Fintech PR
Investors reject trade-off between workers and AI, as over 70% urge companies to invest in both: PwC 2024 Global Investor Survey
- Over 60% of investors expect companies to deliver productivity, revenue and profitability gains from generative AI within the next 12 months
- Investors see the importance of investing in people alongside technology, with 74% expecting companies to increase investment in upskilling. Investors are as likely to expect AI to lead to headcount increases (32%) as decreases (32%)
- Investors are cautiously optimistic about the economy: 51% expect the economy to grow over the next 12 months
- Investors continue to eye climate action, with 64% urging companies to moderately or significantly increase their investment to reduce carbon emissions
LONDON, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ –The pressure is on for companies to turn AI investment into impact, according to PwC’s 2024 Global Investor Survey, released today. 73% of investors say companies should deploy AI solutions at scale, as overwhelmingly 66% expect the companies they invest in to deliver productivity increases from AI over the next 12 months, with 63% expecting revenue increases and 62% expecting it to increase profitability.
The survey, which captures the views of 345 investors and analysts across 24 countries and territories, finds that investors see technological change as the most significant driver of change for the businesses they invest in (71%), ahead of government regulation (64%), changes in customer preference (61%), and supply chain instability (60%).
Notably, investors are also not seeing a trade-off between AI and workers. 74% of respondents urge the businesses they invest in or cover to invest in upskilling their workforce. 32% expect AI to lead to headcount increases of 5% or more – on par with the proportion who expect little to no change in headcount (31%).
Wes Bricker, Global Assurance Leader, PwC US, said:
“Investors expect to see real outcomes from GenAI over the next year and recognize that achieving this will take investment in people and upskilling, as well as technology. Management can expect scrutiny on how they deliver AI productivity gains and support for an approach that extends beyond the tech itself to reinvent the way businesses operate.”
Investors are optimistic about global economic growth
The survey finds that investors are cautiously optimistic about the global economy – half (51%) expect the economy to grow over the next 12 months, with macroeconomic and inflationary concerns falling from their 2022 highs (respectively, from 62% to 34% in 2024, and 67% to 31%). At the same time, investors’ greatest concerns are cyber risks (36%) and geopolitical conflict (36%), both of which are largely unchanged over the last two years but have slightly risen from 2023.
With these risks remaining top of mind for investors, almost nine in ten (86%) agree that the ability of a company to manage through a crisis is an important factor in their investment decision-making. 60% of investors believe it is also very or extremely important that companies re-think their business models in response to supply chain instability – and 68% say they should increase their investment to de-risk them.
Investors eye action on the impact of climate
Investors continue to prioritize action on the impact of climate. 30% expect that the companies they invest in will be highly or extremely exposed to threats from climate change within the next 12 months, up eight points from 2022, although down two points from 2023.
75% of survey respondents agreed that they would moderately or significantly increase their investment in companies that are taking a range of climate-related actions, with the greatest support for taking action to build sustainable supply chains by working with suppliers and communities (80%). When assessing companies’ net-zero transition plans investors say governance (72%) and associated capital or operating expenditures (68%) are very or extremely important. Additionally, 71% say companies should incorporate ESG/sustainability directly into their corporate strategies – a similar level to 2023.
However, challenges remain – 44% of those surveyed agreed that to a large or very large extent, corporate reporting about a company’s sustainability performance contains unsupported claims – marking little change over the past two years. Not surprisingly, 73% are demanding a level of detail in assurance reports on sustainability information that is comparable to that of financial audits.
Nadja Picard, Global Reporting Leader, PwC Germany, said:
“Investors continue to prioritize action on the impact of climate. They are increasingly interested in the governance and financial impact and commitment of companies’ net-zero transition plans. Companies should embed sustainability in their strategies, particularly as investors continue to look at sustainability-related disclosures and communication to assess action.”
Investors look beyond financial statements
Investors value a wide range of data beyond financial information, particularly around corporate governance (40%) and innovation (37%). Most investors also report relying on multiple sources of information, including investor-focused communications (61%) and direct dialogue with the company (57%). Indeed, significantly fewer investors (55%) than in 2023 (66%) report relying on financial statements and note disclosures to a large or very large extent. As investors look to qualitative data, AI may provide significant opportunities in analysing information published by companies – nearly two-thirds (62%) say it has significantly or moderately increased their ability to do so.
Kazi Islam, Global Assurance Strategy & Growth Leader, PwC US, said:
“Reliable information is the lifeblood of capital markets, yet today’s pervasive flow of data can be a blessing and a curse. The expectation on business leaders is to communicate to investors what is material to their business, doubling down on transparency and consistency to ensure they are building trust through communication. As AI provides the capability needed to sift easier through these qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring consistent and effective communication from company leaders is imperative.”
Notes to Editors:
About PwC 2024 Global Investor Survey
In September 2024, PwC surveyed 345 investors and analysts across 24 countries and territories and conducted in-depth interviews with 14 investment professionals. Respondents were predominantly institutional investors, comprising portfolio managers (21%), analysts (21%) and chief investment officers (23%), with 52% having more than ten years of experience in the industry. Their investments covered a range of asset classes, investing approaches and time horizons, and the assets under management (AUM) at their organisations range from <US$500 million to US$1 trillion or more; 53% of respondents are at organisations with total AUM of more than US$10 billion.
About PwC
At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We’re a network of firms in 149 countries with more than 370,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.
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- A study by the international firm Bloom Consulting indicates a remarkable growth in searches in both sectors.
SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new analysis of Costa Rica’s identity and digital footprint reveals that the country has consolidated its position by showing significant growth in tourism and exports, according to the 2022-2023 study conducted by Bloom Consulting for esencial COSTA RICA.
Based on more than 12.4 million searches, this report highlights how Costa Rica has managed to capture global interest in key areas such as tourism, investment, and exports. In addition, it underlines the country’s alignment with the principles of sustainability, a central issue for Costa Rica at the global level. In particular, the aspects of renewable energy, carbon neutral and sustainable products occupy a prominent place in international searches, reflecting the growing perception of the country as a leader in the fight against climate change and in the use of clean technologies, aligning with the 2035 Strategy of esencial COSTA RICA that seeks to consolidate the country as a world leader in sustainability.
“This fingerprint study is an invaluable tool to understand how Costa Rica is perceived globally and which aspects generate the most interest in key sectors. It allows us to fine-tune our strategies, projecting the value of Costa Rica in a way that connects with those seeking authentic and reliable experiences in a destination of quality and sustainability, “commented Adriana Acosta, Director of esencial COSTA RICA.
Tourism-related searches reached 11 million, positioning Costa Rica as one of the most attractive destinations in the world. The United States leads with almost 50% of these searches, followed by Canada and Germany. Ecotourism, surfing, and luxury tourism niches remain strategic, and searches related to sustainable activities, such as bird watching, hiking, and tourism in national parks.
In addition to its strong performance in tourism, Costa Rica has recorded a significant 8% increase in export-related searches. Products such as coffee, flowers and cocoa are the most sought after, with notable increases such as 20% in cocoa searches and 16% in coffee. This shows the competitiveness of Costa Rican exportable supply in international markets, particularly in Europe and North America.
Investment searches grew 17%, highlighting topics such as “labor costs,” “port infrastructure,” and “clean energy.” These data confirm the growing interest of international investors in Costa Rica, positioning it as an attractive destination for the development of its operations.
One of the highlights of the study is the strength of Costa Rica’s digital footprint. Content generated by official sources in the country appears in 83% of searches, which ensures that international perception is aligned with Costa Rica’s real offer.
The institutions that are part of the governance of the Country Brand play a key role in this positioning, managing reliable and up-to-date information in strategic sectors such as tourism, investment and exports.
The analysis also shows how Costa Rica has recovered and surpassed pre-pandemic levels of global interest, particularly in tourism, with a 42% growth in searches. This increase is driven by the reactivation of tourism in key markets such as the United States and Europe, which indicates a strong return of this activity after the pandemic.
“One of the objectives of the 2035 Strategy of esencial COSTA RICA is for our country to consolidate its global positioning as an example of sustainability and fight against climate change; and this new digital footprint study allows us to continue evaluating the perceptions of consumers who seek Costa Rica for different objectives, to continue working on those messages,” Acosta concluded.
With a robust digital identity and an effective content strategy, Costa Rica continues to consolidate its presence in key markets, attracting both tourists and investors and exporters from all over the world, which generates new opportunities for economic development and well-being for Costa Ricans.
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Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Axos Bank, Global Trading Network, Fonepay, Compass Plus Technologies, Instacoins)
Axos Bank Partners with Way.com to Address Rising Car Costs
Axos Bank has teamed up with Way.com to help customers mitigate increasing car expenses. This partnership focuses on vehicle refinancing and aims to offer savings through integrated digital solutions. By combining Way.com’s auto services with Axos’ financial products, users can streamline their vehicle-related expenses, from insurance to payments. This move reflects Axos’ strategy to enhance its consumer offerings by leveraging partnerships in niche sectors.
Source: Axos Bank.
Brazil’s Largest Drug Gang Under Investigation for Fintech Infiltration
Brazilian authorities are probing the country’s largest drug gang for using fintech platforms to launder money. This investigation highlights concerns over the growing use of digital financial tools by organized crime. The gang allegedly exploited fintech’s lack of stringent oversight compared to traditional banking, raising red flags about regulatory gaps in the digital financial landscape.
Source: Bloomberg.
GTN Appoints New CEO to Drive European Expansion
Global Trading Network (GTN) has appointed Christopher Gregory as CEO for Europe, marking a pivotal step in its strategic expansion across the continent. Gregory, known for his expertise in fintech and capital markets, is expected to lead GTN’s efforts in diversifying its product offerings and enhancing its market presence. This leadership shift underscores GTN’s commitment to capitalizing on Europe’s burgeoning fintech market.
Source: PR Newswire.
Fonepay and Compass Plus Launch Nepal’s First Virtual Credit Card
Nepal’s digital payments ecosystem takes a leap forward with Fonepay partnering with Compass Plus Technologies to introduce the nation’s first virtual credit card. This innovation aims to promote cashless transactions and enhance financial inclusion by offering secure, contactless payment options. This development aligns with Nepal’s digital transformation goals and is set to redefine consumer payment experiences in the region.
Source: Fintech Futures.
Instacoins Partners with Luxury Brands for Digital Payments
Instacoins is expanding its footprint in the luxury market by partnering with high-end brands to enable cryptocurrency payments. This initiative is designed to offer affluent customers a seamless digital payment option, blending traditional luxury shopping with modern fintech solutions. The partnership also reflects the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency in mainstream commerce.
Source: PR Newswire.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Axos Bank, Global Trading Network, Fonepay, Compass Plus Technologies, Instacoins) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Bety is a decentralized casino and sportsbook platform that supports Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals. It is owned and operated by 12 Stars International Gaming Solutions Limited, a company established in Seychelles.
Bety, one of the leading Web3 betting platforms with a decentralized approach to casinos and sportsbooks, has unveiled its enhanced offer, boasting over 20,000 crypto casino games, sports, and eSports events. The platform aims to become one of the top Bitcoin casinos with a fair, transparent, and unmatched gaming experience for everyone
Blockchain technology is a catalyst for innovation in all sectors, and online casino gaming is no exception. The growing adoption of cryptocurrency into the mainstream supports the emergence of groundbreaking platforms in digital entertainment. Bety is one of the major players spearheading this revolution by offering secure and accessible gaming experiences to change how people interact with online gambling services.
The Advantages of Web3 Betting
Traditional online casinos have been around since the early days of the Internet. However, they have always faced the same challenges, such as slow payouts and high deposit/withdrawal fees. Moreover, users have often complained about the improvable fairness of game bets and their outcomes.
Web3 betting solves these issues and takes online casino gaming to the next level through blockchain gaming. Its use of decentralized ledger technology ensures a transparent gaming experience for all users. It also accelerates deposit and withdrawal times at considerably lower costs than what traditional casinos practice.
The processing times for deposits at traditional and crypto casinos are similar, often occurring instantly. However, there is a significant difference in withdrawal times between conventional online casinos and blockchain-based casinos.For example, traditional casinos can take several days to process withdrawals. Users often have to wait up to 3 days to transfer winnings to their credit/debit cards and 7 days via bank transfers. On the other hand, crypto casinos process payouts in only a few minutes, sometimes instantly, depending on the blockchain network’s congestion. This remarkable speed allows players to access their earnings faster and enhances the user experience.
The Rise of Blockchain Gaming
Blockchain gaming is a game-changer for the online casino experience. This technology offers unprecedented levels of trust and transparency. Thanks to its decentralized nature, players from various regions can play in complete anonymity and privacy. Furthermore, the lack of a centralized authority enhances game insights. It sets the stage for provably fair game mechanics, thus empowering players to make informed choices.Bety is an innovative blockchain gaming platform that employs the Provable Fairness concept, which is fundamental for Web3 betting. The platform ensures that game outcomes are determined randomly and cannot be manipulated by the operator or any other party. Therefore, Bety guarantees equal winning odds for all players.
Innovation and Accessibility
Bety stands out as a popular crypto casino with a rich selection of classic casino games and sports events catering to high-end players. The platform excels through its user-centered approach, which includes various bonuses, an exclusive VIP program, and 24/7 customer support.Moreover, Bety embraces the latest technological advances by incorporating the many benefits of blockchain networks, such as Bitcoin payments. The platform supports quick Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals, offering higher privacy and accessibility than traditional payment methods, such as debit or credit cards.
Hash Games at Bety Casino
Blockchain technology increases the gaming offer for online casinos, providing games not supported by traditional casinos. For example, conventional casinos rely on the classic offer of vintage games with limited scalability and versatility potential. On the other hand, blockchain provides a fertile ground for boundless creativity, spurring innovative concepts, such as play-to-earn and hold-to-earn.Gaming diversity is one of the most exciting aspects of building a Web3 betting platform on blockchain technology. In addition to offering traditional casino games such as slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette, Web3 casinos also provide hash games.Hash games are fast-paced, simple games that mimic classic casino games while adding a pinch of excitement. The game mechanics use hash value calculation and blockchain algorithms to deliver a thrilling, straightforward gaming experience. Players must wager on a predicted hash interval and win if their prediction is correct. Hash games involve various betting options that broaden the winning odds.Bety has several hash games in its versatile blockchain gaming offer, including Hash Banker Player, Hash Bull, 3-Min Bull, 1-Min Banker Player, and more. These games function by simple, easy-to-understand rules and ensure provable fair outcomes with appealing RTP rates.
A Unique Classic Casino Gaming Offer
In the most recent offer upgrade, Bety reveals an enhanced gaming offer, including slots, live casino, table games, lottery games, and sports events. Users can pick from over 10,000 casino games from leading brands, such as PGSoft, Evolution Gaming, Evoplay, Yggdrasil, Red Tiger, EG Games, Spribe, JILI, AE Sexy, Ezugi, and PNG. This stellar collection of games from reputable brands ensures players have non-stop access to the latest games and live events while enjoying a cutting-edge gaming experience.Bety offers a versatile library of over 10,000 slot games from more than 100 leading brands. Many of these games involve highly appealing bonuses, making the playing experience even more exciting. The platform replicates an authentic casino experience through its live casino that players can enjoy without leaving their homes. Also, the table games section includes many traditional and fan-favorite games, such as poker, blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and more.
Promotions & Bonuses
Bety also provides several promotions for new and veteran players to make the gaming experience even more thrilling and fulfilling. The platform offers bonuses on the first 4 deposits and 7-day and monthly bonuses. Furthermore, referring friends to Bety entitles players to additional bonuses and earning opportunities.
The VIP Program
Bety invites players to explore its large blockchain gaming selection. They can quickly make transparent and instant Bitcoin deposits to play these games and boost their profiles on the platform. In time, the most loyal players can enter Bety’s VIP program and enjoy several advantages, including cash back incentives, free chests, free spins, and personal VIP assistants. Moreover, the platform also supports instant Bitcoin withdrawals.
The post Bety Unveils Enhanced Offer of 20,000+ Crypto Games and Sportsbook Events appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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