World Bank appoints CBA for first bond deal on blockchain
The World Bank has turned to Commonwealth Bank of Australia to issue a bond using blockchain technology, in a deal that suggests a more transparent and lower-cost process for debt capital issuance is just around the corner. Reflecting its antipodean roots, the innovative security is being referred to as a ‘bond-i’ (blockchain offered new debt instrument). The World Bank says it is a world first for using blockchain to create, allocate, transfer ownership and manage a live bond deal. Commonwealth Bank has been appointed sole lead arranger for the ‘Kangaroo bond’ offer, which will launch on Friday and could raise around $50 million, part of the World Bank’s global funding […]
The one ASX company Bronte Capital thinks could be a $100b global tech giant
Bronte Capital’s John Hempton, one of the country’s most vocal and aggressive short sellers, owns just one ASX-listed company in his fund: Xero. And he says the accounting software group, which has a $5.4 billion market capitalisation, has a shot at being a $100 billion company. “If any Australian company has the potential to be a $100 billion tech giant, it’s Xero,” Mr Hempton told The Australian Financial Review. “In order to pull that stunt, they need to succeed in what the global ambition of Xero should be – we are the backbone accounting system all round the world and everyone plugs into us.” Xero, bought at much lower levels, […]
How cashless payment technology is helping local business thrive
The days when a trip to the ATM was compulsory before strolling to your local market are numbered. Instead small businesses now find themselves faced with the new breed of “cashless consumer”, and adapting to suit. According to a recent survey by the RFi Group, 32 per cent of Australians believe they can go cashless. Fortunately, the advent of low-cost and low-fuss technology allows local businesses, including sole traders, to sell their products and services quickly and easily, whether it’s a small item or a more expensive impulse purchase. A shift in mindset Michael McQueen, retail trend forecaster and bestselling author of How to Prepare Now for What’s Next, says […]
AltFi Australasia Summit 2018 – 16 April, 2018 – Sydney
Join us at the AltFi Australasia Summit 2018 on April 16th, held at the iconic Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour’s Pyrmont.
Reckon smashes $10 million loan milestone for Aussie small businesses
Australian cloud accounting provider Reckon’s (ASX:RKN) strategic partnership with leading fintech outfit Prospa has hit yet another milestone for the burgeoning non-bank finance sector, delivering over $10 million in funds to small businesses across the country within its first 18 months. The continued growth of the Reckon Loans platform further cements the role of small businesses – the engine room of Australia’s economy – in fuelling the nation’s fintech revolution. Launched late-July 2016, Reckon Loans empowers small businesses with swifter loan processes and easier access to capital, with the approval of funds from $5,000 to $250,000 available within one business day and no security required to access up to $100,000. […]
What you need to know about Digital Currency security
Last year, the value of the major cryptocurrencies, led by Bitcoin, increased by over 2,000%, leading many investors to believe that digital currencies were truly the investment asset class of the present and future. However, there are many factors which have weighed on the minds of cryptocurrency traders and long-term investors this year such as future regulations, security issues, and real-world applications of digital coins. In fact, many of these factors are what caused the recent meltdown of cryptocurrency value at the beginning of 2018. While many cryptocurrency experts feel that regulation is key to legitimizing the digital currency markets, the security issues still pose a problem for them when […]
The fintech transforming the cash investment sector for advisers
While investing cash as part of a client’s defensive investment portfolio is a necessity, many advisory businesses find the current lack of choice to be challenging. Traditionally the time taken to action cash investing, incremental costs together with laborious paperwork outweighed the effort by the adviser and the ability to enhance returns for the client. Cashwerkz, a leading edge Fintech company has developed a platform for advisers who wish to maximise earnings on defensive cash allocations, whilst simplifying the administration time to establish, transact and manage term deposits. Cashwerkz Relationship Manager, Lisa Gregory, explains “The combination of low interest rates and an increased administrative burden have made it far more […]
Could Xinja be Australia’s first neobank?
Banking startup Xinja is built solely for mobile and will target tech-savvy consumers. Fintech startup Xinja is on track to becoming Australia’s first neobank, otherwise known as a challenger bank, and has already raised close to $3 million this year. The funding will help launch 5,000 prepaid debit cards to customers before expanding its product offering to bank accounts and mortgages. Xinja will provide a banking solution for tech-savvy customers who want to be able to operate completely via their mobile phone. It will enable customers to use new accounts instantly, to see transactions in real time and to follow their money using simple virtual tools. The government announced in […]
