Sat.May 05, 2018 - Fri.May 11, 2018

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Synchrony To Acquire Loop Commerce

PYMNTS

Synchrony Financial announced today (May 10) that it will acquire Loop Commerce , the digital gifting platform used by retailers to make every product giftable. Using Loop’s GiftNow feature, consumers shopping for someone else at a participating retailer can send any product to any recipient using only their email address and then schedule a time for that item to be delivered, including in real time.

Retail 65
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Hooper to Address M&A Issues at American Trucking Associations Conference

Katz,Sapper&Miller

Katz, Sapper & Miller’s Randy Hooper will participate in the 2018 American Trucking Associations (ATA) National Accounting & Finance Council (NAFC) Conference.

Finance 40
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Jeff Bezos: Humans Are Scarier Than AI

PYMNTS

Robots aren’t going to take over the world, but humans could use them for some scary stuff. That’s Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’s take on artificial intelligence (AI), according to CNBC. And in the wake of Google ’s latest tech revelation, many experts are agreeing with him. Google revealed its human-sounding AI assistant Google Duplex during this week’s I/O conference.

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Nearly 100 Pizza Huts To Test Beer Delivery

PYMNTS

As restaurant operators seek to bolster sales in the face of weak traffic growth, Yum! Brands’ Pizza Hut is bringing beer delivery to approximately 100 of its restaurants in California and Arizona. The restaurant chain had begun testing the service in Phoenix back in December, Reuters reported. The new rollout will include cities such as Tucson, Prescott and Winslow in Arizona, and Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Sacramento and Santa Barbara in California.

Arizona 60
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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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Wells Fargo To Start Testing Pay With Wells Fargo

PYMNTS

Wells Fargo announced news on Thursday (May 10) of the launch of Pay with Wells Fargo, a new service for its mobile app that brings payment options to the home screen of the app before a customer must log in. In a press release , the bank said customers can select their most commonly used payment method, including Zelle , mobile wallets, Card-Free ATM Access code and transfers, without having to sign into the app.

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Rules Were Made To Be Broken, Or At Least Rewritten

PYMNTS

There are some things that happened so predictably they became like laws. Transistor density on microchips doubled every year and a half, so we started calling it Moore’s law, until it started slowing down. SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , colloquially known as food stamps) customers are easily assumed to be digital outsiders, but Propel is rewriting that rule.

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Chinese Tourists Are Driving Global Payment And Retail Change

PYMNTS

One of the small joys of travel is waking up a bit later than expected, then skipping the check-out desk on the way to a cab or shuttle bus, the morning off to a strong start because there was no need to wait in a line. That’s one of the driving ideas behind a new service that Marriott International recently launched for Chinese travelers going overseas — a service that also helps to demonstrate how the country’s growing tourist class is changing payments and retail.

Retail 51
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Drive.ai To Launch Self-Driving Car Pilot In Frisco, Texas

PYMNTS

Drive.ai , the California self-driving car startup, announced Monday (May 7) that it is launching an on-demand self-driving car service pilot in Frisco, Texas. In a press release , Drive.ai said that starting in July — and in conjunction with the Frisco Transportation Management Association, it will offer rides to more than 10,000 people in self-driving vehicles.

Texas 51
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Airline Industry And Deutsche Bank To Roll Out Electronic Payment System

PYMNTS

The airline industry, in conjunction with Deutsche Bank, is trying to challenge credit card companies with a new digital payment system to purchase plane tickets. According to a report in the Financial Times , the real-time electronic payment system is being designed to save the airline carriers billions of euros in transaction fees. The payment systems, which will enable travelers to purchase web-based tickets, will be rolled out in Europe starting toward the end of this year.

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Could A New Credit Card Put Apple Pay’s S-Curve In Motion?

PYMNTS

Apple and Goldman Sachs Group are in the midst of bringing a joint Apple Pay-designated credit card to market. The news comes at a critical juncture in the product lifecycle of Apple Pay. It’s been more than three years since the launch of the mobile wallet and, as classic business theory goes, this moment in time should mark the top of the S-curve for a new product — the point where it is at peak adoption.

Gaming 50
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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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NEW DATA: With Kiosks Scoring $717M In Revenue, QSRs Turn To Self-Serve Tech

PYMNTS

They started out selling gum, and now they’re selling tossed salads. Modern vending machines have come a long way since the first coin-operated machines were introduced in the 1880s. Now, they are a thriving, global business. Between now and 2021, the American interactive kiosks market is projected to grow by an annual rate of 7.2 percent. In 2016, the market generated $717 million in revenue, 30 percent of which came from food and beverage kiosks — the largest share of total revenue of any cate

Legal 50
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Crowe Horwath: ‘Risk Sandboxes’ Bolster Innovation While Managing Compliance

PYMNTS

Innovation implies a break from the conventional ways of operating a business. Ultimately, innovation is oxygen for companies in almost any vertical, as competition demands new products and services, improving customer experiences in unexpected ways. It’s no secret that the regulatory landscape is shifting quickly, requiring firms catering to those very customers through innovation to safeguard them at the same time, especially when it comes to their data.

Sales 50
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Equifax Gives Congress More Breach Data Information

PYMNTS

Equifax , the embattled credit scoring company that was the subject of a massive data breach last fall, provided several congressional committees in the Senate and House with more information on the data compromised in the breach. In a press release , Equifax said the additional details do not identify additional stolen data or new customers that were impacted, nor do they require more consumer notifications.

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Five At Five: Why Can’t Macy’s Impress Morgan Stanley?

PYMNTS

Welcome to Five at Five , your late look at some of the freshest payments news of the day — news you might have missed. Today’s stories include a discussion on why Macy’s eCommerce success does not impress Morgan Stanley and the details behind the joint pursuit of payments by Apple and Goldman Sachs. Google is drawing criticism for robots — specifically, their interactions with humans — and there is a fresh measure of Americans’ debt burdens.

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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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In B2B, FinTech And Banks Eye (And Serve) SMB Capital Needs

PYMNTS

Capital is the lifeblood of economies, and of the companies (and yes, of course, individuals) that collectively make things and provide services … and in the age of FinTech, the capital comes digitally and across innovative channels. The initiatives are far-flung and varied, but each is marked by a common thread of serving small business needs as both the lenders and the borrowers seek growth.

B2B 49
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Walmart Pays $16B For A 77 Percent Stake In Flipkart

PYMNTS

Walmart announced earlier on Wednesday (May 9) that it inked a deal to invest in Flipkart for $16 billion, giving the retailer a 77 percent stake in the India-based eCommerce company. In a press release , Walmart said the deal still needs the approval of regulators in India, but that once that step is completed, the retailer will own 77 percent of Flipkart.

Retail 48
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Experimental Transactions Test Crypto Limits

PYMNTS

A Russian state-owned fund is trying to attract investment to the tundra and swamps of Siberia through a digital token sale backed by Siberian diamonds. According to The Financial Times , the plan will start a trial this month, where investors can buy a share in a diamond for as little as $10. If all goes well, future token sales will include the region’s forests, gas and gold, as well as its fresh water and fish.

Sales 48
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H&M Looks To Big Data For Store Insights

PYMNTS

To reduce markdowns and break out of a lull in sales, H&M is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data to tailor its merchandising mix in its brick-and-mortar stores. The fashion retailer is using algorithms to gain insights from returns, receipts and data from loyalty cards to improve its bottom lines, according to news source Retail Dive reports.

Retail 48
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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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Small Businesses Shun Innovation For Fear Of Debt

PYMNTS

Small businesses (SMBs) prefer not to seek funding to finance their innovative endeavors, according to new research from BMO Wealth Management , which suggests SMBs are missing out on opportunities to drive growth. A survey of more than 1,021 small businesses in the U.S. published in BMO Wealth Management’s “ Creating Wealth through Business Improvements ” report on Monday (May 7) found that 60 percent of small businesses have never sought funding to support investment in innovation.

Finance 47
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With Same-Day ACH, You’d Better Have Same-Day Fraud Detection

PYMNTS

Accelerating payments mean financial institutions have less time to identify fraud before a transaction clears and settles. With Same-Day ACH now a reality in the U.S., FIs are kept on their toes to mitigate this risk. In its analysis of the Same-Day ACH rollout, NACHA found no evidence that it led to an increase in fraud attempts or successful breaches.

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NYPD Tests ‘Skim Reaper’ To Stop ATM Tampering

PYMNTS

The NYPD is fighting back against ATM tampering with a device called the “Skim Reaper.”. According to CBS News in New York , the device can detect if an ATM or gas pump has been compromised. Credit card skimmers steal more than $1 billion from U.S. customers each year, according to the Secret Service. For its part, the NYPD has four full-time, trained detectives tasked with finding skimmers, but says the problem is too widespread to be stopped with those resources.

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Tesla, Elon Musk And Much Ado About Earnings

PYMNTS

Some things in life are predictable. The passage of seasons, the flow of time and, of course, quarterly earnings reports. Rain or shine, four times a year analysts and investors in publicly traded companies get a behind-the-scenes look at their investments wrapped around a summary of a financial performance for the quarter that just closed. There is a predictable rhythm to these reports.

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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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Google Maps’ Latest Iteration To Product Exploration

PYMNTS

The latest iteration of Google Maps is slated to launch this summer, TechCrunch reported, with a slew of new features that tie into exploring surroundings, rather than just focusing on getting from here to there. The tech trade publication wrote on Friday (May 11) that the forthcoming exploration tools are geared toward personalization, aided by artificial intelligence.

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As AI Enters The SMB Community, Cloud Adoption Still Lags

PYMNTS

Whether robots will take our jobs or take over the mundane tasks for humans to shift to more strategic operations, one thing is for sure: Automation is changing the workforce. For small businesses, technology adoption often means more time for business owners and entrepreneurs to focus on strategic initiatives, instead of the repetitive, manual tasks on their to-do lists.

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Former Head Of Vatican Bank Head Embezzlement Trial Underway

PYMNTS

The former head of the Vatican bank is answering tough charges of money laundering and embezzlement, according to news from Reuters. Angelo Caloia, 79, is the highest-ranking Holy See financial official to stand trial. He, along with lawyer Gabriele Liuzzo, 95, stand accused in a trial within the Vatican that began on Wednesday (May 9). However, Liuzzo is reportedly in ill-health and was unable to attend.

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HSBC Launches ‘Connected Money’ App

PYMNTS

As FinTech firms grow in popularity with their personalized services and sleek mobile apps, HSBC looks to compete by launching a multi-account app for customers in the U.K. The new app, which was dubbed “Connected Money,” garnered 13,000 downloads within one day of its rollout, Reuters reported. Through the app, users can take a look at their accounts at up to 21 different banks.

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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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For Goldman And Apple, One Word: Plastic (Cards, That Is)

PYMNTS

Two marquee names — one in tech and the other in finance — and a card between them. News came Thursday (May 10) that Apple and Goldman Sachs Group are in the midst of bringing a joint credit card to market. In terms of details, noted The Wall Street Journal , the card would be issued under the Apple Pay designation and may come to market early next year.

Finance 46
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American Consumer Debt To Hit $4 Trillion By EOY

PYMNTS

New data shows that Americans are on pace to accumulate a collective $4 trillion in consumer debt by the end of 2018. LendingTree , the nation’s leading online loan marketplace, released its first Consumer Debt Outlook for May 2018 — it found that collectively, Americans owe more than 26 percent of their income on consumer debt, up from 22 percent in 2010.

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PayPal Issues Additional $300 Million In The UK Working Capital

PYMNTS

PayPal has released new data regarding the volume of financing placed with small business borrowers via the PayPal Working Capital solution. Reports in IBS Intelligence on Wednesday (May 9) said PayPal Working Capital has provided U.K. small businesses with more than $847 million, up from $542 million last June. Launched in 2014, PayPal Working Capital has provided $5 billion in small business loans around the world, the company noted.

Finance 46
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Most CFOs Lack Full Visibility Into Company Spend, Coupa Finds

PYMNTS

Chief financial officers (CFOs) surveyed by The Economist Intelligence Unit revealed a lack of visibility into corporate spend in a new survey released on Monday (May 7). The report, “The Strategic CFO in a Rapidly Changing World,” commissioned by corporate expense management firm Coupa , found that of more than 500 CFOs surveyed, more than 60 percent said they don’t have total visibility into company spend.

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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.