When ‘it’ happens, SocietyOne urges us not to reach for the credit card
Australia’s pioneering and leading marketplace lender, SocietyOne, has launched an integrated marketing campaign to capitalize on the fast-approaching holiday season, where demand for consumer credit typically jumps with increased expenditure on festivities and gifts. The campaign, entitled “When ‘it’ happens”, highlights how even positive situations can put financial strain on even the most savvy Australians. It tells the story of ‘regular guy’, Dave, who is financially in control until a series of unexpected events blows his budget out of the water. SocietyOne saves the day by rewarding Dave’s good credit rating with a low-rate personal loan, saving him from resorting to a credit card – which can often become a […]
Are Exchange-Traded Fund flows creating the mother of all opportunities?
A common excuse given by fee-charging active fund managers that have battled to beat their benchmarks has been the ever-rising popularity of exchange-traded funds. ETFs effectively allow investors to track an index – anything from the S&P 500 to obesity-related stocks – by simply buying a listed security tacking the index or a basket of stocks. The global market has grown from 580 products totalling $US728 billion of assets to more than 5000 funds with more than $US5.6 trillion of assets. But some have argued that this created multibillion-dollar flows of brainless money simply buying and selling stocks based on predetermined rules rather than any thoughtful analysis. This, it has […]
The app increasing your super while you spend
A new phone app is helping people get big returns on their retirement savings, and Nine News has revealed how you can start earning NOW with as little as five dollars. A new app called Raiz is helping consumers use their spare change to boost retirement savings through an easy-to-manage investment account. And former financial advisor Nathan Martyn said he has already saved hundreds. “I wanted to start paying attention to where my super was and how it was likely to generate over time,” Martyn told Nine News. Say Martyn uses his debit card to buy a coffee for $3.50, the figure is rounded up to the nearest dollar. In […]
Affinity takes Scottish Pacific on first trip into the $4s
Affinity Equity Partners is offering more than $600 million for debtor finance company Scottish Pacific. Street Talk understands the private equity firm’s indicative bid values Scottish Pacific in the “mid to high $4s” a share range, and was made subject to due diligence, funding and the sorts of approvals usually seen when a buyout firm knocks on a listed company’s door. For Scottish Pacific, it means there is no real rush to do anything. If there is to be a takeover, it would be months away. Nothing it says or does in the next 24-hours is expected to move the dial, now that Affinity has made its approach. Scottish Pacific […]
Fintech 101: Core concepts for the future of banking
Everyday it feels like someone, somewhere has coined a new banking term. But as Australia continues to take big steps towards innovation, the average Aussie might feel left in the dark when it comes to understanding what’s in store for the future of banking. So to keep you in the loop with all the latest in fintech, we thought it might be worth getting the basics down first. What is fintech? Put simply, fintech stands for ‘financial technology’ and can refer to any technology that is used in the finance industry to provide products and services. Just remember that fintech usually refers to newer, innovative products and services. For example, […]
What’s the deal with equity crowdfunding, and should I do it?
What’s changed? The updated legislation passed on September 12, including an amendment from Labor which means it will come into effect in 28 days. Equity crowdfunding will now be available to private companies, but there are still some restrictions. Companies must have less than $25 million in turnover and gross assets, and funds raised will be restricted to $5 million each year. Startups using the method will also be subject to transaction rules and stringent reporting and disclosure obligations, with annual reports and directors’ reports required. Once companies raise $3 million or more, they will also be subject to auditing requirements. Matt Vitale, co-founder of equity crowdfunding platform Birchal, tells […]
AI, VR and fintech in focus as Microsoft takes on its first Aussie start-ups
Artificial intelligence and financial services based start-ups provide the majority of the first cohort of global tech giant Microsoft’s first Australian accelerator program. The program, known as ScaleUp, was announced in February and targets start-ups that have typically received initial funding and are looking to expand. It promises to help fast-track their growth by linking them with potential customers, Microsoft partners and technical guidance, without giving up any equity. The Australian start-ups selected are Auror, Daisee, FreightExchange, Hyper Anna, InDebted, Kapiche, Karbon, Makers Empire, Teamgage, SimpleKYC, Start VR, VendorPanel and Winimy AI. Many have secured funding in recent times, including virtual data scientist Hyper Anna, which raised $16 million from […]
Raiz Invest brings financial insights to life with Facebook chatbot
Raiz Invest, the mobile-first micro-investing platform, has today launched a chatbot to improve the user experience. Customers can ask Ashlee chatbot specific questions about their account or the financial markets and get general customer support. Much like a personal fitness coach, the aim is to help Australians have a healthier relationship with their finances. With an active (paying) customer base of more than 172,000, skewing towards the under-35 demographic, Ashlee provides intuitive and real-time responses. Integrated on Facebook Messenger, it takes advantage of the personal and instant nature of the app in aligning with millennials. Personalised on-demand investment updates Ashlee further personalises the Raiz experience. She will answer personal […]
