Like many of the “buzzy” innovations that came before it, it’s hard to comprehend the impact open banking will have in its current, early iteration. Darrell MacMullin, senior vice-president of product and platform for Mastercard Canada, likens it to the hype around cloud computing, mobile technology and artificial intelligence before they became more commonly known…
Impacts of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, housing market correction and tax return tips: Must-read business and investing stories
The shutdown of Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves across global markets and triggered a reassessment of future rate moves by central banks, including that of the Bank of Canada.DADO RUVIC/Reuters Getting caught up on a week that got away? Here’s your weekly digest of the Globe’s most essential business and investing stories, with insights and…
Thanks to a slowing economy, SBA loans have been growing in popularity
As interest rates continue to increase and fears of a recession loom, it is becoming harder for some small businesses to get financing. However, one very good option remains: the US Small Business Administration. Thanks to a slowing economy, SBA loans have been growing in popularity. In 2022 the agency approved about 57,000 loans totaling…
Small business owner talks serving the community’s needs
Mar. 18—Most people, when they think about shopping local, they think about small businesses like boutiques and gift shops. However, there are many services and needs based businesses that are locally owned as well. Athens’ newest laundromat, The Bubble Hut, just opened up at the beginning of the month on Highway 31. “We just felt…
First Citizens Bank Charitable Foundation anounces donations
First Citizens Charitable Foundation, Inc. announced in a press release that 45 area organizations were the recipients of $149,950 in donations in December 2022 and January 2023. Recipients include the following: Project Flo Association $2,000; Charles City Community Schools $1,000; Immaculate Conception School $2,000; Floyd County Historical Society $2,000; National 19th Amendment Society $5,000; Friends…
Are banks on the edge of another 2008-style precipice?
Northern Rock, Bear Stearns, Countrywide Financial and Alliance & Leicester. Back in late 2007 and early 2008, when they all failed or were rescued, none of the above was systemically important. And few observers would have predicted the nightmarish crisis that was to strike within the year, felling behemoths from Wall Street’s venerable Lehman Brothers…
Time to become Virtually perfect
Some might believe that the COVID ’19 pandemic was the harbinger of a heightened digital health wave, while others might believe that the pandemic simply hastened the process of its evolution and adoption. I, for one, stand by the latter. The Digital Health market size was around US$ 195.1 billion in 2021, and is estimated…
Westlock County unveils new strategic plan
WESTLOCK – Westlock County has a freshly-minted strategic plan, a 12-page document that presents a unified voice from councillors on what needs to be done at the municipality for the remainder of their four-year term and lays out an “ideal future” and the direction needed to get there. At their Feb. 28 regular meeting, councilors…