Yahoo!/HSBC: PayDirect from New York to Hong Kong

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Why investment banks are of utmost importance to wealth managers

Recent issues have brought investment banking into the spotlight and have led some large global wealth managers to redefine the focus of their businesses. In the post financial crisis environment the reputation of investment banking has been shattered, but wealth managers simply cannot justify closing investment banking operations.

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What conclusions can be drawn from the net inflows at Credit Suisse Private Banking?

Credit Suisse has announced strong net inflows within its private wealth management unit. In Q1 2012, net inflows from wealth management clients reached CHF5.8bn, up 45.0% on Q4 2011. The origins of the new assets highlight a number of characteristics that define the global wealth management industry in 2012.

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Wells Fargo branches: less is more

Wells Fargo is launching a smaller mini-branch format that will allow it to operate in areas where normally sized branches are unviable. Reducing branch size will result in significantly lower operating costs. This means that banks can continue to keep branches - still a vital acquisition tool - despite the continuing migration of customers to digital channels.

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Web 2.0 holds promises and threats for online banking

Web 2.0 technologies represent a means through which retail banks can more accurately serve the modern consumer. As such, many banks appreciate the benefits that such technologies could bring to their online offerings, such as a new, more customizable and interactive internet experience. However, they remain cautious about implementing the technology due to perceived security implications.

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Wealth managers need to join the mobile bandwagon

Private wealth managers are by necessity more cautious than the rest of the financial services market, as they are responsible for the preservation and growth of their clients' money. As such, technological innovation comes slow to the market. However, the mobile banking revolution is unfolding so fast that wealth managers have to develop a mobile strategy or risk losing affluent customers.

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Wealth management: the rush to pick up the pieces

The global wealth management market is now seeing a number of M&A deals, with Kleinwort Benson and parts of ING's private banking division now under the hammer. Yet the actual number of top-tier businesses coming to market remains small and competition for these assets is becoming fierce as more wealth managers get back on their feet, making it essential to move cautiously and strategically.

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Visa: IPO to net up to $18.8 billion

As Visa moves closer to its sale of Visa Inc stock, yesterday's SEC filing has revealed that the target stock price will see the card scheme generate up to $18.8 billion from the sale; a record sum for an IPO. Visa's member banks stand to gain from a share of the proceeds, while $3 billion will be set aside to cover costs related to litigation that Visa is currently involved in.

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Visa-Samsung deal is NFC's silver lining

Visa's new deal with Samsung is a major leap forward for NFC and its future within payments. While NFC still faces a considerable number of challenges, the sheer size and scale of the new payWave rollout initiative, in addition to Visa and Samsung's global brand presence, will likely give the technology the boost it needs to see a rise in consumer adoption rates.

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Visa's CodeSure is compelling, but may prove difficult to launch

Visa CodeSure, a card with an embedded screen and numerical keypad, is ready for launch. By entering their PIN, consumers can generate one-time passcodes that can be used in place of static passwords for online transactions and banking. However, despite its clear anti-fraud benefits, convincing banks to invest in portfolio upgrades while economic uncertainty prevails will prove challenging.

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