PYMNTS

AUGUST 9, 2017

Sound travels at 767 miles per hour, so if you want a faster contactless payment, audio waves aren’t a bad vehicle for it. But harnessing audio waves for payments purposes is easier said than done, because it’s not like developing an app. It represents the development of a whole new technology, and reliability and security are just as important as speed — otherwise, this alternative payment method would be no better than the electronic payment methods that came before it.

Technology 80

Technology Ohio Sales Retail 80

PYMNTS

AUGUST 10, 2017

Banks and FinTech companies have a complicated history. To put it mildly, the two sides have not always worked harmoniously together. Why the tension? Both types of institutions contend for the same business in the competitive financial services world. While traditional banks offer a more established and tested set of products, the offerings of newer FinTech companies — such as real-time data, streamlined payments and quick notifications — are helping these new players encroach on banks’ t

B2B 80

B2B Technology 80

PYMNTS

AUGUST 31, 2017

Blockchain, the technology that makes cryptocurrency like bitcoin possible, is moving into the auto and ridesharing markets. According to a news report in Reuters , EY, the consulting unit of Ernst & Young Global, announced Wednesday (Aug. 30) it is launching a blockchain system that will let companies and/or individuals share vehicle ownership more easily.

Technology 80

Technology Retail 80

PYMNTS

AUGUST 23, 2017

Being connected via modern technology is something that’s becoming an expectation among consumers. From groceries to home buying, back-to-school shopping and more, there doesn’t seem to be many facets of everyday life that aren’t intricately connected to help provide an enhanced experience for consumers. One of the latest industries to start exploring in connected technologies are banks.

Technology 78

Technology Finance Start-ups Retail 78

Speaker: Danny Gassaway and Wayne Richards

Finance leaders are prioritizing efficiency and digital transformation, yet many hesitate to automate due to uncertainty. Without a clear understanding of its impact, organizations risk falling behind competitors who are leveraging automation to drive productivity and cost savings. Join Wayne Richards and Danny Gassaway from AvidXchange for a practical guide on bringing accounts payable (AP) automation to your organization.

Finance

PYMNTS

AUGUST 15, 2017

The growing popularity of mobile order-ahead is hardly news in the restaurant industry, where customers — especially millennials — crave the convenience, speed and personalization of a mobile ordering experience both in quick-service restaurants (QSRs), coffee shops and fast-casual dining environments. Here at PYMNTS, we’ve followed the trend closely, both in our regular coverage and in our Mobile Order-Ahead Tracker.

Hospitality 77

Hospitality Technology Entertainment Construction 77

PYMNTS

AUGUST 9, 2017

The rivalry between banks and FinTechs has, at times, been tense if not downright combative. Enter APIs to help the two sides coexist more peacefully. API solutions are doing more than helping two different types of financial institutions find ways to collaborate. By integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, companies are relying on API solutions to fight cybersecurity threats and help businesses determine the trustworthiness of a potential trading partner before ent

B2B 77

B2B quickbooks accountant accounted 77

PYMNTS

AUGUST 29, 2017

In supply chain management, globalization, geopolitical forces and increased demand for greater transparency have organizations looking at cutting-edge technology to boost performance and cut risk. Analysts have been discussing some of these technologies for some time. Blockchain, for example, is now a common topic in conversations surrounding supply chain innovation.

Technology 75

Technology B2C accounting and finance B2B 75

PYMNTS

AUGUST 28, 2017

Fitbit announced Monday (Aug. 28) it is enabling Visa payments across its first smartwatch, the Fitbit Ionic. In an announcement , Fitbit and Visa explained payments will be made through the Visa Token Service, which uses a unique digital identifier in lieu of the data that would traditionally span cardholder information, such as account numbers and card expiration dates.

Technology 74

Technology Sales accountant accounted 74

PYMNTS

AUGUST 7, 2017

Vantiv Integrated Payments — a Vantiv company and provider of payments technology and processing services for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) — announced news on Monday (August 7) that triPOS Cloud, a cloud-based API for easier and faster real-time payment processing, is now live. The company said the API is available for all independent software vendors (ISVs) and merchants to process point-of-sale (POS) transactions.

Technology 72

Technology Sales 72

PYMNTS

AUGUST 14, 2017

APT 28, a cyber spying group that is suspected to be connected to military intelligence in Russia , was likely behind a cyberattack of hotel guests in countries mainly in Europe in July. Researchers at FireEye, the security firm, said in a research report covered by Reuters that the Kremlin hackers were aiming to steal the password credentials for business travelers and Western government officials using Wi-Fi networks in hotels mainly in eight countries in Europe.

Maine 66

Maine Government 66

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Technology

PYMNTS

AUGUST 10, 2017

Apple has been engaging in anti-competitive behavior in China, its largest mobile applications market, according to a lawsuit filed with regulators in that country. The antitrust suit, which comes on behalf of more than two dozen developers, was filed Tuesday by Dare and Sure, a law firm based in China. The lawsuit states that the tech juggernaut is mistreating Chinese developers through its stronghold via the iOS App Store.

Legal 66

Legal 66

PYMNTS

AUGUST 31, 2017

With the financial services space shifting from a competitive nature to a collaborative spirit between traditional banks and emerging FinTechs, one major stakeholder in the payments industry has quietly been an integral part of this co-op: the Federal Reserve. With initiatives like the Faster Payments Task Force and the Secure Payments Task Force, the Fed is pushing for innovation and progress in the nation’s payments infrastructure and market.

B2B 64

B2B Government Technology 64

PYMNTS

AUGUST 2, 2017

Good news for FinTech startups: in the U.S., venture capitalists have been boosting their activity in the market, with Q2 FinTech investments regaining its strength, according to analysts at KPMG. The firm’s Pulse of FinTech report for Q2 2017, released this week , found overall FinTech funding in the U.S. increased to $2 billion in the quarter, up from just $500 million in Q1.

B2B 63

B2B 63

PYMNTS

AUGUST 15, 2017

Aldi, the discount grocery chain, is gearing up to test home delivery with Instacart at the end of August. According to a report, if the pilot goes well the test will expand to parts of Atlanta, Dallas and Los Angeles. The latest move is part of the company’s big expansion plans. In June it acquired around 1,700 stores and plans to invest $3.4 billion to expand into 2,500 locations around the country by the end of 2022.

Retail 62

Retail Start-ups Sales 62

Speaker: Jennifer Hill

Payroll compliance is a cornerstone of business success, yet for small and midsize businesses, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of federal, state, and local regulations. Mistakes can lead to costly penalties and operational disruptions, making it essential to adopt advanced solutions that ensure accuracy and efficiency.

payroll

PYMNTS

AUGUST 30, 2017

Although it’s no secret that social media platforms such as Snapchat , Facebook and Instagram have a strong affect on fashion trends, it may be surprising to see just how robust that impact actually is. With more 400 million daily users across the globe, Instagram is becoming a strong driver of fashion purchases, according to a new report from Dana Rebecca Designs.

Retail 62

Retail Gaming Sales accountant 62

PYMNTS

AUGUST 14, 2017

Wells Fargo is facing a fresh lawsuit contending the bank’s Merchant Services Unit overcharged small businesses for the payment processing of their credit card transactions. According to a news report on CNN.com , citing a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Wells Fargo also hit business owners with “massive early termination fees” and targeted business owners who weren’t as savvy, by using “deceptive language.

Legal 62

Legal accountant accounted Account 62

PYMNTS

AUGUST 30, 2017

Advertisers are spending billions of dollars on ad campaigns that human eyes never see, and understandably, they’re not too happy about it. Google is issuing platform fee refunds after discovering that the advertising tool DoubleClick Bid Manager had placed campaigns by hundreds of its marketers and ad agency partners on websites with fake traffic. It’s called ad fraud, and according to PK4 Media CEO and Co-Founder Tom Alexander, it’s a way bigger problem than people realize.

Gambling 61

Gambling audit accountant accounted 61

PYMNTS

AUGUST 14, 2017

With two billion active monthly users, Facebook is leveraging its massive audience against a new vertical: real estate. According to reports, the social media giant has launched “Dynamic Ads For Real Estate,” a new advertising feature that might just challenge Zillow’s supremacy in the digital retail arena. The product functions by integrating real estate firms’ existing listing data into the Facebook advertising platform.

Real Estate 60

Real Estate Washington Retail Sales 60

Speaker: Sierre Lindgren

Fraud is a battle that every organization must face – it’s no longer a question of “if” but “when.” Every organization is a potential target for fraud, and the finance department is often the bullseye. From cleverly disguised emails to fraudulent payment requests, the tactics of cybercriminals are advancing rapidly. Drawing insights from real-world cases and industry expertise, we’ll explore the vulnerabilities in your processes and how to fortify them effectively.

Finance

PYMNTS

AUGUST 31, 2017

Retailers trying to bridge the growing gap between the shopping trends of Baby Boomers, Generation Z and every demographic in between may think they have the different generations figured out, but in some cases, operating on assumptions can lead to missed sales. While some well-worn stereotypes of these groups may have truth to them, others are completely off-base, and retailers can’t tailor experiences to shoppers if they don’t know what those shoppers want.

Retail 58

Retail Sales Technology accountant 58

PYMNTS

AUGUST 17, 2017

The Securities and Exchange Commission is getting into the bitcoin market, saying it will regulate the popular digital currency and other cryptocurrencies. According to a report in Seeking Alpha , the SEC said the cryptocurrencies are subject to federal securities laws. “Offers and sales of digital assets by ‘virtual’ organizations are subject to the requirements of the federal securities laws,” said SEC Chairman Jay Clayton, according to the report.

Sales 58

Sales Technology 58

PYMNTS

AUGUST 11, 2017

Amazon is exploring a cutting-edge food technology for home delivery, as the online retailers continues to find new ways to get into the $700 billion U.S. grocery business. According to Reuters , Amazon is looking into selling ready-to-eat dishes as soon as next year. The dishes would not require refrigeration and could be offered cheaply compared with take-out from a restaurant.

Technology 57

Technology Retail 57

PYMNTS

AUGUST 28, 2017

As the Sinatra tune goes (a bit paraphrased) … New York: If you can make it there in cybersecurity, you can make it anywhere. The financial services industry is girding for the new regulations by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), which take effect as of Aug. 28, which is, of course, today. Yes, the rules apply to a single state, but as some sources, including New York Law Journal , report, the regulations could have a global impact.

New York 57

New York Government Legal Finance 57

Speaker: Debra L. Robinson

CPAs know the drill: taxes, compliance, rinse, repeat. But what about the sneaky cash flow that’s quietly messing with your organization’s success? It’s time to step into the spotlight and expose the “dirty little secrets” of cash flow to fuel strategic growth. By upskilling your accounting practices and shifting focus from tax compliance to the strategic movement of money, you can transform your role from reactive accountant to proactive financial strategist.

CPA

PYMNTS

AUGUST 31, 2017

Tech giant Apple is embracing WeChat Pay, giving consumers in China more ways to pay for purchases. The WeChat Pay digital payment service is offered by China-based investment holding company Tencent. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal , Apple said in a statement it is “committed to offering customers across our ecosystem a variety of payment options that are simple and convenient.” .

California 56

California Government Sales 56

PYMNTS

AUGUST 18, 2017

Cryptocurrencies are experiencing a bit of an identity crisis right now. While there are many parties involved that are deeply invested in it, others are skeptical about its true value. In this year alone, we’ve seen bitcoin valued at just under $1,000 in January to over $3,000 in May and soaring over $4,000 this past weekend. One of the major factors impacting the most recent leap in bitcoin value is the recent hard fork to develop a new cryptocurrency dubbed Bitcoin Cash.

New York 56

New York Finance 56

PYMNTS

AUGUST 28, 2017

Just a few short months from the merger announcement , and as of this week, the deal is done : Amazon officially owns Whole Foods. To celebrate the news, grocery prices at Whole Foods are going down — quite an out of the gate change of direction for a brand that has become as synonymous with its moniker “Whole Paycheck” as it has with the organic and locally grown foods in which it specializes.

Retail 55

Retail Technology Start-ups 55

PYMNTS

AUGUST 4, 2017

When Visa announced its Cashless Challenge a few weeks ago, it obviously hoped to make some news. After all, directly incentivizing 50 food-focused small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to opt out of accepting cash entirely — with $10,000 to help pay for technology upgrades — is definitely a newsworthy way of waging the war on cash. So, although the big interest in the program was not entirely surprising to Visa’s global head of product, Jack Forestell, the depth of that sector’s interest in

Massachusetts 55

Massachusetts Technology Government Retail 55

Speaker: Aaron Berson

Managing spend is more than a cost cutting exercise – it's a pathway to smarter decisions that unlock efficiency and drive growth. By understanding and refining the spending process, financial leaders can empower their organizations to achieve more with less. Explore the art of balancing financial control with operational growth. From uncovering hidden inefficiencies to designing workflows that scale your business, we’ll share strategies to align your organization’s spending with its strategic g

Spend Management

PYMNTS

AUGUST 22, 2017

Technology that has the ability to transform cities has given power to how people live their everyday lives. Whether it’s autonomous vehicles streamlining public transportation, city 311 apps to help its citizens instantly report potholes and broken street lights to be fixed, or installing contactless payments at the grocery store, there are a vast amount of ways in which the cities people live in can make subtle changes to augment everyday tasks.

Technology 55

Technology Transportation Education Maine 55

PYMNTS

AUGUST 10, 2017

Slow and steady doesn’t win the financial services race. If you’re not ahead, you’re behind, especially if you’re playing on the global stage. From user interface technology to security and risk management, the only constant in the financial space is that nothing stays the same for long. Those who wait until they must either invest or fold will find themselves outpaced, and catch-up is not a game that any organization wants to find itself playing.

Start-ups 54

Start-ups Technology Gaming Government 54

PYMNTS

AUGUST 29, 2017

Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang and … Amazon ? That could be the list of hot designers creating the latest fashions someday — if Amazon is able to perfect the artificial intelligence (AI) technology on which it’s currently working, that is. Most people are aware Amazon has already launched its own fashion line , but the retailer is working to take the retail category a step further thanks to AI, Mashable reports.

Retail 54

Retail Technology Sales 54

PYMNTS

AUGUST 18, 2017

Paging Dr. Alexa: How are you feeling? It may not be long before virtual, voice-controlled assistants can tell and answer accordingly. Mattersight VP of Product Andy Traba says the tech’s all there, and it’s just a matter of time before our friendly home bots pick up the decidedly human skill of empathy. Mattersight analyzes call center phone conversations to determine which language patterns correlate to which outcomes.

Education 54

Education Start-ups Technology Sales 54

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Bleisure travel — where employees combine work and leisure — has been around since the advent of corporate travel and is here to stay. Successful bleisure policies strike a balance between employee preferences and company goals — workers report a 64% improvement in work-life balance, while companies benefit from reduced travel costs and increased workforce innovation.