Fintech
Alert 360 Marks 50 Years As a Home Security Systems Company
Company marks milestone with growth, new home security, business security services
Tulsa, Oklahoma–(Newsfile Corp. – February 13, 2023) – Alert 360, one of the nation’s largest providers of
Alert 360
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Founded in 1973, as Guardian Security Systems, the company is one of the nation’s oldest licensed alarm monitoring providers. It was Oklahoma’s premier security provider for more than 30 years and was later purchased by Central Security Group, retaining the Guardian name within Oklahoma.
Today, what began as that small installation and alarm monitoring company – later rebranded as Alert 360 – has transformed into a leading home security, business security, and home automation company. With more than 1,000 employees, the company monitors over two million security sensors, with more than 80,000 CCTV cameras installed.
Alert 360’s 50-year milestone follows a period of rapid growth and multiple product launches. In early 2022, Alert 360 combined with My Alarm Center to deepen its service reach and presence across the country. The My Alarm Center family of companies included My Alarm Center, Hawk Security, and Alarm Monitoring Service of Atlanta (AMSA). In late 2022, the company assumed responsibility for the ongoing service, monitoring, and technical support for thousands of VIO Security customers, under the Alert 360 brand.
In the past two years alone, Alert 360 has launched Connected Car; the Flex 360; the Alert 360 Smart Video Doorbell 2.0; the Alert 360 Edge artificial intelligence security panel, and Alert 360 Video Shield remote and live video monitoring. The company also now provides armed patrol guards, vacation watch services, and security escorts for higher-end clients, from its Los Angeles-area subsidiary ACS Security.
A Look Back: Alert 360’s History as Home Security, Business Security Leader
With decades of experience, by 1999, the company had a solid foundation and was recognized as one of the fastest growing security and home automation platforms in the United States. In 2014, Richard Ginsburg was named CEO and a member of the board of directors of what was then still Central Security Group and included Guardian Security Systems. Prior, Ginsburg had led one of the largest operating restructurings in the industry as CEO of Protection 1.
Ginsburg transformed Protection 1 by energizing the employee base; creating operating efficiencies; cutting attrition; becoming the first national monitoring company to offer interactive security services; and launching a commercial national account business. Protection 1 grew to become the second-largest security company in the industry, and in 2010, the company was acquired for nearly $900 million. Ginsburg brought this track record of service, innovation, strategic execution, value creation, and positive company culture to both Central Security Group and Guardian Security Systems of Oklahoma.
Alert 360 Under Industry Hall of Fame Security Veteran Richard Ginsburg
The year Ginsburg joined Central Security Group, the company announced an updated brand and product line – Alert 360 – to better symbolize the technology behind its services and its complete security and home automation products. It also acquired Fort Knox Security Services and SW Security Services, based in Dallas. This was followed quickly by the acquisition of Allied Protective Systems and new branch locations in Fort Worth, Texas, and Sacramento.
In 2018, the company aligned its visual identity with the company’s evolving product line and announced the more innovative Alert 360 brand as its official company name bringing both Central Security Group and Guardian Security Systems together under the new brand.
The early acquisitions and branch expansions were the first in a long line of acquisitions following Ginsburg’s arrival. In addition to those listed above, acquisitions have included Royal Security, Total Protection, V3 Security, Praetorian Protective Services, Allied Protective Services, EMG Alarm, Security Services, Securenet, A&H Security, iGUARD Alarms, and more. For a complete list of Alert 360 acquired companies, visit the company’s news page at Alert360.com.
Alert 360 has achieved steady growth and branch expansion nearly every year under Ginsburg’s direction. It grew from the 8th largest security provider in the country in 2014 (ranked by residential subscribers) to among the top five national security companies. Today, Alert 360 serves nearly 350,000 customers nationwide and has more than 24 branch locations, with customers in 27 states. Alert 360 also operates two company-owned U.S.-based, alarm monitoring central stations.
“The executive team at Alert 360 includes leaders with decades of industry experience, from the top security companies in the nation,” said Ginsburg. “Our talented team members within every department are focused on both extraordinary internal and external customer service. This includes excellence in home, business, and commercial security system installation, alarm monitoring, customer service, product innovation, and dealer relationships. I am extremely honored to work with the entire team across the country.”
Alert 360’s Team, Security Systems Awards, Future
Alert 360’s leadership team includes: Anastasia Bottos, President and Chief Operating Officer; Vickie Catina, Chief Financial Officer; Darren Goodman, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Jason Grelle, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions; Joe Chambers, Senior Vice President of Operations; Kent Morris, Vice President of Customer Experience; Duane Dietrich, Vice President of IT; Erik Mellon, Vice President of Cloud Ops & IS; Elizabeth Blair, Vice President of Safety Compliance; and five Regional Vice Presidents, including John Byrne, Chad Dawald, Enrique Puig, David Corio, and John Sala.
Alert 360’s Authorized Dealer Program, under Jackie Schmidt Director of Acquisitions, also has experienced significant growth, widely expanding the company’s sales footprint.
“The success and longevity of our business is a direct result of our push for innovation, long-term strategies, and commitment to our customers and employees,” said Bottos, President of Alert 360. “This focus and dedication over the past 50 years has allowed our business to weather economic downturns and a pandemic, all while retaining highly qualified team members. Our amazing team has consistently delivered new technology and services to meet the needs of our customers and each other. We have an incredible team and are well positioned to continue this 50-year trend. I am very excited to see what the future brings.”
In 2016, Alert 360 was named an Inc. 5000 “Fastest-Growing Privately Held Company in America.” Most recently, for the third year in a row, Oklahoma-based Alert 360 business and home security company was selected as one of the “Great Companies to Work For” by Oklahoma Magazine.
Alert 360 also has earned Five Diamond Monitoring Center designation from The Monitoring Association and has been voted a “Best Home Security Provider.” In addition, for the past six years, Alert 360 has been selected as one of the “Best Places to Work in Oklahoma,” where the company is headquartered.
“Alert 360’s focus on company culture, fiscal responsibility, smart growth. and positive dealer relationships has positioned us for continued expansion across the country,” said Catina, Alert 360 Chief Financial Officer. “Our solid growth and the popularity of our security products and services has allowed us to continue building our team and hiring in almost every market we’re in. Our acquisition strategy is built on areas that make sense and where we can build on relationships. We are celebrating our 50 years of business by planning for additional, profitable successes, leading milestones, and continuing to be one of the top leaders in the security industry.”
Alert 360 Home Security, Business Security, Home Automation
Alert 360’s full-service line of home and commercial security services includes wireless security systems; smart home automation; professional-grade IP security/stand-alone video cameras; life safety devices; glass break and motion sensors; water leak detection devices; keyless entry; smart thermostats; remote garage door control; smart lighting; live video footage; recorded clips; indoor/outdoor security cameras and more. Alert 360 also provides mobile app access and professional integration of home automation devices, including sprinkler systems, sound systems, Amazon Echo, and Google Home.
For more about Alert 360 home security services, business security offerings, company history, locations, and more, visit Alert360.com.
Contact Information
Brad Henderson
[email protected]
888.642.4567 Ext. 62215
https://www.alert360.com/
PR Contact
Chris Harvey
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Pinion Partners
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The fintech landscape continues to redefine itself, driven by innovation, partnerships, and groundbreaking strategies. Today’s roundup focuses on the latest digital wallet offerings, evolving payment trends, strategic collaborations, and notable funding achievements. This editorial explores the broader implications of these developments, casting light on how they shape the future of fintech and beyond.
Beacon’s Digital Wallet for Immigrants: A Gateway to Financial Inclusion
Beacon Financial, a leading player in financial technology, recently launched a digital wallet tailored to meet the unique needs of immigrants moving to Canada. This offering bridges a critical gap, enabling seamless financial integration for newcomers navigating a foreign system.
By combining intuitive technology with user-centric features, Beacon aims to empower immigrants with tools for payments, savings, and remittances. This aligns with the growing demand for tailored financial products that resonate with specific demographics.
Op-Ed Insight:
Financial inclusion is more than just a buzzword; it’s a moral imperative in the fintech space. Products like Beacon’s digital wallet highlight the industry’s potential to create tangible change. As global migration trends increase, such offerings could inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
Source: Fintech Futures.
Juniper Research Highlights 2025’s Payment Trends
Juniper Research’s latest report unveils pivotal payment trends poised to dominate in 2025. Central themes include the adoption of instant payment networks, a surge in embedded finance solutions, and the rise of crypto-backed financial products.
The research underscores the rapid adoption of real-time payment systems, fueled by increasing consumer demand for speed and efficiency. Meanwhile, embedded finance promises to blur the lines between traditional banking and non-financial services, delivering personalized and context-specific solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
As the lines between financial services and technology continue to blur, these trends emphasize the industry’s shift toward convenience and personalization. The growing role of crypto-based solutions reflects an evolving consumer mindset, where decentralization and digital-first experiences gain precedence.
Source: Juniper Research.
MeaWallet and Integrated Finance Partner to Revolutionize Digital Wallets
MeaWallet, a prominent fintech solutions provider, has partnered with Integrated Finance to advance digital wallet capabilities and secure card data access for fintech companies. This collaboration focuses on empowering fintechs to deliver better, safer digital payment experiences.
MeaWallet’s role as a technology enabler aligns seamlessly with Integrated Finance’s goal of simplifying complex financial infrastructures. Together, they aim to create scalable, robust platforms for secure payment solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
Partnerships like this underscore the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. As security concerns grow in tandem with digital payment adoption, solutions addressing these challenges are essential for maintaining consumer trust. The fintech ecosystem thrives when synergy and innovation coalesce.
Source: MeaWallet News.
Nucleus Security Among Deloitte’s Fastest-Growing Companies
Nucleus Security has achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking 85th on Deloitte’s 2024 Technology Fast 500 list. This achievement is attributed to its robust cybersecurity solutions, which cater to the increasingly digital fintech environment.
With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, fintech companies are under immense pressure to safeguard their platforms. Nucleus Security’s growth reflects the rising demand for comprehensive, scalable security solutions that protect sensitive financial data.
Op-Ed Insight:
In a digital-first world, robust cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. The recognition of companies like Nucleus Security signals the growing importance of protecting fintech infrastructure as the industry scales globally.
Source: PR Newswire.
OpenYield Secures Funding to Transform the Bond Market
OpenYield has announced a successful funding round, aiming to revolutionize the bond market through innovative technology. The platform promises greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in fixed-income investments.
This funding underscores the growing appetite for digitizing traditionally opaque financial markets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, OpenYield seeks to democratize bond investments, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Op-Ed Insight:
The bond market, long viewed as complex and inaccessible, is ripe for disruption. OpenYield’s efforts to modernize this space highlight fintech’s transformative potential to democratize finance and empower individual investors.
Source: PR Newswire.
Key Takeaways: Shaping the Future of Fintech
Today’s developments underscore several critical themes in the fintech landscape:
- Personalization and Inclusion: Products like Beacon’s wallet highlight the importance of understanding and addressing specific user needs.
- Collaborative Ecosystems: Partnerships, like that of MeaWallet and Integrated Finance, emphasize the power of collaboration in solving industry challenges.
- Emerging Technologies: Juniper Research’s predictions affirm the continued influence of blockchain, embedded finance, and instant payment networks.
- Security at the Core: The recognition of Nucleus Security underscores the essential role of cybersecurity in fintech.
- Market Transformation: OpenYield’s funding signifies the ongoing disruption of traditional financial markets, paving the way for broader accessibility.
The post Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
As fintech continues to reshape the global financial landscape, today’s briefing highlights pivotal developments, strategic expansions, and innovative launches across the industry. This op-ed explores the latest advancements with commentary on their potential impacts and challenges.
Finastra Data Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Fintech Security
Source: KrebsOnSecurity
The cybersecurity landscape is buzzing after Finastra, one of the largest financial technology providers globally, confirmed an investigation into a potential data breach. Reports suggest unauthorized access to its systems, raising concerns about data security across its client base, which includes thousands of banks and financial institutions worldwide.
Implications and Challenges
While the details of the breach remain sparse, this incident underscores a glaring vulnerability in the fintech sector—cybersecurity. As financial services increasingly rely on interconnected ecosystems, breaches like these threaten not only individual institutions but also the trust customers place in fintech platforms.
The key takeaway for the fintech industry is clear: proactive cybersecurity strategies must go beyond compliance. Real-time threat detection, robust encryption standards, and regular audits are no longer optional but essential for maintaining operational integrity.
Future Considerations
This breach could trigger a domino effect, prompting regulators to tighten security standards and requiring fintech companies to double down on investments in data protection. Startups and mid-tier players, often lacking extensive cybersecurity budgets, may face significant pressure to keep pace.
PayPal Resurrects Money Pooling Feature
Source: TechCrunch
In a bid to stay ahead of the competition, PayPal is reintroducing its Money Pooling feature, a popular tool that was discontinued in 2021. The feature allows users to pool funds collectively, catering to families, small businesses, and social groups.
Strategic Revival
This move reflects PayPal’s commitment to customer-centric innovation. By reinstating a feature beloved by its user base, the company seeks to reclaim market share lost to emerging competitors offering similar functionalities.
Broader Industry Impacts
Money pooling represents a broader trend in fintech—customized solutions that cater to niche needs. This reintroduction may inspire competitors like Venmo and CashApp to refine their collaborative payment offerings.
While this move strengthens PayPal’s ecosystem, its success will depend on seamless integration with existing services and robust fraud prevention mechanisms to avoid abuse of the feature.
Santander Expands Fintech Reach in Mexico
Source: Yahoo Finance
Santander is making waves in the Latin American fintech space with the launch of a dedicated fintech unit in Mexico. The initiative aims to capitalize on Mexico’s growing fintech adoption and digital payments market, valued at billions of dollars annually.
Strategic Significance
Santander’s expansion into Mexico highlights the region’s untapped potential. Latin America is a burgeoning market for fintech, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, a youthful demographic, and demand for accessible financial services.
Challenges on the Horizon
While Mexico offers immense opportunities, regulatory complexities and market competition from local players like Clip and Konfío pose significant challenges. Santander will need to blend its global expertise with local adaptability to succeed in this dynamic market.
2024 Global Fintech Awards: Spotlighting Excellence
Source: PRNewswire
Benzinga has announced the winners of the 2024 Global Fintech Awards, honoring companies and individuals driving innovation in financial technology. This year’s winners spanned categories like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and payment solutions.
Recognizing Industry Leaders
Awards like these highlight the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive fueling fintech growth. Recognizing trailblazers not only motivates incumbents but also inspires startups to push the boundaries of innovation.
What It Means for the Ecosystem
The awards also bring attention to emerging technologies. Categories such as blockchain and AI signal the industry’s continued focus on leveraging cutting-edge tech for efficiency and scalability.
Commonwealth Central Credit Union Partners with Jack Henry
Source: FinTech Futures
Commonwealth Central Credit Union (CCCU) has announced a partnership with Jack Henry, a leading financial technology provider, for a comprehensive tech upgrade. The collaboration focuses on enhancing member experience through improved digital services.
Modernizing Member Experiences
Credit unions have often lagged behind major banks in adopting advanced digital solutions. By partnering with Jack Henry, CCCU aims to bridge this gap, offering members streamlined services such as mobile banking, automated lending, and personalized financial tools.
A Growing Trend
This partnership reflects a broader trend in the financial industry—credit unions and smaller banks embracing fintech to remain competitive. As customer expectations evolve, partnerships like this may become the norm rather than the exception.
Key Takeaways for the Fintech Industry
- Cybersecurity is Critical: The Finastra breach underscores the need for robust security measures.
- Innovation Drives Loyalty: PayPal’s revival of its Money Pooling feature highlights the importance of listening to customers.
- Regional Opportunities: Santander’s expansion into Mexico showcases the untapped potential of emerging markets.
- Recognition Matters: Awards like Benzinga’s provide valuable visibility for companies and individuals shaping the industry.
- Partnerships Foster Growth: Collaborations between credit unions and fintech companies signify a trend towards modernized financial solutions.
The post Fintech Pulse: Industry Updates, Innovations, and Strategic Moves appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
The fintech sector continues its relentless drive toward innovation and market dominance. Today’s highlights include a record-breaking customer milestone for Revolut, groundbreaking fintech solutions for women in the EU, open entries for the PayTech Awards 2025, implications of political shifts on funding, and notable recognition at the US FinTech Awards.
Revolut Hits 50 Million Customers: A Global Fintech Giant’s Milestone
Source: Revolut
Revolut, the UK-based financial super app, has achieved a monumental feat: surpassing 50 million customers worldwide. This milestone underscores its position as a leader in the global fintech landscape, furthering its ambition to create the world’s first truly global bank.
Key to this success has been Revolut’s strategy of expanding its offerings, from banking to travel and crypto services, all within a seamless user experience. The company’s recent ventures into emerging markets such as Latin America and Asia demonstrate its intent to bridge financial services gaps while retaining competitive differentiation through technology.
This milestone is not just a triumph for Revolut but a signal of fintech’s capacity to redefine traditional banking. It reinforces the narrative that digital-first strategies, customer-centric innovation, and international scalability can challenge long-standing financial institutions.
PayTech Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Innovation
Source: FinTech Futures
The PayTech Awards 2025 are officially open for entries, promising to spotlight the brightest minds and most innovative projects in the payment technology sector. These awards are a testament to the industry’s commitment to advancing secure, seamless, and scalable payment systems.
This year, the focus is on emerging technologies that redefine how businesses and consumers interact financially. Categories will recognize achievements across multiple domains, including sustainability in payments, AI-driven solutions, and partnerships that push boundaries.
As fintech companies prepare their entries, the awards provide a timely reminder of the sector’s ongoing evolution and the collaborative efforts required to achieve meaningful breakthroughs.
U.S. Politics and the Fintech Sector: A New Era of Funding?
Source: American Banker
The U.S. fintech sector might witness an infusion of optimism as speculation about a second Trump presidency gains momentum. The Trump-era policies of deregulation and venture capital encouragement are remembered as catalysts for unprecedented fintech growth during his first term.
While it remains uncertain how regulatory landscapes will shift, the possibility of a more relaxed approach toward fintech compliance could rejuvenate funding inflows. Investors and startups alike are watching closely, weighing the potential benefits against long-term risks tied to reduced oversight.
A politically charged backdrop often spells volatility, but for fintech, it may also spell opportunity. Preparing to adapt quickly will be crucial for startups and established players in the face of any regulatory pivot.
Klara AI and Unlimit: Addressing the €1.3 Trillion Female Economy
Source: FF News
Klara AI has teamed up with Unlimit to launch a fintech solution aimed at empowering women across the EU. This collaboration targets the €1.3 trillion female economy by addressing the unique financial needs of women entrepreneurs and consumers.
The solution promises to integrate AI-powered tools with streamlined financial management services, enabling users to access credit, manage investments, and scale businesses effectively. By tailoring services to the underserved female demographic, the partnership hopes to drive financial inclusion and support economic growth.
This initiative stands as a blueprint for fintechs exploring niche markets, proving that innovation tailored to specific segments can yield transformative results.
Autire: Accounting Tech of the Year at US FinTech Awards
Source: Business Wire
Autire, a rising star in financial technology, has been crowned ‘Accounting Tech of the Year’ at the US FinTech Awards 2024. The award recognizes Autire’s ability to blend cutting-edge AI with intuitive user interfaces, delivering unparalleled accounting solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Autire’s platform has gained traction for automating complex accounting tasks, ensuring compliance, and delivering actionable insights through real-time analytics. Its emphasis on reducing administrative burdens for SMEs has been particularly impactful, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on growth rather than bookkeeping.
The recognition not only cements Autire’s reputation but also highlights the role of AI-driven accounting solutions in reshaping business operations globally.
Final Thoughts: A Fintech Revolution in Full Swing
From customer milestones to policy-driven opportunities, the fintech ecosystem is in constant evolution. Revolut’s ascent to 50 million users signals growing consumer trust in digital platforms. The PayTech Awards continue to inspire innovation, while political shifts could redefine the regulatory landscape. Initiatives like Klara AI and Unlimit emphasize the power of targeted solutions, and companies like Autire show how niche technologies can achieve broad impact.
The next phase of fintech growth will likely hinge on inclusivity, adaptability, and innovation—pillars that today’s news stories exemplify.
The post Fintech Pulse: Milestones, Partnerships, and Transformations in Fintech appeared first on .
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