Reconciling Data – Robo Advisors & the SEC
Anyone who has worked with databases knows that matching up multiple datasets knows that the nitty, gritty behind-the-scenes detail work is not exactly the most glamorous work —- but it is necessary. That realization was once again driven home when we downloaded the SEC list of registered advisors. The goal was to match that list […]
Japan’s Growth & Manufacturing Challenges
There was an interesting & thought provoking article in Reuters this past week that focused on challenges for Japan’s manufacturing industry. With manufacturing being a key element of the Japanese economy, anything that moves a bit in that sector can be cause for concern. The article focuses on the lack of growth and development in […]
So, What’s in Your (B2B) CRM?
The Global 5000 database is normally imported into our client’s CRM system and then matched to existing records in the system so that all contacts and related activity have an updated set of revenue and employee data. In many cases, it forms the baseline for dividing accounts between major account teams and the smaller accounts. […]
WPP Lower Growth Forecast Highlights Numerous Market Shifts
Various news articles this week picked up on the WPP story where the company Chairman, Sir Martin Sorrell indicated WPP’s growth this year will be minimal. Much of the reason was directed toward large consumer goods firms cutting back on their spending — which WPP and other advertising related businesses depend on. Some of the […]
Paying Attention to Market Trends
One of the interesting things about having a database that is consistent over time and updated regularly is that the data can be continually mined and trends can be tracked and measured over various periods. We find that to be useful in this B2B marketplace where many companies are talking/thinking about Account Based Marketing (ABM) […]
The FinTech Wave of Payment Companies
As part of building the FinTech Dynamic database, we have identified over 150 companies involved in the payments space. Some are retailer/suppliers who have a vested interest and provide services for the payments industry. These include major retailers like Amazon, Alibaba and Wal-Mart. Device manufacturers like Apple and Samsung and services companies including First Data, […]
Retailers – and the Amazon / Whole Foods thing
Amazon’s recent announcement of the Whole Foods acquisition sent a shiver thru the retail industry. We have read any number of articles over the past few years about the death of retail as some traditional retailers (Sears is the oft mentioned example) as internet shopping initiatives have grown by leaps and bounds. Not only do […]
An Update of ‘Top’ Lists — Accounting & Tax Firms
As part of our ongoing research activities, we are always looking for sources of company information including top companies in each country and top lists for any industry or segment. In the Business Services industry group, one of the segments is the Accounting and Tax firms. One source we have found an annual issue of […]
FinTech Robo Advisors . . . and the incumbents
In the hot start-up world of FinTech, there are many different segments from Insurance to Banking to Bitcoins and trading and . . . . One of these advisory business that has been well know by the likes of Schwab, Fidelity and Vanguard. The new players are increasingly algorithmic based and are are labeled […]
Corporate Complexity & the UK Exit from the EU
Among the issues facing the UK as it moves closer to separating from the European Union, are the trade issues facing companies that do business with their UK based customers. With the EU, trade agreements and business rules have been negotiated and in place for years and the UK has been living under those arrangements. […]