How cryptocurrencies are changing online behaviour

Elliot

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29 January 2018

How cryptocurrencies are changing online behaviour

5 Ways cryptocurrencies are changing online behaviour

One thing is for certain. The world, as we know it, is rapidly changing. The global cryptocurrency market has recently exceeded a record high of $700 billion (equivalent to just over £500 billion), a distinct indicator of the increased interest in digital currencies. Blockchain technology behind cryptocurrencies is being successfully adopted across various market sectors, which is changing online behaviour – from the way we shop and invest, to how we play online lotteries.

Here are five ways in which cryptocurrencies are changing the digital world. Check out Brighter Guide to stay updated with current and useful knowledge about today’s technology.

1. More online traffic from developing countries

If you ever needed to send money abroad, either to someone else or to yourself, you probably know that it’s not as simple as it might seem. Factors such as exchange rates, service fees and clearing processes on both ends, make international money transfers not only time consuming, but expensive. It’s no wonder that banking is one of the areas in which cryptocurrencies are changing online behaviour.
With the rise of digital currencies such as Bitcoin, international money transfers can be made instantly, cheaply and safely. Bitcoin allows users to send and receive money across borders without the need for a middleman. With intermediaries such as banks and money transfer operators taking an average cut of 7.45 percent of the transaction, it means that a £500 transfer would have a £37.25 service fee, leaving the recipient with only £462.75.

In poor countries where many people depend on money being sent from family members working abroad, a fee like this can make a big difference. Migrants from developing countries send home more than $500 billion (over £358 billion) in remittances per year, more than the amount of foreign direct investments being made. This is where virtual currencies offer a practical solution to those who depend on international money transfers for survival.

Using virtual currencies, users can send money directly to their families via mobile phone. And the only fees to be paid are those charged by the currency exchanges.

2. More online transactions

File name: hand-holding-phone-doing-a-bitcoin-phone-transaction-sending-bitcoins-into-red-wallet

Image Alt Text: Phone doing a bitcoin phone transaction sending bitcoins into red wallet

According to the World Bank’s Global Financial Inclusion database, around two billion people in the world do not have bank accounts. This may be because many people don’t have access to formal banking services in developing countries, or people living under an oppressive regime may feel unsafe to reveal their identity to their government.

With cryptocurrencies all you need to create a e-wallet is an Internet connection and an email address. There are several ways to buy Bitcoin without having a bank account, so people without access to banking services can now transact online. Dealing with privacy concerns, cryptocurrencies allow people to transact using a digital identity without having to reveal their actual legal name.

These factors are not only changing online behaviour in terms of online traffic volumes, but online transactions too.

3. More digital investments

Aside from the very popular Bitcoin, there are actually more than 1,300 cryptocurrencies currently available, and the list is growing. As more and more people are valuing decentralised digital cash above traditional investments, there is a shift in the way people invest money.

A recent survey of more than 2,000 people in the US revealed that 30% of investors aged between 18 and 34 would rather own $1,000 worth of Bitcoin than $1,000 of government bonds or stocks. Although the same survey shows just two percent of Americans own or have owned Bitcoin, the investor base is likely to get larger as millennials become the main investment force.

4. More gaming

File name: hand-holding-phone-with-bitcoin-image-and-chess-pieces-on-the-background
Image Alt Text: Hand Holding phone with bitcoin image and chess pieces on the background

At the moment, each online game has its own virtual currency, whether it’s diamonds, credits, or gems. But imagine a world where all online games support virtual currencies that can be reinvested from one game to the next and cashed out at any time. Tapinator, a mobile game developer, has plans to achieve exactly this by developing apps and games with the blockchain system. Their first project is scheduled for the second quarter of 2018.

Such free flow of currency from one gaming platform to another, and the elimination of micro credit card payments and international fees, would not only get more people to play more online games for longer periods of time, but will make it easier for gamers to build gaming careers through easier and cheaper currency exchanges with their global audience and partners.

5. More choice for online lottery players

More Choice for Online Lottery Players

When it comes to playing the lottery, preferences vary widely. Some players prefer the convenience of online platforms, while others seek greater privacy through Bitcoin lotteries. These digital lotteries allow users to play and withdraw winnings in Bitcoin via e-wallets, offering a layer of anonymity that traditional lotteries cannot. Unlike conventional lottery operators that require ID verification, cryptocurrency lotteries eliminate the need for personal and banking details, making them an attractive option for privacy-conscious players.

While Bitcoin lotteries provide enhanced security, they also come with risks—primarily the volatility of Bitcoin itself. Players may see their winnings fluctuate in value due to the unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market. Still, as digital currencies gain traction, they continue to reshape online gaming habits. This shift extends beyond lotteries, influencing other sectors of the gaming industry, including casinos not on GamStop, which offer players more flexibility and fewer restrictions compared to UK-licensed platforms.

While Bitcoin lotteries may be appealing to players who are looking for new ways to protect themselves from identity theft, they do present a risk in that the Bitcoin currency is extremely volatile and players can’t be sure if it will go up or down.
While it’s still to be seen whether cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin will stabilise, there is no doubt that they are changing online behaviour in many ways, including how online lotteries are played. This begs the question: What will the Internet be like in just a couple of years?

Shard Capital: Wealth Management

Elliot

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29 January 2018

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Wealth Management Explained

Wealth management is a professional service which covers all aspects of a client’s financial life. This includes investment advice, accounting, retirement or estate planning, tax services and any other financial advice, all in one place. A single wealth manager coordinates all these aspects for the client, utilising input and advice from external sources such as the client’s solicitor or accountant and other financial experts. The independent financial services company Shard Capital provides a personalised wealth management service, conserving and growing wealth for a variety of different clients. The wealth management services of Shard Capital range from domestic concerns such as investment and retirement planning, through to offshore investor needs. Wealth management services are used by high net worth individuals, families and small business owners who want to coordinate all their financial planning in one place.

Wealth Management Strategies

Wealth management is not simply investment advice: it encompasses the entire financial life of a family or individual. A single wealth manager uses a holistic approach, integrating products and advice from a series of professionals with the aim of delivering a strategy that will grow wealth. The individual strategy will depend on a variety of factors, such as the client’s tolerance for risk, their personal objectives and their current financial situation. The wealth manager will meet with the client regularly, updating the strategy and rebalancing the investment portfolio as required to meet changing needs.

Wealth Management Specialisation

Wealth managers deliver a service that encompasses every aspect of financial planning. However, many will specialise in a specific area and focus their strategies accordingly. For example, a wealth manager who is tied to a bank might concentrate more closely on credit options, insurance and the management of trusts, while one who is associated with an investment firm might have more focus on market strategy. Clients using wealth management services may therefore choose to access to a wealth management team rather than a single wealth manager.

Investment and Planning

The investment portion of wealth management involves the construction of a balanced investment portfolio. This includes asset allocation and selecting individual investments on behalf of the client. The planning function incorporates estate planning and tax planning based around this investment portfolio. Wealth management services can be provided by independent financial advisers, large corporate entities or multi-licenced, specialised portfolio managers dealing with high net worth individuals.

UK property investment trends: Birmingham sees a boom

Elliot

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29 January 2018

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UK property investment trends: Birmingham sees a boom

When we talk about property investment, Birmingham is typically high on the list. Birmingham has been experiencing something of a renaissance over the last few years, especially when it comes to property growth.

Thanks to billions of pounds of investment heading Birmingham’s way, it has fast become a UK property investment hotspot. The first six months of 2017, for instance, saw house prices rise by 6.1% in the area, more than any in any other UK city according to research conducted by Hometrack.

Huge investment into regeneration hasn’t been the only factor in Birmingham’s stunning rate of growth. The upcoming connections set to be offered by the impeding HS2 rail network, connecting it to London, are seeing a large commercial buzz centring around Birmingham and the new opportunities that the new links will open.

Birmingham’s growing status as a UK property investment opportunity

Word gets out fast. With the enormous growth experienced in Birmingham, investors across the globe are becoming intrigued by the opportunities the city can offer them as a divergence from what’s typically offered across London.

A lack of available supply when combined with high property prices is encouraging them to seek out other property investment opportunities. Statistics show that Birmingham’s popularity has helped buy-to-let owners see their yields grow by 24% over the past year. Year-on-year house price growth for 2015-16 also stood at 5.3% while estimates for capital gains growth for 2015-19 stands at 17%.

The highest yields in the UK for buy-to-let landlords can currently be found in the North West. Recent research has suggested that in some areas of Liverpool, for instance, yields can be as high as a staggering 13%. Key to these figures are that areas such as these are student hotspots; Birmingham is no different in that regard, with more than 75,000 students in the area looking for affordable accommodation.

That’s just one of the reasons why house prices continue to rise and a property investment in Birmingham simply shouldn’t be ignored. Like any investment opportunity, though, an investment into property has to be carefully considered and approached to get the best results possible for your money.

Discovering the best property investment opportunities

Property is no different from any investment opportunity on the planet. Your capital is at risk with every investment and you need to do some serious research before committing to such a big project as property ownership.

With the right guidance though, investors can be introduced to property investment opportunities in Birmingham and beyond that could provide potentially high returns for their savings in a short period of time.

Some feel it’s the right move for them, but fear choosing the wrong property and amassing little value thanks to high rates of stamp duty and other factors.

FJP Investment offers a consultative approach to property, and can help investors to diversify their portfolios into bricks and mortar through fixed investment return bond opportunities that provide regular interest payments, short-term opportunities and much more besides.

You don’t have to be a landlord to reap the potential benefits that property can provide in the UK. Speak to FJP Investments’ expert team of property consultants today to find out more.

FJP Investment is a team of investment specialists sourcing a wide range of investment opportunities both in the UK and overseas. Recently launched loan note investment from The High Street Group open to UK and Overseas investors.

How to Increase the Value of Your Property

Property

ABC Staff

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29 January 2018

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How to Increase the Value of Your Property

In order to work your way up the property ladder, you need to be able to increase the value of your current property. To many people, increasing the value of a house sounds like a mammoth task with huge expenses, but this isn’t always the case.

If you’re cautious and sensible then you can add some considerable value to your property, with small yet specific changes that can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of the house. Interested in increasing the value of your property? Here are a few popular ideas that many are incorporating into their homes today.

Room Conversions

The most popular way to add value to your property is to convert one of the current rooms into something bigger and better. A prime example of this would be the loft, as many homes are now seeing lofts being converted into man caves, spare bedrooms, offices and even home gyms. If you have the creative spark and ambition to do something, it can be done, and that empty space in the loft can be put to much better use.

Similarly, many people are enjoying converting their garages to expand on the floorspace and introduce an additional room or two, which is highly admirable and stands out to potential buyers. For those who enjoy more of an open space, there is also a popular surge with open-plan living. The art of open-plan living goes much further than the initial aesthetics, you also find it helps your family come together in a social sense, which is always a huge benefit in the family home.

Opening up two or three rooms to create one larger space is ideal for creating a larger feel within the home, reflecting natural light throughout and giving a sense of space at the same time.

Fresh Updates

For those looking to add value without making any structural changes, you can look at updating the current décor within certain rooms. There are different ways in which you can approach this, from sticking to a certain theme, to creating a blank canvas that can be built upon. The benefit to decorating your home around a certain theme is that your property will be ready to purchase and become a new home in an instant.

Having a property that is already set up and ready is very appealing to many homeowners, especially when they want to purchase a new home and start living there straight away. Similarly, for those looking for a blank canvas to work on and make their own, having a clear, simple décor style will work best for them.

These are both great ways of adding value to the property, whether that’s sticking a bold wallpaper design on a feature wall or positioning a gorgeous oak dresser next to a plain white wall for a minimalist approach, you can show off your skills and show off your home in your own way.

Welcoming Gardens

When you go to visit a potential property for your new home, there is nothing worse than being greeted by an overgrown, messy garden. This doesn’t just scream lazy homeowner, but it also creates a crowded, cluttered feel that will instantly raise eyebrows.

When you view a property as a potential home for you, you want to feel welcomed and comfortable from the moment you step foot on the street, and the garden is one of the most important features in the home for creating a warm and welcoming feel. Before you put your property on the market, make sure you give it a good clear up.

Whether that’s pulling weeds from the stone cracks, cutting back overgrown hedges or branches, or even simply cutting the grass and planting a few flowers, you’ll notice that the changes will have a huge impact on the way your garden looks, resulting in a positive first impression.

Ways to Save Money During a Campervan Conversion

ABC Staff

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29 January 2018

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Ways to Save Money During a Campervan Conversion

Caravans are like houses; the moment you decide to convert or renovate them you can rest assured you’re adding at least a quarter onto the overall value. With this in mind, many people decide to transform their rusty little vehicles into fresh looking vans that are both aesthetically and financially appealing. You may need a used campervan loan.

The struggle for many is knowing how to convert the camper without breaking the bank, and these useful tips have been gathered together to help you spend right throughout the conversion process.

Your Vehicle

Before you actually start to carry out the conversion of your campervan, you need to be certain it’s worth it. You don’t want to spend loads on transforming its looks, to find out the performance and mechanics of the vehicle are exhausted and past their day. Have your camper serviced and checked over by a professional who can give you advice on how well your camper is preforming and how much life it’s got left in it, as this will save you a lot of money further down the line. If you need to get your hands on a used campervan, check out caravansforsale.co.uk.

Plan Things Out

Too many people go head-first into a huge conversion project without doing the planning or preparation beforehand. Just like any project, you need to have a clear plan of what you’re wanting to achieve, along with materials you’ll need and time you have available to spend doing it, as this will help you figure out exactly what need to happen and when.

If you fail to plan ahead, you may find yourself getting stung by short budgets, lack of time and even wrong materials simply because you didn’t have a clear idea of what was happening from the word go. The last thing you want is to have to spend extra on materials or run out of money when you’re only half way through.

Shop Around

Converting your campervan is an exciting process, which can easily cause you to get impatient and carried away. It’s so important to keep your head when it comes to your campervan conversion, especially when purchasing the parts and accessories. Whilst you may find the perfect part at a local shop, you don’t know that it’s not available online for half the price, so be sure to get online and do some research.

Have a good look around for the products and parts that you’re looking for, as you can almost guarantee you’ll find a few of the parts for much cheaper than quoted by a retailer. You want to ensure the quality of your vw t5 camper or other campervan is kept to the highest standard, so when searching for your products, make sure you check for reviews, reliability and trusted sites, as these will help you get the best value for money.

Sell Unwanted Parts

Many campervan owners may find that they have old parts or products that are no longer of any use to them, especially if you’re planning to replace current items with shiny new ones. You often find that these current parts are still in good condition and working well, which makes them ideal for selling on.

As long as you’re confident that the parts are worth the money you are selling them for, you can make yourself a little extra money to put towards the new bits for your upgraded camper.

Are staycations the best family choice for 2018?

Elliot

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27 January 2018

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Are staycations the best family choice for 2018?

“Staycation: a holiday that you take at home or near you rather than travelling to another place” is the definition from Cambridge Dictionary.

Since the Brexit referendum in 2016, there has been a 25% rise in those deciding to take a Staycation rather than travel to neighboring European countries. The main reason for this is the poor exchange rate from pounds to euros as a result of the referendum outcome. Holidaymakers now get much fewer euros for their hard-earned sterling which makes travel, hotels, attractions and eating out much more expensive.

Looking closer to home, holidaymakers are contributing to a boom in UK holiday destinations that stretches from Land’s End to John o’Groats. With a bit of research, families and couples alike can find activity holidays, city breaks and even beach breaks that will create memorable experiences without breaking the bank.

There are websites, such as breaks.com, that are dedicated to researching UK city and coastal breaks to highlight places to stay, things to do and hidden gems that you would otherwise miss out on.

Taking away the travel expense of flights, baggage fees, airport parking, taxis and care hire allows holidaymakers to make the pennies stretch further. Using that money for days out, meals out or even to extend your stay without forking out more money! One of the main perks of a UK city break is that many museums and galleries throughout the country are free to enter. Whether you want to visit the Tate in Liverpool or the Science Museum in south west London’s museum hub then there is something for everyone.

The UK is steeped in history and is home to a capital city that attracts millions of visitors from around the world due to its iconic buildings, bridges and history and culture. With events on daily in major cities, search online to see if there are any music or theatre events on during the dates that you plan to visit. An event is a superb way to create extra special memories for the whole family.

If you are looking for some inspiration then start your search with the Lake District, Bath, Manchester, Liverpool and Cornwall. Make 2018 the year of the staycation!

How can you protect your precious gadgets

Technology

Elliot

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26 January 2018

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How can you protect your precious gadgets

In the past twenty years technology has completely revamped the gadgetry and paraphernalia we carry when travelling to work, the pub or school. In the 1970’s the most any man would carry was a wallet, a comb, car keys and perhaps a briefcase. Fast forward and our pockets would bulge if it wasn’t for smart clothing and bluetooth accessories.

I’ve lost the keys to the house before and I’ve lost a mobile phone too. Did you know the average person carries with them three to four digital devices wherever they go? This might include a mobile phone, a handheld gaming device, a smart watch, MP3 player and wireless headphones / earbuds, the lack of cable meaning it’s even easier to forget one or t’other.

Until some clever chap invents a device which can tag other devices and give a proximity alert if you walk more than a metre away from them – well there’s always the Tile Item Finder, protecting these quite often invaluable devices is paramount. Not only is it costly to replace the units if lost or damaged but the data inside is probably more important; photographs, videos of memories, contacts and so on.

In an age where you may also carry flash drives, portable chargers, laptop or an additional tablet, or more niche but increasingly popular smart pens and fitness trackers. How do you protect electronic devices when you’re out about? How is it possible to keep all these items and more secure, and if lost more easily found?

I know what you’re thinking, one way to go about it is to insure your product, for instance if you are buying a mobile phone on the shelf in the store, you should ask if they would cover your phone for lost or stolen, if you are buying online you can always opt for insurance while checking out, you can also opt to insure your mobile phone with the third party insurance companies. Though if you have tried to get an Apple product fixed by a third party and outside of the in-house servicing you should discuss the details and make sure you are not signing up for an expensive deal.

They are popular because they are designed in pretty colours and attractive fabrics and materials but a protective case for your mobile phone, laptop and table is still the most secure addition you can envelop your device with. Protecting against impacts and drops. Gorilla glass can break, and mobiles sink fast in a toilet.

If you walk through my home with a UV light and check all my electronics you’ll will find a number on the back and my name. These have been marked with a Security Marker Pen. Ink which is invisible to the naked eye until introducing a little Ultra Violet light. While it may not prevent a theft, it will allow the police and others to identify stolen goods.

Other ways to keep your devices safe are, keeping them out of the way of temptation and don’t leave devices on a table top, in a back pocket and don’t use full light on a mobile phone screen at night. Consider attachments that lock your devices to a belt while in the pub or desk while at work. If a device does get stolen consider software that both locates via ringing or GPS and wipes drives should such an action be necessary as soon as it is turned on, password broken or comes into wifi range.

Lastly, while cash is still king, banks and businesses are pushing the use of debit cards with swipe payment in the form of RFID chips without really considering how secure your money is. Did you know that thieves can walk past you with an electronic device, pretend they’re a shop and take an amount as you walk past? Investing in a RFID blocking slim wallet can do wonders for keeping your bank balance maintained.

What really happens in an economic minute?

Economics

Elliot

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23 January 2018

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What really happens in an economic minute?

With the UK economy continuing to be volatile, inflation increasing and uncertainty surrounding Brexit, Solution Loans analysed exactly what happens in an economic minute in the UK.

Looking at areas including personal debt, household income and expenses, as well as Government spending they’ve created a 60-second snapshot of our nation’s finances.

As a nation we continue to purchase on credit, racking up a whopping £60,312 every 60 seconds in consumer car credit – that’s £1000 a second. While students go £20,396 further into debt, the UK’s consumer credit bill increases by £14,346 each minute.

We’re continuing to take out more credit while meeting existing interest payments, to the tune of £94,910 every single minute of every day.

When it comes to household spending, £30,649 leaves the nation’s wallets every minute to be spent on alcohol, tobacco or narcotics, compared to just £19,358 on health. With the cost of food continuing to increase we’re spending £152,706 every minute just to feed our families, as well as £194,916 on housing expenses and to meet rising costs of energy and fuel.

The gap between the highest earners and the rest of the country continues to grow. While the average UK household brings in just 5p every minute, a CEO of a FTSE 100 company would earn 170 times more at £8.50. In that same period, £323,439 is being held in off-shore tax free accounts – over six and a half times the amount the entire country pays in mortgage debt each minute (£47,716).

It’s not just ordinary people that continue to borrow, the general Government Gross debt is increasing by £129,556 every minute, while the Pension’s Deficit also increases by £922,849. Interestingly there is £23,592 of benefits left unclaimed every minute of every day.

Credit: http://www.solution-loans.co.uk/blog/moneyminute/

2018 for Trade Finance in Africa

Elliot

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22 January 2018

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Just a couple of months ago, the Asian Development Bank reported a $1.5tn USD trade finance shortfall, that is, thousands of businesses needing access to finance to export or import overseas could not access finance. Given that trade accounts for roughly 7% of total global GDP, it’s a big issue. But what does this mean for Africa, and what does 2018 look like for trade finance?

Is Africa the new player on the block for trade finance?

Trade finance is the umbrella term for the financing of goods, products or services overseas, incorporating many finance structures and other services such as insurance and foreign exchange.

Global growth tends to be focused on Asian markets, yet according to the African Development Report, Africa has seen huge growth, over 2% consistently in the past 20 years, thanks to a surge in imports and exports, trailing just behind Asia.

80% of this trade is outside of the continent, to the EU, US and China.

Trade finance is critical to Africa’s growth, given it’s reliance on intra-regional trade, yet according to the Asian Development Bank’s report on 45 African countries, there is a significant deficit in trade financing from international banks.

Why is there a shortfall of trade finance provision in Africa?

Underdeveloped banking infrastructure – trade finance relies on law firms, advising and confirming banks, sophisticated risk assessment and risk mitigation processes, insurance and legal infrastructure in order to function smoothly, much of which is still at infancy in many African markets
Poor creditworthiness – despite the presence of local banks in Africa, their ability to assess risk when issuing a Letter of Credit, banks still reject around 10% of trade finance applications
Lack of US dollar liquidity – because many local African banks have low foreign exchange reserves in their local currency, access to capital and liquidity is a barrier for trade finance with international banks
Retraction from risky markets – due to the perceived risks around trade finance and working in riskier markets in Africa, many global banks are shrinking their presence in countries such as Zambia, Nigeria and Tanzania which is preventing those markets to access trade finance

The result of the above is a general lack of trade finance for African business, and now the World Development Bank and African Development Bank are driving initiatives to counter this, by introducing measures, sharing financial risk and incentivising banks and funders to finance trade.

Why is 2018 an opportunity for growth in Africa?

Both private and public initiatives are continually driving trade finance in Africa, given the size of the economy and its growth through trade.

Speaking to James Sinclair at Trade Finance Global, they have marked Africa as a gateway for trade and hub for export growth in 2018:

‘The rise of alternative funders in the trade finance space who are looking to bridge the $1.5tn USD trade finance gap are slowly taking market share due to the profitability and opportunity related to trade financing.

‘When you look at the data, trade finance has in fact one of the lowest default rates of commercial and consumer finance products, yet yields high returns, especially when you take into account the potential for cross sell and the lifetime value of customers. Once more sophisticated KYC / KYG and AML infrastructure is established within Africa’s banking system, we will see liquidity flow into these markets as investors seek (less risky) higher returns by financing African markets to trade internationally. These ecosystems are starting to establish in Lagos, Cape Town and Nairobi, and we don’t see it stopping.’

Deutsche Bank recently announced a new head of trade to assist African growth through its Lagos operation, as a key focus for trade finance growth between the EU and Sub Saharan Africa.

Standard Bank and Barclays are also leading the way in Africa through Blockchain technologies facilitating trade finance.

Another revolution in Africa is the rise of financial technology (fintech) platforms and smart contracts which have been earmarked to disrupt trade in 2018.

The nimble and agile fintech companies are helping bring down the ever increasing compliance / know your customer costs involved with trade finance.

Despite the inherent barriers to entry around access to liquidity, banking infrastructure and risky markets within Africa, we see a rise of fintech platforms facilitating and disrupting many areas of trade finance, and the support from Development Banks gives hope to making 2018 the year of trade for Africa.

Save money when buying auto parts

Automotive

ABC Staff

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18 January 2018

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Auto parts can become rather pricey, especially with having to constantly update them, and make sure that you are not missing anything. Just one small part missing from your car can change everything. But what can you do? How can you save money when buying auto parts? Well, you’ll be pleased to here that you really do not need to such an expert on cars and trucks in order to save tons of money on repairing and maintaining your car. However, having just a small amount of information and knowledge on how this whole auto part industry works can help save you a ton of money! See here how and start putting that hard earned money to better places.

For one, what you can do to start out is to read the owner’s manual of your vehicle. Even if you are not the biggest fan of reading, this is the one thing you are going to want to make sure to invest the time in reading. Owner’s manuals often tell you when the manufacturer of the vehicle suggestions when to give it some maintenance updates. By reading, you’ll find out exactly when the best time to spend some money on your car is, and also how to do it in the best way possible.

Another very useful way to save money on your auto parts is to find yourself a highly reputable auto repair shop. You can look for recommendations through others, such as your family members, friends and even your co-workers. They are most likely to have a specific shop that they like and trust, and have been going to for several years and have been getting results they are satisfied with. It can also be useful to look for a shop that specializes specifically in your make of car.

Any good auto repair shop will have certified technicians that are in house and ready to help you. Most good car technicians should be certified in at least one of the eight car repair categories. These include, Brakes, Steering, Engines and Suspension, and are given their certification through the ASE, the Automotive Service Excellence. In order to make sure you will not waste money on parts and other car maintenance, it is important to check which training the car technicians have, and that they know what they are doing. It is also useful to note that the cleanliness of the floor area plays a large role in the service they will provide. If the shop is dirty, full of trash bags and dirty rags, you probably are better off not having them work on your car.

Preventive maintenance is another great way to test out a shop and see whether or not you should invest in their services. Go in to the shop when you want an oil change, which is one of the best steps that you can be taken for preventive maintenance. It is also a perfect chance to speak to the technicians and ask the right questions that you learned to ask by reading your car’s manual.

If a shop gives you an estimate of how much their services will cost for what you need, ensure that they can provide you with a detailed list that is for your own car and that it matches up with the current mileage on your car. If for whatever reason their quote is too expensive for you at the moment, find out which services are the most crucial, and cut the list down to what is comfortable for your budget. It is also helpful to consult with a friend or someone else that you trust and believe is knowledgeable in this field.

There are even some websites that can give you estimates and what the usual charges for car repairs are in your area. These websites such as RepairPal and AutoMD provide a large range of reasonably priced estimates based on your location. Based on the lowest price and the highest price, you can find out what a fair price is considered for a specific service. Another great saving tip for private number plates, use leading private number plate brokers, they often have the best prices.

After your car has been started up, check if the engine light goes on, and if so, it is important to check it as soon as possible. Even if it is something that seems quite simple, it could turn into something more problematic, and expensive. Have your car towed to your repair shop in order to avoid engine damage.

One thing that you can in fact check on your own is that the gasket is in place on the underside. All you need to do is remove the fuel filler cap, and make sure that you replace it tightly. If the cap was not tightly screwed back on then the warning light will go off once you restart the engine.

And always keep in mind, that you do not need to run to a repair shop right away, Sometimes, you can the work yourself, such as changing the wiper blades or changing the air filter of your car. Just make sure you buy the right kind, the shop should be happy to help you.

How cryptocurrencies are changing online behaviour

5 Ways cryptocurrencies are changing online behaviour

1. More online traffic from developing countries

2. More online transactions

3. More digital investments

4. More gaming

5. More choice for online lottery players

Shard Capital: Wealth Management

UK property investment trends: Birmingham sees a boom

How to Increase the Value of Your Property

Ways to Save Money During a Campervan Conversion

Are staycations the best family choice for 2018?

How can you protect your precious gadgets

What really happens in an economic minute?

2018 for Trade Finance in Africa

Save money when buying auto parts

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