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Mastering Value Investing: Identifying Undervalued Stocks in 2025

Claire James
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Mastering Value Investing: Identifying Undervalued Stocks in 2025

A Methodological Approach to Identifying Undervalued Equities in 2025

The pursuit of undervalued stocks remains a cornerstone of prudent investment strategy, particularly as we look towards 2025. Rooted in the principles of fundamental analysis, value investing, championed by Warren Buffett, offers a robust framework for identifying equities trading below their intrinsic worth. This article explores the methodological rigor employed by elite investment funds and demonstrates how accessible tools can democratize this sophisticated approach. For those seeking a comprehensive value investing guide, this approach provides practical insights.

What is Value Investing?

Value investing, pioneered by Benjamin Graham, focuses on buying stocks trading below their intrinsic value. These undervalued stocks often exhibit characteristics like low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios, strong dividend yields, or robust cash flows. Historical data suggests such stocks can outperform broader market indices. Funds like Cobas AM, Fundsmith, and Independence AM exemplify this, targeting quality businesses at bargain prices while incorporating a “margin of safety.” Alert Invest saves you hours by streamlining the value investing stock selection process.

Streamlining the Search for Undervalued Stocks with alert-invest.com

Tracking elite investors through SEC 13F filings is time-intensive. Alert-invest.com simplifies this by sending email notifications when top funds like Buffett, Cobas AM, or Fundsmith buy stocks. Crucially, these alerts are pre-filtered to include only undervalued picks based on rigorous fundamental analysis. This makes it an effective AI stock picker, leveraging technology to inform your decisions on how to do value investing.

Alert Invest’s stock free notifications offer:

  • Best Fund Tracking: Monitors 13F filings for top investors’
  • Pre-Filtered Picks: Delivers only stocks identified as
  • Actionable Alerts: Concise emails for quick

This service is ideal for busy investors seeking to follow elite value strategies without extensive manual review. Explore alert-invest.com.

Top value investors follow a rigorous process to find the Best Stocks to Buy in 2025 for Massive Gains:

  1. Screen for Value Metrics: Filter for low P/E ratios (<15), low price-to-book (P/B) ratios (<1.5), and high dividend yields (2-4%).
  2. Analyze Fundamentals: Examine financial statements for consistent revenue growth, low debt-to-equity ratios (<0.5), consistent free cash flow, and “competitive moats.” Consider companies like NVIDIA for growth, but understand the value investor’s focus on established fundamentals.
  3. Track Insider Buying: Check SEC 13F filings for executive or director This includes insights from Warren Buffett’s 2025 Portfolio: 13F Analysis.
  4. Calculate Intrinsic Value: Use Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) For example, determining GOOGLE intrinsic value requires meticulous projection. Buy at a significant discount (30-40%) for a margin of safety.
  5. Stay Patient: Value stocks may take 3-5 years to reach intrinsic

Alert Invest’s email alerts highlight undervalued stocks pre-filtered for value. This is where AI to pick stocks truly shines.

Risks of Value Investing Strategies

Value investing carries risks: delayed returns, misjudged intrinsic value, and economic shocks. Mitigate these through diversification and by using alert-invest.com for pre-filtered, undervalued picks.

Conclusion

Tracking Warren Buffett and top value funds unlocks undervalued stocks in 2025. Their rigorous process drives outperformance. Alert-invest.com saves time with email notifications on their pre-filtered, undervalued picks. Visit alert-invest.com today to find the best value stocks and build a high-return portfolio.

Disclaimer: Investing involves risks. Conduct thorough research. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Brands Rethink Digital Strategy as Syndication and Marketing Diverge

Claire James
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Brands Rethink Digital Strategy as Syndication and Marketing Diverge

If you’re trying to grow your brand online, you’ve possibly heard both terms: content syndication and content marketing. They both involve content, as the phrases suggest, but they serve different purposes.

Content marketing creates value; content syndication spreads it.

What Is Content Marketing?

Content marketing is all about creating and sharing useful, original content that solves problems, answers questions, or entertains your audience. It’s designed to build trust, attract attention, and keep people coming back for more.

Think blog posts, videos, how-to guides, podcasts, infographics — all hosted on your own website, email list, or social media channels. You own the message and the platform.

This approach isn’t about pushing products. It’s about pulling people in with value. Over time, content marketing positions you as an expert in your space. And the more valuable your content, the more likely customers are to choose you when they’re ready to buy.

Content also enjoys a natural marriage with search engine optimisation, which requires on-page content to match the keywords that people are searching for.

It’s a long game — but one that builds brand authority, search engine rankings, and loyal followers.

What Is Content Syndication?

Content syndication is the process of republishing your existing content on third-party websites, platforms, or networks. The goal? Get your content in front of new audiences who might never find your website on their own.

Instead of waiting for people to discover your blog, you push that blog out to popular industry sites, digital magazines, news outlets, or syndication networks.

Here’s a quick example: You write a strong blog post on marketing trends. With syndication, that same post appears on a major media site, drawing thousands of new eyes to your message — and ideally, back to your brand.

There are paid syndication options (like Outbrain or Taboola), and unpaid ones (like guest posting or sharing on Medium or LinkedIn). Both can be effective, depending on your goals and audience.

Another key difference is how each strategy is measured. Content marketing often looks at metrics like engagement, leads, and organic traffic growth. Content syndication focuses more on impressions, click-throughs, and brand visibility.

Cost and ownership also separate the two. Content marketing is usually more time-intensive, as you’re building everything from scratch. Syndication can be faster — and while some options are free, others involve a budget to get placement on high-traffic sites.

When Should You Use Each?

So, how do you know when to focus on content marketing and when to turn to syndication?

  • Use content marketing when you want to build long-term trust, improve SEO, or nurture leads.
  • Use content syndication when you need to grow fast, build brand awareness, or get your best content in front of new audiences.
  • And the real power? Using both together.

How Content Marketing and Syndication Work Together

Create valuable content through content marketing. This builds your expertise, earns organic traffic, and strengthens your brand voice.

Then syndicate your top-performing content to third-party sites. This instantly boosts visibility and draws new visitors back to your site. You can capture leads from that new traffic using landing pages, downloads, or email signups. You can also retarget those visitors with ads or drip campaigns.

This strategy creates a loop: content marketing builds the value, and content syndication expands the reach.

Let’s say you run a SaaS company. You publish a data-backed blog post titled “5 Mistakes Businesses Make with Onboarding.” It gets moderate traction on your site.

Now, imagine syndicating that same article on a high-traffic business platform like Forbes or Entrepreneur. Thousands of decision-makers see it. They click through, explore your product, and some convert.

The original post gave you authority. The syndication gave you exposure. Together? They gave you leads.

Things to Avoid

To make the most of both strategies, watch out for these common errors:

  • Syndicating poor content:

Only share your best work. If it didn’t perform on your site, it won’t work elsewhere.

  • Ignoring SEO in syndication:

Use canonical tags to avoid duplicate content issues. Make sure the right site gets the SEO credit.

  • Overlooking the audience:

Tailor content to each platform. Don’t just copy and paste — adapt headlines, intros, or calls to action.

Final Thoughts

Content marketing creates value under your own steam. It builds trust, boosts SEO, and nurtures long-term relationships.

Content syndication spreads that value across the web. It drives new traffic, amplifies your message, and attracts people who may have never found you otherwise.

Use them together — and you’ll accelerate your brand’s growth. Start by creating great content. Then syndicate it smartly. That’s how you win online.

Ethereum Steadies at $2,529 Amid Bullish Signals

Sienna Wilson
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Ethereum Steadies at $2,529 Amid Bullish Signals

With the second-high cap, Ethereum gained only 0.58 percent on Monday, June 19, 2025, to trade at 2,529.45. To show strength in the market, its market cap was at $305.35 billion, up 0.57%. The volume traded was also very active as it recorded an increase of 13.05 percent to 19.14 billion.

Market Dynamics are Sending Contradictory Message

According to TradingView, the valuation of the entire crypto market decreased by 9 percent to the current level of 3.26 trillion dollars. The volume to market cap ratio of Ethereum is 5.99 percent, indicating good liquidity. Nonetheless, the Fear & Greed Index of 48 indicates a neutral stance, as investors walk on thin ice regarding geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Technicals Hint at Bullish Potential

Coin Edition reports that Ethereum is repeatedly hitting resistance between 2,540 and 2570, and it is coiling to the resistance of 2660. Analyst Ahmad Mustafa has seen three simultaneous bottoms, and this could indicate a breakout to beyond $3,000. However, the fall to the technical support at $2,336 might provoke the bearish tendency, and the drawdown to $2,485 may become the reason to unite. The RSI of 43.08 suggests a loss of buying power.

Whale Activity Bolsters Confidence

According to on-chain data provided by Glassnode, on June 12, whale wallets purchased 871 000 coins, the biggest single-day inflow of 2025. The number of holdings in the 1,000-10,000 ETH wallets increased to 14.3 million, indicating that the situation is optimistic in the long-term outlook. The decreasing exchange balances, now at only 16.31 million ETH, also act to lower selling pressure to hold the price.

The Ecology of Shanghai Upgrade Surge Shoots

According to TronWeekly, the Shanghai upgrade in June 2025 made Ethereum more scalable and had greater flexibility in staking. It was a major milestone in which Vitalik Buterin increased validator participation. Although Total Value Locked dipped at a short term after the upgrade, it increases the attractiveness of Ethereum as a yield-bearing asset and makes it more confidence-promoting to use.

Ethereum Volatile Stablecoin Surges

According to CEX.io, in 2025, the Ethereum ecosystem, with over 60% of the market volume ($11 trillion), will remain the dominant platform in DeFi and real-world asset integration. This will contribute to further growth.

ETF Inflows Asses Institutional Attention

According to Coinpedia, the ETFs that track U.S. spot Ethers registered 1.4 billion net inflows during the last 2 months. Institutional demand is vigorous in spite of the outflow of the sum of 2.1 million in the past. The inflows of ETF into Ethereum in the month of June of $583 million are a positive sign in terms of its increasing attractiveness, but short-term price increases are limited due to the futures shorting.

Forecasts about prices differ dramatically

According to TheCurrencyAnalytics, analysts forecast that Ethereum might reach $5,925 by the end of the year due to network updates and the use of Layer-2. DigitalCoinPrice forecasts the maximum price to reach as high as 5,494.68, whereas Changelly is more modest, setting 3,008.13 as the possible limit. The projections are in the long run with $ 123,678 in the year 2040, provided that there is the continuity of technology applicability.

Challenges Temper Optimism

According to Cointelegraph, Ethereum encounters challenges, such as base-layer costs, which raise ETH supplies. The pressure is also added by the rivalry of Solana and BNB Chain in terms of DEX volumes. The 24-hour volume recorded a 17.65% decrease, indicating weakness in retail activity and might hold its immediate advance unless new momentum can gain traction.

Long Term Prospects are Superior

Ethereum has a deflationary model where the ETH-burning activity extends the ability to further the long-term value. Eth staked reached 35 million, according to Cointelegraph, which is an indication of confidence. After obtaining 46 percent monthly returns in May, per X posts, the leadership of Ethereum in the DeFi and RWAs sectors will provide the asset with the possibility to continue its upward trend.

The Future of Ethereum

The next trip will depend on how Ethereum can avoid hardening at the price of $2,660. A close above three thousand will spark a bullish trend, while a fall below two four hundred and eighty-five will challenge low barriers. In the long term, institutional adoption and network upgrades strengthen the argument that it is a pillar of crypto.

Investor Takeaway

The gradual development of Ethereum supported by the accumulation of the whales and the development of the ecosystem provides a strong argument to investors. Although volatility remains a lingering affair in the short run, it can be seen in the case of DeFi, stablecoins, and RWAs, proving that it is relevant even today. Responsible risk management continues to be the main characteristic of this market.

Firms Demand Accountability from Underperforming SEO Providers

Claire James
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Firms Demand Accountability from Underperforming SEO Providers

When you search for an SEO agency, you’re probably hoping for expert help that boosts your website rankings, drives traffic, and brings in leads. But not all SEO providers are as good as they claim.

Some overpromise and underdeliver. Others use shady tactics that leave your site worse off than before. So how do you spot the difference between a skilled SEO professional and one that’s not?

If It Sounds Too Good to Be True…

SEO isn’t instant. It takes time to build authority, fix site issues, and create content that ranks. So, when someone claims they can get you to #1 on Google in a week, it’s a red flag.

Search engines work on trust and relevance, not shortcuts. And real SEO takes research, testing, and patience. Anyone who guarantees quick rankings is either bluffing or using tactics that violate Google’s rules, which could damage your business in the long run.

But below are the kinds of things you should expect from a good SEO agency:

  • Realistic goals, not fake guarantees
  • Transparent reporting and open communication
  • A focus on your business goals, not just rankings
  • White hat, Google-approved methods
  • Local insight and tailored strategies

Do They Understand the Basics?

An expert should be able to answer ‘what is SEO?’ in plain English. If they hide behind jargon, or seem annoyed when you ask questions, that’s a red flag.

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. At its core, it’s about making your site more visible to people searching for your products or services. That includes:

  • On-page content optimisation
  • Technical improvements
  • Link-building from trustworthy sites
  • Improving site speed and user experience
  • Targeting the right keywords, especially locally

If the agency can’t explain these basics clearly, they might not know what they’re doing.

Local Results

When you’re looking for an SEO agency, you need someone who understands your audience. A one-size-fits-all package probably won’t consider your region, your competition, or your customers.

A local SEO specialist should know how to:

  • Optimise for Google Business Profile
  • Target geo-specific keywords (e.g. “plumber in Leicester”)
  • Use location landing pages strategically
  • Understand regional search trends

You Get Zero Transparency

Real SEO agencies will report progress—monthly, clearly, and in a way that makes sense. That includes:

  • Keyword rankings
  • Organic traffic changes
  • Conversions and form submissions
  • Technical issues fixed
  • New backlinks earned

Lesser agencies often keep you in the dark or will speak in generic terms, without going into detail. Either they don’t know what to report, or they’re hiding that not a lot is happening behind the scenes.

Black Hat Tactics

Some so-called “experts” rely on shortcuts that can actually harm your site. These include:

  • Spammy link-building
  • Hidden text or links
  • Duplicate content
  • Keyword stuffing
  • Fake reviews or citations

If an agency won’t tell you how they build links or won’t show examples of their work, it’s another red flag.

It’s All About Rankings—Nothing Else

Sure, ranking high is great. But SEO is also about conversions, user experience, and long-term performance. Keyword positions aren’t everything.

When discussing SEO tactics with an agency, be sure to question:

  • Are users staying on your site?
  • Are they converting into leads or customers?
  • Is the content helpful and engaging?
  • Are you building long-term visibility or just chasing vanity metrics?
  • If rankings are their only selling point, that’s a shallow approach.

They Don’t Rank Themselves

Here’s a good test: Google “SEO agency near me” and see if they show up.

A genuine SEO expert should at least rank well in their own area—or have a site that looks professional, fast, and user-friendly. If their own SEO is terrible, that’s not a good sign.

Also, check their blog. Are they publishing helpful content? Do they appear knowledgeable about trends and updates? If not, you have to wonder—how will they help your business grow?

Long Contracts

Be cautious with long-term contracts—especially if the agency wants six or twelve months upfront with no clear KPIs.

While SEO is a long game, good agencies still give you monthly results, clear timelines, and the freedom to pause or switch if things don’t work out.

Lesser agencies often rely on binding contracts to hold clients hostage, rather than proving their worth through results.

Final Thoughts

Bad SEO doesn’t just waste your budget. It can damage your online reputation, your search rankings, and your customer trust.

Ask questions. Check reviews. And only choose an SEO agency that proves they understand what SEO is, how it works, and how to help your business grow.

Irial O’Farrell’s RODi HR Is Changing How Companies Think About Performance Management

Claire James
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Irial O’Farrell’s RODi HR Is Changing How Companies Think About Performance Management

Most managers dread performance conversations. Employees avoid them. Performance reviews have long been a dreaded ritual in the corporate world. They’re time-consuming, confusing, and often feel unfair. Managers are unsure how to explain what’s going wrong. Employees are left unsure of what’s expected. And everyone walks away frustrated.

This is where Irial O’Farrell comes in.

Founder of Evolution Consulting, Irial O’Farrell has over 25 years of experience developing managers and leading teams. She saw the cracks in traditional performance systems long before others did. She has trained more than 1,000 people and written three books on leadership and management, with a fourth on the way. Her work has always focused on helping people understand how they show up at work, and how that affects the bigger picture.

Her expertise in better performance design led to the creation of RODi HR, a platform that’s fixing performance management from the ground up.

What Makes RODi HR Different?

RODi HR is a rethink, not just another tool. 

The platform takes a different approach to performance and development. It starts with onboarding. Irial and her team work with clients to build a company-specific framework, called Role Dimensions, that defines performance for every role across departments. It’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s custom-made.

Each employee is evaluated based on:

  • The performance of their role.
  • 4 to 5 agreed-upon objectives set at the start of the year.

Then, each month, the system sends out performance updates. Employees know what they should have completed and what’s next. Managers get a full view of how their direct reports are tracking.

This monthly rhythm keeps performance top of mind without overwhelming anyone.

Breaking Free from the 5-Point Rating System

RODi HR doesn’t use the tired 5-point scale that most companies rely on. Instead, the platform offers a more meaningful system that helps managers distinguish between:

  • High performers and high potentials.
  • Good performers and good performers with blind spots.
  • Employees still learning, and those underperforming.

This level of clarity is a game-changer. It removes the guesswork and helps teams grow instead of just ticking boxes.

Why Managers Struggle, and How RODi HR Helps

Modern roles are more complex than ever. Employees are expected to learn fast, know more, and perform better. But development hasn’t caught up.

  • 75% of employees are unsure how they’re doing.
  • 50% of managers don’t believe in their performance systems.
  • 95% of HR managers are dissatisfied with the process.

RODi HR addresses this issue. Role Dimensions outlines what success looks like in each role and what it takes to move up. It helps with:

  • Aligning expectations within and across departments.
  • Giving clear feedback.
  • Identifying strengths and gaps.
  • Setting real development paths.
  • Improving team conversations.

Managers often feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. RODi HR helps break that cycle.

Real Impact, Real Businesses

Companies using RODi HR are already seeing results. People tend to rise to the occasion when they understand what’s expected. Clarity drives confidence.

At P3 Hotels, the team was transitioning to remote work and needed structure. According to MD Phelim Pekaar, Role Dimensions “helps take the mystery away from managing people” and gives managers the tools to guide their teams effectively.

At Pebble Business Transformation, clear role definitions helped them grow from a startup into a strong consulting firm. Managing Partner Joe Hughes says the Role Dimensions framework “stood the test of time” and is still core to their operations today.

Why Clarity Matters

RODi HR does more than see through performance reviews. It:

  • Boosts employee satisfaction and retention.
  • Helps managers have better conversations.
  • Supports learning and development planning.
  • Identifies performance risks early.
  • Builds strong career development paths.
  • Helps teams work better together.
  • Feeds succession pipelines. 

It’s not just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about making performance management a tool for success.

Conclusion

RODi HR changes the outcome. Because when people understand their role, they perform better, and so does the business. You don’t need to overhaul your whole system. RODi HR adapts to where you are. 

If you’re tired of performance reviews that don’t deliver, now’s the time to act. Reach out to Irial (irial.ofarrell@evolutionconsulting.ie) and the team at RODi HR to learn how a custom-built Role Dimensions framework can reshape your company’s approach.

“I Doubled Down”: Gurhan Kiziloz on Fueling Nexus International’s $1.45B Growth Without Outside Capital

Josh Haines
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“I Doubled Down”: Gurhan Kiziloz on Fueling Nexus International’s $1.45B Growth Without Outside Capital

Nexus International, the holding company behind digital entertainment platform Megaposta, reported $400 million in revenue in 2024. With a revenue goal of $1.45 billion by the end of 2025, the company’s scaling strategy has attracted attention largely due to its self-financed model. Kiziloz has publicly confirmed that Nexus International operates without venture capital or institutional funding, maintaining full internal ownership of its growth strategy.

In a recent interview, Gurhan Kiziloz reflected on a defining personal experience that has shaped the structure and pace of his business operations. “My father passed away. I just became heavily motivated to succeed,” he said, describing the event as a key turning point in both his work ethic and leadership style. The founder and CEO of Nexus International identified this moment as the catalyst for the company’s sustained focus on internal growth without relying on outside investment.

The company’s flagship platform, Megaposta, has expanded primarily in Brazil, where it saw early market traction through offline marketing and media exposure. While user metrics have not been made public, reported revenue figures indicate a sizable presence in the region’s gaming and entertainment space. “We did the marketing, and the user base responded,” Kiziloz said in the same interview. “It wasn’t something we had mapped out in detail.”

That theme, movement over premeditated planning, recurs throughout Kiziloz’s commentary on the company’s development. He has characterized his leadership rhythm as fast, instinct-driven, and frequently revised in real-time. “I don’t reflect; I just keep moving,” he said. When asked what he might have done differently earlier in his career, he offered a direct answer: “I would’ve gone into online gambling at 18.”

Kiziloz attributes much of the company’s pace to a decision-making model that avoids lengthy forecasting cycles in favor of adaptability. The absence of outside capital, he explained, has allowed Nexus International to make faster decisions and operate with greater internal control. “I would bet everything on a decision if I believed in it. That’s what every week is,” he said, referring to his own tolerance for risk.

Nexus International’s growth remains closely tied to Kiziloz’s personal valuation. His net worth was estimated at $700 million by the end of 2024, although no public statements have confirmed whether that figure has since increased. While external recognition, such as billionaire lists or media rankings, is not something Kiziloz has publicly pursued, he has expressed long-term goals that remain financially ambitious. “Top ten billionaires on earth,” he said, when asked about his definition of success.

The company’s operational strategy also reflects Kiziloz’s preference for centralized execution. He described his leadership style as “military with flexibility,” noting that while he delegates operational detail to his team, overall strategy remains founder-led. “The skill I still underestimate is looking at the details. But my team does this for me,” he acknowledged.

Personal discipline plays a notable role in his work routine. According to Kiziloz, his days start with motivational videos, primarily on YouTube, which he credits as having a formative impact on his mindset. “That platform taught me more than school did,” he said.

Despite the aggressive growth targets and unconventional operating structure, Kiziloz has not indicated any plans to seek external funding in the near future. When asked if he ever feels pressure to validate his approach through outside perspectives, he replied, “I want to prove myself wrong. The people are all irrelevant to me.”

Whether Nexus International meets its 2025 revenue projection remains to be seen. But its current trajectory, based on disclosed revenue and continued internal financing, reflects a model that has, so far, favored internal control over external endorsement. For now, the company’s structure, growth, and direction remain firmly in-house, driven by a founder who views momentum as the central metric for progress.

 

Remote Work Trends Reshape Homebuyer Priorities in the UK

Claire James
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Remote Work Trends Reshape Homebuyer Priorities in the UK

If you work from home, your living space needs to support both comfort and productivity. This article will explore the key features to look for when searching for your next home, making it easier to find a place that allows you to work from home comfortably. Whether you are freelance, work a hybrid model, or are fully remote, choosing the right property can significantly affect your work-life balance and efficiency. Read on to find out more.

Dedicated Office or Flexible Workspace

First, you want to make sure that the property has space for a dedicated office or a flexible workspace. Consider if one of the rooms could be used as a dedicated home office, which will give you somewhere you can work free from distractions – this is also helpful for separating work and home (something many remote workers struggle with). If there is no room that can be used as an office, there should at least be an area where you can work comfortably and be productive each day.

Natural Light & Ventilation

It is hugely important that the space gets plenty of natural light, especially if you work remotely full-time. Natural light is important for our physical and mental well-being, plus you should find that it helps you feel more energised each day. Good ventilation is also key, so make sure that there are windows you can open up to let fresh air in.

Internet Speed & Connectivity

Internet speed is an essential consideration, especially if you have regular video calls and/or have a household with others who will be online at the same time. Therefore, always check broadband speeds for the area before making a decision, particularly if you are in a rural area.

Noise Levels & Soundproofing

You do not want to move into a new home, set up your home office, and find that there is a huge amount of noise from outside. Things like proximity to busy roads, train lines, construction sites, and schools can create noise that can be distracting. Even noise within the house can be an issue, so look for a property with thick walls and solid doors to create a quiet, peaceful work environment – new build homes are often designed to be soundproof.

Ergonomics & Tech Setup Compatibility

You also want to make sure that you can set up a comfortable office with all the tech needed to do your job. This means space for ergonomic furniture and comfortable working conditions, plenty of plug sockets, and a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout. This is a space you will be spending many hours each week, so it needs to be practical, comfortable, and healthy.

When looking for a new home as a remote worker, these are a few of the main areas to focus on. It is vital that you find somewhere that will allow you to be productive each day while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Crypto and Traditional Finance: Are We Entering a New Era of Integration

Claire James
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Crypto and Traditional Finance: Are We Entering a New Era of Integration

As 2025 moves along, the dynamic between crypto and traditional finance seems to be shifting in a way no one would have imagined a few years back. What was once a head-to-head rivalry now looks more like a partnership in progress. The early battles have softened, and what started as conflict is slowly turning into cooperation. 

This change is not just a philosophical one either. It is being driven by demand, tech breakthroughs, and a changing approach from big institutions. We are seeing more than just signs. Real actions are happening. From central bank digital currency testing to banks pushing out blockchain-based bonds, there is movement everywhere. The lines are blurring, and these two sides are no longer staying in their own lanes.

Journey from Opposition to Collaboration

When Bitcoin first made an entrance in 2009, it came with an attitude. A bold challenge to the old school financial system. For a long time, Wall Street brushed it off. Regulators were skeptical or outright dismissive. Crypto was risky, strange, and too wild to take seriously. But now, fast forward to today, and the story has flipped on its head.

Major financial powerhouses like Fidelity, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock are not just dipping their toes in the crypto space. They are putting serious resources behind it. JPMorgan, for example, developed its own blockchain system called Onyx. It is now handling billions of dollars daily and growing beyond internal use. The focus is now on token-based settlements between big banks.

A survey by Elliptic this year found that about 77 percent of financial firms across the globe are either using or planning digital asset solutions. That is a huge jump from 45 percent in 2022. It is no longer just a theory. This is real-world momentum.

How Integration Is Happening Today

All over the world, we can see this blend of crypto and legacy finance taking shape in real time. The focus has shifted from “should we” to “how do we make this work.” Whether it is tokenising assets, experimenting with new banking systems, or working under updated regulations, the wall between these systems is coming down.

  1. Turning Real Assets into Tokens

Tokenisation is a big part of this shift. Take HSBC. The bank has made solid progress through a digital platform called HSBC Orion. This system was built to issue and manage digital securities. Earlier this year, the bank worked with the Inter-American Development Bank and NatWest to push out a five-million-pound bond. All of it was built on a blockchain system and issued under Luxembourg law. This means better speed, security, and control across the entire lifecycle of the asset.

  1. More Interest from Big Players

The start of this year saw a serious jump in trading volumes across platforms that handle digital assets within regulatory limits. Goldman Sachs has widened its crypto trading desk and added ETH staking and derivatives to the menu. BNY Mellon, on the other hand, has added support for newer tokens like Solana and those based on Layer 2 networks. This allows them to serve larger and more complex clients, including hedge funds and government-linked funds.

  1. When Central Banks Get Involved

Maybe the clearest sign of change is the central bank activity. One of the biggest efforts right now is Project Agora. This is led by the Bank for International Settlements, which has teamed up with seven top central banks and a number of commercial ones, including Citi, HSBC, and Deutsche Bank. They are testing international payments using both CBDCs and token versions of bank deposits. This is not just an experiment anymore. This is groundwork being laid.

  1. Rulebooks Are Being Updated

Regulators are starting to catch up with the space. Early this year, the SEC gave the green light for ETFs based on Ethereum and Solana. This came right after the success of the Bitcoin ETFs that launched last year. Meanwhile, in the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority has published clear rules for companies managing digital assets. And the European Union now has MiCA fully in effect, setting the standard across all member countries.

What’s Driving This Shift?

So what is pushing this blend of systems forward at such a fast pace? A few big reasons stand out.

  • A More Grown-Up Industry

Crypto is not just a loose network of projects anymore. It is turning into a properly managed asset class. In 2025, many top financial firms offer digital funds under normal asset management terms. These are no longer fringe investments. They are measured, tracked, and judged on risk and return just like anything else. You can check here for top financial brokerage firms supporting these assets. 

  • People Want It

Clients do not want to open ten apps to manage their wealth. They want stocks, bonds, and digital assets in the same place. In the UK, several major brokers saw crypto allocations go up in early 2025, especially in younger portfolios. Companies are reacting by offering direct wallet access, staking inside the platform, and tools for managing digital identity.

  • Faster and Cheaper Systems

Blockchain is not just about coins anymore. It helps solve practical problems for banks. Clearing transactions takes less time. Verifying identities gets faster. Reducing third-party risks becomes easier. One report from McKinsey estimated that distributed ledgers could help save around twelve billion dollars a year in global post-trade costs.

  • The Cost of Ignoring It

Some older institutions tried to stay out of crypto. That is no longer possible. Decentralised finance networks now manage tens of billions. This is why banks are building what they call hybrid finance models. These mix smart contracts with compliance oversight. You get the speed and openness of crypto with the control of traditional systems.

What It Means for the Everyday Investor

You do not need to be a tech genius to take part anymore. Thanks to platforms that follow financial rules, average users can now buy parts of government bonds, explore DeFi yields, or invest in property all through token systems. These tools are made to be more user-friendly, and they now come with safety features.

Some coins even include insurance backing and public audits of reserves. In places like Singapore and the UAE, digital platforms have started offering protections similar to what banks offer under deposit schemes. This makes crypto feel less like a wild bet and more like a serious asset class.

That said, these new products can get confusing fast. Some coins earn yield, others track indexes, and some are designed to act like entire portfolios. If you are not sure how they work, you could be taking more risk than you realize. Companies are offering education tools, but in the end, it is still up to you to understand what you are doing.

Also, let’s not pretend the risk is gone. Crypto is still sensitive to world events. In early 2025, Bitcoin dropped sharply after the US hinted at tighter money policies and China cracked down again on offshore trading platforms. The difference is that more of this risk is now visible, and there are better ways to manage it.

Conclusion

If there is one thing 2025 has made clear, it is that crypto is no longer living on the edges of finance. It is being welcomed inside. The biggest names in finance are not just testing it anymore. They are building with it. Clearer rules, more investor interest, and stronger tech have turned what was once a niche into a core part of global finance.

For everyday investors, this means more access but also more responsibility. The game is changing, and if you want to play, you have to learn the new rules. This is not just another cycle. It is a bigger shift that could shape how the financial world works for decades. The question now is not if crypto and traditional finance will join forces, but how fast it will happen and who will be ready to take the lead in this new chapter.

IT Consultancies Transform Digital Strategy in Financial Services

Claire James
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IT Consultancies Transform Digital Strategy in Financial Services

The financial industry has some of the strictest information technology (IT) and security requirements. You likely already know you need a consultant you can trust to mitigate risk and maximize value, but how do you know where to find IT consulting for financial services companies? The process isn’t as cut-and-dry as it may appear.

When you think of the “best” consulting companies, your mind may jump to Deloitte, BCG or McKinsey. In reality, multinational corporations often charge exorbitant service fees or lack a customer-centric approach. The best can balance speed, experience, and value while having comprehensive service offerings and a high customer satisfaction rating.

1. iuvo

Boston-based iuvo is the leading IT consulting and solutions provider because it offers tailored white-glove services that get results. Since 2007, it has completed 62,000 cases. Its clients aren’t the only ones who recognize its value — its innovative solutions and exceptional customer service have helped it win 35 awards and counting.

It handpicked its 23 consultants for their niche skills and experience, each with over two decades in the IT field on average. Outsourcing to them can help you improve scalability, increase operational efficiency, maximize uptime and enhance compliance while eliminating unnecessary expenses.

This team is well-versed in the financial sector’s technologies, standards and regulations. It has extensive experience working with banks, credit unions, venture capital entities, investment companies, brokerage firms and loan associations.

It covers cloud systems, business continuity, cybersecurity, DevOps, vendor management and communications, with services ranging from remote monitoring to ongoing training. Whether you need to identify redundancies, implement solutions, migrate systems or prevent disruptions, it can help.

iuvo mainly serves the Greater Boston area, but it has nationwide reach. Whether you are stationed in Massachusetts or not, you know where to find IT consulting for financial services companies.

2. Cognizant

Cognizant is a billion-dollar brand with over 336,000 employees worldwide. While its services may be out of reach for small and medium-sized businesses, its size and resources are

an excellent fit for large enterprises. In its 30-year history, it has built strong relationships with many leading companies in the financial sector, including 90% of top European banks.

In addition to retail and commercial banks, Cognizant serves lenders and payment companies. It leverages its industry, technology and enterprise expertise to guide human-centered digital transformations.

The entity specializes in technology modernization to identify and address business-critical challenges, upskilling clients when necessary to ensure optimal usage after the consultancy ends. It also manages digital transformations, working closely with stakeholders to design an end-to-end solution. Its enterprise-focused approach increases speed-to-market and drives growth.29

This IT consultant’s solutions are tailored to large companies undergoing digital transformation, so its deliverables tend to include task automation, payment system modernization and multibanking cash management. It aims to simplify data aggregation, reduce processing times and streamline inefficient processes.

3. S-Pro

What started as a small technology startup team of five developers has blossomed into an international organization with hundreds of staff members. S-Pro has a 78% annual growth rate, demonstrating its commitment to improvement. To date, it has completed over 300 projects.

Although it is headquartered in Switzerland, it has offices in Poland, the Netherlands, Ukraine and the United States. Its global presence enables it to minimize schedule conflicts and project delays by bridging time zones. Also, clients have around-the-clock access to its services via its task and project management tools.

It has over 250 engineers, so it can seamlessly distribute various countries’ workloads. This customer-focused attitude has helped it form numerous long-lasting relationships, with customer engagements lasting an average of 4.2 years.

This consultant has a deep understanding of the financial sector, with over 65% of its revenue coming from fintech businesses. Its services cover wealth management, cryptocurrency, Web3, banking, investment and payment processing.

It can develop an IT roadmap, a data analytics system or a cybersecurity strategy, prioritizing high-return investments from planning through deployment. Given that the industry experienced 3,348 cyber incidents in 2023, these services are vital for preventing breaches.

Its business process optimization and cloud migration processes eliminate bottlenecks to streamline workflows. Unlike many competitors, it specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning consulting.

4. Kellton

The global IT services and consulting company Kellton is a full-service solutions provider for various industries. It primarily serves large organizations — including some Fortune 500 companies — but it also assists startups and small businesses. Since its founding 15 years ago, it has helped 200 clients across 1,000 projects in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

Its handpicked team of 1,800 professionals has cross-domain experience, helping them provide world-class service regardless of industry. Since its partner ecosystem comprises vendors like AWS, Salesforce, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure and Databricks, compatibility with your existing tech stack won’t be an issue.

It doesn’t offer comprehensive IT advice, but as its partnerships suggest, it specializes in cloud management and deployment. Services include architecture review and migration strategy development.

Also, it offers data consulting, which covers architecture review, system management, technology optimization and hardware modernization. It aims to streamline your IT ecosystem by simplifying your infrastructure for efficiency, cost-effectiveness and agility.

This firm takes a methodology-driven approach, leveraging domain-specific data models and an expansive toolset to develop cutting-edge solutions for modern tech stacks. Its AI, blockchain and cloud computing expertise can help you complete a next-generation digital transformation.

5. Intellectsoft

Intellectsoft’s IT consulting services cover engineering and digital transformation. It serves startups, multinational corporations and everyone in between, and has helped clients like Mitsubishi Power, Harkins and Skroote. Even though it is a boutique consultancy agency, several Fortune 500 brands trust its advice.

While it is based in the U.S., it has branches in Colombia, Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Norway and Poland. Since it has a global presence, you don’t have to worry about waiting when you need important questions answered.

You receive end-to-end support if you partner with this team. It handles everything from ideation to post-integration support. Since it doesn’t take on every project, it can guarantee personalized solutions.

Custom fintech solutions include payment software, data hub platforms, enterprise data visualisation and lending tools. Experts predict the global fintech market’s revenue will reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, so it’s unsurprising that consultants are offering personalized solutions.

Intellectsoft’s services only cover software architecture, development and DevOps. It can create and launch websites, mobile apps, and enterprise software, covering everything from user interface design to quality assurance testing.

Choosing Between the Best IT Consulting Providers

Now that you know where to find IT consulting for financial services companies, you must choose between them. While each has a proven track record and comprehensive service offerings, only one fits you best. Don’t take this decision lightly — consider factors like budget, IT needs and availability.

Strategic Freight Partnerships Drive Down Logistics Costs for UK Businesses

Claire James
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0
Strategic Freight Partnerships Drive Down Logistics Costs for UK Businesses

Running a successful business means making smart logistics choices. Choosing the right freight company can greatly change your shipping costs and how well your business runs. Smart business owners know that teaming up with the right transport partner can save a lot of money.

Today’s businesses face tough shipping problems that need creative fixes. A top Freight Company does more than just move goods. They offer smart shipping plans that make your supply chain work better.

Shipping costs can eat up a big part of your budget. By picking the right freight partner, you can save a lot of money. The aim is to find a logistics company that gets what you need and adds value beyond just moving goods.

Working with a freight company is more than just cutting costs. It’s about making your whole logistics system run smoother. With the right partner, shipping can become a key advantage for your business.

This guide will show you how to find, check, and team up with a freight company that fits your business goals. We’ll look at ways to make shipping more efficient and cut down on costs.

Understanding the Impact of Freight Costs on Your Business

Freight costs can greatly affect a business’s finances. Small and medium-sized businesses often don’t realize how much shipping costs them. Knowing these costs is key to keeping prices competitive and profits high.

Managing supply chain costs is a big challenge for businesses. The cost of transportation is a big part of these costs. To manage well, businesses need to plan and watch their shipping costs closely.

  • Freight costs directly impact product pricing strategies
  • Shipping overhead can consume up to 10% of total revenue
  • Inefficient transportation management reduces competitive advantage

Transportation costs touch many areas of a business. Companies that manage their freight costs well can save a lot of money. Using smart logistics can cut shipping costs without hurting service quality or customer happiness.

Studies show that businesses that spend less on transportation can use that money for other important things. By carefully looking at and managing freight costs, businesses can do better financially.

  • Analyze current shipping expenditures
  • Identify potential cost-reduction strategies
  • Explore alternative transportation methods
  • Negotiate better rates with carriers

It’s important to understand how freight costs affect a business’s health. This knowledge is crucial for growth and making a profit.

Key Factors in Choosing a Freight Company

Choosing the right freight company is key for businesses to improve their shipping. The selection process involves many factors that affect your logistics and profits.

When evaluating logistics providers, focus on several important criteria:

  • Geographic Coverage: Make sure the shipping partner can reach all your destinations.
  • Service Flexibility: Look for companies that offer tailored shipping solutions.
  • Technology Capabilities: Choose providers with advanced tracking and communication systems.
  • Cost Structure: Analyze pricing models beyond just rates.

Choosing a shipping partner is more than just transportation. Industry expertise is vital. A provider with sector-specific knowledge can improve your supply chain and reduce issues.

Financial stability is also crucial. A good freight company should show:

  1. Consistent financial performance
  2. Investment in modern infrastructure
  3. Strong safety and compliance records
  4. Proven customer satisfaction

It’s smart to choose a freight company based on value, not just cost. The best company offers reliability, innovative solutions, and meets your shipping needs.

Evaluating Service Quality and Reliability Metrics

Choosing the right freight company is more than just looking at prices. The quality of freight service is key to your business’s success. It’s important to know the right logistics performance metrics to make smart shipping choices.

When checking shipping reliability, look at these important signs:

  • On-time delivery rates
  • Cargo damage percentages
  • Customer service response times
  • Shipment tracking accuracy
  • Claims resolution efficiency

Tracking these metrics helps spot risks and find a freight partner that fits your needs. The best freight companies offer clear reports and reliable delivery.

Smart businesses use digital tools to compare shipping reliability. Ask for detailed reports from potential freight partners. Look for companies with:

  1. Consistent delivery performance above 95%
  2. Low cargo damage rates
  3. Rapid customer support
  4. Advanced tracking technologies

By carefully looking at these metrics, you can reduce disruptions and improve your supply chain. The right freight partner will show their commitment to quality through clear, data-based reports.

Negotiating Better Rates and Terms

Learning how to negotiate freight rates can greatly improve your logistics costs. To succeed, you need to be well-prepared, know the market, and think strategically. Companies that understand their shipping needs well can save a lot of money.

Effective freight rate negotiation strategies include:

  • Analyze your shipping volume and frequency
  • Research current market rates
  • Understand your leverage points
  • Develop a comprehensive negotiation plan

When talking about shipping contract terms, aim for a win-win situation. Freight companies value clients who are committed and professional. Be ready to share detailed shipping data, show your consistent business volume, and talk about long-term partnerships.

Here are some tactics for reducing logistics costs:

  1. Request volume-based discounts
  2. Explore multi-year contract options
  3. Negotiate flexible shipping windows
  4. Discuss performance-based pricing incentives

Good negotiations need clear data, research, and teamwork. By showing your value as a long-term partner, you can get better freight rates and terms.

Technology Integration and Cost Tracking Solutions

Modern businesses are changing how they handle logistics with advanced software. This technology gives them key insights into shipping costs. It also makes complex transportation workflows easier to manage.

Advanced logistics technology brings many benefits to companies looking to improve their freight operations:

  • Real-time shipment tracking and visibility
  • Automated cost analysis and reporting
  • Predictive route optimization
  • Comprehensive performance metrics

Choosing the right freight management software can cut down on costs. Companies get tools to track shipping costs, find areas for improvement, and make smart decisions. Cloud-based platforms help everyone involved in shipping stay connected.

When looking at logistics technology, consider these important features:

  1. User-friendly interface
  2. Scalable infrastructure
  3. Robust data security
  4. Integration capabilities with existing systems

Investing in advanced shipping cost tracking technology helps companies stay ahead. With top-notch software, they can lower transportation costs and boost efficiency.

Building Long-term Partnerships with Your Freight Company

Creating a strong freight company relationship is more than just doing business. It’s about turning shipping into a strategic advantage. Successful businesses see it as a way to grow and save costs.

To build a lasting partnership, both sides need to put in effort and commitment. Businesses should focus on several key strategies:

  • Communicate openly about goals and challenges
  • Have regular meetings to review performance
  • Share detailed insights and forecasts
  • Invest in technology that works for both
  • Show reliability and consistency

The best partnerships are built on trust and shared goals. By seeing your logistics partner as part of your team, you open doors to tailored solutions and savings.

Good communication is key to a strong partnership. Regular talks, honest feedback, and solving problems together help both sides adapt to changes.

Looking ahead is important in a logistics partnership. It’s about understanding each other’s long-term plans, challenges, and growth goals.

  • Negotiate flexible contract terms
  • Explore new shipping ideas
  • Plan for unexpected situations together
  • Thank and reward good performance

Putting time and effort into a freight company relationship can give you a big edge in today’s global market.

Conclusion

Choosing the right freight company is key for businesses looking to improve shipping efficiency. To manage logistics costs well, you need to carefully evaluate, form strategic partnerships, and keep up with industry changes.

Using the strategies from this article can change your freight operations for the better. Focus on service quality, using technology, and building strong relationships. This way, you can cut down on transportation costs and still meet high standards.

The freight industry is always changing, with new tech and solutions coming up. Companies that focus on reducing freight costs will get ahead. They’ll make their supply chains better and their operations more stable.

Smart choices in freight partnerships are about more than saving money. It’s about making a plan that fits your business goals. Use data, talk openly, and stay flexible in your logistics plans for lasting success.

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