Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, is strengthening trust in the smart energy sector with an end-to-end security solution which protects the entire ecosystem. Deployed by smart meter makers and distribution systems operators, the offer provides seamless connectivity solutions, secure digital identities and security lifecycle management for the long life of smart meters, as threats and stakeholders evolve over time.

Why Should Everyone Pay Close Attention to Quantum Computing?

For over a year now, I have been uncovering the secrets of quantum computing, which is an exciting and rather unusual field of informatics. It is somewhat weird and yet extremely fascinating discipline, by being very, very different than anything I have learned or encountered so far in my career, as a software developer and high-tech executive. Last week I had privilege to participate on The Quantum Panel, as part of the Payments Canada conference.

The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governing the collection, storage and use of data are coming into force soon and new research reveals that almost two-thirds of consumers (62%) said their confidence about sharing data with businesses is improved by the incoming laws. Highlighting the importance of communicating the benefits of the new laws to consumers in order to build long-term trust.

Apple and Goldman Sachs are reported to be preparing the launch of a new joint credit card, a move that would deepen Apple pay’s push into its customers’ wallets and mark the Wall Street firm’s first foray into plastic. 

The planned card would carry the Apple Pay brand and could launch early next year, people familiar with the matter said. Apple will replace its longstanding rewards-card partnership with Barclays, the people said.

AxiomSL, the leading global provider of regulatory reporting, risk and data management solutions, today announced it has been recognized by the 2018 RegTech Awards, which celebrate the year’s leading technologies and third-party vendors. AxiomSL was honored in two categories, “Best Risk Calculation Engine for Regulatory Compliance” and, for two years in a row, “Most Innovative Use of a Vendor Solution to Address a Dodd-Frank Requirement.” 

Basware, a global leader in payments and spend management, and YouGov today release a survey that shows the true extent of SMEs’ exasperation with the UK’s late payment culture.

The survey of over 2,000 small businesses with less than 250 staff found that more than half support a change in the law around late payments – with six-in-10 backing the introduction of a 45-day minimum payment term. More than six times as many SMEs want new laws as don’t (61% vs 10%).

Crypto Facilities, a world-leading cryptocurrency trading platform, today announced the launch of futures for Ethereum. The new derivatives contract will start trading at 4pm UK time today. 

The first Ethereum futures to be offered by a regulated firm, the products will enable market participants to take a long or short position in the cryptocurrency, allowing them to broaden investment opportunities and manage risks more effectively.

Exchanges are required to obtain licensing as a payment institution in Japan to operate their business (see previous article covered by Bitlegal for background information). This is a short note that Japanese FSA has a Fintech Support Desk to assist with any enquiries for licensing. In addition, the FSA has signed fintech cooperation agreements with Singapore MAS and UK FCA. This should make the process easier for market entry. A UK firm or Singapore firm will through their regulator seek a referral to the JFSA.

Adyen, the payments platform of choice for the world’s leading companies, has partnered with Retail Pro International to help retailers provide the ultimate in-store experience for customers.  The partnership will be rolled out across markets in Europe, Singapore and Australia, to deliver a unified retail experience for customers across all channels.

Trade finance software firm Traydstream has announced the executive appointment of Shishir Vyas as the firm's Chief Client Experience & Digitisation Officer.

As the fintech continues to expand its core offering to banks and corporates of automating the critical processes that underpin trade finance, the appointment signals the next stage in the company’s progress from pilots to commercial mandates.