Lists

Top Stories at Finovate Spring 2011

The increasingly popular Finovate Conference Series just completed its spring event in San Francisco.

64 very interesting companies presented brief technology/product demos to a large audience of financial services media, analysts, investors, potential partners, competitors, and other industry participants.

All of the presenting companies are focused on technology innovation in finance, and most of the companies are young.

Below is a recap of some of the more interesting stories at the conference.  There are five companies/stories in each category.  The categories are intended to represent the perspectives of what could be considered core audience segments for the presenting companies.  In other words, each category lists the companies that might be...

Retirees Suffer in Current Low Interest Rate Environment

Financial Times personal finance columnist Matthew Vincent discusses the challenges that retirees face in the current economic environment. The gist of the story is that these are brutal times for savers who need to generate interest income to fund current spending needs. In other words, these are brutally difficult times for many retirees.
Key Phrases: 

Sheryl Moore on Fixed Indexed Annuities and the SEC Proposed Rule 151A

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed Rule 151A would change the securities status of indexed annuities from fixed insurance products to registered, securities products.

The proposed rule would have a significant impact on their entire industry landscape.  SEC 151A would affect the way in which insurance companies develop...

Companies: 

Consider 5 Basic Risks When Thinking About How to Plan for Retirement

How much do I need to save for retirement? How do I plan for retirement? Both are pretty basic questions that are top of mind for most people who are at or approaching retirement age, and the uncertainty and anxiety around these questions have only increased in light of the financial crisis. A recent article lists 5 risks that should be on the radar of anyone contemplating retirement: Inflation Longevity risk Market risk Health problems and expenses Losing a job or unexpected retirement Source...