CFA exam to include blockchain and cryptocurrency parts from 2019
With cryptocurrencies here to stay, education needs to start meeting student and employer demand. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies will be making an appearance in the level I and II Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams from 2019 onwards as part of a broader new reading called Fintech in Investment Management. The material will be released in August this year, giving exam-goers time to start logging their recommended 300 hours of study time on the topic. Like crypto uptake elsewhere, it’s being largely driven by popular demand from participants, with surveys and focus groups showing strong interest from future analysts and employers. The organisers might be equally onboard. “We saw the field […]
Fintechs promise to make tax returns easier
With the deadline for those lodging their own tax return of October 31 this year, preparations should be made now for staying on the right side of the Tax Office. Filling out our tax returns is a chore that many of us put off for as long as possible; though most of us receive money back from the Tax Office. About one in four lodge their tax returns by themselves with the Tax Office on the myGov website. Those lodging with a registered tax agent can file later than October 31, as late as May next year, unless the taxpayer is in dispute with the Tax Office. This year sees […]
Does your FinTech company feature on the Australian FinTech Directory?
Over the past 3 years, the team here at Australian FinTech have built up the No.1 website for FinTech companies in Australia to be showcased to the world. We do this through the Australian FinTech Directory which can be found on our site here. The Directory features over 550 FinTechs operating here in Australia. It’s a long way from the beginning when the first 60 companies were listed and we thought ‘there might be about 100 in total’…. If you’re company is not featured on the Australian FinTech Directory, please let us know. And if your logo has changed, you have a new CEO, or would like to update your […]
Should The Reserve Bank of Australia Issue a Digital Currency?
During a recent Australian Business Economists forum, the Head of Payments Policy Department for the Reserve Bank of Australia, Tony Richards, had a lot to share on cryptocurrencies and distributed ledger technology in the Reserve Bank’s perspective. Of particular interest was whether the bank might consider issuing a digital version of the Australian Dollar. According to Richards, Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies were largely impressive and admirable, but flaws in their design coupled with limited usage within Australia made them unnecessary and hence there was no need for the bank to issue a new digital version of the Australian Dollar. The Bank’s Approach To Cryptocurrencies Australia can boast of having […]
Australia’s plans to embrace cryptocurrencies through progressive laws
When cryptocurrencies were designed, the idea of the government or its financial institutions meddling into the affairs of the digital currency were not envisioned. Indeed, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin were designed to give users the freedom to transact without central regulation. It was probably not anticipated that these currencies would gain so much interest around the world. But since that has happened, the regulatory authorities have found it hard to stay away from the cryptos. Recent news has indicated that governments around the world are keen on easing the tension between the traditional perception institutions have had on cryptocurrencies. Some of the issues that are at the fore currently are how […]
Ripple CEO: Bitcoin will eventually stop driving the crypto markets
Coins need start solving real problems, not each other’s problems, to be valued in their own right. If you want to know how your coin’s going, just look at bitcoin prices. When bitcoin goes up, so do all other cryptocurrencies. When bitcoin drops so does everything else. To date the crypto markets have simply tended to swim along as one amorphous blob, with the most distinctive anomalies usually being the result of foul play, accidental failure or deliberate price manipulation. Even as bitcoin’s market dominance waned the effect stayed strong. “There’s a very high correlation between the price of XRP [Ripple] and the price of bitcoin, but ultimately these are […]
Do you know who you’re getting into bed with?
As new lenders pop up, seemingly overnight, Jacaranda Finance are going back to their roots. With the new financial year looming, Jacaranda Finance has been hard at work re-building its brand, even going as far as designing a brand new logo. By going back to the company’s original roots of stripped down family values, Jacaranda Finance is reminding loyal clients why they’re the lender for every Aussie. Founded in 2013 by Daniel Wessels, the company was lifted to new heights as Daniel brought on his father, younger brother and a close family friend. Since then, they have worked to provide tens of thousands of Australians with much-needed finance in […]
60% of Australians pay bills using BPAY
Australians have a knack for downplaying their greatest inventions, and BPAY is one of them. 20 years ago BPAY was introduced across nearly every bank in the country to help people pay bills and to help businesses get paid. On average people pay 5 or 6 bills a month, and around 60% of Australians pay those bills using BPAY* 88% of Australians recognise the iconic BPAY logo, as it’s on nearly every major bill in the country and in almost every internet banking platform* According to Keith Brown, BPAY Group’s General Manager of Product, Scheme & Business Development, BPAY is still growing even after 20 years of leading bill payments. […]
