This is an experience about Japan. I grew up with the impression that ‘Made in Japan’ meant excellence in quality, and technology supremacy, represented by advanced phones, robots, and vending machines. This paradigm was exploded for me after visiting Japan, and I clearly remember one episode on my first visit. I was off on a walk around town, soaking in the new environment, and I heard a siren from an oncoming Ambulance – as he reached the intersection just ahead of me, the driving pattern and speed were as we would see in North America, but one vital difference – … Continue reading Japan | The customer is always right

ABM Amro open branch in open in Second Life – the virtual reality site.  Dutch banking group ABN Amro has set up a virtual financial advice centre in Second Life, the Internet-based role playing game that has a real economy. Second Life has a population of over 380,000 who use virtual currency, known as Linden dollars, to buy and sell virtual goods. Linden dollars can be swapped for real money and many regular players make a significant income from transactions. Source: Finextra: ABN Amro opens virtual branch in Second Life Other Banks in Second Life that I am aware of are: MetaBank – … Continue reading Finextra | ABN Amro opens virtual branch in Second Life

 At the Global Microcredit Summit held November 12-17 in Halifax, Canada, Muhammad Yunus was the guest speaker. Also, Citizens Bank made a very future friendly initiative public. And now, we can use our own funds just as Muhammad Yunus did in the early days. This week, Citizens Bank announced that they will offering there version of a Shared World investment fund where Canadians can invest their RRSP’s to be put to work in the developing world as revolving microcredit loans. What a powerful example of a win-win! We get to save for retirement while simultaneously helping millions of the poorest … Continue reading The Epoch Times | Empowering the Poorest

 Interesting results of a survey in UK suggesting surprisingly large percentage interested in social lending.  Less surprising is that few believe Banks act in their best interest.  That’s a sad statement. 27th November 2006 By Clare Watson A survey by the Social Futures Observatory has found that 74% of Britons would consider online social lending, a service where people who wish to borrow money are put in touch with those who wish to lend it, as a serious alternative to their high street bank. The survey also revealed that only 15% of those questioned believe the main aim of their bank … Continue reading Internet social lending emerges as potential bank rival – Banking Business Review

 With this note, Zopa prove they get it.  This is an example of why Banks need a blog – not just for emergencies, but perfect for use if there is one. Posted by Dave at 10:59 pm  – 27th Nov 2006 Our hosting company’s ISP has had a bit of a hiccup. A lot of people are having trouble accessing the site – apologies if you’re one of them. We’re trying to get it sorted as soon as possible – check back soon! Cheers Dave Source: Zopa blog And … note the time – 20 minutes ago – it merely … Continue reading Zopa blog | message to customers

Social lending must be going mainstream – McKinsey have analysis here.  In the analysis they conclude the concept is a win-win, but there is a doubt.  The one thing this piece tells me is that social lending is becoming confused with Microcredit, so before I continue, here is my definition: Social Lending:  an internet business that beings lenders and borrowers together eliminating the requirement for banks.  Borrowers are generally within three categories, (as nicely defined by James in a comment earlier) and mostly 1) & 2): 1. Borrowers who can’t get a loan from a bank for whatever reason, but … Continue reading McKinsey | A grassroots approach to emerging-market consumers

 Markus is plainly a guy who gets it.  I trust his evaluation, and will watch MySpace closely over the next few weeks (or less).  There was some clue that this could happen back in July.  I assume that if Myspace doesn’t come up with a response soon it will decline quickly. Source: The Captcha is dead. « The Paradigm Shift Relevance to Bankwatch: Social networks have to be trusted.  Part of the implementation has to account for ‘bad guys’ trying to implement old thinking on a new idea. Kudo’s to Matt and his WordPress team for his exemplary work in … Continue reading The Captcha is dead – MySpace to follow