Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking

Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
 
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Coinbase entered the asset management business this week with its new Coinbase Index Fund. Who will win the race to market for big bank blockchain applications? The competition got a little more interesting last week with Credit Suisse and ING nosing ahead in their latest technology test. Good news for fintech startups: Milken Institute released a report detailing ways both government parties can work together to eliminate hurdles in fintech’s path. Our final featured news story this week describes how a micro-investing startup’s new product can help underserved markets. Enjoy your blunder-free edition of Wonders & Blunders this week, and as always, let us know what you liked reading!
 
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Coinbase Index Fund Launches
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
 
Coinbase, cryptocurrency’s most valuable startup and most popular exchange, continues to position itself as a broader financial services firm by launching the Coinbase Index Fund, this week. This version of the fund has income qualifications, but Coinbase plans to offer a similar fund for all retail investors soon. Fortune states the future fund could be structured as an ETF. Coinbase is not the first to launch a cryptocurrency index fund, but it could be the first to offer one to retail investors, pending regulatory approval.
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Banks Begin Blockchain Business
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
 
Credit Suisse and ING used blockchain-based software to complete a securities lending transaction worth 25 million euro. The banks stated this was one of the first real-life capital markets transaction examples using blockchain, a technology that makes the trading process faster. ING officials say the blockchain application, built by bank consortium R3, will be live by the end of the year.
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Future Fintech Legislation
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
 
The Milken Institute provides several recommendations for lawmakers to encourage bipartisan support for resolving the legal roadblocks for many fintech companies. The recommendations include “harmonizing inconsistent state-by-state regulations related to mobile banking to drive financial inclusion and access” and “require the IRS to automate certain data collection and reporting processes that can help enhance the speed and efficacy of the underwriting process.”
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Single Stocks Serve the Underserved
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonder: How Stash Invest is trying to reach the underserved – by Suman Bhattacharyya in Tearsheet.
  
Micro-investment startup Stash now lets customers invest in single stocks. Previously, the company only offered ETFs. Tearsheet describes Stash’s typical user, 29 years old with an average income of $45,000 a year, as an “underserved demographic for whom investments are often out of reach.”
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
» IN THE NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wall Street Journal speaks with George Fraser, Managing Director at Retirement Benefits Group, about changing the retirement conversation.
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Pitchbook speaks with Phil Duffy, VP for Innovation at Brain Corp, about developing A.I. for self-driving robots in different industries.
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
The Next Web quotes George White, CEO and Co-founder of
Pavia Systems, about understanding how A.I. can be applied to your industry.
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
» BOTTOM LINE: What GDPR Means for Marketing and PR
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
GDPR is the acronym on every marketer’s mind. As the May 25 enforcement date approaches, any company with a website, email list, social media channel or other online communication needs to know about this new data privacy regulation. Compliance with GDPR appears daunting, but remember this change is ultimately a good thing. It’s good for individuals to be in control of their data. It’s good for businesses to only communicate with interested parties. Ultimately GDPR will improve the accuracy of data, foster increased trust in businesses and hone your marketing campaigns.
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
» FEATURED CASE STUDY: COBINHOOD
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
COBINHOOD, a cryptocurrency platform built for the blockchain era, approached KCD PR as an unknown entity to the outside world. From our initial proposal to the Initial Coin Offering (ICO), KCD PR had three weeks to build awareness with the media and potential investors. In addition to being in Taipei, Taiwan, the firm also faced challenges associated with not having a U.S. presence or U.S. representation on its board of advisors.
Wonders & Blunders: Bitcoin Index Funds and Blockchain Banking
 

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.