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7 ways that technology is bringing the gap in global payment systems

Gone are the days when barter was the standard, followed by the age-old reliance on coins, banknotes, and personal cheques. The payment systems have been on an exhilarating evolutionary journey, reshaping commerce and the very way we transact. Historically, the world grappled with varied challenges in payment systems – from high transaction fees for international transfers, and lengthy processing times, to issues of trust and transparency.

However, with the dawn of digital transformation, we’ve ushered in innovations that are closing these gaps, making global payments smoother than ever before. Let’s take a glance at the ways in which technology helps to bring businesses innovative payment programs for better operations.

I. Integration with E-commerce

E-commerce has quite literally taken the market by storm, connecting buyers and sellers from all corners of the globe. To make this seamless, payment systems had to evolve. The integration of tech-savvy payment gateways and platforms ensures that, whether you’re buying from your neighbour or a vendor halfway across the world, the process is smooth. A testament to this modernization is the rise of collaborations like Capitec partner retailers, which streamline the payment process, ensuring security, speed, and reliability.

II. Digital Wallets & Mobile Payments

Smartphones – these devices aren’t just for communication anymore; they’re rapidly morphing into our new-age wallets. Around the world, from bustling urban centres to remote villages, the convenience of tapping a phone to make payments is revolutionary. Digital wallets and mobile payment platforms have significantly streamlined transactions, eliminating the need to rummage around for exact change or wait for card transactions to process.

The benefits are manifold: instantaneous transfers, secure encrypted transactions, and the sheer convenience of managing finances from the palm of your hand. The world is now literally at our fingertips!

III. Blockchain & Cryptocurrency

The industry of finance saw a seismic shift with the introduction of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Beyond the buzz and market speculations, the core of blockchain lies in its decentralized nature, ensuring no single entity has overarching control. Every transaction is recorded on numerous ledgers, bringing about unparalleled security and transparency. Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, leverage this technology, giving users the confidence of tamper-proof transactions and reduced instances of fraud.

IV. Cross-Border Payment Platforms

Remember those exorbitant transaction fees and that agonising wait for international transfers? Well, modern cross-border payment platforms have dramatically transformed that narrative. By leveraging technology and innovative financial structures, these platforms have significantly cut down on transaction fees, making international business and personal transfers more economical. What’s even better? The transfer speeds. Days-long waits are now reduced to mere hours or even minutes in some instances, bridging financial divides and truly making the world a global village in terms of payments.

V. Contactless Payments

Imagine making a payment with just a tap! The advent of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology made this dream a reality, catapulting the popularity of contactless payments. Not just a fad, this mode of payment proved vital, especially during unprecedented global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Avoiding physical contact became paramount, and contactless payments emerged as not just a convenience but a health precaution, reducing the risk of transmission through physical currency or card swipes.

VI. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Imagine a world where machines learn your spending habits better than you. Well, you’re living in it. Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), the payment industry is getting a high-tech facelift. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about understanding patterns. Say you’ve been hacked. These systems spot such unusual behaviour in real time and act fast, reducing the risk of fraud. In essence, AI and ML are like having a security guard for your finances, always on the lookout.

VII. Regulatory Technology (RegTech)

Global payments would not be the same without all of their regulations. Now, what if there was a legal tech expert to help? That’s RegTech for you. In an environment teeming with rules, from anti-money laundering protocols to customer verification standards, RegTech is that essential tool which ensures you’re playing by the book, without drowning in the fine print. It’s about making compliance smoother and less of a headache. It’s the behind-the-scenes magic that lets businesses focus on what they do best.

Wrapping Up

It’s astounding how rapidly technology has reshaped the landscape of global payments. From the humble cheque to instantaneous blockchain transactions, we’ve journeyed far. As we stand on the brink of a digital financial frontier, it’s essential not just to appreciate these advancements but to adapt and integrate them. For those willing to embrace this wave, the promise of a seamless, globalized financial future beckons.

The importance of brand mascots and how they enhance brand identity

From Tony the Tiger to the Michelin Man, mascots aren’t just cute faces; they are powerful brand assets that can make or break a company’s image. So, if you are considering using brand mascots, we unravel how these charismatic characters can help elevate your brand identity.

Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in.

1. The Power of Personification

Ever wondered why companies spend vast sums on creating and maintaining custom mascot costumes? The answer lies in the magic of personification. Mascots give brands a relatable, friendly face that consumers can connect with emotionally. Think about it: when you see Ronald McDonald, you don’t just see a clown; you see a symbol of fun and happiness associated with your favorite burger joint.

Mascots humanize brands. They breathe life into logos, transforming abstract concepts into tangible, relatable characters. This connection fosters trust and loyalty among consumers. When customers feel a personal connection with a brand mascot, they’re more likely to choose that brand over its competitors.

2. Memorable and Distinctive

In the crowded marketplace, standing out is a Herculean task. Thanks to brand mascots, you can have a character that’s unique and instantly recognizable. Whether it’s the Pillsbury Doughboy’s infectious giggle or Geico’s cheeky gecko, mascots carve a permanent spot in our minds.

The power of recognition can’t be underestimated. When consumers spot your mascot, they instantly recall your brand. It’s like seeing an old friend among a multitude of strangers. This brand recall is a priceless asset today as consumers are bombarded with information and choices at every turn.

3. Emotional Connection

We humans are emotional creatures. We make choices based on our feelings and experiences. 64% of consumers say that their loyalty to a brand increases when they feel emotionally connected. Mascots tap into this fundamental aspect of our psychology. They elicit emotions, whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or even a sense of security.

Consider the Michelin Man. He’s not just a chunky tire guy; he represents safety and reliability. When consumers see him, they associate those qualities with the Michelin brand. Similarly, Mr. Clean isn’t just a muscular bald guy; he symbolizes the power and efficiency of the product.

4. Versatile Storytellers

Mascots help bring a brand’s narrative to life. Take the Energizer Bunny, for example. This tireless pink rabbit embodies the brand’s “never-ending” energy message. The story is woven into the mascot, making it memorable and reinforcing the brand’s identity.

Additionally, mascots can adapt to various contexts and campaigns. They can be used to convey different messages, celebrate festivals, or even take a stand on social issues. This versatility allows brands to connect with their audience on multiple levels.

5. Targeting Different Demographics

One size doesn’t fit all in marketing. Different demographics respond to different stimuli. Mascots can help brands bridge this gap. They can be crafted to appeal to specific target audiences. For instance, a tech company targeting children might create a friendly, tech-savvy mascot, while a financial institution may opt for a more mature, trustworthy character.

This adaptability allows brands to connect with diverse consumer groups without diluting their core message. Whether you’re targeting kids, teens, or seniors, a well-designed mascot can help you strike a chord with your audience.

6. Building Brand Loyalty

In today’s hyper-competitive landscape, retaining customers is as important as attracting new ones. Mascots play a significant role in building brand loyalty. When consumers form an emotional bond with a brand mascot, they’re more likely to become repeat customers and brand advocates.

Think about the iconic Coca-Cola polar bears. Every winter, they make a heartwarming return, reminding us of the joy of sharing moments with loved ones. This consistent presence fosters a sense of belonging and keeps consumers coming back for more.

Case Studies: Mascot Magic in Action

Let’s take a look at a few real-world examples of how brand mascots have worked wonders for their respective companies.

  1. Tony the Tiger (Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes): Tony is a symbol of enthusiasm and determination. His catchphrase, “They’re grrreat!” embodies the spirit of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes. Tony’s charm has been a vital ingredient in the cereal’s success for decades.
  2. Mickey Mouse (Disney): Mickey is the heart and soul of Disney. More than just a mascot, he’s an icon. Mickey Mouse is a symbol of imagination, creativity, and family-friendly entertainment. His enduring appeal has helped Disney become a global powerhouse.
  3. Siri (Apple): While not a traditional mascot, Siri is a virtual assistant with a personality. Her friendly and helpful demeanor reinforces Apple’s user-centric approach and enhances the brand’s identity as innovative and user-friendly.

The Bottom Line

Brand mascots can be an essential component of your brand’s identity. They humanize companies, make them memorable, tell stories, and build emotional connections with consumers. In a world where consumers are bombarded with choices, mascots provide a comforting, recognizable face in the crowd.

So, if you’re considering creating a custom mascot for your brand, chances are you aren’t making a mistake.

Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System Now Available in India: A Lifesaving Innovation

In a significant move aimed at enhancing earthquake preparedness and safety, Google has launched its Android Earthquake Alerts System in India. This groundbreaking technology leverages the sensors in Android smartphones, such as the accelerometer, to detect seismic activity and issue early warnings. Developed in consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC), this system is set to become an invaluable tool for safeguarding lives and property in earthquake-prone regions.

How the Android Earthquake Alerts System Works

Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System is an innovative approach to earthquake detection and early warning. It harnesses the power of millions of Android smartphones to function as miniature earthquake detectors. Here’s how it operates:

Accelerometer as a Seismograph: When your Android phone is stationary and charging, it utilizes its accelerometer to detect the initial signs of an earthquake. This sensor measures vibrations and movements.

Collaborative Detection: If multiple smartphones detect earthquake-like shaking simultaneously, Google’s server can discern that an earthquake is occurring, determining its location and magnitude.

Alert Dissemination: Following the detection, Google’s server sends alerts to nearby smartphones. Depending on the earthquake’s magnitude, two types of alerts are issued:

  • ‘Be Aware Alert’: Sent to users experiencing MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) 3 & 4 shaking during an earthquake of 4.5 or greater magnitude.
  • ‘Take Action Alert’: Sent to users experiencing MMI 5+ shaking during an earthquake of 4.5 or greater magnitude.

Alert Features: For stronger earthquakes, alerts override the phone’s Do Not Disturb settings, activate the screen, and emit a loud sound. The alerts also provide safety recommendations, such as taking cover under a table.

Speedy Alert Delivery: Google emphasizes that internet signals travel faster than earthquake shaking through the ground, ensuring that alerts often reach phones several seconds before severe shaking occurs.

Beyond Earthquake Alerts

Google’s collaboration with the NDMA goes beyond earthquake alerts. The company is committed to providing users with valuable information about natural disasters, including floods and storms, through Google Search and Maps. Users can easily access this information by searching for terms like “Earthquake near me” on Google.

How to Activate Android Earthquake Alerts

To benefit from the Android Earthquake Alerts System, Android users in India need to meet the following requirements:

  • Android 5 or higher.
  • An active internet connection.
  • Location settings turned on.

Here’s how to activate earthquake alerts:

  • Go to the Settings on your Android phone.
  • Tap “Safety & emergency” and then select “Earthquake alerts.” If you don’t find “Safety & emergency,” navigate to “Location” and then “Advanced,” followed by “Earthquake alerts.”
  • Toggle the “Earthquake alerts” option to turn it on or off.

Google ensures their alerts are user-friendly, presented in Indian languages supported by Android, and provide essential information about local earthquakes and safety measures through Google Search.

Conclusion

Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System represents a significant step forward in disaster preparedness and early warning capabilities in India. By utilizing the widespread presence of Android smartphones, this technology can provide critical information to users, potentially saving lives in the event of an earthquake. With its collaborative approach and emphasis on safety, Google’s initiative serves as a commendable example of how technology can be harnessed for the greater good, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters.

Me. Yves Constant Amani: Pioneering Excellence in Legal and Financial Landscape

Established in 1986, Cabinet BAO & Fils proudly stands as the oldest law firm in the Republic of Guinea. As a pioneer in the field of business law in Guinea, Cabinet BAO & Fils has played an instrumental role in shaping the country’s legal frameworks across various sectors.

Advising in French and English, BAO & Fils has more than three decades of experience nationally and internationally as a legal advisor on matters of Guinean law. The law firm closely works with the world’s largest international business law firms and from all major global financial centers.

At the helm of BAO & Fils Me. Yves Constant Amani serves as Legal Counsel and Head of the Advisory and Structuring Department. In this role, Me. Yves provides valuable strategic guidance throughout the entire transaction process, from initial structuring to the meticulous drafting of contracts. His proficiency in English enables him to communicate with clients from different cultures and geographies easily.

Me. Yves holds a Master’s degree from the Catholic University of West Africa in Abidjan. Subsequently, he also worked to enhance his communication skills and cross-cultural awareness at the Centre for Languages and Professional Studies in Accra. He also completed a one-year corporate finance course from the EDC Business School in Paris to deepen his grasp of corporate finance concepts.

Me. Yves is working on his dissertation for an LLM in International Business Law at the University of Cumbria in London to better understand corporate governance, international trade, and investment law.

“I’m deeply invested in completing my LLM dissertation at the University of Cumbria in International Business Law. This involves rigorous research, time management, and collaboration with academic mentors. Integrating my academic insights into my work at BAO&Fils enhances my ability to provide strategic advice in international transactions and complex legal matters. It’s a balanced approach that contributes to my personal growth and the firm’s success,”- he states.

Joining the Industry

Personal interests, academic achievements, and a vital need within Africa drove Me. Yves’s entry into the legal and financial industry. Recognizing a critical shortage of experts in these fields, particularly in regions with a history of French colonization, he felt a compelling urge to make a meaningful contribution to the emergence of a new generation of legal and financial advisors capable of delivering world-class counsel. He recognized the region’s unique challenges and aimed to bridge the knowledge gap by sharpening his expertise in international transactions and corporate finance. He understood that mastering these areas would eventually empower him to meet Africa’s specific needs and shape a brighter future for African economies.

Mission and Vision

Me. Yves’s mission is to substantially impact the legal and financial landscape, specifically focusing on Africa. His commitment lies in offering expert guidance and strategic counsel that empowers businesses and individuals to successfully navigate the intricate web of complex transactions and challenges within the region.

He aims to continue expanding his skills and knowledge, staying at the forefront of legal and financial developments. He strives to foster a new generation of professionals who can provide first-class advice tailored to the unique needs of Africa. Ultimately, with his grand aspirations, Me. Yves plans to leave a lasting impact on the regions he serves. He envisions contributing to economic growth, fostering improved legal systems, and enhancing business practices within the region.

A Smooth Sea Never Made a Good Sailor

Me. Yves believes challenges like evolving regulations, cross-border complexity, and competition plague the industry. However, he tackles these by staying updated through research and seminars for regulatory changes.

“Key challenges in the industry include regulatory changes, global transaction complexity, and competition. I address these challenges by staying updated through continuous learning, leveraging language skills for cross-border nuances, and fostering innovation through firm collaboration and professional networks. This approach equips me to provide effective solutions in a dynamic landscape.”– he explains.

Giving it Back

Me. Yves’s commitment to his mission goes much beyond his professional endeavors. He mentors aspiring professionals by extending his wealth of knowledge and experience. Through his mentorship, Me. Yves provides valuable insights and crucial guidance, nurturing the growth and development of emerging talents in this field.

Additionally, as a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, Me. Yves recognizes the importance of ensuring that opportunities are equitable and accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. By championing diversity and inclusion, he fosters an environment where talent and potential are recognized and celebrated without bias.

Picture of the Future

Me. Yves Constant Amani’s plans are marked by a continued dedication to personal and professional growth. One of his primary goals is to complete his LLM (Master of Laws), further deepening his expertise and knowledge in the legal field.

“My future plans involve completing my LLM, mentoring new professionals, and assuming leadership roles at BAO&Fils. I’m committed to advancing the industry, advocating for innovation, and leaving a positive mark on clients and the community,”- he concludes.

Packaging Innovation: Ensuring Product Integrity from Factory to Consumer

In the beginning, the primary purpose of packaging was to protect products from contamination and damage. However, with time, this purpose has significantly improved, with packaging now doing more than protection. Businesses use this tool to create brand identity, communicate about their products, and achieve sustainability.

Products go through various processes before they reach the consumer; therefore, it is paramount to protect their integrity. Any damage can lead to losses and ruined reputation. So, the packaging does more than protect products. It is the unsung hero that also attracts customers. Consumers are more aware of a brand because of its packaging. They are also more likely to choose a brand if the packaging is attractive.

So, the packaging is for convenience, sustainability, and enhancing appeal. This article will elaborate more on the benefits of packaging in preserving product integrity.

Enhancing Visibility

Packaging provides a visual appeal of the products to the consumers. The popping colors, creative designs, and graphics tell more about the uniqueness of the product. They are the selling point manufacturers use to capture consumers’ attention. Furthermore, some packaging has a window allowing consumers to see the content. This increased visibility helps them make better buying decisions, especially for electronics and fresh produce.

Branding

Packaging is one of the most effective ways of branding. It is a powerful tool that pushes marketing efforts. Today, brands can enhance their identity and create awareness through packaging. It has helped in personalization to help a brand create an identity that connects with the consumers. Moreover, brands can customize their packages to reflect them and uniquely meet consumer needs.

Protecting Products

The primary purpose of packaging from the beginning was to protect products during storage, transit, and on the shelves before reaching consumers. Proper sealing helps prevent spoilage and contamination, and adhesives play a big role in packaging. In fact, adhesives such as hot melts make for good seals on packages and containers, which ensures that a product reaches the customer when intact.

So, packaging creates a shield to protect products from factors that might compromise their safety and quality, hence the need to think about adhesives such as Henkel, which assist in ensuring the products are packaged and sealed in airtight, temperature-controlled packaging and UV-resistant seals. Having quality adhesives will help maintain the original state of the products when they leave the factory until they get into the hands of the consumers.

Eco-Friendliness

Recently, concerns have been about environmental pollution and how vital resources are depleting. It has pushed the need for manufacturers and consumers to develop sustainable ways to save the planet by reducing their carbon footprint. So, packaging today has shifted to biodegradable materials and recyclables for sustainability. Think of minimalist designs as another solution for addressing environmental degradation and other sustainability issues.

Extending Shelf Life

Packaging has also come to preserve products and extend their shelf life. For example, barrier films and vacuum-sealed packages help preserve food flavor and keep it fresh. It has helped reduce waste and increase customer satisfaction. Food items that are vulnerable to bacterial growth and spoilage are well protected by such kinds of packaging. So sealed packaging will prevent contamination through exterior factors like moisture, dirt, microorganisms and dust ensuring safety and integrity of food items for consumption.

Manufacturers are continuously innovating better ways to package their products. They intend to reach more people and make things easier for their consumers. That is where smart packaging comes in. Features like QR codes have product information that consumers can scan and read. They also have temperature sensors for perishable products. These smart features enhance product protection and improve user experience, making the products more desirable.

Optimizing Supply Chain

Innovative packaging does not only aim at the consumers. It also serves in the supply chain. The designs reduce the amount of packaging materials required, saving costs and reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the design offers better product handling, stacking, and storage, streamlining processes and handling.

Functionality

Packaging has also improved in design for functionality purposes. Today, packages are designed ergonomically to make it more convenient for consumers. Opening, closing, and storing products without spilling or exposing them to contamination is now more effortless.

Key Takeaways

Packaging is constantly changing as consumer preferences and tastes continue to change. It is also developing with technological advances and a shift to saving the environment. Innovative packaging is helping more than protecting products before they reach the consumers. It also works towards creating and enhancing brand identity and achieving environmental sustainability. As technology keeps improving and consumer needs change, innovative packaging remains an integral element that benefits manufacturers and consumers.

Innovating Beyond Biometric Authentication Challenges Under the Dynamic Leadership of Frank Sandeloev

Acknowledged globally as an “Authentication as a Service” provider with a solution combining a biometric card with fingerprint verification with a full backend solution, CardLab Innovation has marked its mettle as the strongest cybersecurity solution in the market.

Dedicated to enabling card manufacturers, card issuers, and their customers to take optimal advantage of technological developments, CardLab has its own standard product and is also a one-stop shop for developing biometric card solutions for customers and taking care of the production with the electronic contractors and final card lamination, embedding, and personalization at their own factory in Thailand.

CardLab Innovation is proud of its significant contributions to the cybersecurity sector. They have constantly raised the bar, covering verticals like logical and physical access control, single sign-on, identity solutions like passports, government, health solutions, blockchain authentication, self-custodian crypto wallets, payments, etc.

As Frank Sandeloev, CEO of CardLab, revealed, “One of the founders had his credit card information stolen, which caused the decision to make payments initially biometrically safeguarded. This has eventually developed into a complete biometric authentication solution applicable for all business areas, and this is how CardLab came into existence.”

Difficulties in Navigating and Changing Industry Norms

As AI develops and identity spoofing becomes easier and easier in real-time, secure user authentication will become a major concern. Malware, ransomware, and other forms of cybercrime have all been major issues with double-digit growth rates up to this point, and AI will only make matters worse. Nothing totally digital can be secured against hacking, viruses, and ransomware assaults, which are the main problems of today.

The primary concern now and in the future is that consumers frequently need better comprehension of the magnitude of the cybersecurity threat instead of concentrating on unsafe, totally digital authentication solutions.

Further, the visionary leaders asserted, “I do think that one of our greatest difficulties right now is that development goes so quickly that no one truly knows what they are implementing out of fear of falling behind on digitization. This led to the current era, which is characterized by arguably the highest danger of data and identity loss ever. With its hardware and software biometric authentication solution, CardLab is addressing this issue.”

Nurturing a Skilled and Diverse Team

A strong team is essential to creating a successful business, and Frank’s strategy emphasizes the importance of the individual as a person and teamplayer. Additionally, there is a program that offers incentives for creative problem-solving and “out of the box” thinking. Equal qualifications necessitate equal remuneration, and CardLab adheres to this principle.

Synchronizing with the Latest Tech Advancements

CardLab continuously strives to move the solutions to a better place with greater performance by utilizing the most recent components and technology to maintain an open eye on all platforms and competing solutions on the market. In addition, they have several strategic partnerships with some of the key players in this domain.

CardLab’s Insight on Diversity and Inclusion

All genders, races, nationalities, religions, and sexual orientations, as well as potential physical disabilities, are welcome to work at CardLab as long as they don’t negatively affect the quality of the work. The team’s priority is to hire the most competent candidate for the position, and we already value diversity in the form of various sexes, ethnicities, and physical impairments.

Envisioning the Future

On a personal level, Frank aims to have CardLab listed within the next 5 years. Further, CardLab aims to educate the market to understand the real threats of digitalization; teach companies and government bodies good digital habits, and employ a combined hardware and software authentication solution to fight cybercrime, safeguard data, and ensure a continuous unbreakable connection between physical and digital identities.

The Man of the Hour

The driving force behind this revolutionary endeavor is none other than Frank Sandeloev himself. A 25-year veteran airline pilot and captain who has served as a qualified army officer and military pilot for 11 years. During this time, he has also represented SAS in the “Single European Sky” workgroup, which is tasked with developing concepts for operations, passenger identification, and throughput. Frank Sandeloev’s journey to entrepreneurship has been one of perseverance and hard work following his successful career in defense. He has been the CEO of CardLab for the past ten years and has helped the company transition from a technology development company to a production and sales company with some of the most powerful solutions to combat cybercrime. During this time, he has also represented CardLab as an IATA strategic partner and a biometric expert, assisting in the fight against cybercrime.

Drosoula Hadjisavva: Pioneering Fintech Transformation

Meet Drosoula Hadjisavva, a seasoned marketing and branding professional with more than a decade of experience in strategic marketing. Drosoula currently serves as the Group Director of Marketing at a multi-regulated global online trading provider, allowing traders to trade over 4,000+ CFD instruments across FX, indices, commodities, equities, and more.

Drosoula is highly proficient in establishing and executing tailor-made marketing and branding strategies for businesses of every size. She is also well-versed in strategic marketing, digital and branding, and the art of effective public relations and communication. Her influence reverberates across the global fintech landscape, where she has masterfully elevated brand equity for numerous businesses. Drosoula considers herself a results-driven professional who offers creative solutions in a dynamic and ever-changing marketing environment, especially in fintech, forex paytech, and neobank firms.

Drosoula’s journey into the world of technology and digitalization began at a very young age, fueled by a fervent enthusiasm that would later shape her future. Armed with a BSc degree in computer science, Drosoula obtained an MBA focusing on Marketing. This laid the foundation for a remarkable career that kickstarted her professional journey in the telecommunications sector, where she honed her skills and gained valuable insights into the intricate realm of global communication networks.

However, Drosoula’s true calling awaited in the financial industry, and she started her career in FX with a multi-regulated broker, leading in more than 180 countries, with 64 offices globally, and an integrated marketing strategy across the GCC, Southeast Asia, LATAM, Europe, and South Africa. Drosoula also had the privilege of overseeing huge budget projects and marketing processes, from strategy development to campaign concept, tactical implementation, and budgeting and targeting.

Eventually, after five years, Drosoula decided to move to her next opportunity and joined a Swiss fintech group. This helped her grow, gain more experience, and evolve professionally. She also had the chance to collaborate and learn from significant professionals from the high-tech and financial sectors and maintain this entrepreneurial mentality that helped shape her career path.

“During my career so far, I have had the opportunity to blend the world of fintech with the world of sports through sponsorships, ambassadors, and events, which made the whole journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience. No matter what, education is a never-ending journey, and I always strive to learn more and stay ahead of the marketing trends, especially in fintech,”– she explains.

Joining the Evolving Industry

What inspired Drosoula to join the fintech industry was the access to the international marketing world. Analyzing data, demographics, target audiences, and markets, understanding the needs, and constantly trying to find innovative solutions to meet consumer needs or create a need with a creative idea truly fascinated her.

“In today’s fast-paced world, the fintech industry is rapidly evolving, providing innovative financial services to consumers and businesses. Volatile environments demand resilience – from individuals, teams, and entire companies. I believe business resilience is supported by diverse revenue streams and structures, whereby you’re not relying on one stream or customer. Fintech evolution in international space demands that organizations initiate culture change – and adopt an entirely different mindset that abandons old and hierarchical ways of working,”- states Drosoula.

Tackling Challenges

Drosoula feels the highly regulated nature of the financial industry poses a substantial challenge for marketers. In an industry where compliance is paramount, marketers must tread cautiously to promote their products while adhering to stringent regulatory frameworks. It’s a delicate balancing act where innovation meets rigorous oversight.

Drosoula believes that in such a situation, business leaders need to adopt an agile approach, be ready to adopt and build resilient teams to support the organization’s vision. She also believes that the ability to pivot swiftly, adapt to changing regulations, and seize opportunities within the constraints of compliance is essential. An agile mindset allows leaders to stay ahead of the curve, responding proactively to shifting market dynamics and regulatory landscapes.

When Diversity and Inclusion are Priority

Diversity in culture reflects an organization’s aim to have global reach and offer a localized and personalized approach to its customers and partners. In such a fast-pace environment with several external factors impacting the business and high volatility, stability and ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to and influence every part and level of a workplace, enhances creativity , productivity, the reputation and eventually the business results at every organization.

Mission and Vision

Recognizing the shifting tides of the financial industry, as a global multi-asset broker evolving and charting a course into the world of fintech is becoming a mission. It’s a strategic move that signifies the company’s commitment to innovation and determination to be more than just an FX brokerage. In this rapidly evolving landscape, investing in high-tech infrastructure and cultivating award-winning proprietary platforms and tools has become an intrinsic component to boost our value proposition. This has also been key in developing and maintaining a strong brand positioning. The company is always looking to enhance its traders’ experience, and by continuing to invest in innovative tools and products.

“Our mission is to empower traders and investors with opportunities across a wide range of financial markets on our award-winning trading platform by providing full support and guidance through their trading journey, with the vision to become the number one mobile platform, the platform of choice, enabling traders and investors to trade on the go,”– explains Drosoula.

Future Roadmap

Drosoula having built a strong network, not only in MENA but also globally, and with an entrepreneur spirit continues to inspire with a personal site project introducing her own finblog FintechView presenting high-esteem personas and sharing experiences from the world of fintech, paytech, proptech etc. Building communities in the business space is something fostering transparency and trust. Trust is the new currency and in any business it’s shaping it’s future.

HPE GreenLake: Transforming Data Centers with Consumption-Based IT

In the world of technology, businesses always want to find better ways to make their work easier, reduce costs, and boost flexibility. Over the past few years, IT teams have faced a choice between keeping their computer systems on-site or moving them to the cloud, and both options have had their difficulties. However, a third option has emerged, bridging the gap between traditional on-premises systems and cloud services: the consumption-based model, exemplified by Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s (HPE) GreenLake program.

In simple terms, instead of buying and maintaining all the computer stuff themselves, companies can use HPE’s GreenLake and pay for what they use, like electricity or water. It is like renting a car instead of owning one. This can help businesses be more flexible and save money while still having control over their technology.

What is HPE GreenLake?

HPE GreenLake is like a service that brings the convenience of the cloud to your company’s computer systems, no matter where they are – whether in your main office, smaller offices, or far-away places.

With GreenLake, you get everything you need, like the actual machines and the programs, all setup and ready to go. Plus, HPE looks after these machines and software as long as you need them. Instead of paying a significant amount upfront, you pay a monthly fee based on how much you use, just like how you pay for electricity or water in your home.

GreenLake offers different packages depending on your company’s needs, like making your computers work better, storing data, keeping backups, managing databases, handling big data, creating private cloud systems, or doing fast calculations. They use HPE’s machines, like SimpliVity and Synergy, and software from companies like Docker, Hadoop, SAP HANA, Nutanix AHV, and tools from big cloud providers like Microsoft Azure and AWS.

The Benefits of Consumption-Based Pricing

One of the standout features of GreenLake is its consumption-based pricing model, a game-changer in IT cost management. Unlike traditional infrastructure deployments that demand substantial upfront capital investments, GreenLake operates as a service, eliminating those initial costs and reducing ongoing IT overhead. Customers pay a monthly subscription fee based on a pay-for-use pricing structure, similar to popular cloud services.

With GreenLake’s metered usage, organizations only pay for the resources they use, avoiding the common practice of over-provisioning for future needs. HPE continuously monitors usage, providing insights into capacity utilization ensuring that companies can quickly scale their systems to accommodate growth without unnecessary costs.

Professional and operational services from HPE Pointnext further enhance the GreenLake experience. This team of experts assists with implementation, management, and support, offering end-to-end services that include monitoring, administration, and optimizing each system.

Professional Services and GreenLake Central

GreenLake doesn’t stop at hardware and software. HPE Pointnext, a team of experts, offers professional and operational services to help implement, manage, and support GreenLake solutions. This suite of services includes monitoring, administration, and optimization of each system. These services distinguish GreenLake from basic hardware leasing programs, offering comprehensive customer support.

Additionally, HPE introduced GreenLake Central, an integrated management control plane. This platform provides customers with a unified view across IT operations, covering private and public clouds and edge environments. The self-service portal in GreenLake Central allows users to monitor usage, costs, security, compliance, performance, and more. It empowers developers and business units to access the services they need when they need them, further enhancing efficiency.

Challenges and Considerations

While the consumption-based model offers numerous advantages, it has challenges. Organizations must carefully analyze the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the long term, as subscription fees can accumulate. Moreover, with GreenLake, customers do not own the hardware, making it impossible to sell or repurpose the equipment when it’s no longer needed.

Dependency on HPE for service delivery and system access may be better for highly secure environments. Organizations must weigh these factors when considering a consumption-based program like Green Lake.

The Future of Consumption-Based IT

HPE’s GreenLake program has become popular, with over 600 customers and contracts worth over $2.8 billion. However, there are other alternatives available besides this one. Other companies like NetApp and Dell Technologies also offer consumption-based choices.

This way of getting computer stuff as a service is becoming increasingly common. It is a small part of the market, but growing fast. The reason is that it helps companies update their computer systems without spending much money upfront, especially for things like super flexible and high-performance systems. So, it is a trend that is likely to keep getting bigger.

In conclusion, HPE GreenLake and the consumption-based IT model are transforming how organizations approach infrastructure. By combining the flexibility of the cloud with the control of on-premises solutions, GreenLake offers a compelling alternative that reduces costs, enhances agility, and simplifies IT operations. As the demand for service-based IT products continues to rise, consumption-based options are poised to revolutionize the data center landscape, helping businesses of all sizes embrace the future of technology.

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