Finance Trends

A chargeback is a return of funds to a consumer, initiated by the issuing bank of the payment card used by the consumer. It serves as a form of consumer protection, allowing consumers to dispute transactions and get their money back in cases of fraud, unauthorized transactions, non-receipt of goods or services, goods or services not as described, or processing errors. The chargeback process benefits consumers who need a mechanism to recover funds in cases of disputed transactions.

Criminal activities that involve the unlawful conversion of property ownership for personal use and benefit. Financial crimes can undermine the integrity of financial systems globally and pose risks to the security of individuals and institutions. These crimes are particularly concerning for regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies focused on maintaining economic stability and public trust.

Professionals who use advanced mathematical and statistical models to solve complex financial problems. Quants are often employed in investment banks, hedge funds, and asset management firms, where they develop algorithms and models to inform trading strategies and risk management. This field primarily attracts individuals with strong backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, and computer science, particularly those interested in finance and quantitative analysis.

Method where the cost of an asset or property is divided among multiple individuals, each receiving a share. The shareholders typically split the benefits of the asset proportionally, which can include income sharing, reduced rates, and usage rights, making it a cost-effective way to access high-value assets. This model is often used for high-value assets like real estate, aircraft, and luxury items, appealing to individuals seeking to invest in expensive assets without bearing the full cost alone.

Nextin, Inc. is a company that manufactures and distributes semiconductor devices, specializing in process defect detection equipment and cube scan equipment. The company differentiates itself by providing advanced technology solutions that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of semiconductor manufacturing processes, catering to a global market. Nextin, Inc. primarily serves semiconductor manufacturers and technology companies seeking reliable and precise defect detection solutions to improve their production quality and yield.

Company that provides workers' compensation insurance directly to small businesses, aiming to simplify the process and offer cost savings. Pie Insurance differentiates itself by partnering with local, regional, and national insurance agencies to extend its coverage, claiming potential savings of up to 30% for small businesses. The primary target demographic for Pie Insurance includes small business owners seeking efficient and affordable workers' compensation insurance solutions.

Innovative financial news outlet that provides stock market quotes, business news, financial news, trading ideas, and stock research. Benzinga is known for its easy-to-integrate API suite and easy-to-consume content, which differentiates it from other financial news platforms by offering seamless integration and user-friendly information. The primary audience for Benzinga includes brokerages, traders, and investors seeking reliable and accessible financial news and data.

Insurance company that offers a device focused on home security and reducing electricity bills. It features an AI-powered sensor designed to monitor and prevent home accidents, providing real-time alerts and data to enhance safety and efficiency. Luko primarily targets homeowners and renters who are looking for innovative solutions to improve home security and manage energy consumption.

Software tool that helps businesses take control of their finances through clear and flexible forecasts. Dryrun allows users to forecast their cash flow, revenue, and profit, providing them with a powerful scenario-modelling tool to gain confidence, clarity, and insight into their business operations. It is particularly beneficial for business owners, financial planners, and accountants who need detailed financial projections and scenario analysis to make informed decisions.

Digital analytics involves the collection, measurement, analysis, and reporting of data from digital platforms such as websites, mobile apps, and social media. It aims to understand user behavior, optimize digital experiences, and drive business decisions by using tools like Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics. This field is essential for businesses looking to improve user engagement, enhance digital strategies, and measure the success of their online initiatives.

Pattern found in candlestick charts used in technical analysis of financially traded assets, characterized by a small trading range and an opening and closing price that are virtually equal. This pattern can help investors identify potential price patterns and market indecision, providing insights into market sentiment and potential future price movements. Doji patterns are particularly useful for traders and investors who rely on technical analysis to make informed trading decisions.

Companies that own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate across various property sectors. They allow individual investors to earn a share of the income produced through commercial real estate ownership without having to buy, manage, or finance properties themselves. REITs are particularly beneficial for investors seeking regular income, diversification, and liquidity in their investment portfolios.

Loans or financial products that charge a relatively small percentage of the amount borrowed as interest. These loans are advantageous because they reduce the overall cost of borrowing, making them more affordable for consumers. Low-interest loans are particularly beneficial for individuals and businesses looking to finance large purchases or investments without incurring high interest costs.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is a short-term financing option that allows consumers to make purchases and defer payments to a later date, often without interest. This payment method is typically offered by retailers at the point of sale, both online and in physical stores, and is facilitated by companies such as Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm. BNPL is particularly popular among younger consumers who prefer to manage their cash flow without using traditional credit cards.

Financial services company that provides growth capital to founders without requiring them to give up control of their business. Uncapped Ltd differentiates itself by offering non-dilutive funding, allowing entrepreneurs to retain full ownership and control while accessing the capital needed for growth. The company primarily serves startups and small to medium-sized enterprises in Europe seeking flexible financing options to scale their operations.

Cryptocurrency cloud mining service that allows users to invest in mining equipment and receive a share of the mined cryptocurrency without managing physical hardware. BeMine differentiates itself by offering a hassle-free mining experience, eliminating the need for users to handle the complexities of setting up and maintaining mining rigs. This service is primarily targeted at individuals interested in cryptocurrency mining who prefer a more passive investment approach.

The buying and selling of currencies on the foreign exchange market with the aim of making a profit. It operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, and involves trading currency pairs, leveraging positions, and employing various trading strategies. Forex trading is primarily targeted at banks, financial institutions, corporations, governments, and individual traders seeking to profit from currency fluctuations.

A home equity loan is a type of loan where the borrower uses the equity of their home as collateral. This loan provides a lump sum amount based on the property's value, typically featuring fixed interest rates and a repayment period ranging from 5 to 30 years. Home equity loans are commonly used by homeowners for purposes such as home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses.

Secure cryptocurrency platform that facilitates the buying, selling, and trading of various cryptocurrencies. Bitmama differentiates itself by offering crypto cards, payment services in crypto, and the ability to send and receive both fiat and cryptocurrencies globally, providing a comprehensive suite of financial services. The platform primarily targets cryptocurrency enthusiasts, traders, and individuals seeking secure and versatile financial solutions in the digital currency space.

Software applications designed to help users create graphical representations of data. These tools are essential for analyzing large datasets and presenting data in an easily understandable format, with popular options including Tableau, Power BI, D3.js, Google Data Studio, QlikView, Plotly, and Looker, each offering varying levels of complexity, customization, and integration capabilities. Data visualization tools are primarily targeted at data analysts, business intelligence professionals, and organizations seeking to derive insights from their data and communicate findings effectively.

Decentralized borrowing protocol that allows users to draw 0% interest loans against Ether (ETH) used as collateral. The loans are paid out in LUSD, a USD-pegged stablecoin, and require a minimum collateral ratio of 110%, offering a unique advantage by providing interest-free loans. This protocol is particularly attractive for users looking to leverage their ETH holdings without incurring ongoing interest costs.

An insurance company specializing in providing workers' compensation insurance directly to small businesses. Pie Insurance differentiates itself by simplifying the process of obtaining a workers' compensation quote, making it faster and more user-friendly compared to traditional methods, and also partners with various insurance agencies to offer coverage. The primary target demographic for Pie Insurance includes small business owners seeking efficient and straightforward workers' compensation insurance solutions.

Chargeback fraud is a deceptive practice where a customer disputes a legitimate charge to receive a refund while retaining the product or service. This type of fraud exploits the chargeback process, which is intended to protect consumers from unauthorized or incorrect charges, by falsely claiming issues such as non-receipt, defects, or unauthorized transactions. It primarily affects merchants and businesses that accept credit card payments, leading to financial losses and increased scrutiny from payment processors.

Investment strategy that seeks to generate both financial return and social/environmental good. This approach considers both the financial performance of investments and their impact on society and the environment, employing strategies such as negative screening, positive screening, impact investing, and shareholder advocacy. Social investing primarily appeals to investors who wish to align their portfolios with their personal values and contribute to positive societal change.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) are mandatory withdrawals that individuals must take from their retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, once they reach a certain age, typically 72. These distributions are required to ensure that individuals do not defer taxes indefinitely on their retirement savings. RMDs primarily affect retirees and individuals with significant retirement savings, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

This refers to a program that works in collaboration with employers to help their employees manage and reduce student loan debt. As a certified B-Corp, it emphasizes both profit and purpose, aiming to create general social impact by alleviating the burden of student loans.

Graphical representation of information and data using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps. Data visualization tools make complex data more understandable and usable by highlighting trends, outliers, and patterns. It is particularly beneficial for analysts, business professionals, and researchers who need to interpret large datasets efficiently.

A division within Ernst & Young (EY), EY Consulting provides a range of consulting services to businesses. These services encompass strategy, technology, risk management, and performance improvement, aiming to enhance organizational performance and mitigate risks through tailored expert advice and solutions. EY Consulting primarily serves businesses and organizations seeking to optimize their operations and achieve strategic goals.

Graphical representation of information and data using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps. Data visualization tools make complex data more understandable, accessible, and usable by highlighting trends, outliers, and patterns. It is particularly beneficial for analysts, business professionals, and researchers who need to interpret large datasets and make data-driven decisions.

Financial technology company that provides online money transfer services, formerly known as TransferWise. Founded in 2011 by Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Käärmann, it offers a cheaper and more transparent way to send money internationally compared to traditional banks by using the real exchange rate and charging a low, upfront fee. Wise is popular among individuals and businesses needing to transfer money across borders.