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Alert 360 Marks 50 Years As a Home Security Systems Company

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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.

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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.

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“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
[email protected]
Pinion Partners

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153935

Fintech

Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)

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As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.

Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets

Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.

With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.

Source: Bloomberg

ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval

ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.

MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.

Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire

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The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation

The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.

This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.

Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.

Source: PYMNTS

Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission

Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.

The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.

As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.

Source: RBJ

Industry Implications and Takeaways

Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:

  1. Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
  2. Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
  3. Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
  4. Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.

 

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SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025

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Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.

SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.

Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.

“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”

Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.

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Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments

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Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”

Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.

Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.

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