Latest news with #financialprofessionals

Finextra
3 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
Top 5 Fintech Features Revolutionising Personal Finance: By Viacheslav Kostin
Managing personal finances can be a daunting task, but fintech innovations are simplifying the process with powerful tools. From automating savings to providing detailed spending insights, these features enable individuals and financial professionals to take control of their money. This article examines five key fintech functionalities that are revolutionising financial planning and budgeting, providing practical solutions for achieving financial independence. Automated Savings Tools Automating savings is one of the easiest ways to build wealth without constant effort. These tools allow users to set rules for automatically saving small amounts, such as rounding up purchases to the nearest euro or scheduling regular transfers to a savings account. For example, if you spend €9.50 on a coffee, the app can round it up to €10, saving the extra 50 cents. Benefits: Consistently saves small amounts that accumulate over time. Offers customisable rules tailored to your financial habits. Operates automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Such tools make financial planning seamless, turning saving into a habit. Spending Limit Controls Effective budgeting relies on controlling expenditure, and fintech apps provide intuitive tools for setting spending limits. Users can define caps for specific categories, such as €200 per week for dining out or €500 per month for entertainment. When a limit is reached, the app notifies you or restricts further transactions, helping you avoid overspending. Benefits: Prevents exceeding your budget. Promotes financial discipline with real-time alerts. Reduces impulsive purchases. These features are ideal for anyone seeking to maintain strict budgetary control. Flexible Payment Plans Significant expenses, such as electronics or holidays, can disrupt your finances. Fintech apps offer flexible payment plans, allowing users to spread costs over time. For instance, a €1,000 purchase can be divided into 10 monthly payments of €100, often with low or no interest. Benefits: Makes significant purchases more affordable. Reduces reliance on high-interest loans. Simplifies cash flow management. These solutions are perfect for managing substantial expenses without financial strain. Smart Currency Exchange Handling foreign currencies can be complex, but fintech apps streamline currency exchange by securing the best rates. Users can set a target exchange rate, and the app automatically converts funds when the market meets that rate. For example, if you aim to exchange euros for US dollars at 1.15, the app executes the transaction when the rate is favourable. Benefits: Saves time through automated conversions. Maximises value with optimal exchange rates. Simplifies international transactions. This feature is invaluable for travellers and investors dealing with multiple currencies. Personalised Financial Insights Understanding spending patterns is crucial for effective money management. Fintech apps use machine learning to categorise expenses, such as groceries, travel, or leisure, providing clear insights. For example, you might find you're spending €200 monthly on coffee shops, prompting you to adjust your habits to increase savings. Benefits: Identifies hidden spending trends. Enables data-driven budgeting. Supports informed financial decisions. These tools transform complex data into actionable advice, enhancing financial planning. Fintech innovations are reshaping personal finance, making it more accessible and efficient. Automated savings, spending controls, flexible payments, smart currency exchange, and personalised insights empower users to manage their money effectively. These features not only simplify financial management but also pave the way for greater financial independence, making them indispensable in today's digital economy.


Bloomberg
5 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Allianz Life Says Majority of Customers' Data Stolen in Breach
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America said it suffered a system breach on July 16 that affected a majority of its 1.4 million customers. A 'malicious threat actor' gained access to a third-party, cloud-based system used by Allianz and obtained personally identifiable data related to the majority of customers as well as financial professionals and some employees, the insurer said in an emailed statement.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jackson Launches New Digital Experience for Financial Professionals
Customized, self-service enhancements include new Product Match Pro tool to help identify which products most closely align with a client's retirement planning goals LANSING, Mich., July 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN), recently launched a new digital experience for financial professionals on the company's website, The new, easy to navigate section of the website provides personalized content, self-service enhancements, new tools to help educate financial professionals on the Jackson products that best meet their clients' needs and information on how to find a local Jackson wholesaler for tailored support. "We're proud to launch these new enhancements to our site, expanding the ways we are providing industry-leading service to meet the needs of financial professionals and their clients," said Aileen Herndon, Senior Vice President, Distribution Marketing, Jackson National Life Distributors LLC, the marketing and distribution business of Jackson. "We sought input from financial advisors throughout the site development process, ensuring our updates would meet their needs, reduce pain points and make it easier for them to do business with us. This improved digital experience is designed to provide clarity for advisors and clients, deepening existing relationships and attracting new advisors looking to solve their clients' needs in retirement." The site is accessible from the home page. Visitors can expect a consistent look and feel across the entire website, and continued access to award-winning tools and resources. New tools featured as part of the digital experience include: Product Match Pro: This tool helps financial professionals identify which Jackson product may best align with a client's needs by asking a series of retirement goal questions. Based on the responses to those questions, Product Match Pro will show the benefits and features of multiple Jackson products that best align with a client's needs. Find Your Wholesaler: Financial professionals who don't currently have a relationship with a Jackson wholesaler can use this tool to find contact information for a wholesaler in their area who can provide personalized support. In addition to the new tools, financial professionals will enjoy a personalized experience with tailored journeys based on their profile, client needs and channel, including banks, wirehouses, broker-dealers and RIAs. Financial professionals will also have access to enhanced self-service options including a pending new business tracker and claims initial notice. Financial professionals who would like to learn more about Jackson's dedicated financial professionals site can contact the company at 1-800-711-7397, connect with their local wholesaler or explore the financial professional site on at ABOUT JACKSON Jackson® (NYSE: JXN) is committed to helping clarify the complexity of retirement planning—for financial professionals and their clients. Through our range of annuity products, financial know-how, history of award-winning service* and streamlined experiences, we strive to reduce the confusion that complicates retirement planning. We take a balanced, long-term approach to responsibly serving all our stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, distribution partners, employees, regulators and community partners. We believe by providing clarity for all today, we can help drive better outcomes for tomorrow. For more information, visit *SQM (Service Quality Measurement Group) Call Center Awards Program for 2004 and 2006-2024. (Criteria used for Call Center World Class FCR Certification is 80% or higher of customers getting their contact resolved on the first call to the call center (FCR) for 3 consecutive months or more.) Jackson® is the marketing name for Jackson Financial Inc., Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Home Office: Lansing, Michigan) and Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York® (Home Office: Purchase, New York) Before investing, investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the variable annuity and its underlying investment options. The current contract prospectus and underlying fund prospectuses provide this and other important information. Please contact your Jackson representative to obtain the prospectuses. Please read the prospectuses carefully before investing or sending money. Jackson, its distributors, and their respective representatives do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Any tax statements contained herein were not intended to be used and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state, or local tax penalties. Tax laws are complicated and subject to change. Tax results may depend on each taxpayer's individual set of facts and circumstances. Clients should rely on their own independent advisors as to any tax, accounting, or legal statements made herein. Guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of Jackson National Life Insurance Company or Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York. For variable annuities, guarantees do not apply to the principal amount or investment performance of a variable annuity's separate account or its underlying investments. They are not backed by the broker/dealer from which this annuity contract is purchased, by the insurance agency from which this annuity contract is purchased or any affiliate of those entities, and none makes any representation or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of Jackson National Life Insurance Company or Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York. The Product Match Pro tool does not provide specific recommendations. The tool's output, or "results", is for informational purposes only. Each individual client has specific needs, and it is up to a financial professional and their client to understand what product(s) best meets the client's needs. Additionally, Product Match Pro does not consider the full universe of Jackson annuity products. Jackson offers and issues other annuities with similar features, benefits, limitations and varying charges. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred vehicles designed for retirement. Variable annuities and registered index-linked annuities involve investment risks and may lose value. Earnings are taxable as ordinary income when distributed. Individuals may be subject to a 10% additional tax for withdrawals before age 59 ½ unless an exception to the tax is met. Add-on living benefits are available for an extra charge and may be subject to conditions and limitations and there is no guarantee that an annuity with an add-on living benefit will provide sufficient supplemental retirement income. Products and features may be limited by state availability, and/or your selling firm's policies and regulatory requirements (including standard of conduct rules). 1 Jackson National Life Insurance Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc. Jackson Financial Inc. is a publicly traded company. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Patrick Sign in to access your portfolio

Associated Press
16-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
StateFunds com Enhances Efficiency with Real-Time Market Tools
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND / ACCESS Newswire / July 16, 2025 / a financial data and analytics provider catering to professionals and institutions, has announced the integration of real-time market monitoring tools into its platform. Known for delivering timely financial insights across global sectors, the company continues to develop technology that supports better timing and decision alignment across dynamic market conditions. This enhancement is part of a broader commitment to equipping users with up to the minute data, reducing reliance on delayed reporting and allowing for more precise evaluations in various economic contexts. The new set of tools offers continuous updates on shifting market patterns, enabling users to identify actionable signals more clearly without depending on retrospective analysis. In a landscape where information lag often contributes to uncertainty, these real-time capabilities offer more clarity. Designed with adaptability in mind, the tools accommodate the fast-paced rhythm of financial environments where fluctuations can occur within minutes. The inclusion of these features aligns with industry-wide movements toward greater responsiveness in financial decision-making processes. According to one detailed StateFunds com review, the incorporation of real-time monitoring instruments has been met with praise from analysts who prioritize agility and timing in their workflows. The review highlighted how the tools seamlessly integrate into the broader dashboard without disrupting other analytic functions. Reviewers also noted that the enhancements have allowed more consistent benchmarking across portfolios, bringing much-needed alignment between short-term metrics and longer-term objectives. In a domain where seconds matter, this development is regarded as timely rather than merely impressive. Beyond the technological features themselves, the deployment reflects a deeper industry trend toward minimizing operational lag. Across institutions, there is growing demand for analytical solutions that respond to live conditions without overcomplicating the interface. This balance between precision and simplicity has been central to the recent update, which delivers on both fronts. Rather than introducing unnecessary complexity, the platform now leans into clearer visualizations and adjustable metrics that respond in real-time, enabling faster interpretation of key financial signals. Another StateFunds com review pointed out that the tools are especially effective for those managing cross-asset monitoring or operating across volatile sectors. The review emphasized the relevance of this feature for professionals who need to remain in sync with sudden regulatory shifts, macroeconomic news, or institutional activity. The update does not merely display figures-it interprets them within a contextual window, ensuring that movements are not just noted but understood in terms of potential impact. As markets become more interconnected, this contextual depth is increasingly essential. In another in-depth StateFunds com review, analysts noted that the tools have also proven effective in capturing anomalies and inconsistencies that may otherwise go unnoticed. Rather than flagging irregularities through preset thresholds alone, the updated system allows for tailored alerts based on activity-specific behaviors. This has proven particularly helpful in risk-sensitive areas where trend deviation often signals systemic concerns. The added flexibility in rule-setting provides room for internal teams to adjust parameters without constant vendor support. Additionally, the implementation of real-time tools may influence how teams manage internal communication and strategy. With more immediate data access, departments can coordinate responses to market changes without delays caused by staggered reporting or inconsistent file sharing. This aligns more departments toward cohesive action rather than fragmented, reactive movement. Operational efficiency is rarely determined by one tool, but smoother access to live data is a major contributing factor in aligning institutional priorities. StateFunds com reviewed and observed that, beyond technical merit, user feedback had played a central role in shaping the final iteration of the real-time system. This inclusion of field-specific insight during the development stage reflects a broader commitment to user-centered design. While many financial tools are engineered from a purely technical standpoint, the system's responsiveness to field input has contributed significantly to its relevance and adoption across professional settings. About is a financial data intelligence company delivering real-time analytics, monitoring tools, and compliance-ready insights for professionals navigating complex economic systems. With a focus on precision and reliability, the platform supports operational clarity across industries ranging from banking to institutional finance. The company maintains a steady commitment to integrating scalable tools that address sector-specific challenges without the end-user with excessive configuration requirements. Built with performance in mind, the platform stands out for its balance of simplicity and data depth. Known within the industry for pragmatic innovation rather than hyperbole, StateFunds continues to introduce features that serve immediate use cases without promising more than can be delivered. In an environment flooded with over-promising platforms, the company has built its reputation on reliability, incremental improvements, and attention to detail. With the recent focus on real-time financial tools, the service now meets an even broader range of operational needs, offering value to professionals seeking responsiveness. Company Details Company Name: StateFunds Email Address: [email protected] Company Address: Europaallee 41, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland. Company Website: SOURCE: StateFunds press release


Globe and Mail
03-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Nvidia Corp: Rising Bullish Sentiment Could Signal a Pullback
Nvidia Corp (NVDA) (About (STA Research): Is a Canadian investment research company, consisting of Financial Professionals specializing in advanced stock research and analysis). Nvidia's stock has been on a steady rise since the stock bottomed in April, fueled by investor enthusiasm around artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, and the company's commanding lead in GPU technology. Today the stock has just reached a new record high, crossing over the $160 mark, as retail and institutional investors continue to open and add new positons. However, history and technical analysis suggest that such euphoric sentiment could be a contrarian red flag. Euphoria Can Mark the End of a Rally In financial markets, extreme bullishness often coincides with market tops. When nearly everyone is optimistic, it usually means the good news is already priced in. Nvidia's valuation has surged to levels that leave little margin for error. At these elevated prices, even a minor disappointment — in earnings, guidance, or macroeconomic signals — could trigger a sharp correction. Investor positioning reflects this. Options data and retail inflows show a crowded long trade, which historically tends to precede profit-taking, especially when fundamentals don't accelerate fast enough to keep pace with inflated expectations. Technical Indicators Point to Market Hesitation Beyond sentiment, technical analysis is flashing warning signs. The market currently shows uncertainty with a negative bias — a state in which buyers and sellers are indecisive, but bearish momentum is subtly gaining strength. This is evident in Nvidia's recent price action, marked by tightening trading ranges, waning volume on up days, and sharp reactions to intraday resistance levels. Most notably, a three-candlestick top reversal pattern has emerged on the daily chart — a classic bearish signal. This pattern typically forms at the end of an uptrend and often precedes a reversal in price. The setup consists of a strong upward candle, followed by a small-bodied candle indicating indecision (a doji or spinning top), and capped off with a bearish engulfing or downward candle that closes below the previous two. This signals fading bullish momentum and the emergence of stronger selling pressure. Lack of Consensus, But Bearish Tone Rising Adding to the case for caution is the evident lack of consensus among traders. While long-term bulls remain optimistic on Nvidia's fundamentals, short-term traders are showing signs of retreat. Recent selling into strength, hesitant follow-through on breakouts, and increased short interest hint at growing doubts about the sustainability of the rally. Moreover, breadth in the semiconductor sector is narrowing, with fewer names participating in the upside. This divergence can be a leading indicator that a sector-wide pullback is looming. Peak Optimism Could Spell Reversal Nvidia's leadership in AI and chips is not in question, but the stock's parabolic run may have outpaced even its impressive fundamentals. When sentiment becomes overly bullish, the market often sets itself up for a reversal. Combined with bearish technical patterns and a shifting tone among traders, Nvidia's chart suggests caution may be warranted. Investors holding long positions should consider tightening stop-loss levels or locking in gains. Meanwhile, traders may see this as an opportunity to play a short-term pullback if bearish confirmation unfolds. In the markets, extreme optimism often sows the seeds of the next decline, of which Nvidia may possibly be at that inflection point.