PYMNTS

APRIL 11, 2018

Financial services players, both big and small, are embracing APIs in a major way — as they should. From solutions designed to increase the use of new technologies like the blockchain , to those aimed at giving consumers a more personalized set of products and services, APIs are being used to unlock all kinds of new capabilities. And now, around the industry, banks, financial managers and other players are seemingly embracing the age of APIs.

B2B 67

B2B Technology 67

Katz,Sapper&Miller

APRIL 12, 2018

Katz, Sapper & Miller’s Chad Halstead and Mike North will speak at Faegre Baker Daniels’ 2018 M&A Conference. Taking place May 10 at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis, this annual conference provides dealmakers the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends, discuss complex mergers and acquisitions (M&A) topics, and network with others in the local M&A community.

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PYMNTS

APRIL 7, 2018

It’s fair to say we live in the future. A vast majority of Americans carry a super-computer in their pockets that can be used as a GPS navigator, a payment method, a source of entertainment and a shopping mall. Oh, and you can also use it to make phone calls. Beyond our casual use of technology (that would have seemed like pure science fiction in the 1950s and sorcery in the 1850s), we also have washing machines that order their own detergent, refrigerators that suggest recipes and vacuum cleane

Entertainment 65

Entertainment Maine Technology 65

PYMNTS

APRIL 11, 2018

Ripple , the blockchain company, announced news on Wednesday (April 11) that it has invested $25 million of its XRP cryptocurrency in Blockchain Capital’s $150 million fund Blockchain Capital Parallel IV. In a press release, Ripple said Blockchain Capital is the first fund focused solely on the blockchain space and is also the first to accept capital calls in cryptocurrency.

Healthcare 64

Healthcare Technology 64

Speaker: Victor C. Barnes, CPA, MBA

In the climb from contributor to leader, the rules quietly change. But if you’re aiming for the summit, the air gets thinner, and what got you here won’t be enough to get you to the top. 🗻 What made you successful early in your finance career—technical accuracy, sharp analysis, flawless execution—won’t be what carries you to the next level. The higher you go, the more your effectiveness depends on how you connect, adapt, and communicate.

Account

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

For many consumers, secondhand is becoming their first thought when it comes to clothes shopping. It’s a movement that’s been gaining momentum since the recession in 2008. Today, one in three women are reporting that they shopped secondhand within the past year, according to research by thredUP. That’s a total of 44 million shoppers in 2017. Compare that to 35 million the previous year, and it’s clear this trend is not only on the rise, it’s growing dramatically, with the potential to reach $41

Retail 60

Retail Account accounted accountant 60

PYMNTS

APRIL 11, 2018

Uber , aiming to expand access to transportation for the masses, announced news on Wednesday (April 11) that it has launched a series of product updates that help riders get around without the need for a vehicle. In a blog pos t, Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi said to meet that end, Uber Bike by JUMP is expanding to Washington, D.C. The service, which was first piloted in San Francisco earlier in 2018, will enable residents and visitors to Washington, D.C. to find and book a JUMP pedal-a

Transportation 60

Transportation Washington Technology 60

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

It’s called the Paradox of Choice , or “analysis paralysis” – and anyone who has ever frozen in the face of searching Netflix for a Friday night movie has felt its icy grasp. Stated simply, it says that too much choice is bad for the average customer, who becomes so weighted down trying to figure out what they “really want” that they find it hard to choose anything at all.

Manufacturing 59

Manufacturing Maine Gaming Technology 59

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

With Amazon , Kroger and other large retailers in the grocery business introducing digital technology, such as mobile self-checkout, how do smaller regional grocers compete? The answer could be in white-label technology platforms provided by companies such as GrocerKey , a software company that helps brick-and-mortar retailers adapt to the new digital world.

audit 58

audit Retail Technology 58

PYMNTS

APRIL 10, 2018

In payments security, the key is the key. Encryption and the digital keys that allow firms to scramble and descramble data are permanent parts of the payments landscape. There’s a personal element to the technical wizardry, though. Data needs management, and protecting that data requires vigilance. And yet, many firms do not have the staff in place to manage cryptographic keys.

Manufacturing 57

Manufacturing Sales Technology 57

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

Etsy is refocusing its aspirations and energies — much to the annoyance of some of its sellers. CEO Josh Silverman said the decision is a pivot toward the areas that are showing the most growth for the handmade marketplace, particularly on its core eCommerce site. However, the news came as a jolt to merchants like jewelry maker Natalie Jacob, who told Bloomberg she became a major fan of the Etsy Wholesale service until it abruptly stopped communicating with merchants.

Retail 57

Retail Sales E-commerce 57

Speaker: Kim Beynon, CPA, CGMA, PMP

The most overlooked, yet most critical, element of transformation is preparing people for change. Automation and AI aren't just technical upgrades, they’re cultural shifts which can challenge identities. That’s why change management isn’t a side project—it’s the foundation. In finance, where precision and process rule, navigating change can feel especially disruptive.

Finance

PYMNTS

APRIL 11, 2018

Whether they’re hairdressers that are wizards with a razor and shears, clothing designers with a knack for new looks or carpenters with all the tools of the trade, all small businesses need to get paid. While SMB owners may be masters of their crafts, few are experts in efficiently resolving their payments pain points. They need websites that offer online payment capabilities to stay competitive, preferably with clean and simple interfaces to ensure they can quickly accept and process customers’

Start-ups 57

Start-ups Gaming Maine 57

PYMNTS

APRIL 12, 2018

In the workforce, speed is an issue close to employees’ hearts. How quickly workers get paid can not only affect their satisfaction with their day-to-day job, but also plays a large role in motivating them to remain in their roles. And employers are learning that the same rule of payment speed applies when it comes to boosting productivity through company wellness programs.

payroll 57

payroll Healthcare Account accounted 57

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

The latest CBIZ Small Business Employment Index (SBEI) indicates an improvement in hiring activity among U.S. small businesses (SMBs). The company announced its findings on Friday (April 6), which recorded a 1.39 percent month-over-month increase in SMB hiring for March. That follows a decline of 0.2 percent in activity in February, CBIZ noted. According to CBIZ Employee Services Organization President Philip Noftsinger, the data could be a result of regulatory effects.

Tax 56

Tax Finance B2B 56

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

Amazon has a lofty vision for Alexa, and Amazon Pay’s VP and GM, Patrick Gauthier , says the entrants in the 2018 PYMNTS Voice Challenge with Amazon Alexa played into that vision beautifully. In case you missed it, the winners of the competition were announced on Thursday, April 5 – see who stole the show in categories such as “Most creative application of voice tech,” “Most commercially viable,” and “Easiest to explain to Mom.”.

Account 56

Account accounted accountant Maine 56

Speaker: Mark Gilham, FCCA, CPP

Finance used to be the function that counted, now it's the one that’s counted on. 📊 For accounting firms, controllers, and finance leaders, expectations are rising faster than headcount. Businesses want agile forecasts, granular analysis, seamless reporting, and smart automation—often without added resources while demanding uncompromised accuracy and compliance.

Finance

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

Though you might not realize it looking at a weather forecast in various parts of the nation – as it seems the temperature might never actually break 40 degrees – spring is upon us; the season for new beginnings is here. Even if the weather refuses to play nicely, at least we can count on the payments and commerce ecosystem to snap to life with some resets and fresh starts.

accounting and finance 56

accounting and finance Manufacturing Finance Account 56

PYMNTS

APRIL 10, 2018

Just as SAT scores don’t convey everything about a student, FICO scores don’t convey everything about a loan applicant. They can be one valuable piece of information, but when banks rely solely on scores from the credit bureau to decide which businesses or individuals can be trusted with a loan, they omit much more information than they include — perhaps missing the opportunity to build a relationship with some of the most creditworthy applicants out there.

Start-ups 54

Start-ups Finance 54

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

SWIFT ’s global payments initiative (gpi) service has a new bank on board. Reports on Friday (April 6) in WebIndia123 said ICICI Bank is the first in India to join and roll out the global payments service. The gpi tool aims to heighten speed, transparency and efficiency of cross-border payments for financial institutions and their banks. “International trade is the backbone of globalization and an imperative for India to grow,” said SWIFT Head of India and Subcontinents Kiran Shetty in a stateme

Technology 54

Technology B2B 54

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

U.K. challenger bank CivilisedBank announced plans to release its banking license to instead focus on developing its underlying infrastructure and technology. A press release on Friday (April 6) issued by the FinTech, which targets small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), said it will release the license awarded last May and reapply for another one after further technological development of its solution.

Technology 53

Technology Non-Profits Maine Finance 53

Advertiser: Paycor

Great leadership development is the key to sustainable business growth. Are you ready to design an effective program? HR can use Paycor’s framework to: Set achievable goals. Align employee and company needs. Support different learning styles. Empower the next generation of leaders. Invest in your company’s future with a strong leadership development program.

PYMNTS

APRIL 10, 2018

Continuing its foray into smart-home devices, IKEA is rolling out four smart speakers dubbed Eneby. The launch, however, is the company’s first venture in audio, TheNextWeb reported. The speakers come in two sizes and two colors, and the smaller speakers retail for the same price as a Google Home Mini or an Amazon Echo Dot at $49. All the Eneby speakers are listed on IKEA’s website, but customers can’t purchase them quite yet.

Retail 53

Retail 53

PYMNTS

APRIL 10, 2018

With fraud on the rise, credit card networks have realized that customer signatures are simply not a reliable way to authenticate someone’s identity — and some of the country’s largest retailers agree. According to The New York Times , four of the largest credit card networks — American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa — will no longer require signatures to complete transactions.

Retail 53

Retail New York 53

PYMNTS

APRIL 10, 2018

This month, startup Tipalti is celebrating a PO-matching match made in heaven as it integrates with leading cloud ERP provider NetSuite. PO (purchase order) matching is one of two new capabilities Tipalti has rolled out within recent months, the other being multi-entity functionality. Tipalti CMO Rob Israch said both new capabilities are now being enhanced with a focus on the platform’s NetSuite integration.

NetSuite Integration 53

NetSuite Integration NetSuite AP Automation accounts payable 53

PYMNTS

APRIL 13, 2018

Amid headlines that corporate banking helped boost Citigroup profits, the firm also reported strength in its mobile and online initiatives, as evidenced by growth in consumers using bits and bytes to bank, according to earnings materials from the company. In results reported on Friday (April 13), the top line at the bank came in at $18.87 billion, in line with estimates and showing growth from the $18.3 billion reported last year.

Retail 52

Retail 52

Speaker: Cheryl J. Muldrew-McMurtry

Distributed finance teams are rewriting how the back-office runs, and attackers are taking notes. Disconnected workflows, process blind spots, and rising cyber threats are more than just growing pains—they’re liabilities. The challenge isn’t just going remote. It’s building resilient systems that protect accuracy, control, and speed across every transaction and touchpoint.

Finance

PYMNTS

APRIL 10, 2018

The bikesharing trend has really gotten rolling in many cities around the world. Whether or not you’ve ridden one, you’ve surely seen them: Fleets of identical bikes, often colorful, clustered at rental docks where anyone from commuters to tourists can pay the fee to take one for a spin. The latest evolution of the trend, however, does away with those docks, instead leveraging GPS technology to keep track of bicycles and lead riders to the nearest one when they log into the app.

Transportation 52

Transportation Florida Texas Start-ups 52

PYMNTS

APRIL 13, 2018

This week’s VC Investment Roundup demonstrates investors’ varied appetite for B2B FinTech. Funding targets this time around included blockchain, logistics, alternative finance, artificial intelligence and T&E — with a few startups taking a stab at some of the biggest problems in the cannabis industry, procurement and microfinance. Take a look at which firms from around the world landed new funds this week, and how they plan to deploy the cash.

Finance 51

Finance Technology Legal B2B 51

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

On Monday (April 9), American Express unveiled a new global brand platform and marketing campaign dubbed “Powerful Backing: Don’t Do Business / Don’t Live Life Without It.”. In a press release , the payments company said the campaign is aimed at reflecting how people live and work today and celebrates the reality that life and business are becoming increasingly interconnected.

New York 51

New York 51

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

April 24 looms large for Spotify. The digital music streaming service last week said it would share news on that date at an event to be held in New York City. The details thus far are scant, and speculation is mounting. CNET reported the company sent a “save the date” invitation to journalists on Friday with only the date and “general location” disclosed.

New York 51

New York 51

Speaker: Frank Taliano

Documents are the backbone of enterprise operations, but they are also a common source of inefficiency. From buried insights to manual handoffs, document-based workflows can quietly stall decision-making and drain resources. For large, complex organizations, legacy systems and siloed processes create friction that AI is uniquely positioned to resolve.

Technology

PYMNTS

APRIL 10, 2018

Through a private funding round that could make Ant Financial the world’s biggest unicorn, the Chinese financial firm — an affiliate of Alibaba — is reportedly seeking to raise $9 billion. The fresh investment could lead to a valuation of nearly $150 billion for Ant, The Wall Street Journal reported. According to people familiar with the matter, Ant Financial has been in discussions with potential investors.

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PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

Due to its deal to merge with Rite Aid , Albertsons is withdrawing its plan for an initial public offering (IPO). The grocer said its IPO registration statement had not been declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), MarketWatch reported. That statement had been last amended in November and, as of that time, the company had not set the terms of its IPO.

Sales 51

Sales Retail 51

PYMNTS

APRIL 9, 2018

To draw in fashion-conscious customers and those on their lunch breaks, Nordstrom is gearing up to open its inaugural, full-line store in Manhattan. The location will stock men’s clothing along with shoes and grooming supplies in Midtown, The New York Times reported. “We know a market like New York doesn’t need just another place to buy a pair of pants,” Peter Nordstrom, a company co-president, told the Times.

New York 51

New York Construction Start-ups Retail 51

PYMNTS

APRIL 12, 2018

Tomorrow, April 13, signing a receipt at the end of a Mastercard credit or debit transaction at the physical POS will become a relic of payments history. Mastercard first announced its plan to go sans signature six months ago. It’s a change that’s long overdue for many consumers. Consumers like Karen Webster, who – in a conversation with Mastercard U.S. market development EVP Linda Kirkpatrick – shared a coffee shop anecdote about waiting in line behind someone who whipped out her debit card to

Retail 51

Retail B2B Technology 51

Speaker: Claire Grosjean, Global Finance & Operations Executive

Finance teams are drowning in data—but is it actually helping them spend smarter? Without the right approach, excess spending, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities continue to drain profitability. While analytics offers powerful insights, financial intelligence requires more than just numbers—it takes the right blend of automation, strategy, and human expertise.

Spend Management