Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich

 
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
 OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
 
While we’re eagerly anticipating the Thanksgiving holiday, here are a few hot topics in finance and fintech to whet your appetite!
 
Bitcoin, bitcoin, bitcoin is all we’ve heard in the news lately, but one company is taking us back to currency’s roots in a convenient, modern way. A new app named Glint allows you to buy and use gold for mobile payments.
 
PayPal is moving into robo investing, as the company advances beyond the payments space.
 
The ETF inflow surge shows no sign of stopping, especially with new regulation coming from Washington.
 
So dig in and pass the gravy!
 
 
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Forget Bitcoin: Pay with Gold Using This App
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
While the rest of the world has cryptocurrency fever, one new company is taking mobile payments old-school by using gold. Payments startup, Glint, launched this week in the U.K. in a partnership with Mastercard and World Bank.The app’s users can buy portions of a gold bar with the credit loaded into their account, then pay or send money or gold to others using a Glint debit card. The gold is backed physically in a vault in Switzerland.
 
Glint’s founders started the company to reintroduce gold as currency, because “money is prone to depreciate in ways we have no control over.” Gold is used as an alternative investment to safeguard wealth in times of geopolitical turmoil. Some people have turned to bitcoin to avoid currency backed by government and big banks. It appears Glint is hoping to persuade them to do the same when it comes to gold – which offers a more stable value – by providing an easy way for consumers to use the metal for payments.
 
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Robo Investing Brought to You by PayPal
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
PayPal isn’t just for payments anymore. This week, the company entered the world of robo investing, with the announcement of its partnership with Acorns Grow. The partnership will enable PayPal users to make contributions to Acorn and monitor their investments directly from the PayPal interface.
 
So what is robo investing? Robo-advisors take the human element out of the investing equation by utilizing mathematical rules or algorithms to manage your money. It typically begins by collecting information on your financial situation and goals, then identifies investment opportunities based on your risk tolerance.
 
Robo investing is just one of several new technologies that play into a much larger trend – providing a population who has historically been underserved and underbanked with greater access to financial tools. 
 
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Emoji Index
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
New Year, New ETF Rules
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
 
Here is what you need to know:
  1. Fiduciary Rule: designed to improve the quality of investment advice in the U.S. this rule has been bandied round for a number of years but this summer parts of it were taken into effect. It requires financial advisors to disclose fees and reject commission based business models. The effect could account for U.S. ETFs assets tripling to more than $10 trillion over the next five years, according to Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
  2. NAIC Guidelines: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners used to hold ETFs to pretty strict standards (akin to equities). Starting in 2018 the new guidelines will help insurers account for ETFs in the same way they account for bonds. Once implemented this will allow insurers to measure ETFs based on underlying cash flows of the securities, meaning insurers will be jumping right into them.  
  3. MiFID II: Outside of the U.S. the European Union’s new Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) is expected to increase flows from retail investors. Similar to the U.S. fiduciary rule, MiFID II requires greater transparency in the commission-based advisory model. By exposing the true cost of actively managed funds, the rule could drive up to 15-20 percent of retail investors to lower cost ETFs.    
 
 
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
» IN THE NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
American Banker describes how Intrinio seeks to “democratize data” with Nasdaq’s help.
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Intrinio’s partnership with Quodd brings real-time data to Nasdaq, reports Finextra.
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
» BOTTOM LINE: Stay Safe on Cyber Monday: Cybersecurity for Holiday Shopping
Americans have many things to be thankful for this holiday season, but the unprecedented rate of data breaches and rising rate of credit card fraud are not among them. Online transactions are at the center of data breaches and credit card theft – and the most popular day of the year for online shopping is upon us. Cyber Monday 2016 went down as the biggest day for e-commerce in U.S. history – topping $3 billion in purchases. In the first half of 2017 alone, our country faced nearly 800 data breaches, setting a new half-year record. To make matters worse, credit card fraud cost U.S. consumers a staggering $16 billion in 2016, according to Javelin Strategy & Research, and this number doesn’t even account for the billions of dollars lost by merchants and banks.
 
Before embarking on peak shopping season, consumers, retailers and banks should brace for hackers and take note of the guide below.
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
»FEATURED CASE STUDY: PAVIA
Pavia Systems, a Seattle-based transportation technology company, challenged KCD PR to develop and execute a mass media campaign involving strategic outreach and public relations that would result in significant exposure in a crowded marketplace. To develop our strategy, we conducted expansive research on the use of technology in the transportation industry. We then developed key company messages, a strategic plan, and identified target audiences and media.
Wonders & Blunders: Better Than a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
 

 

PR Assistant

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 2

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 3

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.