The lucky country for fintechs
A new report points to Australia as a leader in supporting the development of fintech solutions and exploring their potential. In a new research paper, the Alliance for Financial Inclusion has reviewed the varying approaches of some of the world’s developing, emerging and developed nations to cultivating fintech offerings. On regulatory attitudes, the report highlights the proactive approach of ASIC in establishing an innovation hub to run alongside its regulatory sandbox and the Digital Finance Advisory Committee. “First, establishing a sandbox sends a strong message to fintechs that the regulator is open to innovation. Second, it provides an important learning opportunity for regulators, especially when coupled with an ‘innovation hub’, […]
Bitcoin: Ten Years On
A mysterious, anonymous entity known as “Satoshi Nakamoto” posted a white paper on October 31 2008 entitled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System”. It was the first time that the concept of Bitcoin entered the world. But outside of the cypherpunk mailing lists – those promoting the use of privacy-enhancing technology – this event was hardly noticed. Ten years on, who hasn’t at least heard of the cryptocurrency? On just nine pages, the white paper explained how the Bitcoin system would work. Many attempts at electronic cash had already been made going right back to computer scientist David Chaum’s “Digicash” developed in the 1980s. Using an intricate dance of cryptography, […]
How cryptocurrency is disrupting the global economy & the financial system
For the longest time now, cryptocurrency has been slowly rising and increasing its powers in the background. Though not a lot of people have been paying attention to it lately, it’s still going strong with no signs of stopping. Because of the technology behind it, cryptocurrency has the potential to be one of the biggest disruptors in the global business process. As for the financial sector, here are some of the ways cryptocurrency can change it. Fewer barriers to entry One of the best things about cryptocurrency is that just about everyone can get involved. There are little to no barriers to investing or trading cryptocurrency. And as more people […]
Women in senior leadership given the nod of approval
Award-winning Nod confirms its next major hire on their executive team will be a woman. Nod developed a patent pending algorithm that utilises AI to create real-time Statement of Advice for Financial Advisors and Accountants and today confirms they have appointed Kathryn Sforcina, an accomplished serial entrepreneur in her own right, as Head of Growth. Kathryn will bring the number of women on the Senior Leadership team up to 50% making Nod one of the few technology companies in Australia, if not the world, to have such a high representation of women in a senior leadership capacity. Joel Robbie, CEO, says the decision to actively seek true parity within their […]
Melbourne Fintech to disrupt the way young Australians travel
Melbourne Fintech Pelikin is on the cusp of disrupting the Australian travel money market with its mobile-only multi-currency account and prepaid Visa card. The young team is on a mission to make “travel brighter” for young Australians by providing them with valuable travel and money services that have been built with their best interests first. At its core, the Pelikin app and card will allow users to hold up to five different currencies at once and spend in over 200 countries across the world in an easy, affordable way. Last month, Pelikin released its prepaid card and with a unique vertical and neon yellow design, it’s a far cry from […]
Identitii lists on ASX
Identitii Limited (ASX: ID8), an Australian FinTech enabling the secure overlay of transaction level detail on top of financial messages using a private blockchain, commenced trading on the ASX today at 11.00am AEDT. The listing follows a fully underwritten $11 million raising at $0.75 per share. 14,666,666 shares were issued for an undiluted market capitalisation at listing of $40 million. The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Clare Rhodes as Chief Marketing Officer and Mark Garvie as Chief Commercial Officer. Funds raised from the IPO will go towards further development and commercialisation of Identitii’s platform, already in use at a global bank, as well as to appointing […]
AFL great says Hayne will help robo-advice make mark
The findings of the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry could play into the hands of robo-advice, reckons Ted Richards, the former AFL great turned director at Australian robo-advice platform Six Park Asset Management. “The royal commission has been sad for certain parts of Australia, but a fantastic opportunity as well,” the former Essendon Bombers and Sydney Swans player says. “We’ve been able to receive a lot of attention off the back of the (Hayne) inquiry.” Richards expects Commissioner Kenneth Hayne’s report and its ramifications to upset the traditional advice delivery model. “Robo-advice really grew in the US on the back of the financial […]
