Tag: FINTECHTV Editorial Team

The effects of COVID-19 have caused businesses and workers alike to completely rethink the way they work and interact with the rest of the world. Zoom meetings and remote work have become the new normal, which is causing businesses to reevaluate the way that they conduct themselves and what type of SaaS offerings they provide.    This is where the world’s view on exciting new technology such as blockchain and cryptocurrency has begun to really show their worth to the world. Prior to this pandemic, these technologies were still slowly making their way into the mainstream - but these strenuous circumstances have caused businesses and large corporations to reconsider the value that this revolutionary technology can bring them.  Visa, Mastercard, JPMC, IBM, Microsoft, and many other Fortune 500s have already begun to test out the crypto waters and are beginning to roll out exciting new frameworks and services that are set to revolutionize the way work is done, payments are handled, and how identity and sensitive data are managed.  While this is true, cryptocurrency is still a hotly debated topic in finance.  Many believe it can provide a real benefit to society while others remain skeptical of its true utility.  Many people found out about cryptocurrencies originally due to the headlines you would see every day about massive investment returns people were cashing out with nearly every week. This hype was well-founded - crypto was actually rooted in advanced and very relevant improvements to the current financial system that resulted in the crash of 2008. At the time, though, this was overshadowed by big money and over-speculation of its true monetary value.  In order to understand how crypto is shaping the future of the remote workforce and even how businesses will function after this pandemic, it is important to understand why cryptocurrency and the underlying blockchain technology is so valuable for society - especially in the current climate. What is Blockchain Technology?  Bitcoin and its mysterious inventor Satoshi Nakamoto brought with it the concept of “trustless” transactions, among other innovations.  This simply means that there is no trust involved in a bitcoin transaction, as the exchange of value is permanently stored, publicly visible, and verified by multiple parties with an incentive to ensure its verification. Therefore, two untrusting parties can engage in a transaction without the need for a moderator (i.e. the potentially biased banks). As you can see, this is a big improvement to the current monetary system and removes control from a few executives to an entire population.  Cryptocurrency’s ability to conduct private, secure, third-party free transactions is revolutionary, and could truly change the way business transactions are handled as well as how monetary value and data are distributed throughout society. It has the potential to lessen the disparate wealth gap in America, and make complex procedures like loans and financing smarter by making data permanent and unified.  Basically, it can allow strangers to engage in business dealings without worrying about getting overzealous fees, data breaches, or the negative effect that human error can bring.  At its core, it removes the need for banks and corporations to always have a hand in your financial dealings, digital tools, as well as your personal data - which is something the new generation is very concerned with.  The use for Bitcoin has been established - it can, in fact, have the impact it says it will have. The only barrier now is integrating into a society that is still transitioning into a digital age. This has been the question that has caused this revolutionary technology to have such a gradual and slow integration so far.  Blockchain technology has taken a backseat in the media to the currencies it supports. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Monero, and more have all been hot topics that have brought up heated debates on whether or not they actually contain any value. But, blockchain has not received the popular media attention that the cryptocurrencies it supports have. As it turns out, the underlying blockchain framework that supports these currencies is what gives them value and allows for each of the digital currencies to have so many revolutionary features.  Blockchain allows for a digital distributed ledger to be used to facilitate transactions between two parties that are fraud-free and without any third party manipulation or interference. It can revolutionize the way information is stored, secured, and exchanged between the two parties and remove fraud and trust from the equation while streamlining the process and drastically improving efficiency.  Big Corporations Are Bringing Blockchain to the Mainstream Many of the world’s biggest corporations are beginning to integrate cryptocurrency and blockchain into their service offerings.  In late July 2020, Visa announced that they will be rolling out a crypto-supported payment system that will support Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and other prominent currencies. This is huge for the crypto world because it finally shows how these big corporations are realizing the value of the technology.  From May 2019 to May 2020 there was over $10 billion of crypto transactions that took place, which shows the. trending popularity of this new monetary system.  This new service from Visa will come in the form of a Visa digital wallet that allows for the use and storage of cryptocurrency easily and securely. With people using cash less and less and the need for banks beginning to dwindle with stay-at-home orders and social distancing norms, this announcement is hardly surprising and very fitting for the time of the announcement.  Just as this announcement was happening, regulators in the U.S. were also announcing that it is now perfectly legal for large institutions to provide cryptocurrency services. Brian P. Brooks, the Acting Comptroller of the Currency, commented recently “This opinion clarifies that banks can continue satisfying their customers’ needs for safeguarding their most valuable assets, which today for tens of millions of Americans includes cryptocurrency.” This decision shows that the shock of 2020 is beginning to have an effect on the highest level of corporations and regulators in the US, and that they are becoming more open than ever before to new forms of technology that threaten many of the financial and societal norms that have been in place for decades.  Other companies such as IBM have integrated crypto services into their framework to bring about next-generation payment solutions. In 2019, IBM rolled out a service called World Wire that is able to provide a much easier mechanism for cross-border payments between out-of-country businesses. This technology is yet another example of a tool that is completely necessary during a pandemic where many Americans have trouble reaching clients or businesses not located in the U.S. In 2020 so far since COVID, the World Wire service has been critical for many to more easily make payments across the world.  As you can clearly see, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a tipping point for blockchain and cryptocurrency in the mainstream. It has fueled a renewed faith in crypto as the world begins to shy away from paper money and dependence on banks. In fact, one in three millennials now state that they will likely buy and hold bitcoin within the next year, which just shows how deeply this new idea is starting to solidify in our society.  With remote work becoming more prominent, it is looking more and more likely that people will be able to get paid in crypto sooner rather than later. This will help improve the confidence and trust that our generation has in the current financial system and trigger a more independent and self-sufficient workforce that will be more able to withstand the effects of any future pandemics or disasters.

Are you an asset manager, investment consultant, nonprofit, or individual who would like to invest in long-term financial, environmental, and social success? On this segment of TheIMPACT, our host Jeffrey Gitterman, talks with Jim Roach, AIF®, Senior Vice President Retirement Strategies at Natixis, Sarah Bratton Hughes, Head of Sustainability in North America at Schroders and Georges Dyer, Co-founder & Executive Director at Intentional Endowments Network (IEN). IEN is a peer learning network of colleges, universities, and other mission-driven institutional investors working together to achieve a thriving and sustainable economy. Watch the full video to learn about retirement plans, sustainable investing, adoption of ESG funds, COVID-19 effects, and endowment funds. To learn more about IEN, please visit intentionalendowments.org

On this segment of Millennials Matter, our host, Georgia Fairweather, covers the sustainable pearl farming enterprise founded and operated by Justin Hunter, CEO of J. Hunter Pearls, based in Fiji. Pearls are initially based on the extraction as it is a luxury industry - economic mining. Pearl farming is a unique practice as it is 100% sustainable with environmental protections connected with the "blue economy." Justin's sustainable pearl farming business engages with local communities rather than commoditizing the industry and what it produces. Island economies have a paradigm-shifting opportunity for sustainable companies that utilize technology, blockchain, AI, and similar infrastructure tools. Consumers of today want more...such as responsible stakeholders that reinvest and aligned with their values in ways that are measured, tracked, and impacted measured. Justin shares some of his past challenges, how they "weathered the storm," and were able to get back up on the front lines to address marine conversation issues through capitalism with consciousness ideals. To learn more about their work with the United Nations, island nations, and how his company is addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by resetting the way the economy works, watch the 15-minute interview here: https://fintech.tv/invest-in-the-oceans-with-pearls/

On this segment of TheIMPACT, our host, Georgia Fairweather, speaks with Satyendra Prasad, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations. Satyendra explains how the blue economy creates opportunities that transcend sustainability, exportation, and new jobs - with unlimited potential for humanity and mother earth. The blue economy is a critical advantage for countries, and they must have a combination of: A smart approach to a sustainable economy Financial stability  Human resources An integrated set of legislated arrangements  Fiji is consulting and working towards a national oceans policy and will soon finish the consultation and launch. Watch the full video to learn about sustainability vs. commerce, resources, investment, sustainable tourism, with opportunities for supply-chain fidelity offered through blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and more. FUN FACT -  America's Marine Economy contributed approximately $373 billion to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018.

Molinari Media, PBC Acquires Gitterman Wealth Management’s Sustainable Investing Conference NEW YORK, NY. Molinari Media, a fintech media and broadcast company, has acquired Gitterman Wealth Management’s Sustainable Investing Conference, one of the industry's leading ESG, Sustainable, and Impact Investing Conferences. The deal was announced today. This acquisition complements the recent launch of Digital Asset Report-London, which is broadcast and produced from the London Stock Exchange Studios in conjunction with Global Digital Finance (GDF). “As we grow our FINTECH.TV, Digital Asset Report and TheIMPACT content, reflecting on these additional synergies, we are excited to add the Gitterman Wealth Management Sustainable Investing Conference into our current family of distinguished marquee brands. This acquisition will expand our broadcast base in the Sustainable, Impact and ESG community,” said Vince Molinari, founder and CEO of Molinari Media.“ “Over many years, we have built one of the premiere Sustainable Investing Conferences in the United States, 3 of which have taken place at the United Nations Headquarters in NYC.” said Jeff Gitterman, Co-founding Partner of Gitterman Wealth Management.  He adds, “We are thrilled to expand our current relationship with Molinari Media beyond the IMPACT TV Show, and for this conference to now reach a global audience through the FINTECH.TV digital platform. This is an incredible opportunity to join forces and bring the latest content and future thinkers to TheIMPACT TV.”  FINTECH.TV brings the latest Fintech, Digital Asset news, as well as TheIMPACT television and social media platform. The content focuses on bringing stories on digital technologies, the digital assets sectors, and creating social impact with accelerating progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a new initiative that responds to the demands of millennial investors, ensuring their investments have a direct impact on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) actions. Molinari Media’s Founder and CEO, Vince Molinari, commented, “The work being done by companies and individuals to solve the humanitarian and global challenges is extraordinary. We want to amplify these efforts to create further education and awareness in the Impact / Sustainability sector.” Fintech Worldwide is the world’s leading network for Fintech, Blockchain, and Digital Impact. Molinari Media, PBC (MM) broadcasts from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) Studios.MM produces two programs – Digital Asset Report, which provides a weekly look forward on digital assets, blockchain, innovation, disruption, and legislation/regulation, and TheIMPACT which focuses on ESG investing and the Sustainability Development Goals of the United Nations.

When it comes to Security & Situational awareness, Henderson brings expertise to corporate, government, individual leaders, families, schools, etc. "Coop" cares about diversity and social justice, and the true wellbeing of all, from real experiences in roles with domestic & international Intelligence, CIA, DEA, LAPD.

Partner and India President of 5th Element Group. Serial social entrepreneur. Active on multiple Boards, Conferences, Speaker. Previously headed up Tata's Delhi NCR business. Passionate to make an economic and social impact in India and the world. Prince of a Partner!

EcoPeace Middle East is a unique organization that brings together Jordanian, Palestinian, and Israeli environmentalists. Our primary objective is the promotion of cooperative efforts to protect our shared environmental heritage. In so doing, we seek to advance both sustainable regional development and the creation of necessary conditions for lasting peace in our region. EcoPeace has offices in Amman, Ramallah, and Tel-Aviv.

Meet Yana, Nada, &Gidon. EcoPeace Middle East is a unique organization that brings together Jordanian, Palestinian, & Israeli environmentalists. Our primary objective is the promotion of cooperative efforts to protect our shared environmental heritage. In so doing, they seek to advance both sustainable regional development and the creation of necessary conditions for lasting peace in our region. EcoPeace has offices in Amman, Ramallah, and Tel-Aviv.

Jen is all about Communications, Community, Diversity & Inclusion. Her mantra is Work with “head, heart, hands”, and “lean in with #empathy” whether at Nike, Target and at home in her new community of Minneapolis. She would tell you 'If they think your dreams are crazy, show them what crazy dreams can do.' And she means you support the community, who will then be the best to bring the story and change.

Summary of Thinkathon - Blockchain and the Global Commons (SDGs) At the 2019 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York, an increasing number of Blockchain events were focussed on how Blockchain can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN pointed out that blockchain technology could act as a game changer, having a massive impact on economic development to build a better world. At the same time the pandemic has exposed weaknesses in global supply chains and over reliance on single suppliers. The China US divide is uncomfortably exposed. The race for digital currencies has accelerated - what are the political dimensions (eg sovereign control of digital currency as an instrument of fiscal and monetary policy) for the current monetary system? What global infrastructure and governance models could work in the digital age? Can blockchain enable sustained and purposeful global collaborations to prevent future pandemics? Blockchain allows large groups of like minded people to connect, to determine causes worth supporting and to what extent; to improve the way we collaborate and the outcomes of these collaborations and enables individuals and groups to support other individuals and groups who pursue causes they believe to be of value to others. Blockchain networks give us new ways to design and build incentive systems and we have the capacity to rapidly build and implement large-scale structures for incentivizing human behavior. Can we create incentive systems that align the interest of the individual with the overall beneficial outcomes for the planet? Keen to Participate in the next Thinkathon? Visit Thinkathon Website and reserve your seat, it's totally free!  Thinkathon - Blockchain and the Global Commons (SDGs) Thinkathon Moderator Dr Jane Thomason As Chief Inspiration Officer for Fintech.TV, I am a global thought leader for social impact and digital transformation and I aim to influence startups, governments, organisations, and industry on transformational opportunities of the digital economy. My job is to inspire and educate about social impact and digital transformation for social change. I am an advocate for ESG investments in emerging economies and enabling Frontier Technologies to accelerate achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thinkathon Speaker Kevin Monserrat Founder and Director Consilience Ventures. Thinkathon Speaker Thessy Mehrain Co-Founder of Liquality @Consensys, a project to enable peer-to-peer exchange across BTC and ETH blockchains and founder of 'Women in Blockchain’, a community for women defining the blockchain space. She also worked on self-sovereign identity and a supply chain solution and with the Consensys Social Impact team. Thinkathon Speaker Jeremy Wilson Experienced Chairman, guide and counsellor. Application of the new technologies in sustaining humankind & the world it inhabits. Across societies, across cultures, across all people and all peoples. Thinkathon Speaker John Kamara John Kamara is the Founder of afyarekod and Adalabs. He is a Tech Entrepreneur using smart technology to drive exponential growth in data driven organisations. Visionary and thought leader with experience in new markets and vertical across multiple sectors. John Kamara has over 15 years experience in business strategy, digital technology and development while being heavily involved in business growth and building new markets for various companies. Thinkathon Speaker Susan Oh Autodidact civic technologist in AI & blockchain; founder & advisor to AI & blockchain projects serving the UN's sustainable development goals. Keen to Participate in the next Thinkathon? Visit Thinkathon Website and reserve your seat, it's totally free!