Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech

 

Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
 
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
All manner of “signs” and “signals” abound in finance and technology news this year.
 
Our first “signal” is from McKinsey’s AI report and it’s a wake-up call to companies that have not embraced AI. Late adopters could be at a permanent disadvantage to the current early adopters. The study details the benefits of AI, which extend far beyond cost savings.
 
GreenSky’s IPO outcome could signal a wave of fintech IPOs, testing the waters of the stock market for the industry. The offering was a success — the water’s warm, jump in!
 
Another signal for change is when a product is no longer profitable, despite its technical performance. Fidelity’s mutual funds fall into this boat. One of the company’s top funds outperformed 97 percent of its competitors, but investors consistently pull more money from it than invest into the fund. Will Fidelity cut ties with its legendary mutual funds?
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
 
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Aggressive Early AI Adopter Advantages
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
 
Large companies currently applying AI may have an “insurmountable advantage” compared to companies hesitant to adopt the technology, according to McKinsey Global Institute’s study of more than 3,000 business executives. The report doesn’t name the early adopters in the study, but likely contenders include Google, Microsoft, Baidu and Tencent. The study describes a difference in mindset of early adopters, who view AI as a growth opportunity used to increase financial performance, attract talent and create new products, whereas many companies that haven’t adopted AI believe its only benefit is cost savings.
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Will GreenSky’s Success Trigger a Flurry of Fintech IPOs?
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonder: New Fintech IPO Offers Litmus Test for Online Lenders – Peter Rudegeair in The Wall Street Journal.
 
Atlanta-based fintech company GreenSky filed its IPO last week, which had online lenders watching with bated breath. Lending startups have seen tough times recently, and this IPO’s success could act a litmus test to predict how many fintech startups will go public this year. GreenSky differentiates itself from other online lenders by calling itself a “leading technology company” in its filings, its profitability is much higher than competitors and it has low customer acquisition costs through innovative partner merchant marketing.
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Fidelity Funds Flounder
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Blunder: Fidelity, Bruised From Crises, Searches for Life After Mutual Funds – Landon Thomas Jr. in The New York Times.
 
Fidelity’s legendary mutual funds keep losing investors, no matter how well the funds perform. Soon, Fidelity may stop depending on its mutual funds to focus more attention on growth strategies, including acquiring corporate 401(k) plans and acting as custodians for investment firms. In addition to mutual fund disinterest, the company also faces sexual harassment scandals and other allegations of misconduct by portfolio managers. CEO Abigail P. Johnson’s crisis recovery tactics include a broad review of the firm’s culture and moving to a team-based system to encourage gender equality.
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
» IN THE NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Pasadena magazine speaks with Charles Thorngren, CEO of Noble Bitcoin, about cryptocurrency investments.
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Technology Blog Writer speaks with Dr. Eugene
Izhikevich, CEO and Co-Founder of Brain Corp, about turning manually-operated machines into autonomous solutions.
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Three pillars of marketing and PR strategy include owned media, earned media and paid media. These terms appear frequently in online marketing discussions, but what exactly do they mean? How are they important to your company? How can you combine them to accomplish your goals of attracting and retaining customers?
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
» FEATURED CASE STUDY: Brain Corp
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
Brain Corp, a Qualcomm Ventures-funded robotics company based in San Diego, was seeking brand visibility to support several new product launches and a 2017 funding round. Specifically, Brain Corp wanted to be recognized as the company that builds artificial brains for robots and self-driving vehicles, not as a company that builds robots. Brain Corp asked KCD PR to quickly advance that message to key technology and business reporters prior to the company’s announcement of its partnership with a national retailer.
Wonders & Blunders: Blues Skies Forecast for Fintech
 
 

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.