Sat.Sep 29, 2018 - Fri.Oct 05, 2018

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Augmented Reality Growth Fueled by Chinese Investments

PYMNTS

One of the new realities of augmented reality is this: the technology is attracting more investment from China than from sources in North America. This trend happens as activity around AR heats up, with major players in the digital economy apparently positioning themselves to profit as the retail-friendly tech move every closer to mainstream popularity.

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IRS Updates Transportation Industry Per Diem Rates

Katz,Sapper&Miller

The Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2018-77, updating the special per diem rates under tax code Section 274(d), which is used to substantiate the amount of ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred while traveling away from home.

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Bitcoin Daily: VCs Plow $3.9B In Crypto Ventures; Coinbase Taps Charles Schwab Advisor For Board

PYMNTS

Crypto research site Diar claims that startups in the digital currency and blockchain space have notched roughly $3.9 billion in funding via venture capital (VC) investments, CoinDesk reported. The figure, which represents investments over the first, second and third quarters, marks a 280 percent jump from all of last year. In addition, the report noted that the average size of investments in the blockchain and crypto space rose by $1 million this year.

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As The Dawn Of 5G Nears, Will It Be All That?

PYMNTS

5G is coming. Now if we can just figure out what it’s good for. That’s a little bit unfair, but it does reflect some of the talk around the mobile connectivity standard. What types of business will it support? What will emerge as the “killer use case” for payments and commerce? As one observer put it: “The fifth generation of connectivity, pithily called 5G, will be ready for prime time later this year.

Retail 77
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Planning Your Restaurants 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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Bitcoin Daily: Ripple Surges, Chinese Billionaire Dumps Blockchain

PYMNTS

Ripple (XRP) has overtaken Ethereum within the last 24 hours, with a 7 percent surge in price for a market valuation of $24.28 billion. According to CCN , this is the third time this year that Ripple has moved past Ethereum, with each time occurring in the second half of September. But with the market cap of Ethereum only slightly below that of Ripple — combined with the weak volume of XRP — it is likely that Ethereum will regain its position as the second-most valuable cryptocurrency soon.

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Curve Aims To Become The Amazon Of Banking

PYMNTS

An Amazon of banking? That’s the description — perhaps clichéd but still apt — applied to FinTech firm Curve , which is on the hunt for $50 million in fresh capital, according to recent comments made by CEO Shachar Bialick to CNBC. The Amazon comparison came from Bialick, who also said that the three-year-old firm is looking to become more of a platform for services from various providers, explaining why it has not applied for a banking license.

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Ripple Pairs With Three X-Border Payment Cos

PYMNTS

Ripple, the cross-border payments company and backer of the XRP digital token, said Monday (Oct. 1) that xRapid, its cross-border payments platform, is commercially available with three firms signing on as clients. According to a report in Reuters , citing the companies, the three clients that are using xRapid at the launch are Cuallix, Mercury FX and Catalyst Corporate Federal Credit Union. xRapid uses XRP to make faster cross-border payments.

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Inventor Of The Web, Tim Berners-Lee, Wants To Take It Back

PYMNTS

What would one say about a computer geek who said he could protect their online identity , and while doing do would make a bold move against the likes of Facebook and Google ? What would one say if that person happened to be the inventor of the World Wide Web? As consumers become more cautious — cynical? — about online privacy and data storage, Tim Berners-Lee has a plan to “decentralize the web and take back power from the forces that have profited from centralizing it,” according to a report.

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Big Banks Notice Rise In Cyberattack Attempts

PYMNTS

Sources have reported that some large U.S. banks have seen a boost in attempted cyberattacks in recent weeks. According to the Wall Street Journal , the news comes at a time when the government is increasing its warnings to financial institutions about bank cybersecurity and possible cyberthreats, asking banks such as Bank of America , Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo to closely monitor traffic from hackers who might be looking for weaknesses in their bank security networks.

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Gold: Sourced Digitally, Ethically And Via Blockchain

PYMNTS

In the age of blockchain, all manner of physical assets are making the leap to bits and bytes. Blockchain can track transactions of all sorts and create a connected record — and that blockchain is rapidly cleaving from the cryptocurrency clamor to which it was once inextricably linked. When it comes to supply chains, proponents say blockchain — specifically, distributed ledger technology (DLT) — holds promise.

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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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Bank Of America Eyes Costly Small Business Data Breaches

PYMNTS

A new survey from Bank of America shines a spotlight on the increasing concerns — and increasing costs — of data breaches. The financial institution released the results of its Small Business Payments Spotlight survey last week, which surveyed more than 500 small business owners and 500 consumers in the U.S. According to the bank, 22 percent of consumers who have already had their personal or bank information stolen by a data breach said they would not shop at a small business that had fallen v

Finance 72
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Facebook Could See Massive Fine In Europe For Recent Data Breach

PYMNTS

Facebook could get hit with a massive EU fine by a European Union privacy watchdog after the company announced on Friday (Sept 28) it had suffered a Facebook data breach that compromised the accounts of more than 50 million users. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, which is Facebook’s lead privacy regulator in Europe, has requested more information from the company about the breach, including which EU residents might be affected.

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Cryptocurrency Price Manipulation Courtesy Of Bots

PYMNTS

The manipulation of cryptocurrencies is getting attention from regulators who have been warning that these digital tokens, and the exchanges they are traded on, could be vulnerable to price manipulation. The Wall Street Journal , citing the New York Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood, reported in September that the AG issued a report warning about the potential for the prices to be manipulated.

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Personetics Explores How To Make AI Banking Work For The Bank

PYMNTS

As financial institutions (FIs) invest in technology in an effort to position themselves more competitively against FinTech firms, the development of so-called chat bots and “robo advisors” has accelerated. Projects from Wells Fargo , JPMorgan Chase and RBS have all surfaced in recent years, as FIs deploy artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that both meet their customers’ needs for digitized services and save those financial service providers money at the same time.

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No-Code Technology: The Key to Unlock the Future of Your Business

Global economies are reeling from recent upheavals—pandemic aftershocks, geopolitical conflicts, and a tech sector crunch. Mark Zuckerberg's 2023 "Year of Efficiency" ethos extends into 2024, with leaders seeking cost reductions without stunting growth. No-code technology emerges as a beacon of hope, fostering resilience and adaptability. Platforms like Make.com and Zapier empower even non-technical staff to automate and innovate, freeing IT for strategic tasks.

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Coinbase Valued At $8B With Potential Tiger Global Investment

PYMNTS

Coinbase , the cryptocurrency exchange operator, is nearing a deal that would give it a valuation of around $8 billion, reported Recode. The report, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that Coinbase is in discussions with Tiger Global and existing shareholders for an investment as high as $500 million. Some of the investment will be used to buy out some of its existing shareholders.

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Fidelity Aims To Be Leader In AI, Blockchain, Machine Learning

PYMNTS

Fidelity Investments , the Boston-based fund company, is becoming a leader in blockchain technology, investing billions of dollars on that and other cutting-edge technologies. According to a report in CNBC citing Fidelity, billions of dollars are going toward Fidelity blockchain, Fidelity AI and Fidelity VR. Executives told CNBC Fidelity wants to be considered an Nvidia alternative, not compared to the likes of Charles Schwab, and thus the technology push.

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The Quickly And Quietly Growing World Of Voice-Assisted Health And Wellness

PYMNTS

For most people, absently swiping through an Instagram feed, or flipping a light switch, or going to a doctor’s office don’t register as important events. But for people with mobility issues, visual impairments or a host of medical concerns, those activities aren’t always simple, and can actually form huge quality of life roadblocks. For those customers, the advent of voice-controlled navigation aided by AI-powered voice assistants is about a lot more than adding convenience or fighting ir

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Tide Wants FinTech Firms To Have A Bigger Share Of RBS Funds

PYMNTS

Challenger bank Tide wants the U.K. to allow eMoney non-bank institutions to be able to compete for Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) bail out funds , according to reports. The Daily Telegraph reported Sunday (Sept. 30) that digital and financial service startups claim they are unfairly kept out of competition for the $1 billion made available by the government via a deal with RBS.

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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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Petal’s No Fee Credit Card Now Available

PYMNTS

Petal, the startup credit card company, announced on Tuesday (Oct. 2) that its credit card is now available via the company’s website. In a blog post , Petal said the company was established to help people build credit by providing a credit card with no fees, no “financial traps” and no prior experience with credit needed. “Tens of millions of Americans have no credit score at all, and millions more have short credit histories that may not tell the whole story.

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Google Assistant Can Now Book Users An Uber, Lyft Ride

PYMNTS

Google Assistant can now help users book a car from Uber , Lyft , Ola , Grab , GO-JEK and other ridesharing services. The feature, which works with Google Assistant-enabled speakers and on phones, allows users to request a car from a specific company or place a general request to receive pricing for all supported local ridesharing services. Once you decide which company to go with, Google Assistant will then transfer you to that rideshare’s mobile app to complete the booking.

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Apple Lets College Students Store IDs On Apple Devices

PYMNTS

Apple has inked a deal with three universities in the U.S., enabling students to store their student IDs on their Apple devices. According to a report in CNBC , students at Duke University, University of Alabama and University of Oklahoma can store their student IDs on their iPhone or Apple Wallet. Apple initially announced the service in June at its annual developer conference.

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Today In Data: Driving Commerce By Giving Customers What They Really Want 

PYMNTS

Consumers have historically needed a bit of prodding to get them into a mobile state of mind when it comes to payments. Digital transactions on the whole are up – eCommerce, financial services, bill payments – but fully embracing mobile has been a bit trickier. But, by the numbers, that tide may be turning – particularly when it comes to younger consumers who are increasingly making their preference for app-based payments and commerce known.

Retail 62
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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.

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Unpacking Smart Packaging’s Insights And Engagement Promises

PYMNTS

Consumers interact with product packaging on a daily basis. Packaged goods often reach consumers’ hands after traveling across oceans and being shipped between manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Faced with that kind of transit, brands want supply chain visibility: they don’t want to be left in the dark on where their products are in their journeys or on how quickly items are selling once they get to their retail destinations.

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Ex-Batavia Members, we.trade Merge Blockchain Trade Finance Efforts

PYMNTS

Blockchain trade finance consortium we.trade has grown with the addition of three new bank members, reports in CryptoNinjas said Tuesday (Oct. 2). UBS is joining the consortium, as are CaixaBank and Erste Group. The three were part of the former Batavia consortium, another group formed to explore blockchain in trade finance and management. The financial institutions (FIs) join we.trade’s existing bank partners HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Rabobank, Santander and others, now totaling 12.

Finance 61
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Amazon Selling First Branded Mattress

PYMNTS

Amazon.com is reportedly getting into the online mattress business, entering a market in which a handful of startups are trying to dominate. According to a report in Bloomberg , AmazonBasics firm mattress, which sells starting at $130, was found by TJI Research late last week. The firm monitors the list of more than 120 private label Amazon brand products that now includes kitchen goods, clothing, batteries, and electronics.

Retail 61
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Google Buys Customer Service Automation Startup

PYMNTS

Google has acquired customer service automation startup Onward for an undisclosed sum. According to reports , Onward Co-founders Rémi Cossart and Pramod Thammaiah, as well as CTO Aaron Podolny, will be joining Google as part of the deal. “With Google, we’ll be able to expand the reach of the technologies that power Onward,” the company wrote in a blog post. “These core technologies are what got us excited in the first place, and we are excited to bring them to Google.

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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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Could A New Instagram Privacy Setting Lead To More Mobile Ads?

PYMNTS

Facebook-owned Instagram reportedly is testing a new privacy setting that could lead to more targeted ads directed at consumers. The new privacy setting would enable Instagram to share users’ location history with Facebook. According to TechCrunch , that “means your exact GPS coordinates collected by Instagram, even when you’re not using the app, would help Facebook to target you with ads and recommend you relevant content.

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Klaxit Launches Uber Feature For Stranded Customers

PYMNTS

Klaxit , the French startup that connects drivers with riders commuting to work, has inked a partnership with Uber , recently launching a new feature. According to reports , if a driver cancels a ride home from work, Klaxit will book an Uber ride for the customer. Unlike Uber , which is focused on the entire ride-sharing market, Klaxit is only focused on commuting to and from work.

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Vocalink On The Grim Facts Behind Financial Crime’s $1.4T Toll

PYMNTS

“I wants to make yer flesh creep,” says a character straight out of Dickens. Though Halloween is less than a month away, what we talk about concerning payments crime is positively … creepy. The data is enough to spook even the hardiest of payment professionals. In the latest Data Drivers, David Divitt, vice president of financial crime products at Vocalink , told PYMNTS’ Karen Webster that there’s some light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to battling the bad guys.

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New Jersey Shows The Good And Bad Of Gambling Payments Progress

PYMNTS

It’s a good time to be a sports gambler. Football. Hockey. Baseball playoffs. The upcoming Netball 2018 Sunshine Series featuring Jamaica vs. England. (You might not know what netball is, but its basic form is likely familiar to you, and some 20 million people in 80 countries play it, according to estimates. Besides, it sure beats the snooze fest that is golf on TV.).

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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.