the telco industry? Some providers seem to think so, with Dish, NetGem and YouView already on board. The skill? Amazon announced June 8 that its virtual assistant has learned to control more than just the company’s own Fire TV stick: Now, for developers that opt to use the Video Skill API, any cable or satellite TV company, streaming service or content provider can add Alexa voice control to its app.

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Blue Apron Files To Go Public

PYMNTS

Blue Apron on Thursday filed to go public , but that doesn’t mean the meal-kit pioneer has won the start-up game. From 2014 to 2016, the company grew revenue from less than $80 million to almost $800 million. But it also saw its losses grow, from $31 million to $55 million. That’s because new growth has been fueled by new customers, and those customers are easier to acquire in a nascent market.

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How Automation is Driving Efficiency Through the Last Mile of Reporting

Speaker: Jamie Eagan

As organizations strive for agility and efficiency, it's imperative for finance leaders to embrace innovative technologies and redefine traditional processes. Join us as we explore the pivotal role of digitalization and automation in reshaping what is commonly referred to as the “last mile of reporting”. We’ll deep-dive into why digitalization is no longer a choice, but a necessity for finance departments to stay competitive in a fast-paced environment touching on: 2024 trends for the Office of

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Blockchain Tracker: Blockchain’s Possible Impact On The Economy

PYMNTS

Blockchain could have an impact on the economy — is Russia leading the way with its current investments? With eCommerce transactions moving at the speed of light, the ability to have transparency between parties is likely crucial to preventing security breaches. When executives in the finance industry think of blockchain technology, its perception has shifted in the past few years in terms of how it could shape financial services — and therefore the economy — as a residual impact.

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AI/BOT: Man Versus Artificial Intelligence

PYMNTS

Since the advent of technology, the age-old battle of man versus machine has been an issue. Whether it’s televisions entering homes in the mid-20th-century or personal computers coming onto the scene in the late 1980s, technology has no doubt had an effect on everyday life. By integrating tech into various aspects of everyday life, many processes have become streamlined.

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London B2B FinTechs Win Big As Market Preps For Disruption

PYMNTS

More than $30 million in venture capital stuck around the U.K., the U.S. and Canada, mostly focusing on Series A investments. The U.K., though, is a particularly bright star this week, as more than 60 percent of that funding went to London startups. Preparations for corporate banking disruption and PSD2 are stirring the innovation pot, it seems. We break down all the B2B FinTech funding rounds below.

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DNA For Dinner: London Restaurant Vita Mojo Offers Food Customization Based On Genomes

PYMNTS

Like strands in the double helix of DNA, the home of London’s most customizable diet and a gene analysis lab are intertwining to create something truly magnificent: the healthiest meal in the world. That goes deeper than five fruits a day, personal fitness goals and taste preferences. The healthiest meal in the world is different for everyone, and DNA holds the key to food customization for the perfect meal.

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Register Now: Sneak Peek Into Close Automation SkyStem Web Demo

Technology is rapidly changing the way accountants perform and manage month-end activities. Spreadsheets, email, and shared drives no longer have to slow us down. Join us as we present a "sneak peek" recorded demo of SkyStem's month-end close solution – ART. In under four weeks, your team can start reaping the benefits of month-end close automation by vastly reducing spreadsheets, cut down on reconciliation work, speed up the month-end close, and better manage your remote team.

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Data Enablers: SigOpt’s Machine Learning Tools Help Businesses Optimize Operations

PYMNTS

From some guy’s garage in San Francisco, a group of math nerds has grown into one of the world’s finest-tuned machine learning operations. SigOpt now helps optimize fraud detection and investments like beer brewing and even the manufacturing of synthetic rhino horns. SigOpt cofounder and CEO Scott Clark said that’s because his 14 employees, like the machines they create, never stop learning.

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CFPB: Older Consumers Log Most Payments Complaints

PYMNTS

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released its monthly complaint report Wednesday (May 31) that showed older consumers frequently report servicing problems with reverse mortgages, difficulties recovering money after financial scams, confusion around deferred interest credit cards and frustration when experiencing charges for unauthorized add-on products.

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Switching Rent Payments From Analog To Digital

PYMNTS

While the world of payments has mostly gone online – rent remains stubbornly analog in the age of digital. According to a recent Zillow study, 76 percent of rent payments are made offline – mostly in the form of checks, though cash and money orders make guest appearances from time to time. And it was a situation that Ryan Abell, CEO & founder of PayRent.com found acutely annoying in his days as a property manager.

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Behind The Scenes, Socure Feeds The Machines

PYMNTS

How do machines learn to learn? In Episode Three of PYMNTS’ machine learning podcast, Socure CEO Sunil Madhu and PYMNTS CEO Karen Webster get technical as they explore the methods and processes that are making machines progressively smarter. In Episode Two, Madhu and Webster talked about different kinds of artificial intelligence (AI) and how each is equipped to handle certain kinds of jobs.

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Join the Instant Payment Revolution: Read 7 Must-Know Facts for Small Businesses

Technology evolves at lightning speed, and as finance keeps changing, instant payments emerge as a game-changer for small businesses. By 2030, instant payments are projected to surge by 289% and will become the new norm in financial transactions. Our whitepaper reveals seven must-know facts about instant payments, offering to help you navigate this financial revolution effectively.

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Hacker Tracker: Cyberattacks Come In All Shapes And Sizes

PYMNTS

There are a few sexy cybercrime cases that pervade the public consciousness. They fill anxious minds with visions of hooded hackers reaching through glowing ones and zeroes to steal their data. Last month’s global ransomware attack WannaCry dominated real estate on every major tech website, including PYMNTS. But in the shadow of these attacks, a cyber pandemic is being overlooked.

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Fighting Fraud, In Real Time, Dynamically Duoed

PYMNTS

Fighting fraud is a lot harder online, and a lot harder for merchants and consumers, as card-not-present transactions become the preferred method of malfeasance. In one recent announcement, payments provider TSYS and real-time learning technology platform Featurespace said they were joining forces to offer fraud prevention tools. The first product, the TSYS Foresight ScoreSM with Featurespace, utilizes machine learning and other initiatives to pinpoint cyberattacks tied to transaction fraud.

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 Modo’s COIN of the Realm                 

PYMNTS

Payments are often described like the Tower of Babel, with disparate platforms trying to talk to each other without speaking the same language. It’s this inability to communicate that is causing connections to fall apart through the lifecycle, from initiation at the point of sale to back-end reconciliation. It’s an industry-wide problem that Modo is solving with its patented COIN technology.

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MatrixCare Targets Niche Healthcare Market With Analytics Tool

PYMNTS

MatrixCare, a technology provider with a targeted focus in the healthcare industry, is rolling out new data and analytics solutions for its clients. The company serves long-term, post-acute care (LTPAC) healthcare providers. On Thursday (June 29), the company announced the availability of two new solutions, MyAnalytics and MyData, available through the MatrixCare Analytics Suite of offerings, for this niche market.

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How CPA Firms Can Profit From Payroll Services Without the Extra Work

"Offer payroll and do it yourself,” they said. “It’ll be fun!” Spoiler alert: It was not fun. Most CPA firms know that they need to offer payroll services to their clients or risk losing them to another firm that will. However, many don’t really want to. It is often time-consuming and complex due to changing tax laws and regulations, and with the growing staffing shortages, most just don’t have the resources.

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The Buyers: UK Shoppers’ eCommerce Habits

PYMNTS

Online retail sales in the U.K. have seen a lot of action over the past six months. As we reported back in January, the U.K.’s eCommerce sales have seen a significant year-over-year increase. Between 2015 and 2016, U.K. eCommerce sales saw a nearly 16 percent increase from £114.75 billion all the way up to £133 billion. Stemming from Interactive Media in Retail Group’s research, eCommerce sales in the U.K. are set to see a 14 percent increase by the end of this year.

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How Visa Thinks About B2B Payments Innovation

PYMNTS

There’s no disputing that the pace of innovation in consumer payments over the last several years has been quick and its reach broad. There’s been an abundance of innovation in where consumers shop, what they use to pay when they buy and the devices they use to enable those payments. Along with an appetite for both consumers and merchants to embrace these new ways to pay in an effort to drive more commerce opportunities and improve the merchant and customer experience.

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Uncle Maddio’s Opts For Cloud-Based Software to Help Growth

PYMNTS

Have you heard of Uncle Maddio’s Pizza? If not, it’s only a matter of time. The Atlanta-based fast casual, create-your-own pizza restaurant is looking to quadruple its presence, developing 150 new restaurants on top of its current 50 restaurants in 15 states. To make that happen, Uncle Maddio’s Pizza chose point of sale (POS) technology by PAR Technology Corp.

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What’s Next For Retail In The Age Of Amazon

PYMNTS

In the 1990’s, everyone talked about the Walmart effect on retail — the idea that the big box store was making every other kind of retail method obsolete. It was a well from which thousands of think pieces drew life. In the age of Amazon, people tend to forget about the terror that the Walmart effect instilled, notes Isaac Marcushamer, chief innovation partner and partner in the Business Reorganization practice group at Berger Singerman law firm.

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Recruit and Retain New Blue-Collar Talent

Blue-collar jobs have a branding problem. One company, GEON, partnered with Paycor to find the solution. Learn how to attract, engage, and retain blue-collar employees, helping them build meaningful careers – and support your company’s goals.