Digital disruption of wealth management
The wealth management industry is in the process of becoming digitally disrupted by Financial Technology (fintech) on all levels. Previously, the regulatory environment had not been conducive to alternative wealth management practices, but this is changing. A rigorous regulatory environment has been one of the reasons fintech in wealth management has been slow to establish itself. But, the Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC) has recognised the growing importance of the fintech sector and is proactively engaging with the sector across all areas of financial services with the establishment of the Innovation Hub. Further recent support of fintech by ASIC goes a long way to opening up financial services to new […]
Paying bills just got easier with Easy Bill Pay
Financial services company, FSA Group LTD launches Easy Bill Pay, a bill payment service which allows users to pay and store bills and organise their finances quickly, easily and conveniently. As many as a third of Australians pay their bills late and this can cost them money and affect their credit report. On average a late fee of $24 is charged and that adds up. A survey conducted by a major bank in 2016 concluded that Australians were charged $286 million dollar in late fees in 2016. There are many reasons people pay their bills late and it can be as simple as forgetfulness, disorganisation, time poor or lack of […]
Xero looks to attract global growth funds through ASX consolidation
Cloud accounting software company Xero is hoping to attract a range of new institutional investors to its share register, as it prepares to enter a new growth phase when it consolidates onto the ASX on February 5. Founder and chief executive Rod Drury told The Australian Financial Review he could see the business achieving the local status that Xero had reached in the smaller New Zealand market, where it was one of the top 10 largest listed businesses in the country. “We’re at the end of the beginning. We’ve just hit cash flow break-even, but there is still massive growth potential,” Mr Drury said. “Before you get to break-even you […]
Australia leads the way when it comes to Digital Banking
When it comes to cashless banking in Australia, Sydney and Canberra lead the way according to a report by card company Visa. The report recognises both cities as being digital leaders in large part as a result of Australia’s advanced digital banking payments system. Aussies are already very accustomed to online banking and there are a large number that make use of the system. 100 cities were looked at The report looked at more than 100 cities around the world and analysed their development in terms of cashless payments and banking. The report showed that 18 cities spread across Asia, Europe and the United States were deemed to be “digitally […]
New online platform allows you to ‘auction’ your loan to the lowest bidder
There can be little doubt that the world of finance and lending has become more competitive. Imagine, though, a bidding war where lenders fight between themselves to give you the best deal on your mortgage, car or personal loan. That’s actually a reality with a new online platform that allows you to “auction” the loan you want to the lowest bidder. Lodex began operating in Australia in November. Co-founder, Mic Phillipou, describes it as an auction-style marketplace where banks and brokers bid for your business. “I guess it’s a paradigm shift. As opposed to you having to go out and seek the best offer or rate from a bank or […]
The search for bitcoin’s founder: who invented cryptocurrency?
The identity of the pioneering cryptocurrency’s founding father(s) has remained a mystery since a whitepaper published by a programmer going by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto surfaced in 2008. However, there are plenty that have worked with the bitcoin founder to make it a success. Satoshi Nakamoto ‘What is needed is an electronic payment system based on cryptographic proof instead of trust, allowing any two willing parties to transact directly with each other without the need for a trusted third party’ – Satoshi Nakamoto, 2008. For a cryptographically secured digital currency built on a system that requires no central authority, it is unsurprising that its creator has stayed in the shadows. […]
Ignition Wealth appointment flags fintech future
The new chief executive of Ignition Wealth’s Ireland business is keen to deliver the next generation of fintech to Irish institutions. Named in the top role on Wednesday, Alan Quinlan said his appointment marks a “well-timed opportunity to raise the bar on what’s possible in fintech in Ireland.” “We are working to evolve technology for financial services, bringing a global perspective to development, compliance and customer experience,” Quinlan said. Quinlan’s background includes senior roles at BT Financial Group in Australia and Mercer Ireland. Ignition Wealth added that Mark Fordree now becomes group chief executive. Fordree said the firm is deploying a multi-currency and multi-language platform in Ireland. The Ireland business […]
AUSTRAC plans counterterrorism codeathon
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) plans to hold a codeathon in March to help solve challenges associated with countering terrorism financing. The ASEAN-Australia Codeathon is expected to bring together more than 80 experts including counterterrorism financing experts, software developers, programmers, analysts, designers and engineers. Participants at the Sydney event will be given 32 hours to develop solutions to challenges that will be unveiled on the first day of the event. Up to six members will be permitted per team. AUSTRAC is inviting participation from ASEAN and Australian FinTech, RegTech and start-up companies, financial institutions and financial intelligence units. The codeathon begins on 14 March. Prizes will be […]
