• Smart Pods Aim to Balance Connectivity and Privacy in the Modern Workplace

    With the rise of open-plan offices and collaborative work environments, finding a quiet space to concentrate can be a challenge. However, the need for privacy and focused work time remains crucial for productivity and employee well-being. Enter smart pods, which are designed to bridge the gap between workplace connectivity and individual privacy. These compact, modular […]

  • Washington-Based Harborstone Credit Union to Expand With Acquisition of SaviBank

    Harborstone Credit Union plans to expand its presence in Washington with an acquisition of SaviBank and its parent holding company, Savi Financial. The credit union has entered into a purchase and assumption agreement for the transaction, the companies said in a Saturday (March 23) press release. The transaction was unanimously approved by the board of directors […]

  • Consumer Credit Lender CURO Files for Bankruptcy Protection

    CURO Group Holdings has filed for bankruptcy protection to implement the terms of a Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) supported by about 74% of its lenders. The restructuring plan is expected to reduce the company’s debt by about $1 billion, save it about $75 million in cash interest annually and enable it to invest in growth, the […]

  • As B2B Operations Digitize, Marketing Does Too: Enter the B2B Influencer

    The consumerization of the B2B landscape has at its heart a central insight: people are people. Increasingly, they want the whole of their lives to be as convenient as possible — both the professional bits, and the personal bits. And while businesses may sell to other business, it is ultimately the individual decision makers who […]

  • Growing Rise in Side Hustles Points to Boon in Digital Payouts

    The rise of the gig economy may have significant, positive knock-on effects for faster disbursements and earned wage access options. In this environment, supplemental income is a pursuit, especially among high-income individuals and households. Inflation has proven sticky, especially for some of the most essential spending that makes everyday life livable, like food, clothing and […]

  • Goalsetter Raises $9.6 Million to Promote Financial Health

    Savings/financial education platform Goalsetter has raised $9.6 million in new funding. The company’s Series A extension round, announced Monday (March 25) was led by an affiliate of Edward Jones and MassMutual through its MM Catalyst Fund, with participation from past investors, including Fiserv and Webster Bank. “This funding will empower us to enhance our B2B offerings and forge stronger partnerships with credit […]

  • 28% of BNPL Applicants Motivated by No Interest Rate

    For buy now, pay later (BNPL) applicants, PYMNTS Intelligence finds, interest rates are a key concern. By the Numbers The 2023 PYMNTS Intelligence report “The Credit Accessibility Series: BNPL’s Wide-Ranging Impact on Consumers and Merchants” drew on a survey of more than 3,100 consumers to understand the increasing prevalence of BNPL products as a credit […]

  • Amex GBT to Acquire Global Business Travel Solutions Provider CWT

    American Express Global Business Travel agreed to acquire global business

  • GM Ends OnStar Data Sharing Following Public Protest

    Consumer outcry has led General Motors to cease sharing connected car data with brokers. “As of March 20th, OnStar Smart Driver customer data is no longer being shared with LexisNexis or Verisk,” GM told Ars Technica Friday (March 22). “Customer trust is a priority for us, and we are actively evaluating our privacy processes and […]

  • Stability AI CEO Resigns and Calls for 'Transparent' AI Governance

    Stability AI’s founder and CEO has resigned to pursue decentralized artificial intelligence (AI). Emad Mostaque has stepped down as the AI firm’s chief executive and from the company’s board, Stability announced Friday (March 22) on the company’s blog. “I am proud two years after bringing on our first developer to have led Stability to hundreds of millions of […]

  • FTX's Stake in Anthropic Draws Sovereign Wealth Fund Investors

    Investors are reportedly lining up to purchase FTX’s stake in artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic. But as CNBC reported Friday (March 22), sources say that while the company has received interest from sovereign wealth funds, it ruled out taking money from Saudi Arabia due to national security concerns. The shares in Anthropic are being sold as part of FTX’s […]

  • Retailers Struggle Amid More Cautious Consumer Spending

    U.K. and U.S. retailers are reportedly finding that deep discounts aren’t enough to woo consumers. “Even the strongest and highest profile brands up and down the country are struggling,” said Julie Palmer, a partner at British consulting firm Begbies Traynor Group, told Bloomberg News in an interview published Sunday (March 24). She cited a “difficult macroeconomic environment, reduced discretionary […]