Regulatory regime for initial coin offering on the cards
The federal government is considering regulating initial coin offerings, a niche form of private fundraising for the technologically sophisticated developer community, in a move that could give blockchain-based start-ups an alternative to traditional capital raising. With ICOs around the world largely unregulated, they are considered the “wild west” of capital markets where scams and fraud are rife. But a growing list of global regulators and governments consider regulation could bring advantages, including providing a faster, lower-cost form of fundraising – an alternative to initial public offerings, venture capital, crowdfunding or bank loans – for entrepreneurs wanting to retain full equity in their start-ups. Unlike an IPO or venture capital raising, […]
Digital wallet payments surge on Apple Pay: CBA
The Commonwealth Bank says the number of digital wallet transactions has nearly tripled since it launched Apple Pay earlier this year, as strong growth in tap-and-go payments continues to displace cash. After CBA in late January became the second big four lender to offer the payment service — which allows consumers to make purchases by tapping their phone on a merchant terminal — there has been a clear surge in people paying with iPhones. “Since we’ve introduced Apple Pay, we’ve seen the number of wallet transactions that are linked to a card increase 2.7 times. So it’s really increased quite dramatically since we’ve introduced Apple Pay for our consumer customers,” […]
The investment millennials are turning to instead of property
Millennials now make up 29% of all exchange traded fund investors in Australia, compared to 19% five years ago. The number of Australians invested in exchange traded funds (ETFs) continues to rise, with more than 385,000 investors as of October 2018 representing a 20% increase for the year prior. Of these 385,000 Australians invested in ETFs, 29% are millennials which is up from just 19% in 2013. An ETF is an investment product that tracks the performance of an index, for example the ASX200. ETFs are traded on an exchange like regular shares and offer investors instant diversification. “The ETF industry has continued to grow and mature in Australia, and […]
“Play to your strengths”: Why Airwallex’s Lucy Liu rejects labels in startupland
She may be a leading woman in Australian startups, with her business pegged to become another local unicorn, but Airwallex co-founder Lucy Liu doesn’t like to think in labels, preferring to focus on her strengths and successes than her gender. Founded in Melbourne in 2015, Airwallex secured $109 million last June, in one of 2018’s biggest capital raises. Since then, Liu and co-founder Jack Zhang have been focusing on growing the team, and have opened three new offices. The business has been moving quickly, Liu tells StartupSmart. “Startup years are like dog years,” she says. “You have seven years’ worth of stuff in one year.” Last year, Liu took home […]
UBank launches world’s first consumer Green Term Deposit certified by the Climate Bonds Initiative
UBank is now offering Australians with a sustainable way to invest with today’s launch of the world’s first Green Term Deposit in the customer space certified by the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI). UBank’s Green Term Deposit is matched to a portfolio of renewable energy projects such as wind and solar power, and low carbon transport and buildings. It allows customers to use the savings in their term deposits to support a positive environmental impact, while still enjoying a high return. Certified by CBI, a not-for profit that has developed a standard for investments which address climate change, UBank’s Green Term Deposit is available to all customers with a minimum $1,000 […]
First accredited blockchain course hits training organisations
The first accredited course for blockchain, the Advanced Diploma of Applied Blockchain, has been developed by Mentor Education in partnership with Queensland’s Blockchain Collective. The Diploma course would consist of eight modules, including six core modules and two electives, and cover topics across analysing the performance of business models deployed on blockchain and preparing an organisation for transitioning operations to a blockchain network. The course would also traverse the recruitment of staff for a blockchain project and the regulatory environment. To read more, please click on the link below…. Source: First accredited blockchain course hits training organisations
Identitii commences phase two with HSBC
Identitii Limited (ASX:ID8), the FinTech company enabling banks and corporates to securely exchange intelligent information in real-time, is pleased to announce further engagement with global tier one bank, HSBC Global Services (UK) Limited. Following the successful completion of phase one of its project with HSBC, a customer since 2017, Identitii has commenced work on phase two of the project under the existing Framework Agreement. Phase two will deliver additional functionality to support HSBC’s plans to roll out Identitii’s solution into multiple geographies. Identitii also expects phase two to drive increased consumption of data points (transactions) across its platform. Initially, phase two will generate additional revenue of up to US$480,000 for […]
Prospa momentum continues as loan originations surpass $1 billion
Prospa, Australia’s number one online lender to small business, is pleased to announce its pro-forma results for H1 FY19. Total loan originations for H1 FY19 were $225 million, up 10% on the forecast of $204 million and up 44% on a pcp basis. Total loan originations for CY18 were $436 million, up 13% on the forecast of $386 million and up 51% on a pcp basis. Prospa’s total loan originations have now surpassed $1 billion comprising A$1 billion in Australia and NZ$10 million in New Zealand, delivered to over 19,000 small businesses as demand continues to grow. Revenue is ahead of forecast with H1 FY19 revenue $67.7 million, up 8% […]
