financial

Financial Companies Use RSS Feeds

Financial institutions are reaching out to clients using RSS feeds. While banks and financial institutions are usually slow to adopt new technology, that is not the case with RSS adoption. More and more professionals are using RSS in innovative ways, to stay ahead of their competition.


1. Bank Rate Changes
Bankers are using RSS to communicate bank rate changes. Feeds are updated regularly to reflect changes to adjustable rate mortgages or the interest rate for CDs.

Financial Companies Use RSS Feeds




financial

Financial Companies Use RSS Feeds

Financial institutions are reaching out to clients using RSS feeds. While banks and financial institutions are usually slow to adopt new technology, that is not the case with RSS adoption. More and more professionals are using RSS in innovative ways, to stay ahead of their competition.

Financial Companies Use RSS Feeds




financial

Financial Companies Use RSS Feeds

Financial institutions are reaching out to clients using RSS feeds. While banks and financial institutions are usually slow to adopt new technology, that is not the case with RSS adoption. More and more professionals are using RSS in innovative ways, to stay ahead of their competition.

Financial Companies Use RSS Feeds




financial

Bengaluru realty market on the ascent, say industry players and financial institutions

‘Both individuals and businesses from across the country and overseas are increasingly wanting to have a share in the market’




financial

How Joe Saul-Sehy Grew His Financial Podcast to 180k Listeners

After close to 2000 podcast episodes, Joe Saul-Sehy knows a thing or two about growing an audience.  In fact, his finance podcast, Stacking Benjamins, has amassed a massive following of 180k listeners, with shows averaging around 40k listens/episode. Joe’s no…

The post How Joe Saul-Sehy Grew His Financial Podcast to 180k Listeners appeared first on Niche Pursuits.




financial

151: Metropolitan PHILIP on the Financial Audit of the Archdiocese




financial

An effectiveness analysis of enterprise financial risk management for cost control

This paper aims to analyse the effectiveness of cost control oriented enterprise financial risk management. Firstly, it analyses the importance of enterprise financial risk management. Secondly, the position of cost control in enterprise financial risk management was analysed. Cost control can be used to reduce the operating costs of enterprises, improve their profitability, and thus reduce the financial risks they face. Finally, a corporate financial risk management strategy is constructed from several aspects: establishing a sound risk management system, predicting and responding to various risks, optimising fund operation management, strengthening internal control, and enhancing employee risk awareness. The results show that after applying the proposed management strategy, the enterprise performs well in cost control oriented enterprise financial risk management, with a cost accounting accuracy of 95% and an audit system completeness of 90%. It can also help the enterprise develop emergency plans and provide comprehensive risk management strategy coverage.




financial

Design of intelligent financial sharing platform driven by consensus mechanism under mobile edge computing and accounting transformation

The intelligent financial sharing platform in the online realm is capable of collecting, storing, processing, analysing and sharing financial data through the integration of AI and big data processing technologies. However, as data volume grows exponentially, the cost of financial data storage and processing increases, and the asset accounting and financial profit data sharing analysis structure in financial sharing platforms is inadequate. To address the issue of data security sharing in the intelligent financial digital sharing platform, this paper proposes a data-sharing framework based on blockchain and edge computing. Building upon this framework, a non-separable task distribution algorithm based on data sharing is developed, which employs multiple nodes for cooperative data storage, reducing the pressure on the central server for data storage and solving the problem of non-separable task distribution. Multiple sets of comparative experiments confirm the proposed scheme has good feasibility in improving algorithm performance and reducing energy consumption and latency.




financial

Design of an intelligent financial sharing platform driven by digital economy and its role in optimising accounting transformation production

With the expansion of business scope, the environment faced by enterprises has also changed, and competition is becoming increasingly fierce. Traditional financial systems are increasingly difficult to handle complex tasks and predict potential financial risks. In the context of the digital economy era, the booming financial sharing services have reduced labour costs and improved operational efficiency. This paper designs and implements an intelligent financial sharing platform, establishes a fund payment risk early warning model based on an improved support vector machine algorithm, and tests it on the Financial Distress Prediction dataset. The experimental results show that the effectiveness of using F2 score and AUC evaluation methods can reach 0.9484 and 0.9023, respectively. After using this system, the average financial processing time per order decreases by 43%, and the overall financial processing time decreases by 27%. Finally, this paper discusses the role of intelligent financial sharing platform in accounting transformation and optimisation of production.




financial

Intellectual capital and its effect on the financial performance of Ethiopian private commercial banks

This study aims to examine the intellectual capital and its effect on the financial performance of Ethiopian private commercial banks using the pulic model. Quantitative panel data from audited annual reports of Ethiopian private commercial banks from 2011 to 2019 are collected. The robust fixed effect regression model has been adopted to investigate the effect of IC and the financial performance measures of the banks. The study results show a positive relationship between the value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) and the financial performance of private commercial banks in Ethiopia. The study also revealed that the components of VAIC (i.e., human capital efficiency, capital employed efficiency, and structural capital efficiency) have a positive and significant effect on the financial performance of banks measured by return on asset and return on equity over the study periods. Practically, the results of the study could be useful for shareholders to consider IC as a strategic resource and hence emphasise these intangibles, and to the bank managers to benchmark themselves against the best competitors based on the level of efficiency rankings.




financial

Navigating e-customer relationship management through emerging information and communication technologies: moderation of trust and financial risk

This study examines the relationships between ICTs (e.g., chatbots, virtual assistants, social media platforms, e-mail marketing, mobile marketing, data analytics, interactive voice response, big data analytics, push notifications, cloud computing, and augmented reality) and e-customer relationship management (e-CRM) from the banking industry of China. Similarly, this study unfolds the moderation interference of trust and risk between the association of ICTs and e-CRM, respectively. The study provided a positive nexus between ICTs and e-CRM. On the other side, a significant moderation of trust, as well as financial risk was observed between the correlation of ICTs and customer relationship management. This study endows with insights into ICTs which are critical for achieving e-CRM by streamlining interactions and enhancing their experience. Similarly, trust and financial risk were observed as potential forces that sway the association between ICTs and e-CRM.




financial

Exploring the impact of monetary policy on sustainable development with mediation of e-banking services and moderation of financial risk awareness

Monetary policy is essential for sustainable growth where effective monetary policies can improve investment, employment, and consumption by fostering a balanced and resilient economy. However, sustainable development is vital for harmonising economic growth, social equity, and environmental preservation. A number of factors have been discussed in the literature that impact sustainable development. However, this study explicitly tries to investigate the nexus among the monetary policy (MP) toward sustainable development (SD) with the mediation of e-banking services (e-BS) and moderation of financial risk management (FRM) from China drawing on stakeholder theory. It discovered a significant connection between monetary policy and sustainable development along with sub-dimensions of SD. Likewise, this study confirmed a positive mediating influence of e-BS between monetary policy and sustainable development. Finally, the study additionally ensured a positive moderation of financial risk between monetary policy and sustainable development, respectively. These outcomes bestow several interesting insights into monetary policy, e-banking services, financial risk management, and sustainable development.




financial

Leveraging the internet of behaviours and digital nudges for enhancing customers' financial decision-making

Human behaviour, which is led by the human, emotional and occasionally fallible brain, is highly influenced by the environment in which choices are presented. This research paper explores the synergistic potential of the Internet of Behaviours (IoB) and digital nudges in the financial sector as new avenues for intervention while shedding light on the IoB benefits and the digital nudges' added value in these financial settings. Afterward, it proposes an IoB-Nudges conceptual model to explain how these two concepts would be incorporated and investigates their complementary relationship and benefits for this sector. Finally, the paper also discusses key challenges to be addressed by the IoB framework.




financial

Numerical simulation of financial fluctuation period based on non-linear equation of motion

The traditional numerical simulation method of financial fluctuation cycle does not focus on the study of non-linear financial fluctuation but has problems such as high numerical simulation error and long time. To solve this problem, this paper introduces the non-linear equation of motion to optimise the numerical simulation method of financial fluctuation cycle. A comprehensive analysis of the components of the financial market, the establishment of a financial market network model and the acquisition of relevant financial data under the support of the model. Based on the collection of financial data, set up financial volatility index, measuring cycle, the financial wobbles, to establish the non-linear equations of motion, the financial wobbles, the influence factors of the financial volatility cycle as variables in the equation of motion, through the analysis of different influence factors under the action of financial volatility cycle change rule, it is concluded that the final financial fluctuation cycle, the results of numerical simulation. The simulation results show that, compared with the traditional method, the numerical simulation of the proposed method has high precision, low error and short time, which provides relatively accurate reference data for the stable development of regional economy.




financial

Business Priorities Driving BYOD Adoption: A Case Study of a South African Financial Services Organization

Aim/Purpose: Bring your own device (BYOD) provides opportunities for both the organization and employees, but the adoption of BYOD also introduces risks. This case study of an organization’s BYOD program identifies key positive and negative influences on the adoption decision. Background: The consumerization of IT introduced the BYOD phenomenon into the enterprise environment. As mobile and Internet technologies improve employees are opting to use their personal devices to access organizational systems to perform their work tasks. Such devices include smartphones, tablets and laptop computers. Methodology: This research uses a case study approach to investigate how business priorities drive the adoption of BYOD and how resulting benefits and risks are realized and managed by the organization. Primary empirical data was collected using semi-structured interviews with 15 senior employees from a large South African financial services organization. Policy documents from the organization were analyzed as secondary data. Contribution: Thematic analysis of the data revealed six major themes: improving employee mobility; improving client service and experience; creating a competitive industry advantage; improving business processes; information security risks; and management best practices. Findings: The themes were analyzed using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, showing the key positive and negative influences on the adoption decision. Recommendations for Practitioners: Organizations need to clearly understand the reasons they want to introduce BYOD in their organizations. The conceptual framework can be applied by practitioners in their organizations to achieve their BYOD business objectives. Recommendations for Researchers: BYOD remains an important innovation for organizations with several aspects worthy of further study. The TOE framework presents a suitable lens for analysis, but other models should also be considered. Impact on Society: The findings show that organizations can use BYOD to improve client service, gain competitive advantage, and improve their processes using their digital devices and backend systems. The BYOD trend is thus not likely to go away anytime soon. Future Research: The applicability of findings should be validated across additional contexts. Additional models should also be used.




financial

The Effect of Rational Based Beliefs and Awareness on Employee Compliance with Information Security Procedures: A Case Study of a Financial Corporation in Israel

Aim/Purpose: This paper examines the behavior of financial firm employees with regard to information security procedures instituted within their organization. Furthermore, the effect of information security awareness and its importance within a firm is explored. Background: The study focuses on employees’ attitude toward compliance with information security policies (ISP), combined with various norms and personal abilities. Methodology: A self-reported questionnaire was distributed among 202 employees of a large financial Corporation Contribution: As far as we know, this is the first paper to thoroughly explore employees’ awareness of information system procedures, among financial organizations in Israel, and also the first to develop operative recommendations for these organizations aimed at increasing ISP compliance behavior. The main contribution of this study is that it investigates compliance with information security practices among employees of a defined financial corporation operating under rigid regulatory governance, confidentiality and privacy of data, and stringent requirements for compliance with information security procedures. Findings: Our results indicate that employees’ attitudes, normative beliefs and personal capabilities to comply with firm’s ISP, have positive effects on the firm’s ISP compliance. Also, employees’ general awareness of IS, as well as awareness to ISP within the firm, positively affect employees’ ISP compliance. Recommendations for Practitioners: This study can help information security managers identify the motivating factors for employee behavior to maintain information security procedures, properly channel information security resources, and manage appropriate information security behavior. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers can see that corporate rewards and sanctions have significant effects on employee security behavior, but other motivational factors also reinforce the ISP’s compliance behavior. Distinguishing between types of corporations and organizations is essential to understanding employee compliance with information security procedures. Impact on Society: This study offers another level of understanding of employee behavior with regard to information security in organizations and comprises a significant contribution to the growing knowledge in this area. The research results form an important basis for IS policymakers, culture designers, managers, and those directly responsible for IS in the organization. Future Research: Future work should sample employees from another type of corporation from other fields and should apply qualitative analysis to explore other aspects of behavioral patterns related to the subject matter.




financial

Employing Artificial Neural Networks and Multiple Discriminant Analysis to Evaluate the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Financial Status of Jordanian Companies

Aim/Purpose: This paper aims to empirically quantify the financial distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). The paper also aims to identify the most important predictors of financial distress pre- and mid-pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge toll, not only on human lives but also on many businesses. This provided the impetus to assess the impact of the pandemic on the financial status of Jordanian companies. Methodology: The initial sample comprised 165 companies, which was cleansed and reduced to 84 companies as per data availability. Financial data pertaining to the 84 companies were collected over a two-year period, 2019 and 2020, to empirically quantify the impact of the pandemic on companies in the dataset. Two approaches were employed. The first approach involved using Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA) based on Altman’s (1968) model to obtain the Z-score of each company over the investigation period. The second approach involved developing models using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) with 15 standard financial ratios to find out the most important variables in predicting financial distress and create an accurate Financial Distress Prediction (FDP) model. Contribution: This research contributes by providing a better understanding of how financial distress predictors perform during dynamic and risky times. The research confirmed that in spite of the negative impact of COVID-19 on the financial health of companies, the main predictors of financial distress remained relatively steadfast. This indicates that standard financial distress predictors can be regarded as being impervious to extraneous financial and/or health calamities. Findings: Results using MDA indicated that more than 63% of companies in the dataset have a lower Z-score in 2020 when compared to 2019. There was also an 8% increase in distressed companies in 2020, and around 6% of companies came to be no longer healthy. As for the models built using ANNs, results show that the most important variable in predicting financial distress is the Return on Capital. The predictive accuracy for the 2019 and 2020 models measured using the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) graph was 87.5% and 97.6%, respectively. Recommendations for Practitioners: Decision makers and top management are encouraged to focus on the identified highly liquid ratios to make thoughtful decisions and initiate preemptive actions to avoid organizational failure. Recommendation for Researchers: This research can be considered a stepping stone to investigating the impact of COVID-19 on the financial status of companies. Researchers are recommended to replicate the methods used in this research across various business sectors to understand the financial dynamics of companies during uncertain times. Impact on Society: Stakeholders in Jordanian-listed companies should concentrate on the list of most important predictors of financial distress as presented in this study. Future Research: Future research may focus on expanding the scope of this study by including other geographical locations to check for the generalisability of the results. Future research may also include post-COVID-19 data to check for changes in results.




financial

Financial Regulation and Social Welfare: The Critical Contribution of Management Theory

While many studies explain how social science theories shape social reality, few reflect critically on how such theories should shape social reality. Drawing on a new conception of social welfare and focusing on financial regulation, we assess the performative effects of theories on public policy. We delineate how research that focuses narrowly on questions of efficiency and stability reinforces today's technocratic financial regulation that undermines social welfare. As a remedy, we outline how future management research can tackle questions of social justice and thereby promote an inclusive approach to financial regulation that better serves social welfare.




financial

Helping single mothers gain financial independence

THIS Hari Raya, The Gardens Mall is bringing the comfort of home and the memories of celebrations with loved ones to its mall decor. With many unable to travel back to their kampung to visit grandparents and other loved ones, the Mall decided to bring elements of grandma’s eclectic home to the mall for all to enjoy this year.

Step into the mall and be greeted by a burst of colour and patterns with traditional woven pandanus ware and hand-sewn patchwork fabric. Snap photos with friends and family at the various vignettes set-up along the Ground Floor. Much like atok’s garden, there is much greenery around
to coax nostalgia for the simple kampung life.

Not forgetting the underprivileged this season, over at the South Palm on the Ground Floor, The Gardens Mall is collecting your unwanted denim to donate to the single mothers of SURI. SURI is a social enterprise that employs single mothers from low-income communities to turn unwanted denim material into fashionable apparel and other household items. SURI also believes in protecting the environment through upcycling.

As part of the partnership during Hari Raya, The Gardens Mall has pledged RM10,000 to SURI for its efforts in helping these single mothers gain financial independence.




financial

Volkswagen Proposes 10% Wage Cut to Union Amid Financial Struggles

Volkswagen Group is seeking significant cost reductions as it faces declining demand, rising expenses, and mounting competition. The automaker has proposed a 10 per cent wage reduction for its union employees after IG Metall, the union representing Volkswagen’s workforce, requested a seven per cent raise. This wage cut comes as part of broader measures Volkswagen is considering to address financial difficulties, which include restructuring bonuses and possibly eliminating anniversary and monthly bonuses.

Despite these proposed changes, Volkswagen’s CEO Thomas Schafer has not ruled out more drastic options, such as plant closures, if cost-cutting goals are not met through negotiations. “Successful operations are a prerequisite for job security,” said Arne Meiswinkel, VW’s lead negotiator, highlighting the necessity for lower labour costs to stabilise the company.

Volkswagen reported a steep 42 per cent drop in third-quarter operating profits, and its core brand posted only a two per cent operating margin through September. According to CFO and COO Arno Antlitz, this underscores the need for “significant cost reductions and efficiency gains” to sustain the company’s operations.

Rumours of potential plant closures in Germany have circulated as the company confronts inefficiencies across several domestic sites. Schafer remarked that the issues cannot be resolved by “simple cost-cutting measures,” indicating deeper structural challenges within the automaker’s German manufacturing operations.

Volkswagen and IG Metall will resume negotiations on November 21.




financial

How Do I Avoid the Money in My Bank Disqualifying My Children From Financial Aid for College?

If you’ve sent kids to college, you’ve probably heard of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). FAFSA offers federal government aid via loans, grants and work-study options. It determines how much financial aid your children will get for college based on your family’s income and assets. As a parent, that includes your income, investment […]

The post How Do I Avoid the Money in My Bank Disqualifying My Children From Financial Aid for College? appeared first on Clark Howard.




financial

ICC likely to face financial loss as Pakistan mull boycotting matches with India

The International Cricket Council logo at the ICC headquarters in Dubai, October 31, 2010. — Reuters

Islamabad has decided to take a decisive stand: sources.Pakistan govt wants "sports and politics separated".Boycott of matches could affect ICC...




financial

A Prayer for a Business Idea Leads to Financial Breakthrough

It’s said some cooks are born, not made, and Anne Grimes agrees.  “I think I was born with a pan and a spoon in my hand, ” laughs Anne. “By the time I was nine, I was baking cakes for neighbors and had a business going.”   Anne’s love of cooking continued after she married. She and her husband started a local bakery. But after a few years, jobs in her town were scarce, and the people there moved out. “All of a sudden, the town just dried up. And so, there was very little business there. So, we...




financial

From Debt and Despair to a Life of Financial Freedom

Rhonda Bell dreamt of a better financial future. She felt stuck working two jobs with irregular hours. “And I had to do both jobs even to have just enough. I remember one time when I out of work; I just dug around my house for change ended, and I up finding like, in change, $13.76. I was able to buy groceries; I had no food. I just really wanted a career. I wanted the Lord to bless me with something stable.” When friends encouraged Rhonda to go into healthcare, she prayed about it. She believed...




financial

Finding Clarity in your Exit, Financial Future and Retirement

The entire process of exit planning can be bogged down with the technical jargon of accounting, law, tax codes, estate planning, insurance and financial planning.




financial

Kate Sayer: Chairs, make sure you get all the financial information

As my experiences have shown, you run the risk of being seriously misled if you don't




financial

Financial incentives boost workplace wellness participation, study says

Boston – Employees may be more likely to participate in workplace wellness programs if employers offer financial incentives, according to a new study from Harvard Medical School’s Department of Population Medicine.




financial

Obese workers not motivated by financial weight-loss incentives: study

Philadelphia – Financial incentives are ineffective at encouraging obese workers to lose weight, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania.




financial

AMAG Technology Introduces Financial Services Program

AMAG Technology Financial Services offers customized, flexible leasing solutions via a partnership with Vantage Financial.




financial

Native Smart Properties Secures Credit Facility With Alarm Financial Services

The relationship with Native marks Alarm Financial Services’ first venture into financing integrated smart security in the multi-dwelling property space. 




financial

Sperri Receives Significant Financial Investment

Sperri, a Halifax-based company, is at the forefront of disrupting the food and beverage industry, driven by the philosophy that food is medicine. 




financial

The Food Industry Increases Strategic Investments While Tackling Financial Challenges

The 75th annual report surveyed food retailers’ and suppliers’ 2023 developments and expectations for the year ahead, finding that while the industry made key strides in addressing longstanding labor and transportation capacity issues, inflation and other financial hurdles caused industry profit margins to fall to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.




financial

Dr. Praeger's Appoints Anita Gogia as Chief Financial Officer

Gogia has demonstrated leadership in areas such as corporate and brand financial planning and analysis, sales finance, supply chain finance, mergers and acquisitions, and innovation finance.




financial

GOODLES Names Chris Hall as Chief Financial Officer Amid Explosive Growth

Hall held financial leadership roles as CFO for Nutrabolt and PepsiCo, where he most recently served as CFO for Quaker Foods and Sabra Hummus.






financial

Italian Euro Exit 'Incompatible' With Financial System, Zingales Says

Prof. Luigi Zingales discusses the economic and market impact of Italian political uncertainty




financial

Some colleges are targeting financial aid to middle-class families

Many middle-income families are frustrated by the cost of higher education, feeling they earn too much for financial aid, but not enough to pay for it themselves.




financial

Next-Gen Tech to Detect Fraud and Financial Crime Report 2024

The Next-Gen Technologies to Detect Fraud and Financial Crime Report 2024 highlights how banks, fintechs, and PSPs leverage AI and emerging tech to detect and combat advanced fraud.





financial

TerraPay partners with Suyool to boost financial accessibility in Lebanon

TerraPay, a global money movement company,...




financial

TransferTo partners with Ecobank Group to expand financial access across Africa

Singapore-based TransferTo has partnered with the Pan-African Ecobank Group in order to expand financial access and cross-border payments across the region of Africa.




financial

Desi e-tools aiding financial inclusion

Supporting this massive surge, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), an entity for operating retail payments and settlement systems, has provided the backbone and the infrastructure to help in the faster adoption of digital systems that has deepened financial inclusion.




financial

Annual financial report for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 shows County improved financial position with conservative approach

Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 shows Catawba County improved its financial position with conservative approach.




financial

Consumer Access to Affordable Medicines Is a Public Health Imperative, Says New Report - Government Negotiation of Drug Prices, Prevention of ‘Pay-for-Delay’ Agreements, and Increased Financial Transparency Among Recommendations

Consumer access to effective and affordable medicines is an imperative for public health, social equity, and economic development, but this need is not being served adequately by the biopharmaceutical sector, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




financial

Financial Structure of Early Childhood Education Requires Overhaul to Make It Accessible and Affordable for All Families and to Strengthen the Workforce in This Field

High-quality early care and education (ECE) is critical to positive child development and has the potential to generate economic returns, but the current financing structure of ECE leaves many children without access to high-quality services and does little to strengthen the ECE workforce, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




financial

Direct Financial Support, Access to Male-Dominated Jobs, and Investing in Child Care Can Increase Women’s Participation in Post-COVID Workforce, Says New Expert Consultation

Since the start of the pandemic, 2.5 million women have departed from the job market. A new rapid expert consultation says direct financial support, greater access to male-dominated jobs, and investing in child care can encourage women to return to the post-COVID workforce.




financial

Banking on data: Kotak Mahindra's Deepak Sharma on financial innovation

As financial institutions embark on this data-led journey, they stand at the threshold of a new era—a future where innovation and data-driven decision-making will carve the path for the financial world's evolution.




financial

Bandhan Financial Services acquires global IT company Genisys

Bandhan Financial Services Ltd (BFSL), promoter of Bandhan Bank, has ventured into the IT sector by acquiring Genisys group of companies for nearly Rs 100 crore. This strategic move aims to leverage technology for business solutions and enhance shareholder value. Genisys, specializing in AI-enabled solutions for various sectors, will operate under BFSL with expanded capabilities.




financial

How Sodexo leveraged the cloud ERP to manage their financial data more efficiently

French food services & facilities management company Sodexo is consolidating its multiple ERP installations across the group to a single cloud-based ERP platform.




financial

The BNPL phenomenon and the untapped leverage for banks and financial institutions

Fintech applications have simplified purchasing and put financial independence at everyone’s fingertips, challenging the traditional banking and lending system.