Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities

 

Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
 
OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
If you thought blockchain businesses would make human auditors obsolete, PwC says: guess again! Who’s overseeing that the technology is working correctly? A blockchain auditing service is a surprising introduction, almost as surprising as non-tax-related news from a massive accounting firm this close to April 15.
 
Robo-advisors and human financial advisors are … advised … to collaborate and become friends, not enemies. In today’s connected society, where information about financial services and products are just a smartphone swipe away, all forms of communication between clients and advisors should be welcome to improve the client experience. Happy clients = loyal clients, and a quick Q&A chat with a robo may be all a client needs.
 
Unprofitable IPO companies are increasing at an alarming rate, and certain analysts interpret the data as warning signs for a repeat of the dot-com bubble. Other experts disagree and point to the tangible revenue the tech companies of today have compared to those that existed two decades ago. We hope the latter is true!
 
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Auditing the Auditors: PwC on Blockchain
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonder: PwC Has an Answer for the Blockchain: Audit It – by Michael Rapoport in The Wall Street Journal.
 
Accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) launched a new service to provide an outside look at a client’s use of blockchain in business. Blockchain records are unchangeable, making auditing technically unnecessary, but PwC describes this services as increasing the public’s trust in blockchain by having humans keep an eye on it. The purpose of the auditing is to make sure the technology is functioning as intended and to assist compliance teams implementing new blockchain systems.
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Fintech as an Advisor’s Friend, not Foe
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonder: Technology’s Impact on the Client Experience – by James Capps in Wealth Management.
 
The “consumer revolution” of fintech and social media gives financial services clients the ability to independently learn more about the investing process and products than ever before. Eighty-eight percent of advisors believe clients are more knowledgeable than just five years ago, and half of advisors have had clients ask for investment information outside their usual purview. Advisors can adapt to this changing landscape by adopting technology that enhances the client experience. Robo-advisors and other fintech tools can be considered communication help for increased client satisfaction and retention, not thought of as competition.
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Do IPO Losses Signal Another Dot-Com Bubble Disaster?
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonder or Blunder: No Profit? No Problem! Loss-Making Companies Flood the IPO Market – by Ben Eisen in The Wall Street Journal.
 
Last year, the number of IPO companies reporting losses “reached the highest percentage since the peak of the dot-com boom in 2000.” More than 75 percent of companies in the IPO market were unprofitable in 2017. Only 17 percent of technology companies in the IPO market were profitable. Certain analysts worry this trend signifies the second coming of the dot-com bubble, but other experts reveal that many companies could report profits if they wanted to forgo growing quickly to compete with large tech competitors. Today’s companies generate more revenue than those during the dot-com mania, easing some concerns.
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
» IN THE NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
The San Diego Business Journal quotes Ken Slaght, President of San Diego’s Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) about the talent shortage in cybersecurity.
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Global Banking & Finance Review quotes Rachel Carpenter, CEO of Intrinio, about the Engage Ventures go-to-market growth program.
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
» BOTTOM LINE: Integrated Marketing Communications: The Key to Campaign Success
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Any communications professional knows that the number of channels for posting, distributing and promoting news have grown exponentially. This abundance of platforms provides both an opportunity and a challenge for communicators. In order to capture target audiences across multiple platforms and ensure consistency, an integrated campaign is essential.
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
» FEATURED CASE STUDY: Atria Wealth Solutions
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
Atria Wealth Solutions (Atria) not only launched as an active holding company, but also announced a significant private equity investment from Lee Equity Partners while simultaneously acquiring two broker-dealers. The client required a PR team with expertise in overseeing complex situations with multiple stakeholder groups and product lines (i.e., the business channels – bank and credit union affiliated advisors, hybrid registered investment advisors and other key stakeholders).
Wonders & Blunders: Blockchain Auditing and Other Oddities
 
 

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.