Could digital currencies put banks out of business? - The Economist

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have been billed as a major disruptor to finance. But digital currencies issued by governments might be even more radical—they may even threaten the future of traditional banking

 

“TOP READS OF THE WEEK” (for week ending 5 August)

This week’s top reads in banking, fintech, payments, cybersecurity, AI, IoT, risk management and much more

In this weeks selection;

Top Reads

• NY regulator asks financial institutions to share diversity data
• 7 big banks sign on for SWIFT's low-value cross-border offering
• Clearing House urges caution on CBDCs
• Bank of America Calls CBDCs 'More Effective' Than Cash in Research Note
• QR Codes Are Here to Stay. So Is the Tracking They Allow
• Neobank launches real-time cryptocurrency conversion
• The convenience of buy now, pay later creates risks: Fitch
• Why JPMorgan wants to hire Olympic-level athletes as bankers
• Future of Fintech: Investment Trends
• Now Is the Time for SaaS Businesses to Channel the Power of Open Banking
• Good News, Bad News: Automated Fraud Business is Booming
• How To Survive A Cybersecurity Attack
• Payments in 2021 and Beyond: Making the Complex Simple
• 3 Data Strategies Fintech Companies Need to Succeed with Instant Payments
• Don't ask whether to pay a ransom — ask how attackers could get in
• A security expert's guide to the top-exploited vulnerabilities
• Where is Artificial Intelligence (AI) Going in 2021?
• Viruses, Malware, or Spyware: What's More Dangerous?
• Inside MoneyLion's quest to become a financial 'super app'
• Citigroup gets regulatory nod for fund custody business in China
• Clearing House urges caution on CBDCs
• New bank-fraud malware called Vultur infects thousands of devices

From our Blog

• What if bitcoin went to zero?
• An Introduction to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Criteria - New Online Course
• The 'Net-Zero' trend
• Adding social issues to the corporate balance sheet
• Welcome to the Era of the Activist Accountant
• The Fed Pushing For CBDC, "Can't Wrap Their Head Around Not Having It"
• Consumers’ Preferred Method of Depositing Checks

An Introduction to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Criteria - New Online Course

Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (more commonly referred to as ESG) refers to the three central factors in measuring the sustainability and societal impact of an investment in a company or business. Analysis of these criteria can help determine the future financial performance of companies (in other words the return capital and the risks that they face).

ESG criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that today’s socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments.

• Environmental criteria look at how a company performs as a steward of nature in protecting the planet.
  

• Social criteria examine how the company manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities where it operates.
  

• Governance deals with a company’s leadership, the pay of its executives, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are an increasingly popular way for investors to evaluate companies in which they might want to invest. Using ESG criteria can also help investors avoid companies that could pose a greater financial risk due to below par environmental or other practices.

This course is an introduction to these criteria and how they may be used.

For full details and Registrations click HERE.

What if bitcoin went to zero?

In a thought experiment The Economist uncovers the links between crypto and mainstream finance and sets out the repercussions of what could happen if the price of Bitcoin fell to zero. 

You can read the full analysis of such a disaster scenario HERE.

Read it and be afraid .... VERY AFRAID!

 

The 'Net-Zero' trend - Moral Money

Over the past few years, 'net-zero' pledges have been made globally, committing organizations to produce no more greenhouse gases than they are emitting. Setting net-zero targets have become a key tool to fight climate change and stakeholders are looking to companies to set theirs

Adding social issues to the corporate balance sheet - FT Moral Money

Employees, investors and customers are increasingly demanding transparency across supply chains and corporate structures. Executives are forced to consider their wider impact as significant of a risk as financial measurements 

 

Welcome to the Era of the Activist Accountant - FT Moral Money

Accountants turned activists? In an unexpected modern tale, activist accountants have become vital advocates towards standardizing 'ESG' risks