November, 2017

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UPS Hits Retailers With Holiday Shipping Fee Surprise

PYMNTS

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, retailers are facing a new challenge: extra shipping fees during the busiest weeks. The Wall Street Journal reports that United Parcel Service (UPS) is adding on a surcharge to packages shipped to homes around Black Friday and the week before Christmas in a move to compel retailers to send their orders outside those peak periods.

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Building A Faster, Safer Network On The Blockchain

PYMNTS

When it comes to business, it’s no secret the competition is fierce. But in an increasingly interconnected world, even competing companies need to collaborate. Rival banks and financial institutions (FIs) need to work together to serve customers and transfer money between banks. Car dealers need parts from competing suppliers and manufacturers to keep repair shops and vehicles running without a hitch.

B2B 86
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Real-Time Payments Successfully Gets Through Its First Test Drive

PYMNTS

The U.S.’s first new payment and clearing system in more than 40 years is up and running. At 4:59:40 p.m. on Monday, $3.50 was moved between accounts at two different banks (there was only one customer with two bank accounts) via RTP, the name for a new “Real-Time Payments” system set up by The Clearing House. All in all, the transfer took three seconds — as opposed to the hours or days more typically associated with an ACH transfer.

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Investors Tap Into The Promise Of High-Tech Data Analytics In The Enterprise

PYMNTS

It was a busy time for B2B venture capital this week, and while funding ranged across verticals from expense management to SaaS, there was a clear theme in investment rounds: high-tech data analytics. Startups deploying machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities are focused on improving corporate processes — from identifying fraud to testing software to managing employee effectiveness.

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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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Artificial Intelligence: FIs’ Friend Or Foe?

PYMNTS

Artificial intelligence (AI) doesn’t walk and talk like C3P0 of “Star Wars” (many would say: “Thank God”). It doesn’t mask murderous intentions with a calming voice like HAL of “2001: A Space Odyssey.” It’s not the manically depressed, paranoid android Marvin of “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” It’s not a beautiful but cunning killer like Ava of “Ex Machina.”.

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TRENDING: Moving Into The Fast Lane, Riding Atop The Blockchain

PYMNTS

Today, companies large and small are investing resources into using blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, in what some may later view as the golden age of blockchain development. Interestingly, many of these investments are made with the aim of moving B2B operations for companies, from auto manufacturers to financial firms, into the fast lane. .

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More Trending

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Fiorano Introduces PSD2 Platform For Banks

PYMNTS

With Europe only weeks away from PSD2 taking effect, Fiorano Software is debuting its solution for financial institutions (FIs) in the region to comply with the directive. The company revealed its new solution on Monday (Nov. 20), Fiorano PSD2, a platform for FIs across the EU to ensure compliance with PSD2, built on the company’s existing API Management capabilities and banking integration management tools.

Account 72
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Top Corporate Treasurers Already Switching FIs To Gain FinTech Tools

PYMNTS

A new report by business banking market research and analysis firm East & Partners suggests corporations aren’t opposed to changing banks as a direct result of new FinTech solutions businesses want to use. Researchers announced East & Partners’ new report, “Financial Technology and the Corporate,” on Monday (Nov. 13). In a survey of corporate treasurers and CFOs at top corporations around the globe, 13 percent said they had already partially or totally switched their financia

Retail 71
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NEW INSIGHT: How Budget-Conscious Banks Can Smarten Up Security

PYMNTS

Fraudsters launching forays against financial institutions (FIs) is a tale as old as, well, financial institutions. For the honest banker, there’s a constant need to upgrade defenses and proactively fend off attacks. But not everybody has the resources for a complete cybersecurity makeover — or the $100,000 to sweep a successful hack under the rug. Such resource and budget constraints may be the reason why, even as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are enjoying high adoption rate

Maine 69
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U.S. Consumers Favor Small Biz Over Big Malls

PYMNTS

Good news for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs): Spending growth at mom and pop shops has outpaced that of the big chains in both of the past two years. According to Bloomberg reports on Wednesday (Nov. 22), purchasing patterns research from Sarah Quinlan, senior vice president at payment processing giant Mastercard Inc., found that when Americans aren’t shopping online, they’re looking for more personal connections and the advice they can receive from local SMBs.

Retail 66
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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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In The UK, Cash And Contactless Are Vying To Stay On Top

PYMNTS

When the limit on contactless payments in the U.K. was raised in 2016 from £20 to £30, the overall volume of contactless payments tripled. While, for many industry spectators, the growth in volume of contactless payments equated to a correlating drop in cash use, the actual numbers reveal that despite a growth in competition from alternate payment forms, cash is continuing to hold its ground.

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Google Shuts Off Flight Fare Search API

PYMNTS

Google announced that it will be shutting off developer access to its QPX Express API service, which automates data for airfare search engines. According to a news report from The Verge , the move could affect third-party travel sites, such as Orbitz and Expedia. It’s also a sign that Google is becoming increasingly interested in competing with the big names in travel services.

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Wells Fargo Settles With SEC Over AML Reporting

PYMNTS

Wells Fargo Advisors and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reached a settlement this week resolving charges that the bank dropped the ball in reporting suspect activities pertaining to money laundering for several years. According to a MarketWatch report published Tuesday (Nov. 14), though broker-dealers are required to file suspicious activity reports (SARs) to the U.S.

Sales 62
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Forever 21 Stores Hacked

PYMNTS

Fashion retailer Forever 21 revealed that it has suffered a data breach at some of its stores. According to news from Fortune , customer payment card information was compromised at certain point of sale devices in stores when the encryption on those devices was not operating. The company, which operates more than 815 stores in 57 countries, did not say which specific locations were affected.

Retail 60
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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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No Storefront? No Problem: Future Retail May Be Unattended

PYMNTS

If only shopping weren’t so … shoppy. Sure, eCommerce takes away a lot of the hassle, but sometimes you need that last-minute pair of sunglasses or gloves, and ordering them online just isn’t an option. At least, not until Amazon invests in some beam-me-up magic. Say you just got off an airplane, and the weather is much colder than you expected. You’re traveling, and didn’t pack anything warmer.

Retail 58
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Taking A Credit-First Approach To Alt Lending 

PYMNTS

Those who are fortunate enough to have access to credit often take it for granted. Imagine if your car broke down, your child needed school supplies or your father passed away and you couldn’t afford the funeral, but banks didn’t want to work with you because you either had bad credit or none at all. What would you do? Many would turn to family or friends for an informal loan, while others would be too proud to do so.

Finance 57
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Samsung Pay: From Mobile Payment Method To Commerce Enabler

PYMNTS

Two years ago, when Samsung Pay entered the mobile payments scene, it did what Apple and Android a year before it had not: It made mobile payment capabilities at the physical point of sale (POS) more or less ubiquitous right out of the gate. This new digital way to pay was made possible via technology that Samsung acquired, called “magnetic secure transmission” — MST — the very same technology that enables merchant point-of-sale terminals to accept a mag stripe card for payment.

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Axis Bank Launches Global, Real-Time Payment Service With Ripple

PYMNTS

India’s Axis Bank has launched its instant, cross-border payments solution less than a year after announcing a collaboration with blockchain technology firm Ripple. The bank announced news on Monday (Nov. 27) that its global payments service, which uses Ripple’s blockchain infrastructure, is now up and running. Retail customers can receive payments from the UAE’s RAKBANK using the platform, while corporate clients in India can receive payments from Singapore’s Standard Chartered Bank in real-tim

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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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Taking The Pain Out Of Group Outings

PYMNTS

[link]. Every group of friends has a social director, Fevo CEO Ari Daie told Karen Webster in this week’s Matchmakers conversation – that one person who organizes the cats and gets a group of otherwise passive adults organized for a game, concert or weekend trip. This person’s life, Daie noted, is full of friction. They have to organize the group, figure out when everyone is free, what they want to pay for tickets and then how to purchase that block of tickets for the group.

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QuickBooks Fuels Growth As Intuit Surpasses Q1 Targets

PYMNTS

Intuit announced its Q1 FY2018 earnings this week, posting better-than-expected results for the firm and highlighting growth fueled by QuickBooks. “We are off to a strong start growing first-quarter revenue 14 percent and exceeding our overall financial targets,” Intuit chairman and chief executive officer Brad Smith said in a statement.

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What Walmart’s Resurgence Means For Retail And The “Pays”

PYMNTS

Accomplished public intellectual and post-Keynesian economist John Kenneth Galbraith was well-known for four things. He didn’t think much of math and science — rather unusual given his choice of a profession that uses complicated math formulas to communicate. His economic principles were what inspired President Lyndon B. Johnson to kickstart the now-controversial “War on Poverty” program in the 1960s — a series of programs intended to end poverty and racial injustice.

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Visa Greenlights Singapore Prepaid Cryptocurrency Card

PYMNTS

Singapore residents will soon be able to make purchases with a prepaid Visa card backed by the cryptocurrency platform Monaco. “Our team has worked incredibly hard over the past year to achieve this milestone. This is an important step towards Monaco’s vision to introduce cryptocurrency to the mass market,” said Kris Marszalek, co-founder and CEO of Monaco, in a press release. “We believe that the Monaco card program lays solid foundation for Monaco’s growth, and we

Legal 54
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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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How Google Plans To Power Up Mobile Shopping For The Holidays

PYMNTS

Just in time for the holiday season, Google is expanding its mobile shopping experience, including showing buying guides for broad categories and adding more information for specific product searches. “When you search for a specific product, Google.com now shows you other helpful information, like related items, and allows you to compare reviews, prices and other specs, side by side,” wrote Google product management director for Google Shopping, Jennifer Liu, on Google’s The Keyword blog.

Sales 54
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Why The Enterprise Struggles With Safeguarding Cloud Apps

PYMNTS

After years of doubt, financial professionals are trusting the cloud. Research released last month by Adaptive Insights found 73 percent of surveyed CFOs trust the cloud to host their financial data today. That trust has permeated the financial services industry, too, as banks begin to migrate data and apps to the cloud and FinTechs launch entirely on cloud infrastructure.

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India’s Grand (Cashless) Experiment, One Year On

PYMNTS

India’s decision to go cashless was a grand experiment to be sure, but did it go grandly? It’s been a bit more than a year since India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought a ban on cash into effect in the country, eliminating roughly 86 percent of its notes in circulation. As such, Nov. 8 marks a red-letter day in the nation’s history. The scorecard is mixed, delivering on only a few stated goals, but the most important goal pertains to digital payments.

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The Finance Department Knows It’s Slacking In Digital Transformation

PYMNTS

Small businesses (SMBs) are increasingly satisfied with their traditional financial service providers, though banks are pushing to heighten their innovation strategies and provide SMBs with the high-tech, customized services that those small businesses demand. The October 2017 PYMNTS Bank Innovation Readiness Index , developed in collaboration with i2c , found these financial institutions (FIs) are enjoying a bit of success in their efforts to digitize and innovate.

Finance 54
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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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Corporates Lack Visibility Into Travel Spend Methods, GBTA Finds

PYMNTS

Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often lack visibility into how their traveling employees are making payments and spending company money, finds a new survey from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Foundation, which was released on Tuesday (Oct. 31). Highlighting some of the key findings of its 2017 Business Travel Payments Study, which was conducted in conjunction with AirPlus International, the GBTA Foundation found that cash continues to play a significant role in how trave

Finance 53
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Singapore’s Big Week In Blockchain Progress

PYMNTS

The Asia-Pacific region is a rising star in FinTech innovation, but this week, the blockchain spotlight landed on Singapore as more distributed ledger initiatives from the private and public sectors took major steps forward. It’s no surprise, considering the Singapore FinTech Festival took place, acting as a global stage for blockchain innovators to strut their stuff.

B2B 53
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Wells CFO Not Losing Sleep Over Rising Consumer Debt

PYMNTS

Wells Fargo Chief Financial Officer John Shrewsberry said at an industry conference on Wednesday (Nov. 15) that he isn’t concerned consumers are having a tough time paying back their debts. According to news from Reuters , Wells Fargo ’s Shrewsberry said that banks are being competitive in getting consumers to use their credit cards but that easy access to credit hasn’t led to meaningful credit card defaults yet.

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The Untraditionally Inexpensive Traditional Thanksgiving Of 2017

PYMNTS

There are a lot of ways to cook a turkey, and today Americans will be trying all of them. Deep-fried, brined, baked and dipped in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos dust — the starring bird will take many forms on the Thanksgiving table this year. But while the costuming is up for grabs, the turkey itself is more or less a guarantee. In fact, for the last 154 years — ever since President Lincoln first enshrined a national day of Thanksgiving for the last Thursday of November in 1863 — turkeys accompanied by cr

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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.