Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win

 

Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
 
OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
 
All subject line references aside, we hope you’ve recovered from any Super Bowl shenanigans by now. Here’s what happened in fintech news while you were celebrating a win, suffering a loss or tweeting about the ads.
 
A recently uncovered blunder caused a $600 million longtime client to walk away from Wells Fargo, after it increased investment risk on a flagship conservative retirement plan. The financial company’s signature stagecoach may be breaking down … perhaps they should trade it in for a self-driving car? Though that could depend on the Waymo vs. Uber trial this week!
 
Shifting to blockchain news, Ripple’s popularity in fintech shows no sign of fading, despite the XRP token’s decline in value. Banco Santander announced the distributed ledger technology’s debut in the personal payments space. What’s next for the current cryptocurrency industry darling?
 
The latest development in robo advisors involves some of the largest financial firms creating products in-house instead of white-labeling third-party software. Regaining customer control, building on recently strengthened mobile and digital services and an increasing ease of hiring internal technology teams led to the change. Will it help attract the B2B customers banks are seeking?
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
 
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Bye, Bye, Bye Big Wells Fargo Client
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Tim McLaughlin in Reuters.
 
Wells Fargo & Co increased the risk in its flagship retirement funds, causing one of its largest customers to leave the plan. TexaSaver pulled more than $600 million from the Wells Fargo target-date funds. The plan was previously well-known for a conservative investment strategy, but the new strategy included buying junk bonds, stocks in emerging markets and derivatives. TexaSaver ended its long relationship because of how Wells Fargo handled the strategy transition.
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Ripple-Powered Personal Payments
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
– in Finextra.
 
Banco Santander will introduce same-day international mobile payments using Ripple’s distributed ledger. The bank tested the new service among its staffers during the past 18 months. Santander said it will be the first global bank to use a distributed ledger in personal payments. Blockchain-enabled cross-border payments using Ripple are in progress at the bank for B2B customers as well.
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
In-House Digital-Human Hybrids
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
 
Several of the largest financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, have launched their own in-house digital investment products or are developing similar robo advisors products. In addition to regaining control of customers, the choice to build products in-house makes business sense because it’s now easier to find the expert teams and technology needed to create these products.
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
» IN THE NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
Forbes speaks with Charles Thorngren, CEO of Noble Alternative Investments, about XRP.
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
» BOTTOM LINE: Spreading Startup Love
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
February is often considered the month of love so we felt it was only proper to spread some affection and highlight a few favorite startups that have our hearts fluttering. Our valentines this year consist of fintech players seeking to bring resurgence to their respected verticals and change the status quo, but most importantly their service offerings are unique and provide true value to end users.
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
» FEATURED CASE STUDY: Brain Corp
Wonders & Blunders: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
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: Super Bowl Selfie for the Win
 
 

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.