Blockchain
Mastercard Unveils Small Business AI to Offer Unbiased Advice to ‘Diverse Entrepreneurial Needs’
As much as 88 per cent of small business owners acknowledge the value of having a mentor, but many don’t have the expertise or employees to turn to. Mastercard is launching a new AI-powered tool to help solve these problems.
Mastercard Small Business AI is a tool that harnesses the ability of artificial intelligence to deliver customised assistance for small business owners across the globe.
Created in partnership with Create Labs, a social venture offering technology access to underserved communities, the tool aims to limit biases and cater to diverse entrepreneurial needs. This tool incorporates generative AI features to offer a conversational experience, drawing on emerging techniques and inclusive design standards to promote a relevant user journey.
Mastercard explained that modern businesses must adapt, enhance their skills and keep pace with rapidly changing consumer demand. Because eight out of 10 small businesses operate without employees, entrepreneurs seek solutions despite having access to very few resources.
Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communications officer at Mastercard, said: “Operating a small business is a point of immense passion and pride for entrepreneurs, but it’s certainly not easy. We are working closely with small business owners at all stages of development and seeing the myriad of challenges they face and the critical importance of mentorship to their success.
“Mastercard Small Business AI aims to create mentorship at scale, offering always-on advice from an inclusive set of sources. This is a testament to our commitment to the small business community and to innovations that lift people up.”
The tool is scheduled to be piloted in the US later this year, with the goal for international markets to follow.
‘Uniting for a common goal of inclusivity holds incredible power’
Not only will the AI tool deliver data from Mastercard’s existing repository of content – from the Small Business Community, Digital Doors, Mastercard Trust Center, and Strive USA – a newly formed global media coalition will contribute to that by licensing their business content – such as articles, podcasts and interviews. The following are slated to be the inaugural participants:
Blavity Media Group, a digital media company economically and creatively supporting black millennials; Group Black, a black-owned media company dedicated to connecting brands with diverse audiences; Newsweek, a global digital news organisation; and TelevisaUnivision, the Spanish-language media company, reaching over 53million US consumers across linear and digital platforms.
Bonin Bough, chief strategy officer and co-founder of Group Black, explained the importance of the initiative: “Uniting for a common goal of inclusivity holds incredible power.
“Through collaboration, we are looking to combine diverse resources to enhance a tool designed for all small and medium-sized business owners. We hope that these collective efforts shape a more equitable world for future generations, reducing the exclusion felt by numerous minorities and empowering them with the resources needed to succeed.”
Understanding that time is one of the most valuable assets for any small business owner, Mastercard also has a strong history of developing dozens of business solutions and services that centre around operational efficiency and ease of use.
Mastercard Small Business AI will join the company’s suite of small business solutions designed to empower entrepreneurs to help grow and protect their businesses in today’s digital economy.
Source: TheFintechTimes
The post Mastercard Unveils Small Business AI to Offer Unbiased Advice to ‘Diverse Entrepreneurial Needs’ appeared first on Hipther Alerts.
Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 30, 2025 (Qubetica, BTQ, Binance, EVIANCX)
The world of blockchain and cryptocurrency continues to evolve, with new projects, technological breakthroughs, and strategic investments shaping the landscape. As 2025 unfolds, the blockchain industry is being propelled forward by innovation, partnerships, and a deeper exploration of blockchain’s potential across diverse sectors. In this edition of Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain, we take a closer look at the latest developments in the blockchain space, from new projects to quantum alternatives and the return of a major crypto figure.
1. Layer Qubetica: Blockchain Solutions for Real-World Use Cases
Source: The Independent
Qubetica, a new blockchain project, is making waves by developing solutions that aim to bridge the gap between blockchain technology and real-world applications. This platform is designed to provide secure and scalable blockchain solutions for businesses looking to enhance their operations with decentralized technology.
The core focus of Qubetica’s blockchain solutions lies in improving supply chain transparency, reducing fraud, and increasing efficiency across industries. One of the standout features of the platform is its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, offering a straightforward approach for businesses to adopt blockchain without disrupting their current operations.
Blockchain technology has often been criticized for its complexity and steep learning curve, especially for companies that are new to the space. However, Qubetica’s user-friendly approach could help demystify blockchain for businesses across various sectors, including logistics, finance, and healthcare. This is a major shift in the blockchain industry, as more companies begin to see the potential of this technology beyond just cryptocurrency and DeFi projects.
The introduction of such accessible blockchain solutions is a significant milestone for the industry, as it demonstrates blockchain’s versatility and potential to revolutionize industries far beyond crypto.
2. BTQ Proposes Quantum Alternative to Crypto’s Proof of Work
Source: CoinDesk
As the cryptocurrency space continues to evolve, so does the need for more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms. Enter BTQ, a company proposing a quantum computing-based alternative to the widely used proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism that underpins many cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
BTQ’s proposal aims to address one of the biggest criticisms of PoW: its environmental impact. While PoW requires vast amounts of computational power and energy to validate transactions and secure the network, BTQ believes quantum computing offers a far more efficient solution. Quantum computing, which leverages the principles of quantum mechanics, has the potential to solve complex problems much faster than traditional computers, making it an ideal candidate for powering blockchain networks without the energy-intensive demands of PoW.
This proposal could have far-reaching implications for the future of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. If successful, it could not only make cryptocurrencies more sustainable but also introduce a new paradigm for securing blockchain networks. Quantum computing is still in its early stages, but if BTQ’s proposal gains traction, it could signal the beginning of a new era in blockchain development.
3. Binance’s CZ Returns to Crypto with $16M Investment in Sign
Source: CoinDesk
Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, the CEO of Binance, has made a return to the crypto space with a $16 million investment into Sign, a blockchain-based messaging platform. This move comes after a period of relative silence from CZ, following the turbulence Binance faced in 2024 with regulatory scrutiny and market fluctuations.
Sign, which is designed to offer a decentralized alternative to traditional messaging platforms, promises enhanced privacy and security by leveraging blockchain technology. The platform is set to allow users to send encrypted messages without relying on centralized servers, giving them greater control over their data.
CZ’s investment is seen as a strong endorsement of Sign’s potential, signaling that Binance’s leadership remains confident in the future of blockchain beyond cryptocurrency trading. This move also highlights the growing interest in Web3 technologies, which aim to decentralize the internet and give users more control over their digital interactions. With CZ’s backing, Sign is poised to gain traction in the growing Web3 ecosystem.
As more blockchain applications extend beyond finance, CZ’s investment is an indication of the expanding use cases for blockchain technology, especially in areas like communication and data privacy. It also suggests that Binance, despite its recent challenges, is still positioning itself at the forefront of the broader blockchain revolution.
4. Nine Surprising Ways Blockchain Technology is Making a Difference
Source: GeekSide
Blockchain technology’s potential extends far beyond cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. In a recent article by GeekSide, nine unexpected ways that blockchain is being used to solve real-world problems were explored, including in sectors like healthcare, education, and entertainment.
One of the most surprising applications is in healthcare, where blockchain is being used to track the provenance of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. By ensuring that drugs and equipment are sourced from legitimate suppliers and are handled according to strict regulations, blockchain can help combat counterfeit drugs and improve patient safety.
In education, blockchain is being used to issue verifiable certificates and diplomas. This not only makes it easier for employers to verify candidates’ credentials but also ensures that students’ achievements are securely stored and cannot be tampered with.
The entertainment industry is also embracing blockchain for creating decentralized platforms that allow content creators to retain more control over their work and receive direct compensation for their efforts. This is a stark contrast to traditional models, where middlemen often take a significant portion of the revenue.
These applications demonstrate that blockchain’s potential is far-reaching and that the technology is being adopted across industries in ways that were once considered improbable. As more organizations realize the benefits of decentralization, blockchain will likely become a core component of many sectors.
5. EVIANCX: Enhancing Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Usage in Latin America
Source: GlobeNewswire
EVIANCX, a blockchain platform focused on enhancing the cryptocurrency ecosystem in Latin America, has made significant strides in improving access to decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain-based services in the region. The company’s efforts aim to address the challenges faced by Latin American countries, where economic instability, inflation, and lack of access to traditional banking services have led to the rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies.
EVIANCX is working to create a more inclusive financial system by enabling people to use cryptocurrency for everyday transactions, including remittances, payments, and savings. The platform’s innovative features also focus on providing educational resources to help users better understand blockchain and cryptocurrency, thereby empowering them to take control of their financial futures.
The growth of blockchain technology in Latin America is part of a broader global trend toward decentralized finance and digital currencies. As traditional financial institutions struggle to keep up with the demand for more inclusive and accessible financial services, blockchain-based platforms like EVIANCX are filling the gap, offering a glimpse into the future of global finance.
This is a significant development for the crypto space, as it demonstrates how blockchain can be used to empower underserved populations and create more equitable financial systems. The rise of blockchain in Latin America will likely have a lasting impact on the global adoption of cryptocurrency and DeFi technologies.
Conclusion: Blockchain’s Expanding Reach
The latest developments in blockchain and cryptocurrency show just how far the technology has come since its inception. From improving supply chain transparency and enhancing messaging security to exploring quantum alternatives to proof of work, blockchain is proving its potential to revolutionize industries across the globe. As the technology matures, we can expect to see even more innovative use cases that extend well beyond the world of digital currencies.
With companies like Qubetica and EVIANCX pushing blockchain into real-world applications and industry leaders like CZ continuing to invest in the space, the blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystems are set to continue their rapid evolution. As blockchain technology finds its footing in sectors like healthcare, education, and communications, its long-term impact could be nothing short of transformative. The future of blockchain is bright, and its possibilities are just beginning to unfold.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 30, 2025 (Qubetica, BTQ, Binance, EVIANCX) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Blockchain
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Financing Global Strategic Business Report 2025: Shift Towards Sustainable and Green Financing Solutions Expands Market Potential – Global Forecasts to 2030
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Financing Market
Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 28, 2025 (EVIANCX, Abstract, Venice, KPMG, Hashgraph Group)
Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency continue to redefine industries worldwide, driving innovation and creating new opportunities. In today’s edition of “Blocks & Headlines,” we explore major developments across the blockchain space, highlighting new projects, partnerships, and emerging trends.
Blockchain as a Catalyst for Innovation
The blockchain industry’s transformative potential was the focus of a recent report detailing how decentralized technologies are driving innovation in finance, healthcare, and supply chain management. Blockchain’s transparency and immutability are key factors enabling its adoption across diverse sectors.
In particular, the report noted the technology’s ability to enhance trust and efficiency in processes, reducing costs while improving security.
Analysis: Blockchain’s role as a catalyst for innovation is becoming more evident as industries beyond finance embrace its capabilities. The growing interest underscores the need for continued research and development to unlock its full potential.
Source: Cape Gazette
EVIANCX Enhances Cryptocurrency Usage in Latin America
EVIANCX, a leading blockchain platform, has announced new initiatives aimed at increasing cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America. The company is rolling out solutions to address challenges such as accessibility and education, targeting both businesses and individual users.
By simplifying blockchain technology and expanding infrastructure, EVIANCX seeks to empower communities and drive financial inclusion across the region.
Analysis: Latin America’s growing interest in cryptocurrency is fueled by its potential to address issues such as inflation and limited access to traditional banking services. EVIANCX’s initiatives could significantly enhance the region’s blockchain ecosystem.
Source: GlobeNewswire
Abstract: A Consumer Blockchain for the Masses
The launch of Abstract, a highly anticipated consumer-focused blockchain, marks a significant step toward making cryptocurrency more accessible. Abstract aims to simplify blockchain use cases, offering tools and applications designed for everyday users.
By prioritizing user experience and scalability, Abstract is positioning itself as a gateway for mainstream adoption of blockchain technology.
Analysis: Abstract’s approach to consumer-centric blockchain solutions highlights the industry’s shift toward usability and mass appeal. Simplifying complex systems is crucial for bridging the gap between blockchain enthusiasts and the general public.
Source: PR Newswire
Venice Launches VVV Token to Bridge Blockchain and AI
Venice, a pioneering blockchain project, has unveiled the VVV Token, designed to integrate blockchain with artificial intelligence. The token facilitates data exchange between AI systems and decentralized networks, promising advancements in predictive analytics, automation, and decision-making.
The initiative also includes partnerships with tech companies focused on AI and machine learning, ensuring robust support for the token’s ecosystem.
Analysis: Venice’s innovative fusion of blockchain and AI represents a significant trend in tech convergence. By combining these technologies, the project aims to unlock new possibilities for intelligent, decentralized systems.
Source: CoinSpeaker
KPMG India Partners with Hashgraph Group to Drive Blockchain Adoption
KPMG in India has teamed up with the Hashgraph Group to promote enterprise adoption of Hedera’s distributed ledger technology (DLT). The partnership will focus on delivering blockchain solutions tailored to industries such as finance, healthcare, and supply chain management.
This collaboration aims to leverage Hedera’s high-performance DLT to address scalability and efficiency challenges faced by enterprises.
Analysis: Partnerships like this highlight the growing interest in enterprise-grade blockchain solutions. By collaborating with established firms, blockchain projects can accelerate adoption and address real-world business needs.
Source: PR Newswire
Key Trends and Insights
- Consumer-Centric Blockchain: The launch of Abstract underscores the importance of user-friendly solutions in driving mainstream adoption of blockchain technology.
- Blockchain-AI Convergence: Projects like Venice’s VVV Token highlight the potential of integrating blockchain with artificial intelligence to create smarter, more efficient systems.
- Regional Focus: EVIANCX’s initiatives in Latin America demonstrate the growing importance of localized blockchain solutions that address specific regional challenges.
- Enterprise Collaboration: Partnerships such as KPMG India’s collaboration with Hashgraph Group emphasize the role of established enterprises in accelerating blockchain adoption.
- Broader Adoption: Blockchain’s application across industries continues to expand, showcasing its versatility and potential to drive innovation beyond cryptocurrency.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 28, 2025 (EVIANCX, Abstract, Venice, KPMG, Hashgraph Group) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
-
Blockchain6 days ago
Andrew Cardno to speak on the session titled “The Seven Forces Transforming Our Industry (Whether We Like It or Not)”
-
Blockchain Press Releases6 days ago
SquaredFinancial adds the Trump and Melania meme coins to its crypto offering
-
Blockchain6 days ago
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 24, 2025 (IBM, SAP, Oracle, Bitfury Group, Auxesis Services Technologies, Binance, European Central Bank)
-
Blockchain6 days ago
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (Ethereum, Quantum Emotions, Pepeto, Zeus Investments, AgileGTM)
-
Blockchain6 days ago
Humanity Protocol and Open Campus Partner to Integrate Achievements and Interoperable Credentials for Decentralized Education
-
Blockchain7 days ago
Life DeFi and Flashy Cash Announce Strategic Merger to Advance Decentralized Finance
-
Blockchain2 days ago
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 27, 2025 (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Binance Academy, Amazon Web Services, Gate Ventures, Morph VC Collective, NASA)
-
Blockchain3 days ago
DYOR Partners with Ava Labs, Announces Major Developments With Matt Dyor Joining as Advisor Plus Acquisition of DYOR.com