CFI.co Blog

It is well-known that online payday loans are an excellent option to cope with unannounced financial problems. If you have found yourself in a challenging situation like medical emergency, late utility bills, and mortgage repayments, you can acquire a payday loan. It can be advantageous for you in more than one way.

Fast Processing

If you are looking for bad credit loans monthly payments, you should definitely consider obtaining payday loans because they process very fast. Unlike traditional loans, you don’t have to go through lengthy processes. If you apply for a payday loan with a good online lending company, your loan application will be approved within minutes. And you will be able to acquire cash on the same day. You wouldn’t have to wait for days or even weeks to meet your financial emergencies. You can feasibly apply for payday loans online under any unexpected financial situation.

Easily Qualification

You can conveniently qualify for payday loans online. You don’t have to face substantial documentation and lengthy processing periods like traditional loans. And there are low chances that your loan application will be rejected. Online lending companies have straightforward requirements if you happen to meet those, you are in a favorable position to acquire payday loans same day. You need to have a valid proof of monthly income, a bank account, and your driver’s license to qualify for loans easily. However, you should know that the amount of payday loans are totally dependent on your monthly income.

No Credit Check Process

Since payday loans are convenient, there is no such thing as a credit check process. You are only required to meet a few basic terms & conditions, and then you are good to qualify for a loan amount. You can surely apply for payday loans with no credit check. Individuals with even bad credit history or score can easily be eligible for payday loans as long as they are capable enough to give valid proof of their monthly incomes. When it comes to payday loans, you don’t have to worry about credit checks. It is noticed that only a few online lenders ask for a credit check when it comes to negotiating for a significant amount.

No Usage Limitations

You can use payday loans for anything. Generally, these loans have no limitations; it doesn’t matter what payday loans can be used for. When it comes to traditional bank loans, you are bound to use the amount for one or two things. For instance, if you are applying for a bridge loan, you will be able to use this just for purchasing or selling your property. However, with payday loans, you are not bound at all. You can acquire payday loans to meet your financial needs under any emergency. Your lender will have no issues as you can use the loan amount for whatever reasons.

Automatic Lending System

When it comes to payday loans online, you can expect an automatic lending and transferring system. After an online lending company has approved your loan application, it will directly transfer the amount to your bank account. And once your payday has arrived, the borrowed amount will be transferred back to your lender automatically with added interest. You wouldn’t need to do anything else on your end.

Economics

No-deal Brexit fears trigger investors to seek international options

ByCFI.co Blogger

Growing fears of a no-deal Brexit will prompt an increasing number of British and international investors to move their financial assets overseas out of the UK, believes the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and fintech organisations.

The observation from Nigel Green, founder and chief executive of deVere Group, which has $12bn under advisement, comes as the UK formally rejects an extension to the Brexit transition period – raising the risk of a no-deal departure at the end of the year.

Mr Green notes: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK is suffering its deepest recession in 300 years. Nevertheless, the government is sticking with its hard Brexit plans.

“Concerns over the fallout from a no-deal Brexit will prompt an increasing number of British and international investors to move their financial assets overseas out of the UK.”

He continues: “Should the UK leave with no-deal, the already weak pound – which is one of the world’s worst-performing currencies this year – is likely to remain weak for several years to come until Britain and the EU readjust. It has already shed about 20% of its value since the EU referendum in 2016.

“A low pound can help to reduce people’s purchasing power and lead to a drop in UK living standards. Weaker sterling means imports are more expensive, with rising costs being passed on to consumers.”

The drop in sterling is good for UK exports some insist, however around half of the country’s exports rely on imported components. “These will become more expensive as the pound falls in value,” noted Mr Green.

“In addition, a weaker pound is, of course, bad news for British expats, amongst others, who receive income or pensions in sterling and as Brits looking to travel overseas,” he added.

The deVere CEO goes on to say: “Britain appears to be sleepwalking towards an economic blackhole.

“People are already becoming increasingly nervous about this situation. Many will, inevitably and quite sensibly be looking to build and protect their wealth by moving assets overseas through various established international financial solutions.

“The pace of this trend is likely to increase over the next few months as the issues look set to ramp-up.”

Finance

6 Tips for Preventing Fraud

ByCFI.co Blogger

In the first 6 months of 2019 alone, £616m was stolen from banks in the UK due to fraud. In the Philippines, there were over half a billion pesos lost due to credit card fraud. Each year, banks, ATM systems, and credit card scanners come up with new ways to protect you against identity theft and fraud. These upgrades don’t seem to last, however. As quickly as the safety upgrades are made, it seems criminals are coming up with new ways to get around them. You can never be too safe and that’s why you need to learn about preventing fraud yourself.

The more knowledge you have about it, the better chances you have at avoiding it altogether. Don’t be a victim to identity theft, fraud, or any other type of financial scam. Continue reading below for six of the best tips to know about preventing fraud in your life.

1. Take Advantage of All Online Security Features

If you bank online, then you need to set up an account with as many security features as possible. Your banking app has these features set in place for you to ensure your information stays secure. If you’re not taking advantage of all the security features, then you could be placing yourself in a better position to get hacked.

Most banks will offer a multi-step authentication process when logging in accounts online or on the app. Make use of these. For example, to access your account, it might require you to give your fingerprint, log in using your credentials, send a security code to your phone, and make you answer security questions.

Use as many of these features as you can.

2. Check Your Bank Statements Frequently

Some criminals will gain access to your bank account and spend a large amount of money all at one time. Others will use your information to make purchases overseas. When either of these situations happen, it signals a red flag to your bank.

Other fraud criminals, however, are a bit smarter with their crimes. They’ll start out by only taking small amounts out here and there. This makes it less recognisable by you and your bank.

To catch them in the act, you’ll need to keep an eye on your bank statements on a regular basis. Log into your accounts and go through each withdrawal.

3. Avoid Accepting a Check and Wiring Money

One of the most common ways criminals scam innocent people is by sending them a check and asking them to wire money back in exchange. This mostly happens when someone makes a private purchase. A person will contact you saying they want to purchase something you have for sale.

They’ll explain to you that they only have a check for a certain amount, which is greater than the price of the item. They’ll send you the check and ask you to then wire them the difference. After you wire them the difference, you’ll soon learn that their check was bad.

If anyone approaches you with this scenario, decline. Avoid accepting checks with the intent to then wire money. Once you wire your money, it’s gone, and usually can’t be traced.

4. Never Use a Public Computer or Connection

When you do need to log into your bank account online, never use a public computer or a public connection. You only want to use your private phone network or a secure network at your house or someone’s house who you trust.

When you log into your bank accounts using a computer that isn’t yours or from a public internet connection, you take the risk of a scammer hacking your information.

5. Report a Card Lost or Stolen Immediately

Haven’t seen your bank card in a few days? Don’t wait to report your card lost or stolen. Even if you believe it fell in that hard-to-reach place in your car, don’t take the chance of not reporting it.

Replacing your credit and debit cards with your bank is quite simple. They’ll even give you a temporary card to use while waiting for your new one to come in the mail. Even if you have to go a few hours or days without access to your account, it’s better than allowing an unauthorised user to have access to it.

6. Contact Your Bank About Added Safety Features

Following these tips is a great way to reduce your risk of bank fraud. There is more you can do, though. If you feel you need an extra layer of protection on your account, then contact your bank directly.

Ask about what security features they offer. They might be able to put a high alert on your account. This sometimes means that you’ll have to go inside the bank to make any type of transaction and the slightest detail in your account statement could warrant a phone call to you from your bank.

Some of these features might seem like they’d become pestering, but it’s the best way to ensure no fraud is allowed on your account.

Preventing Fraud Is Simple When You Know These Tips!

Finding out your bank account has fraudulent transactions is a big hit to the gut. If not caught right away, it can sometimes take years for people to gain their identity back or get their life back together after a scam. Don’t be one of these people.

Preventing fraud is easy when you follow the tips listed in this post.

For more topics as helpful as the one here, visit our blog on a daily basis!

Banking

Union Bank of the Philippines among ‘Most Helpful Banks in Asia-Pacific’ during COVID-19

ByCFI.co Blogger

The only Phl bank in the Top 20

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has been ranked as the second most helpful bank in Asia-Pacific during the coronavirus crisis – the only Philippine bank in the top 20 list.

UnionBank was next only to KakaoBank, South Korea’s largest digital-only bank, according to the BankQuality Consumer Survey on Retail Banks – an online survey conducted last April 1-30, 2020 and covering total 11,000 respondents, with 1,000 each coming from China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The respondents, aged between 18 to 65 and who have at least one bank account each, chose the banks most beneficial to them amid the ongoing pandemic because of their contactless nature and digital services.

UnionBank was ranked higher than international banks such as HSBC, Citibank, DBS, CIMB, United Overseas Bank and OCBC, among others.

UnionBank president and CEO Edwin Bautista expressed gratitude for the public’s recognition of the bank’s quick, sincere and relentless efforts to help alleviate their plight in this difficult time.

“It warms our hearts to know that our customers recognize and value our heroic efforts during this crisis. The coronavirus pandemic has brought the world an unprecedented disruption, but with each of us doing our share, we will weather this challenge – no matter how massive it can be,” Bautista said.

Since the start of the quarantine period, UnionBank boosted its mobile and web banking platforms for retail and corporate customers namely UnionBank Online and The Portal, respectively, to enable clients to safely do their banking transactions from home.

UnionBank was also among the first banks to waive its online fund transfer fees, and deployed its Bank On Wheels to bring its bank branches at the doorstep of its customers.

“I would like to also thank our very hardworking and selfless UnionBankers – frontliners all – who have been doing their utmost during this pandemic to deliver safe, consistent and full service digital banking to our customers, for this accolade,” Bautista added.

The bank’s fintech arm UBX, has facilitated the release of cash subsidies through the deployment of mobile automated teller machines (ATMs) to its rural bank partners and financial cooperatives where beneficiaries of the government’s Social Amelioration Program can withdraw their money quickly.

UBX has also begun linking its rural bank members to its new network that includes Cebuana Lhuillier, LBC, Palawan Express and PeraHub. This enables customers of these rural banks to send funds and payments to over 11,000 branches of the four remittance centers nationwide.

Wealth Management

How Do Mutual Funds Work? The Complete Guide to Mutual Funds

ByCFI.co

Are you a long-view investor with an interest in seeing your wealth grow over 10, 20, or 30 years? If the answer is yes, then you need a diverse portfolio of assets to help you achieve your goals.

One of these assets is a mutual fund. Mutual funds are a collection of assets grouped together according to an investment strategy and run by a fund manager. Compared to individual securities, mutual funds provide a certain level of protection against the volatility of the stock market and still deliver steady returns for investors.

How do mutual funds work? Keep reading for a quick primer.

What Are Mutual Funds?

Mutual funds are called investment baskets. Rather than being one form of security or investment on their own, mutual funds are a container for a group of different types of investments, usually stocks, bonds, or a combination of the two. However, they can contain other types of investments. The primary types of mutual funds include:

Equity funds
Bond funds
Balanced funds (equities and bonds)
Money market funds
Fixed-income funds

When you invest in a mutual fund, you invest in the basket of investments rather than a single stock or share. You also pool your money with all the other fund investors, which grants you access to investments that aren’t available to the average solo investor.

How Do Mutual Funds Work?

A mutual fund has a fund manager, who oversees the fund and chooses the investments found within it. The manager may choose to actively or passively manage the fund according to a set strategy or according to the manager’s whims.

Many mutual funds are increasingly passively managed because research shows that passive investments earn better returns compared to actively managed investments. It’s rare for active investment strategies to outperform the market.

How does the mutual fund make money? It depends on the type of fund you choose. When your investment earns you returns, it comes in the following forms:

Income earned via dividends
Growth in price of securities or capital gains
Fund share price (net asset value) grows

You’ll also pay fees for your mutual fund. These include the cost of the fund (e.g., administration and operating costs) and sales commissions. Keep in mind that these fees are typical percentages of the fund, and you’ll pay them annually. A fraction of a percent can be the equivalent of thousands of dollars.

The fees you pay depend on the structure of your fund. It pays to research the type of fund that best suits your financial goals and to compare fees between funds and fund providers.

Why Choose a Mutual Fund?

Mutual funds are increasingly popular because they offer even the novice investor something that the pros could only covet a few years ago: a diversified portfolio. Because you invest in a basket of investments, your profits and losses aren’t solely tied to one company’s performance. Diversity means you have a lower risk of losing everything if a stock performs badly.

Another reason investors of all types choose mutual funds is that they come with a fund manager. You don’t have to actively trade them or even worry about all the investments inside the basket. You pay the investor a fraction of a percent of the value of your account to worry about that for you.

By working this way, mutual funds use a high volume of transactions to reduce the cost for you as an individual investor. Rather than paying as much as $5 a transaction, you split the bill with other investors.

Are There Disadvantages of a Mutual Fund?

Mutual funds do come with disadvantages compared to other types of funds like exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

The biggest issue that investors find with mutual funds is that they can be expensive. Typically, mutual funds become very expensive with a small investment and then again at the top of the scale. Many providers offer the best rates to those with mid-size accounts.

Another issue with mutual funds is that they can be inefficient compared to ETFs. Efficiency applies both to tax efficiency and the cost of maintaining the fund vs. the returns it offers. ETFs generate fewer capital gains distributions, and they have their own way of buying and selling that triggers less taxable income. However, you may find that some passively managed mutual funds are also tax efficient if only because they generate fewer transactions.

How to Find the Right Mutual Fund

Although there’s a shortlist of widely popular mutual funds, a fund’s popularity doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you.

Finding the right mutual fund requires you to find a fund that meets both your financial goals and your risk tolerance as well as a philosophy that reflects your own investment philosophy.

From there, you can start to consider the costs of the fund and the management style to whittle down your list of contenders and begin investing.

Use our guide to choosing the best performing mutual funds to get started.

Are Mutual Funds Right for You?

How do mutual funds work? They pool investors’ money together in a basket of securities to provide long-term growth with some protection from market volatility.

Mutual funds are a diverse group of investment tools, but almost every investor can see some benefit in adding top-performing funds to their portfolios. The trick is to find the fund that best matches your personal goals and your investment philosophy and strategy.

Looking for more investment content? Visit our Finance archive for the latest news.

Banking

Union Bank of the Philippines appoints world-leading Data Scientist to further advance digital capabilities

ByCFI.co Blogger

Consistent with its commitment to make banking simpler and more inclusive via best-in-class digital and mobile capabilities, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) recently appointed global data science expert Dr. David Hardoon Ph. D., as the Bank’s Senior Advisor for Data and Artificial Intelligence (D & AI), reporting to President and CEO Edwin R. Bautista.

Senior Advisor for Data and Artificial Intelligence (D & AI): Dr. David Hardoon Ph. D.

The announcement was made as the Bank continues to see a surge in digital transactions among customers as a result of evolving consumer behavior amplified by the current enhanced community quarantine. These transactions mean an increased volume of data running through the Bank’s systems which data science and AI can unlock to allow the Bank to serve its customers better.

“Leveraging Data and AI is a key driver to our next-level of digital transformation as we continue to put the customer – both individuals and businesses – at the heart of our business,” said UnionBank President and CEO Edwin Bautista in a statement.

Dr. Hardoon replaces John Januszczak, who is now focused in his role as president and CEO of UBX, UnionBank’s fintech subsidiary.

Dr. Hardoon is a graduate of Royal Halloway, the University of London with First-Class Honors B.Sc. in Computer Science and AI, and a holder of a PhD in Machine Learning from the University of Southampton School of Electronics and Computer Science United Kingdom.

Prior to his appointment at UnionBank, Dr. Hardoon was the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS, Singapore’s counterpart of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) first appointed Chief Data Officer and Head of the Data Analytics Group, and subsequently MAS’ Special Advisor on Artificial Intelligence. In these roles, he led the development of the AI strategy both for MAS and Singapore’s financial sector as well as efforts in promoting open cross-border data flow.

In addition, he led and established the ASEAN Advanced Analytics of Ernst & Young Advisory Singapore as Director of EY Data, IT Advisory Services, and co-founded Azendian Solutions Pte. Ltd., an information management and data science consultancy between 2013 and 2017. He was also Head of Analytics at SAS Institute Ltd. Singapore from 2010 to 2013.

As Senior Advisor for Data and AI, Dr. Hardoon will be working with various centers, groups, and units to reinforce data infrastructure and governance, behavior modelling, machine learning, and AI capabilities as well as applications in the Bank and its parent company Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

Aside from his role with the Bank, Dr. Hardoon is concurrently Senior Advisor for AI to Singapore’s Corrupt Investigation Practices Bureau, and Senior Advisor for Data Science to Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board.

Economics

Expert comment from Warwick Business School

ByCFI.co Blogger

Commenting as Easyjet announced it would resume flights next month,

Professor Loizos Heracleous, an aviation industry expert at Warwick Business School, said:

“Airlines will face a number of challenges as they resume flights. For example, if governments require them to observe social distancing rules on planes, that would mean middle seats are left empty.

“This would reduce capacity and lead to an increase in ticket prices. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), prices would have to rise by 40-50 per cent, just for airlines to break even.

“The good news for airlines is that they will benefit from lower oil prices and research is already under way that may enable equipment to sniff out coronavirus before passengers board.

“Airlines have been forced to conserve cash to survive, cutting flights, reducing their workforce, and postponing capital investment. However, social habits including the urge to travel have not changed. Provided we find ways to control the virus, through testing, treatment or a vaccine, the industry should be back to pre-pandemic levels within two to three years.

“Aviation is too essential to wither. It is here to stay and the market system is resilient enough to ensure the industry thrives after this temporary setback.”

Wealth Management

What Are the Types of Mutual Funds?

ByCFI.co

When one wants to build their capital, the stock market is often the first port of call. But investing in the stock market is often not worth the stress. In the worst of times, investing in stocks have bankrupted investors.

You wish to invest your money but are frightened that you may lose it all. With the financial crises that we have collectively experienced, one is right to be hesitant.

Fortunately, there is an alternative option. Mutual funds are a great avenue for investors.

But with all the different types of mutual funds available, we cannot blame one for feeling puzzled as to which ones to invest in.

While we aren’t here to advise you, we can explain the different types of mutual funds so you can make a better decision on where to invest.

The Guide to Types of Mutual Funds

A mutual fund is a fund created when a plethora of investors put in their money in securities, bonds, money market instruments, and a variety of other assets.

This pool of money is what you would invest in. The mutual fund is controlled by a money manager who attempts to produce capital gains income for the investors.

We suggest seeking the aid of a financial consultant when deciding to invest.

Here are the different types of mutual funds for you to consider:

1. Equity Funds

Also known as stock funds, this is the most popular type of mutual fund. Equity funds will have different subcategories. These can include subcategories based on the size of the company (large, mid-size, small) or the type of company (tech, finance, etc.)

There are also equity funds defined by their approach—this can include aggressive growth, slow growth, or income-oriented.

To choose the best equity fund, you want to look at the subcategory as well as the investment approach. For example, you may wish to invest in a technology equity fund that has aggressive growth.

2. Fixed-Income Funds

This type of mutual fund offers a set rate of return. These include government bonds and corporate bonds. The mutual fund will generate income which is how the investors earn.

The money manager usually focuses on bonds that are undervalued. They purchase these bonds and then focus on selling them to make a profit. They can be risky as one can never guarantee the outcome or value of the bonds.

There is also the issue of the interest rate risk—which means that the value of the bonds will decrease if interest rates increase. On the plus side, this type of investment usually pays higher than money market investments and certificates of deposit.

3. Index Funds

Index funds have become increasingly popular. With this option, one chooses a portfolio of stocks to invest in. These can include the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones index.

While a money manager would look at these index funds, this type of mutual funds requires a more hands-off approach.

This type of mutual fund is targeted toward the investor on a budget. If you are a beginner to investing, you may wish to consider index funds over other types of mutual funds.

4. Money Market Funds

This type of mutual fund is also a fixed-income mutual fund. This fund focuses on high-quality debt from corporations, banks, and governments. This debt is usually short term.

These type of funds include U.S. Treasuries, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, among others. An ideal money market fund will be: low risk, will produce high yields, and will require low expenses.

These are considered to be one of the safest investments available. They are used by beginners and seasoned investors alike.

5. Balanced Funds

Balanced funds, or asset allocation funds, are a combination of fixed-income funds and equity funds. They have a fixed ratio of the two funds. For example, you may have a balanced fund that is 70% equity fund and 30% fixed-income fund.

One type of balanced fund is target-to-date which alters the ratio to favour equity funds as you get closer to your retirement.

6. Income Funds

This type of fund is intended to provide a continuous income on a regular basis.

Usually, these funds consist of government and corporate debt. The funds hold onto the bonds until they mature and produce interest.

As they provide continuous income, they are usually targeted toward retirees, conservative investors, and can also be beneficial to beginners. But because they produce regular income, one must be aware of possible tax obligations.

7. Foreign Funds

Generally speaking, foreign funds (funds outside of your home country) can be volatile. It is imperative that if one invests in foreign funds, that adequate research is conducted on the stability of the jurisdiction.

At times, the foreign fund can be far riskier than a domestic fund. At other times, the foreign fund may be much safer than domestic funds. Make sure your money manager has adequate experience in managing foreign funds.

You should also do your research on the stability, country, and political risks of other jurisdictions.

As the economies of other nations grow, you may find that investing in a foreign fund is more lucrative than investing in Britain.

8. Speciality Funds

These are usually funds that have gained popularity among investors. There are no set criteria other than the popularity and success of these funds.

For instance, there are sector funds that target particular industries. One can select a successful fund in the technology sector, agriculture sector, or in healthcare. One should be aware of the possible volatility of a sector before investing in it.

Speciality funds can also comprise of regional funds that focus on successful mutual funds in particular regions—ranging from nations to continents (i.e., investing in Peru vs investing in South America as a whole).

Finally, we have seen a keen interest in ethical funds. These are funds for socially-responsible mutual funds such as solar energy, green energy, waste management, etc.

Build Your Portfolio

Now that you know the different types of mutual funds, you are ready to consult your financial advisor and build your portfolio.

Be sure to follow us for more content on technology, finance, business, and economics.

Economics

Pound could drop even further – to $1.18 – in June: deVere CEO

ByCFI.co Blogger

The pound – this month’s worst-performing major currency – could “easily drop to $1.18” at the end of June, warns the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and fintech organisations.

The warnings from deVere Group’s chief executive and founder Nigel Green come as it is revealed that the British currency shed almost 4% against the U.S. dollar in May and 3% against the euro.

Mr Green comments: “The pound is this year’s third-weakest major currency – just behind the New Zealand dollar and Norwegian krone, which have done even worse.

“The pound has been battered since the Brexit referendum in 2016 and the ensuing years of political uncertainty, losing around 20% of its value since the referendum.

“The Covid-19 crisis has been another hammer blow for sterling as it promoted a flight-to-safety and ramped-up the search for liquidity. This situation is a win for the U.S. dollar and, in turn, a loss for the pound.”

He continues: “There are legitimate concerns that the pound has further to fall in the next few weeks.

“It could easily drop to $1.17-$1.18 by the end of June due to renewed and heightened fears of a negative shock due to a no-deal Brexit combined with the far-reaching economic fallout of the pandemic.”

Negotiations between the UK and the EU on their post-Brexit future relationship stalled on Friday with the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier saying the two sides risked reaching a “stalemate.”

The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly threatened to walk away from the talks if insufficient progress has been made by next month’s high-level negotiations. The UK has indicated the alternative of an “Australia-style” deal, a relationship where both sides trade on basic World Trade Organization terms, similar to a no-deal Brexit.

“An even weaker pound will help to reduce people’s purchasing power and a drop in UK living standards. Weaker sterling means imports are more expensive, with rising costs being passed on to consumers,” says Mr Green.

“The fall in the pound is good for exports some claim, but it must be remembered that around 50% of UK exports rely on imported components. These will become more expensive as the pound falls in value.

“A low pound is, of course, bad news for British expats, amongst others, who receive income or pensions in sterling.

“The country’s financial services sector – which represents 6% of all economic activity – will also be adversely affected because it is built on foreign investment that puts its faith in sterling being strong.”

The deVere CEO concludes: “The pound will remain volatile, and is likely to become weaker in the next month.

“As such, it can be expected that domestic and international investors in UK assets will be seeking the available international options available to them.”

Digital Banking

Global advisory giant to launch major digital finance operation in Dubai

ByCFI.co Blogger

One of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and services organisations is to develop a major digital finance operation from Dubai, confirms its CEO and founder.

deVere Group’s Nigel Green made the announcement on Wednesday as the world readjusts to a post-pandemic new normal.

Mr Green comments: “The world has changed forever in the last few months, the market has changed and client expectations have changed.

“Much of this is being driven by new technologies and the rapid pace of the digitialisation of our lives, including our financial lives.

“It was a trend that was happening pre-pandemic, but which has been massively accelerated because of it.

“Indeed, this new decade is being reshaped more rapidly and more dramatically than any other.

“To meet these fundamental shifts, we’re developing and building a major digital financial organisation from Dubai.”

There are, says Nigel Green, three main drivers why Dubai has been chosen for this by the organisation that does business in 100 countries worldwide.

“First, we already have had for more than 15 years a considerable footprint in Dubai and across the UAE, with many teams of highly talented individuals.

“Second, Dubai, which is already recognised as one of the most important financial centres in the world, can be expected to become one of the world’s top ten international financial hubs to rival and more aggressively compete with the likes of London, New York and Hong Kong.”

He adds: “Dubai is helped in this regard by having an independent regulator, an independent judicial system, a global financial exchange, a stable, pro-business government, a high proposition of high net worth individuals, a dynamic business community, world-class infrastructure, superior digital and telecommunications networks, English as its de-facto business language, and its enviable geographical location and time zone.

“And third is Dubai’s passion for and expertise in innovation. We’ve seen this in real-time as the emirate diversified from oil to become a truly global leader in trade, transportation, finance, tourism, retail and real estate.

“This is exemplified by Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’; as well as Sultan Al Mansoori, the UAE Economy Minister, saying recently that the new economy will now be built around digital.”

The deVere CEO says that the Dubai-based digital financial organisation will consolidate and “significantly further develop and expand” the organisation’s pioneering global Contactless Finance service and its world-leading fintech apps, which allow people to access, use, save, invest and manage their money 24/7, on-the-go, anywhere in the world.

Nigel Green concludes: “Our new Dubai-based model is designed for the new world with, as always, the client experience, and expectations and outcomes front and centre of mind.”