Author: Maurice Quinten

Comprehend How Decentralized Finance Use the Authentic Data Feeds Provided by Blockchain Oracles

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Image depicting blockchain network The Pyth Official website provides a comprehensive discourse about its critical role in supporting decentralized finance (DeFi) as a blockchain oracle providing timely and trustworthy data feeds. Pyth Network’s most crucial significance as a provider of accurate and reliable data is demonstrated in decentralized financial trading, smart contracts, cryptocurrency exchanges, and other blockchain-based transactions.

This article further expounds on how the related DeFi applications use external or off-chain data to ensure the success of each and every decentralized financial transaction.

Why Decentralized Financial Trading Needs Accurate and Timely Data

Decentralized financial trading takes place in a virtual market where sellers and buyers can purchase or pay for financial assets without using the facilities and services of traditional financial institutions like banks, brokerages and other third-party intermediaries.

The Defi ecosystem uses blockchain technology and defi apps to eliminate the string of processes performed by conventional third party assistants. More often than not, intermediaries slow down the completion of a financial transaction. Besides, reliance on third-party services increases the risks of getting hit by security breaches, glitches, malfunctions and human error.

The blockchain system minimizes such risks through peer-to-peer (P2P)agreements and direct arrangements, Doing so allow DeFi app users to complete their trading transaction in a matter of minutes. Moreover, the exclusivity and confidentiality afforded at minimal costs by blockchain technology gives DeFi app users greater control over their financial assets.

However, it’s important for transacting parties in the Defi ecosystem to use trustworthy price information in evaluating the real time and exact value of their digital assets. Decentralized trading after all requires the speedy conversion of fiat money into the agreed cryptocurrency, which makes the accurate off-chain price feeds brought in by blockchain oracles very important. Incorrect pricing in both centralized and decentralized finance can lead to losses and vulnerabilities not only in trading but also in lending, borrowing and derivative investing.

The Importance of Authentic and Real Time Data in the Execution of Smart Contracts

A smart contract is an advanced self-executing program used in blockchain platforms. The program automates the completion of a blockchain transaction without need for external mechanisms or of a central authority that imposes legal conditions.

Image of female software developer at workSmart contract developers use scripts or codes in delineating the specific conditions that will trigger the self-execution of the contract. Once executed, a smart contract becomes irreversible and at the same time trackable in the blockchain platform.

Developers of smart contracts integrate the participation of a blockchain oracle like Pyth Network. The latter is highly reputed for its capability to bring reliable and authentic data feeds into the blockchain platform in real time. Such capability will ensure that the blockchain platform will facilitate execution based on the smart contract’s predetermined rules.

Open Finance : Comprehending Its Significance and How the Innovation Works

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

While most consumers experience the use of open banking in completing financial transactions, another fintech innovation known as open finance has come into the fore. Similar to open banking but not limited to consumer bank data, open finance also gives third party providers (TPP) access to a broader scope of financial information using specific application programming interfaces (APIs).

access to payday loan using APIThe range of financial information accessed by TPPs under open finance arrangements include financial services like pensions,investments, insurance and other financial products that help consumers expand and manage their financial assets and liabilities in one platform. That is regardless of where consumer assets are kept and located.

By the way and for the benefit of those not familiar with APIs, they are fintech mechanisms that enable communication between the components of two software while using a set of protocols and definitions.

In open finance, an authorised TPP can communicate with the institution managing the financial information of a consumer in connection with the process of availing or buying into a specific financial product or service.

Exactly How Does Open Finance Work?

online business app interfaceSince open finance involves sharing of financial data, the first most basic requirement is consumer consent or authorization. The TPP could be a personal financial adviser, or an investment platform like a robo-adviser. TPPs use specific financial data when rendering services to a consumer, such as personalized financial advice, account aggregation, budgeting, investment and lending services.

In order to do so and before any sharing takes place, a TPP must first obtain the explicit permission of a customer through an online interface and API of the financial institution managing the client’s data.

Data portability and interoperability are a must to enable effective communication and efficient transfer of financial data between different authorized TPPs.

Throughout the entire data sharing process, stringent security and privacy protection measures must be implemented to prevent unauthorised access and misuse of client financial data.

Why Barber Landscaping is a Byword for Outdoor Space Improvements In Cumming, GA

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

In Cumming, Georgia, homeowners usually contact landscaper Jarrod Barber to discuss home improvement plans involving general landscaping jobs. Mainly because Barber Landscaping is a leading landscape contractor in Cumming, specializing in outdoor space improvements that take into consideration drainage solutions and erosion control.

landscape gardening projectYard improvement projects can add superb
value to one’s home but it is also a substantial
investment. Depending on the needs, preferences and lifestyle of a homeowner, the cost of a landscaping project could range from $2,000 to over
$100,000. Still, customer reviews on Barber Landscaping said they are satisfied with how Jarrod Barber helps them build a realistic budget for their landscape project.

Aside from personally supervising a home improvement undertaking, Mr. Barber commits to keep the prices as low as possible by manufacturing some of the key materials used for the project. Some examples include pine straws, organic composts and other landscape and lawn essentials supplied directly by producers.

In some cases, Mr. Barber gives advice on what works best for an outdoor space based on the knowledge he acquired from his 15 years of experience as a landscape and lawn services contractor. As an example, a review cited a customer who wanted grass installed in a certain outdoor space, However, Jerrod advised against it because the space did not have enough sunlight spreading out in the area to support the proper growth of grass seedlings.

Taking Out a Personal Loan to Fund a Yard Improvement Project

In most cases, homeowners take out a personal loan as a source of funding for a home improvement project. However, it is more advisable for a homeowner to bring their application to a modern day lender who processes underwriting services with an empathetic approach. After all, demonstrating empathy will make opening up easier for a potential client as he or she is more inclined to trust a lender that genuinely cares about his or her financial concerns.

Moreover, it is easier to apply for a personal loan with a digital lending company that uses the best loan origination technology to process a loan from point of application through point of approval (or rejection). That way, a loan applicant does not have to wait long to find out if his or her personal loan will be granted or turned down.

taking out a loan for house improvementA loan origination technology is actually a system of processing a personal loan application up to fund disbursal with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Instead of using the services of traditional banks that still struggle due to their use of outdated processing systems that rely on manual data entry, automated systems with AI technology help lenders arrive at faster and consistent loan decisions.

Fintech Revolutionized Rather Than Disrupted Financial Service Industries

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

fintech innovatorsFinancial technology was initially introduced as a computerized back-end system that banks used as support in the processing of financial transactions. However, developers of financial technology or fintechs, as they came to be known, gave more focus on developing computerized financial processing systems to expedite the delivery of financial services and products to consumers.

Fintechs Were Initially Viewed as Disruptors

At first, fintechs were viewed as disruptions in the financial sector because they adversely affected the traditional operations of the banking industry. Yet in order to survive and thrive, banks and other financial institutions adopted innovative technological advancements provided by fintechs.

Doing so enabled them to offer online payment and investment solutions that were 10 times faster and more convenient than the conventional methods.

Collaboration Between Fintechs and Financial Services Industry

The newfound collaboration between fintechs and banks, insurance companies and users of e-commerce platforms, gave consumers access to user-friendly online banking systems and mobile applications that made it possible for them to make real-time payments, fund transfers, avail credit facilities, place investments, perform wealth management and other financial transactions.

data analyticsOn the other hand, banks and the industries that have adopted fintech solutions, were able to gain access to data analytics that gave them the capability to operate with increased efficiency.

Moreover, the powerful analytical tools that form part of fintech innovations provided users with valuable customer insights that helped them better understand their respective clients and their needs.

A Brief Overview about Georgia’s Car Accident Laws

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

cae crash A car accident loan is a form of financial assistance that typically arises whenever an individual involved in a personal injury lawsuit, seeks legal funding in order to claim compulsory damages resulting from a car crash incident.

In Georgia, a lawsuit lending company approves and grants the loan based on the anticipated settlement that a court will award; but only after it has been proven that the other driver was at fault and had caused the collision as a result of negligence or wrongdoing. Moreover, a lawsuit loan differs from a traditional loan because payment of the cash advance will be taken from the proceeds of lawsuit judgement.

In the event that a plaintiff does not receive the anticipated settlement, he or she is not required to reimburse the lawsuit loan company for the cash previously advanced as lawsuit funding.

A lawsuit funding is a necessity in a state like Georgia where a personal injury lawsuit has to follow the Fault Rule when filing a case directly against the other driver. The purpose of which is to make the allegedly at-fault driver pay for economic and non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive damages caused by the car crash.

What Exactly is the Application of the Fault Rule in Relation to Auto Insurance Claims?

States in America are either a Fault or No-Fault state when it comes to filing for insurance claims and compulsory damages. Georgia for one follows the Fault Rule, which allows a driver to file a direct lawsuit to the other driver; to claim compensation for bodily and property damages sustained as results of a motor vehicle collision.

The filing of the claim is regardless of the severity of the damage and/or injury sustained by that other driver; especially if there is clear proof of negligent or careless behavior such as “Driving Under the Influence (DUI).” In such cases, the alleged DUI driver can be compelled by law to pay economic, non-economic, exemplary and/or punitive damages if it is proven in court that he or she was driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance.

personal injury damagesUnder the Fault Ruling, a car insurance company will be obligated to pay economic damages like medical and hospitalization bills, or non-economic damages like loss of income and other lost financial opportunities, only if there is strong and clear evidence that the driver being sued is at fault.

Yet this is also subject to the condition that the plaintiff’s level of fault in causing the car crash, is in no way equal or more than the level of fault pinned on the driver being blamed for the crash. In which case, the amount of compensation received can be affected by the level of fault attributed to the plaintiff as cause of the car crash.

In contrast to a No-Fault state like Florida, individuals who encountered motor vehicle mishaps while in Georgia, can directly pursue a claim for full redress and compensation against a driver accused of being at-fault for the collision. That stands opposed to the No Fault Rule, which allows the claiming of damages via lawsuit, only if the cost of damages exceeds the insurance coverage and liability protection of the vehicle.

Neobanks : Entirely Digital Technology-Based Financial Services

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Fintech innovations gave rise to neobanks that can render faster and more accurate financial services without the need to have a physical location like traditional banks. The concept and operations of neobanks first originated in Germany and the United Kingdom; providing mobile-first, digital financial services such as facilitating online payments, money transfers and loans, just to mention a few.
Operating entirely on digital technology supported by mobile phone applications, neobanks manage end-to-end client servicing and customer acquisition. A banking partner keeps and safeguards the funds of neobank customers, while also giving access to funds that the digital banks can offer as loans to clients.

Pros and Cons of Banking with Tech-Based Neobanks

While many regard neobanks as better than conventional banks, there are also concerns and constraints faced by neobank users.
As an innovative banking solution, neobanks’ automated services allow smoother and faster response time in the processing of financial transactions. At the same time, through the User Interface (UI) it eliminates the costs of having to personally and physically visit a traditional brick and mortar bank. Still, the downside of choosing to use neobanks to handle one’s financial transactions is the absence of a regulatory banking licence that ensures consumer protection. At the same time, arranging and processing financial transactions entirely online pose risks of encountering cyber attacks and vulnerability to system malfunctions.

Wells Fargo Revamped Robo-Advisor to Attract Millennial Investors

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Wells Fargo, a community-based financial company has revamped its Intuitive Investor by making its features and services attractive to millennial customers. Whereas before, the automated investing platform was available to WF customers who have at least $5,000 to invest on the options presented in the platform’s professionally curated portfolios, the minimum has been reduced to $500.

The Intuitive Investor is a robo-advisor that renders automated management of investment portfolios, which largely follows the principles of Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT). Although robo-advisors provide automated services, customers can ask guidance from Wells Fargo Financial Advisors. They are real time advisors who will answer questions and provide assistance by phone from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET from Monday to Friday.

How Does the WF Intuitive Investor Robo-Advisor Work?

https://youtu.be/7fTb_3McLrY

After asking users some questions, the robo-advisor presents a suggested portfolio. If the user decides to invest on any of the options presented, the smart technology on which the Intuitive Investor is built, will automatically keep track of the user’s account on a daily basis. At the same time, the AI is capable of rebalancing the account assets when necessary.

The relaunched robo advisory platform now includes sustainability-focused investment choices to which environmentally and socially conscious millennials consider as sound investment portfolios.
Wells Fargo’s Intuitive Investor charges a 0.35% annual advisory fee plus the related cost of funding expenses.
The Head of Digital for Wells Fargo Consumers Michelle Moore, described the revamped robo-advisor as a simplified version of the Intuitive Investor platform, as it aims to provide a better and faster experience for both experienced and neophyte investors.
The relaunched robo-advisor still offers sophisticated features such as the smart beta portfolios and tax-loss harvesting. However, those are advanced features available to premium Intuitive Investor users at extra costs.

PayPal Admits Rewards Program Failed, as Millions of Fake Accounts Were Opened

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Paypal CFO John Rainey revealed that the company found 4.5 million accounts created illegitimately by bots in connection with a customer rewards program. Although PayPal has already shut down the accounts, many took advantages of the incentives, which according to Bloomberg had caused Paypal’s stock market shares to go down by 25%. Actually, the rewards campaign was in line with PayPal’s objective of reaching 750 million active accounts by 2025. Apparently after the discovery, the goal is out of reach for now.

According to CFO Rainey, it is their practice to periodically assess their active account base, to make sure all are legitimate. It;s actually one way of avoiding bad actors, In this recent case, they collected benefits from the incentive campaigns without mutual participation as a legitimate customer of Paypal.

How Did the Account-Opening Rewards Program Work?

In the past two years, PayPal garnered 120 million new customers and now currently have a total of 426 million accounts as ecommerce boomed. CFO Rainey mentioned how PayPal focused on incentivized customer acquisition tactics more than ever. One instance is how the company had an offer that deposited $5 or $10 dollars to their customer’s account after signing up for Venmo or Paypal.

Trouble arose when bots created accounts automatically ny visiting websites but only for the purpose of collecting the rewards offered as incentives. PayPal’s CFO mentioned how the company is transitioning to a sustainable growth and driving engagement instead to make legitimate customers use their apps more frequently.

Point Predictive co-founder Frank McKenna acknowledges how this is the first time he has seen a company to admit how fraudsters take advantage of new account incentive programs in this scale.

Singapore’s Monetary Authority to Begin Work on Payments Linkage with Malaysia

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Last week, The Monetary Authority of Singapore announced of government plans of pursuing a phased linkage of its PayNow payment systems with Malaysia’s DuitNow.

Once the first phase of linkage achieves completion the linked payment systems between the two countries will enable participating financial institutions to offer customers, real-time fund transfer services between Singapore and Malaysia using their mobile number. Moreover, the linkage will also let customers make retail purchases and pay for them using the DuitNow or NRTS QR codes displayed by participating stores.

In July of this year, Singapore’s Bank for International Settlements and the Monetary Authority of Singapore revealed the plan as well issued a set of guidelines specifically pertaining to multilateral linking of domestic real-time payment systems beyond and across borders.

The Singapore-Malaysia Payment Systems Linkage is Actually Part of a Greater Plan

 

 

The greater significance of linking the two payment systems is the enhancement of seamless fund transfers of large amounts of remittances between the two countries, which even reached $1.3 billion last year. The linkage comes just after the successful completion of a similar project involving The Reserve Bank of India’s Unified Payment Interface. Fund transfers between customers in Singapore and India are now more affordable since the reciprocity eliminates the need to process transactions using a third party payment system.

The project has been named Project Nexus, as it envisions the creation of “Nexus Gateways.” The goal is to synchronize all compliance, message translations, sequencing of payments, and foreign exchange conversion of all participating financial institutions. The project also includes the tie-up between Thailand’s PromptPay and Singapore’s PayNow that was launched last April 2021.

Video-ID Interview Engine Deemed as an Excellent Onboarding Tool for EU

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

A live video interview when onboarding a new customer, using a new Video-ID technology is deemed as the best method of carrying out ID verification processes. In the European region to which the EU Commission prescribes stringent Know-Your-Customer (KYC) processes, tech innovator HooYu recently launched its Video-ID engine in Germany and Spain.

What is a Video-ID Engine

HooYu’s Video-ID is a program that enables an agent or representative to conduct a live video interview with an onboarding customer via a web browser, whilst simultaneously performing facial biometrics and real-time detection of identification cards and documents like passports and residence permits.

https://youtu.be/5eLKHQAEBss

The use of this HooYu product is regarded as a worthy and sound alternative to carrying out ID-verification by asking a customer to download an application just for the purpose of participating in a provider’s ID-verification requirement. The latter method creates a poor user experience that increases the possibility of customers abandoning the onboarding journey altogether.

How Does HooYu’s Video ID Improve Customer Onboarding Experience?

Aside from eliminating the need for customers to download an application, the live video interview conducted by the provider’s agent is faster. In light of its capability to perform facial biometrics and document verification while a live interview is ongoing, customers no longer wait before the provider complete the onboarding process.

To cite an example, a HooYu Video-ID program configured and customised for the German market, enables an interviewer to initiate a Schufa database identity-check as a means of confirming the name, address and birthday of the onboarding customer. It could also conduct mortality checks in conjunction with or independent of the Video-ID interview process.

P2P Payment Apps – Making Mobile and Online Banking Better Than Ever

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

P2P or person-to-person payment is a financial method that enables customers to transfer funds to another person using their credit card or bank account. Users simply access a payment-transfer application installed in a mobile device, laptop or PC. of a mobile Banks develop or collaborate with a third party provider of P2P platform, to give customers the ability to transfer money to another person, even if the latter does not maintain a bank account with the servicing bank.

Once the sender makes a money transfer, the recipient will be notified by way of email, about the money transferred to his or her bank account, whilst referencing a specific transaction code. The P2P system does not require senders and recipients to have a deposit account with the same bank.

How P2P Payment Method Works

Even before the development of P2P applications, the majority of e-commerce merchants who have been accepting online payments, used payment processors like PayPal. As mobile banking likewise enabled device users to make payments, PayPal introduced a mobile banking app that enabled their customers to make direct payments to the bank accounts of merchants or peers without need to pass through PayPal’s e-wallet platform. .

Today, there’s a broad selection of P2P mobile payment apps that enable family and friends to transfer and receive funds. Some of the leading providers of P2P mobile apps, in addition to PayPal, are Google, Venmo and Xoom. Actually, even Facebook offers person-to-person payments through credit unions and banks.

Australian Consumers Benefiting from the Growth of the Fintech Industry

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Demand for financing facilities has always been high in Australia, more so now that many Australians are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. However, loans being offered by Australian banks are not always accessible, or for that matter, affordable to ordinary citizens and small businesses. Through the years, as the need for affordable and easy to access loans saw a continuing rise in Australia, a new breed of financial service providers known as fintechs have introduced a novel approach to both investing and lending.

Why Borrowing from Banks are Next to Impossible for Ordinary Consumers

Since banking institutions loan out money using funds entrusted to them by their depositors, it’s important that the risks involved in doing so is minimal. Moreover, lending among traditional banks is generally profit-driven. Primarily because they cannot use money deposited by clients to pay for their day-to-day banking operations.

Bank loans are often difficult to avail even for small and medium enterprises (SME), as not many in this group have already attained proven track records, or have extensive credit histories; or even own real estate assets to offer as collateral.

Through fintechs, consumers and SMEs can take out loans by way of peer-to-peer lending that banks cannot match.

What is Peer-to-Peer Lending?

Apart from technological innovations that allow fintechs to be more flexible and agile in providing financial services, fintechs introduced peer-to-peer lending, a.k.a. P2P, as a way of sourcing funds to lend to consumers and SMEs.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending is a method of enabling individuals to borrow money directly from ordinary people who have surplus money to invest. Through a platform, fintechs offer lending to individuals as a form of investment, denoting that the funds invested will be offered as loans to those looking to borrow money under less rigid conditions.

The interests collected from corresponding borrowers will then serve as profits of individual investors, which are of course higher than interests earned, if funds were placed as savings and time deposits in banks.

That being the case, fintechs apply due diligence in evaluating the creditworthiness of borrowers, but at lesser overhead costs. While those with poor credit history may apply for a P2P loan, the interest rate imputed will be higher, as the borrower will be classified under the high risk category.

Currently, as there are numerous fintechs offering their P2P lending services, Australians can now shop around for the best deals, usually with the help of a finance broker. The latter after all, better understands the terms and conditions pertaining to a loan, and how those can impact a borrower’s personal finances. Although the lending process, such as the transfer of money and collection of monthly payments are automated, negotiations or haggling is possible with P2P financing.

How Leading Finance Broker National Loans Australia Can Help

When planning to avail a loan, whether from a bank or through a fintech, it would be best to hire a finance broker who understands all the intricacies of lending practices and processes. As licensed finance brokers, the team members of National Loans Australia (NLA), help individual borrowers sort out all the financing options available as responses to the pre-approval loan forms sent out to banks and financing institutions.

One thing that makes NLA finance brokers a cut above the rest is that they have had more than 24 years of experience in brokering bespoke loans for their clients. In turn, their track record as finance brokers have enabled them to build successful relationships with banks and other financial institutions, including fintechs.

Visa Announces Plan to Rollout Cryptocurrency Platform by Year End

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Visa, the credit card company formerly seen as an enemy of the crypto industry has made a turnabout by becoming a new major supporter of the bitcoin community, This leading credit card company has recently announced plans of releasing a crypto software program by the end of the year. Moreover, banks will be involved in supporting Visa’s cryptocurrency trading and buying services.

https://youtu.be/5qn4qJpCMqA

Anchorage, a leading digital asset custodian, has in fact become the first digital asset bank in the U.S. The recognition came after the U.S Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) awarded Anchorage, a national trust charter. Anchorage is one of several banks that will provide storage services for Visa cryptocurrency users.

 What Has Been Causing the Bitcoin Boom?

Bitcoin’s value recently rose to a record high $46,000 as robust trading continues to propel bitcoin into the mainstream of the global financial market. Paid endorsements from celebrities like Lindsay Lohan helped boost trading, while the more conventional Wall Street investors began taking interest in bitcoin investments.

The BTC boom is also attributed to Paypal’s rollout of a  platform that allows millions of Paypal users to use bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in completing online transactions. Paypal by the way is a one of Visa’s strongest rivals.

The latest spike occurred last week, after Tesla’s and SpaceX’s CEO Elon Musk made mention of Tesla’s $1.5 billion investment in bitcoin.

Technological Innovations in Accident Investigations and Reconstructions

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

When local police officers arrive in a traffic accident scene, they have to investigate and gather important and accurate data in the quickest way possible. The good news is that there are now technological innovations that law enforcement authorities use in investigating, analyzing and reconstructing traffic accidents.

While there is a need to investigate, analyze, and determine the circumstances surrounding the vehicular accident, policemen at the site also have a compelling duty to complete their data gathering and investigation in the shortest time possible. That way, the roads can be reopened immediately and resume with the regular flow of traffic.

Traditionally, a trained police officer will be in charge of consolidating data to use in reconstructing the car accident. He will generate a triangulated and scaled sketch of the accident site using basic tools such as a 20-meter distance measuring device, a sketch pad, a pencil and a camera.

Advanced Techniques in Investigating and Reconstructing Traffic Accidents

Today, well-funded lawn enforcement offices use computerization and advancements in communication technology in conducting investigation and data collection in road traffic accidents.

The latest technology developed for this purpose involves the use of a drone. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is remotely operated to take full range aerial shots of the accident site by way of photographs and video footage.

Advanced models of drones have the capability to send the photographs and video directly to the PC hosting the traffic reconstruction software. The AI will in turn process the information to create 3D models. When footage of a surveillance camera is available, the AI will also use the information in creating 3D models not only of the accident scene but also in analyzing the physics involved at the time of the collision.

In using advanced traffic collision investigation technology, policemen at the site can immediately clear the road and get vehicular traffic moving again. Moreover, it will also take less time to produce a traffic reconstruction report that will make disputes over car accidents faster to resolve. Mainly because the 3D models can provide all the measures needed and the different angles of images collected as evidence of the car accident. The traffic reconstruction report can be generated in a matter of one to two minutes.

Importance of Accident Investigation Report and Accident Reconstruction in Resolving Car Collision Disputes

A traffic investigation report and an accident reconstruction of a car accident is useful in determining the driver at fault; working effectively toward the speedy settlement of any claims for damages.

However, there are cases when the insurance adjuster of the errant driver refuses to pay a reasonable amount of settlement, especially when there are bodily injuries involved. In such cases, the aggrieved party will be constrained to file a lawsuit in order to claim just compensation that may include loss of income due to hospitalization and/or other stressful situations caused by the car collision.

In such cases, the legal complainant or plaintiff will need more than a traffic reconstruction report to support the amount being claimed as just personal injury settlement. In case a plaintiff has limited financial resources, he can always consult with a lawsuit funding company if his personal injury claim qualifies for a lawsuit loan, just so he can pursue the litigation action until a legal judgment is rendered.

After all, lawsuit loans do not require fees. The amount of cash advance, will be collected from the plaintiff once the court orders the defendant to pay the compensation being claimed as just settlement. Moreover, lawsuit funding companies extend the amount advanced under a no-recourse agreement, which denotes that if the plaintiff loses, he does not have to pay the amount advanced by the lending company.

Still, there are other terms and conditions to consider before contracting for a lawsuit loan and its important to choose a lender wisely. Just like any loan or cash advance, payment of lawsuit loans also comes with interests.

What is Open Banking and Why Do Bank Clients Like It?

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Open banking is a financial service that allows third parties to act as intermediaries in facilitating financial transactions between banks and clients via the API.

The latter refers to the Application Programming Interface (API) technology that makes banking practice more convenient for consumers, as the platform links consumer accounts with different financial institutions and service providers. Mainly because data will be accessible to third-party providers who will carry out full completion of financial transactions between clients, consumers and financial institutions when initiated online.

Whereas before, clients can make same-day, real-time transfers of money to another bank account only if such account is maintained in the same banking institution In open banking, through the API of a third party intermediary, the fund transfer can take effect in real time even if the recipient account is maintained in a banking institution that is different from the transferring bank.

Other Potential Advantages of Open Banking

Open Banking technology has been proven as very useful as it provides a new alternative especially in times of pandemic:

1.  With open banking, it shows potential that it can increase sources of revenue as customers who engage in online income-earning opportunities will have increased capabilities to perform online transactions through financial institutions.

2.  Open banking can also assist money lenders in determining the customer’s financial circumstances and risk levels. The open data related to applicant-borrowers makes the evaluation and decision-making processes easier for lenders when giving consumers practical and manageable loan or credit terms.

3.  As smaller banks engage in open banking, the bigger and well-known banks would be constrained to make their rates and services more competitive against newer and unfamiliar banks. As a result, larger banks would be pressured in providing better client service, use newer technologies to decrease banking costs being shifted to clients.

Understanding APK or iOS-ASP as Prerequisite for Downloading a Mobile Casino App

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

In Southeast Asia, gamblers overcome the difficulty of accessing online casinos by downloading the dedicated mobile app of a specific online gambling website. To do this however, users of Android supported devices have to first download an Android Package Kit a.k.a. APK. iPhone users on the other hand, have to download the iOS App Store Package (ASP).

However, caution must be observed when obtaining APK or ASP files because they are also used as tools for downloading malware or spyware; or in some cases, may contain stolen applications — any of which, can put a smart device at risk. The best step to take is to download the APK or ASP from the official source recommended by the related mobile app developer, or to be specific, by the online casino agent.

Why is APK or ASP a Prerequisite to Downloading a Mobile Casino App?

https://youtu.be/Hawj4WRxNSs

In understanding why we need to install APK or ASP files in our device when downloading a mobile casino app, we must first know their function.

Generally, Google maintains a policy of not allowing or supporting gambling apps of unregulated online casinos and sports betting operators; including applications offered by affiliate websites run by online casino or sports betting agents. Although the most popular online casinos in Southeast Asian countries are operated by licensed and regulated online gambling operators, as far as Google Play Store is concerned, mobile apps are unregulated if deployed in countries that ban gambling activities.

iPhones on the other hand, cannot access any kind of mobile application that is not supported by the Apple Play Store.

Nonetheless, the way to go around such restriction is to first download an Android Package Kit (APK) for Android-supported devices; or the iOS App Store Package (ASP) files for iOS gadgets. An APK or ASP package contains the file format used by the Android operating system or Iphone operating system, in distributing and installing middlewares, mobile applications and mobile games.

Once the appropriate file formats are properly installed in a mobile gadget, smartphone users can then access and download the related mobile applications recognized by the file format, which otherwise would not be accessible to them in their respective country or region. Gamblers located in countries that prohibit gambling, will have direct communication with the online casino platform. At the same time, their gambling activities remain private and out of reach to gambling watchdogs.

Citing 918Kiss as Case Example for APK or ASP Use

918kiss online casino is one of the most popular online gambling sites accessed by millions of online gamblers across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei. The popularity of 918Kiss mainly lies on its trait as a regulated gambling platform. Moreover, the online casino is supported by major igaming proponents like Playtech, Real Time Gaming and Spade Gaming, all are licensed and certified fair and safe by gambling regulators.

Those looking to download the 918Kiss mobile app must first obtain the APK or ASP, whichever is applicable, from a trusted 918Kiss agent like esibet dot com. The agent’s website provides instructions on how to enable the appropriate fike formats in downloading the 918Kiss mobile app.

As a security procedure, a registering member must first make contact with a 918Kiss support staff, who will carry out the identification and onboarding processes. If no problem is encountered and the required deposit has been made, the 918Kiss support staff will provide the new online casino member with a password to use.

https://youtu.be/vj42VSPe8Hs

As registered members of the 918Kiss online casino, the password will serve as the key for unlocking and accessing the broad selection of online casino slots and table games listed in the dropdown menu.

Simple Explanations on How APIs Work

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Most online consumers have encountered the term API and are quite interested to find out more; beyond the technical jargon of what the acronym stands for: Application Programming Interface.

First off, API is a product that is usually offered to developers of applications or resource platforms that will allow the offering of a specific product or service to consumers by way of digital technology.

Know that the term interface refers to a program that enables mobile app user to connect to a platform from which they are requesting a service. An API allows communication between the app user’s device and a specific service provider’s platform.

Simple Example of How APIs Work

The simplest example is when a user of a Facebook Messenger app wants to send a message to other FB Messenger users. The API acts as the conduit or intermediary program that will connect the requesting party to Facebook’s Messenger platform. Upon receipt of the request, the FB platform will in turn, process the request, whilst making sure that only those authorized to connect to that particular Messenger app can send back responses, which the API forwards to the requesting party. .

Why API is Important for Mobile App Developers and Resource Providers

Since APIs are products in the form of program codes offered to app developers and resource platforms, the quality of the API integrated as part of the program or software is of great importance. The API can promote active use of the mobile application, especially when users find it easy to engage in the quickest time possible and in the safest of environments.

APIs can influence customer experience and can become a deciding factor for app users to continue using the stores or the service providers to which their app is connected.

The industry benchmark in determining the quality of the API that sends out communications between app user and resource platforms is the level of user retention, or the percentage of users who return and engage through the app within three months, from the very first session.

Still, it is important to note that brands tend to set their own standards of customer engagement and retention, as metrics to follow when choosing the mobile apps and resource platforms.

Some of the major technology companies that offer APIs are Google, Amazon, Expedia, eBay and Salesforce, because their platforms are connected to the most popular commercial markets. .

DoJ to Probe Anomalies in PPP Stimulus Loan Grants

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Cases of potential fraud regarding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans surfaced, after JP Morgan Chase granted SMB loans to disqualified publicly traded clients. As a result, stimulus loan applications of about 220,000 eligible SMB loan applicants were left out of the funds released as economic relief for small businesses.

Last April, burger restaurant giant Shake Shack was forced to return a $10 million PPP loan intended only for small businesses .as gesture of mistake made in good faith. sis. Other companies, such as Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse chain , are yet to announce that they intent carry out similar actions. The two big companies had also received approval for a $10 million and $20 million loans, respectviely, from JP Morgan Chase despite their ineligibility to receive the stimulus package.

JP Morgan Chase Said Other Applicants Have to Wait for New Congress-Approved Funds

At first JP Morgan Chase, through the company’s spokesperson said that although the money loaned out will be returned by the aforementioned companies, the bank will not be able to release new loans until Congress authorizes the release of new funds.

 

Now that the Department of Justice has launched investigations of circumstances surrounding JP Morgan’s release of PPP loans to non-SMBs, the bank recently announced that the Small Business Administration has  provided an additiomal $15 billion, to fund PPP loan applications of around 239,000 SMBs..

 

SBA to Review Applications of Businesses that Received Funding

As part of its administrative role, the Small Business Administration said that corollary to the DoJ’s investigations, the agency will review who among the recipients do not qualify as PPP borrowers,

 

The government agency also announced that those who are aware that they are not qualified, can return the money and be considered as having acted in good faith. However, the offer of clemency is good only up to May 07, 2020.

Underscoring the Significance of Underwriting Using AI-Enhanced Technologies

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

The importance of accurate financial information is underscored, whenever businesses seek additional capitalization, either from banking institutions or potential investors. However, business owners should understand that banks and other financial institutions base a great part of their decision on the results of the underwriting process.

What is Underwriting

Underwriting is a key function that is ever-present in the financial world, because it entails the assessment of risks posed by an individual or a business entity, either as a borrower or as an investment prospect. Although banking institutions and venture capitalists make funds available in exchange for fees, it is important for decision makers to know the degree of risks involved.

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That way, in case the borrower fails to settle the loan or the entity fails to deliver the promised return on investment, the funds provider can recover, even in part, the amount loaned out or supplied as capital investment.

The Underwriting Process in the 21st Century

Business owners should have awareness that the underwriting process in the 21st Century no longer rely on simple financial reporting, even if supported by certifications issued by external auditors.

Lessons have been learned from the 2008 Financial Crisis, in which companies like Enron resorted to manipulating financial information, in covering up the fact that they had more debts than assets to present to banks and potential investors.

Through interconnected network systems, developers of technology built databases from which real-time data can be collected, analyzed and interpreted for report generation.

To eliminate the tediousness and inaccuracies of manual underwriting processes, improvements in financial technologies saw the creation of Artificial Intelligence or AI.

Now, providers of underwriting services use financial technologies that not only collect and analyze data for comparative analysis and financial projections. They now have AI-enhanced financial software that can also apply machine learning in establishing patterns. Such patterns or trends are useful in determining the accuracy of good or bad applications.

Some underwriting AIs have the capaability to link countless numbers of structured and unstructured data, which the machine can smartly transform into contextual data that can be used for accurate underwriting.

Intel Commits to Helping Bridge Race And Gender Wage Gaps by Providing Equal-Pay Advocates with Data

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

In a radical move to set itself apart from other big tech companies, Intel announced plans of releasing pay data, which advocates for equal pay, can use when looking deeper at race and gender wage gaps in the tech industry.

The announcement came after Bloomberg reported that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will make it a requirement for business organizations with more than 100 employees, to file pay data. Since the requirement does not make it obligatory for businesses to publish the related information, Intel announced said it will release the pay data to allow public examination.

Although Intel’s announcement also brought into focus the company’s own issues about pay discrimination accusations by female, black, Hispanic Intel employees in various states.

Yet the Department of Labor made it known that Intel had already agreed to pay $5 million to settle the pay-inequality accusations. According to the report published by the Department of Labor, $3.5 million will apply as back pay settlement, while the remaining $1.5 million has been alloted for pay-adjustments of Intel’s engineers.

At the moment, Intel has not made any comment on when such data will be released, as Bloombeg also reported that the EEOC, may yet change its decision to require businesses to file the data in 2020.

About the Race Gender Wage Gap Issue in the U.S.

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The Race Gender Wage Gap issue in the U.S. has become more pronounced than ever. Equal-pay advocates have established the fact that for over a period of 15 years, from 2001 to 2015, the earnings of female workers were only 49 percent of male workers; indicating that there is a 51% wage gap between male and female employees.

White female employees earn only 81.5% of the amount paid as wages to white male employees.

In the U.S. female workers of all major racial and ethnic categories earn less than men belonging to the same categories; suggesting that they also earn less pay than white male workers.

Race and gender wage gap for Asian women though is not as wide as compared to other female workers under different race categories. Asian women rank high in comparisons, since their median weekly earnings represent 93.5% of white male employees’ median earnings per week. Still, when compared to their Asian male counterparts, their median earnings for a week’s work is only 75.5%.

When compared by race categories, the weekly median earnings of Hispanic workers are the lowest versus any race and gender categories; whether white, Asian, or black female and male workers. In 2018, Hispanic women earned $617 weekly for full-time work. The amount is only 61.6 percent of the wages earned weekly by white male workers as median weekly salary. When compared to median weekly earnings of Hispanic male employees, Hispanic women’s weekly earnings represent only 85.7 percent of their male Hispanic counterparts.

In the same way, there is a wage gap between Hispanic and black female workers, with the latter earning $654 as median weekly compensation. Still, the amount earned by female black women per week, represents only 65.3 percent of what white male workers earn as weekly median pays. Wage gap still exists between black male and female workers, as the median weekly salary earned by black women is only 89% of the median weekly earnings received by black male employees.

Making Technology Adoption Part of a Senior’s Preparations for the Golden Years

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Technology adoption is getting recognition as part of a senior adult’s preparation for the golden years. Baby boomers coming of age as present and future retirees are lucky, because they will be retreating into a world enhanced with technological advancements. Many innovators in technology have in fact devised gadgets and applications that aim to assist and empower senior citizens to independently manage life in retirement.

Becoming digitally connected has become a norm even among older adults. However, a 2017 Pew Research reported that smartphone use tends to drop significantly among seniors in their mid-70s and over. About 31% of retirees aged 75 to 79 years still own and use smartphones. The percentage drops to 17% among those aged 80 and beyond.

Since the UK government is planning to push retirement age to age 75 in the next 15 years, technology use during that period will become more important than ever. After all, that would be the stage when health and wellness issues become more pronounced.

There are now technological innovations that can help retired seniors manage typical old-age problems; such as lack of mobility, loss of memory, vision and/or hearing impairment as well as despondency. Although assistance from senior caregivers are often provided, adeptness in using basic technology when advancing to one’s sunset years will prove to be most helpful.

Ways Technology Adoption Can Help Senior Adults

Simple things such as sharing of medical data between senior patients and their health care provider through the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), can address mobility issues that prevent seniors from seeking medical consultations.

Know-how in using smartphone applications can also help seniors live life in comfort during retirement. With or without caregiver assistance, older adults can monitor their medication, as well as their heart rate with the help of a phone app. In some cases, sudden memory loss may leave a retired adult stranded in an unfamiliar location. In knowing that family members or caregivers can track his or her whereabouts through a phone app, a lost senior will have no reason to experience pangs of anxiety attacks.

Basic smartphone features such as GPS and cameras prove useful in collecting and transmitting information vital to senior care. However, the costs of such gadgets and applications may not be as affordable to senior adults with minimal retirement money on hand. Some though managed to raise money by taking out loans through home equity schemes.

What is a Home Equity Release Facility

A home equity release facility is a type of loan available to older homeowners who are at least age 55. Based on the age of the borrower and the value of the owned property, a percentage of the equity value may be borrowed without having to worry about burdensome monthly payments. Settlement of the loan will come in due time, either when the senior borrower passes away, or when it becomes necessary for him or her to enter a nursing home.

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Money that will be used as payment for the total amount due will come from the sale of the property. Any excess, between the proceeds of the sale and the home equity debt, will then form part of the estate that the senior borrower left behind to his beneficiaries or heirs. In the UK, a no-negative equity release guarantee, protects a borrower’s family from ending up with unpaid debts arising from a home equity mortgage.

A web tool called equity release calculator online can be used to determine the value of the amount that can be borrowed against a home equity.

Plus Token Sold Off $3 Billion-Worth Digital Money Placed by 10 Million Cryptocurrency Owners

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Plus Token, a blockchain based mobile wallet company operated by Chinese nationals was able to entice about 10 million cryptocurrency users to store their digital money in the company, by promising them high yields of interests. Although blockchain reviewers voiced doubts about Plus Token as a legit cryptocurrency operator, the ewallet site was able to gain the trust of cryptocurrency users, which numbered to as many as 10 million Plus Token members by July 2019.

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Unknown to the millions of members, Plus Token was into a Ponzi-like scheme of paying dividends using digital money coming from new cryptocurrency investors.However in July of this year, Primitive Ventures, another blockchain-based company owned by Dovey Wan took notice of the ongoing mass sell-off being carried out by the fraudulent Chinese company.

Ms. Wan alerted players in the cryptocurrency ecosystem by sending out tweets about the Plus Token mass sell-offs. She called on other cryptocurrency exchange operators to blacklist the company. According to Ms. Wan, Plus Token still has control of a large amount of cryptocurrency which it still intends to dump and launder using various digital wallets linked to Plus Token.

In order to hasten preventive actions, Ms. Wan attached investigative data gathered by Peckshield, a security audit firm and the e-wallet addresses associated with Plus Token. The Peckshield report showed how real money flowed from PlusToken to the questionabl e-wallets early in July, the same time when Plus Token started dumping the digital money entrusted to the company by millions of cryptocurrency owners.

In a recent oped written by Ms. Wan for Coingraph, she reported that Chinese authorities have already hunted down the core team running the Plus Token cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme. Six of the Plus Token Chinese nationals were extradited to mainland China by Vanuatu, an island country located in the South Pacific.

Crypto Analytics Firm Explains How Plus Token Navigated the Sell-Off

London-based crypto-analytic firm Token Analyst said Plus Token did not sell off cryptocurrencies directly to exchange and trading sites. Instead, the fraudulent company used online mixing services to obscure the origins of the blockchain transactions, before they eventually reached the e-wallet addresses owned by Plus Token.

What Do Online Mixing Services Do in the Cryptocurrency System?

Although using cryptocurrencies allows users to hide their identity when using digital money for peer-to-peer and other online transactions, there is still a database in which comprehensive information about cryptocurrency transactions are stored. Keep in mind that cryptocurrency transactions require the real identity of the owner, but are kept confidential when recorded as blockchain entries through the use of key codes.

Each movement of a specific amount of cryptocurrency, indicates all keycodes involved in a chain of cryptocurrency encryptions that recorded the transfers of digital money. Anyone who would be interested in knowing the true identity of a cryptocurrency source can simply trace it through the related blockchain database.

This is where online mixing services play an important role. The services they offer involve mixing their customer’s cryptocurrency funds with cryptocurrency funds owned by other people. That way, the trail leading back to the original owner of the digital money will be obscured.

Understanding How Blockchain Technology Makes the Use of Virtual Money Possible

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Blockchain technology is a method that makes it possible for Internet users, to send and/or receive money without need to use a third party infrastructure. Using a specific blockchain application and by way of cryptography, money remains confidential and virtual for as long as transfers are made and recorded in the open ledger of a blockchain platform.

 

 

The blockchain platform supplies the “private key” or the verification code needed by each transacting party, either as a cryptocurrency sender or recipient. Without a private key, the cryptocurrency cannot be transferred or recorded in the blockchain ledger. The inclusion of a private key encryption therefore, renders the cryptocurrency transaction valid.

Correlated to the “private key” is the “public key,” the latter being the open cryptographic message generated by the blockchain application to identify every cryptocurrency transactions recorded in its blockchain ledger. A blockchain cryptograph entry therefore represents the public key and a valid private key.

How the Blockchain Platform Records and Links All Related Cryptocurrency Data

The blockchain ledger is open as it allows verification of transactions as they occur.

A specific blockchain recording, starts by linking the origin of the cryptocurrency in use. The original cryptocurrency transaction may be related to the purchase of the virtual money for a specific value using actual cash. The virtual money may have originated from a cryptocurrency exchange platform or cryptocurrency wallet provider.

Another origin of a specific cryptocurrency is when a miner earns it by solving all transactions connected in a particular blockchain ledger.

In both cases, a public key to identify the original transaction is generated, while the procurer or miner receiving the cryptocurrency will obtain a “private key.” If a portion or all of the original cryptocurrency received will be sent to another blockchain platform user, the private key encryption of the new owner will be recorded in the blockchain ledger.

The new recipient will likewise receive his or her own “private key,” as it gives the recipient valid authority to use the cryptocurrency for his or her own blockchain transaction.

In every blockchain transaction, the public key identifying the cryptocurrency transaction must come with a corresponding “private key,” to allow confirmation that the transaction is connected to a particular series of blockchain entries.

A cryptocurrency may be in bitcoin denomination or any other type, classified as alternative coins to the widely used bitcoin. Some examples of alternative coins or altcoins are Ethereum,Litecoin, Ripple, Dash and Cardano.

How to Convert Cryptocurrency into Actual Cash?

Still using cryptography, virtual money or cryptocurrency can be converted back into actual cash through a cryptocurrency exchange platform. The platform may be one that belongs to a third party cryptocurrency broker or a peer-peer network of cryptocurrency users.

The commutation of virtual currency into actual cash will again be recorded as a related part of the series of blockchain transactions; tying it up to the initial blockchain entry identifying the method of how the cryptocurrency was obtained. Once the public key and the private key has been verified through the blockchain platform, actual exchange of cryptocurrency into cash will be allowed to take place.

Understanding the Essence of the Cash Flow Statement as Part of Financial Reports

Posted on by Maurice Quinten

Preparing a Cash Flow Statement has become an integral part of the financial reporting system. Aside from presenting reports on how much a business entity earned as Net Income and of its Net Worth for a given period, it has been mandatory since 1987, to provide information by way of a Cash Flow Statement on how business funds were obtained and used rationally.

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Business owners therefore must require periodic submission of an Income and Expense Statement, a Balance Sheet and a Cash Flow Statement. That way, the summarized results of business operations and administration are available for periodic review and analysis, in order to determine impact, progress, and for pinpointing areas that need improvement.

Components of a Cash Flow Statement

Simply stated, a Cash Flow Statement (CFS) presents a summary of how much funds entered the business, and of how much of those funds were used during the period.

The CFS is structured in a way that will reflect how the end-of-period Cash and Cash Equivalents reconcile with the Net Income after all funds generated and disbursed for Operational Activities, Investing Activities and Financing Activities, and other non-cash elements have been taken into account.

Cash Equivalents by the way refer to short term investments held by a business, as they can be easily sold and converted into cash at any given time.

Cash Flow Coming from Operational Activities

In this section, the CFS presents the total revenues earned by the business entity throughout a period, purely derived from operating the business, whilst mainly using the entity’s assets. In addition, this section also shows how much of the revenues generated were used in paying off related operational and administrative costs for the same period.

Non-cash values such as depreciation, accruals and unearned portion of revenues occuring during the period of operation will likewise be presented in this section, but as reconciling items.

Cash Flow from Investment Activities

Investment earnings pertain to funds generated thru non-operational activities but still involving the assets of the business; such as selling of long-term assets like property and equipment, as well as earnings collected from maturing investment ventures like marketable securities and other cash equivalents.

In the same way, any amount used in purchasing property and equipment, including software, and/or placed as investment in marketable securities shall be reflected under this section.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Financing funds increase the size and composition of the business capital or equity, like those obtained from borrowings including funds acquired by way of bonds, or from issuances of additional shares of stocks.

On the other hand, other factors may change the composition of the business capital, like repayment of borrowings including interests, and/or payment of dividends.