Payments

German and French banks push ahead with new debit card scheme | Finextra

Colin Henderson

Not often we see a plausible alternative in the payments space from banks, but here is one in the works. German and French banks push ahead with new debit card scheme | finextra Bundesbank board member Hans Georg Fabritius told the conference that a Visa and MasterCard duopoly is “an unsatisfying vision” for political and economic reasons. However, he warned that while the French and German project, called Monnet, is “promising” it is only a concept and he would want other countries to join in. Continue reading German and French banks push ahead with new debit card scheme | Finextra

Microsoft

Computers need to get better – Google

Colin Henderson

I found this piece on the upcoming Google OS useful for the Google quote.  There is so much debate on this new OS and most of it misses the point.  Its not about Linux versus Windows as many suggest – its about making computers become a simple tool.  This is something that unfortunately Microsft have failed to do.  It has been 14 years since the advent of Windows 95, and almost 30 years since the advent of the PC.  It has become accepted that you either have to be a compuer expert, or retain a support group for computers.  Why? … Continue reading Computers need to get better – Google

Business Models

Bank directors to receive formal training and capability assessment

Colin Henderson

It appears bank boards will be required to go beyond figure head status under upcoming regulation changes in UK. Sir David Walker to shake up bank boards The City grandee tasked with reforming corporate governance standards at Britain’s banks will this week set out plans for directors to receive formal training and annual re-election to the boards of financial institutions. They will also address boardroom composition by stressing that boards need to have a proper balance of experience and understanding of a company’s risk strategy, and suggest that risk committees should be established alongside audit committees to aid risk management … Continue reading Bank directors to receive formal training and capability assessment

Business Models, Innovation, Social networks2 Comments

Collaboration (1) vs Beaurocracy (0) | Wikipedia & CIA Factbook example

Colin Henderson

Here is a striking example of the power of collaborative ‘wisdom of crowds’ approach to information preparation, versus traditional top down beaurocratic approach. I was reading the Obama speech in Ghana, and his references to the current and previous governments, including Jerry Rawlings which rang a history bell for me, so thought I would read up.  First off I checked what used to be my old favourite the CIA factbook, and it has not been updated since sometime before Dec 2008 [note highlight]. On the other hand a quick visit to Wikipedia had more than enough detail being up to … Continue reading Collaboration (1) vs Beaurocracy (0) | Wikipedia & CIA Factbook example

Innovation, VRM2 Comments

A market test alternative for credit cards

Colin Henderson

This is a variation on the theme I cover periodically called Vendor Relationship Management (VRM). The variation here is that the Vendor must place the consumers product up for bif from competition when they are considering changing the terms, such as interest rates.  The consumer would then have the choice of accepting the change, or accepting one of bidders. (HT Payments News) A Market Test for Credit Cards We have an alternative solution, employing a market test of a proposed change. At the time when the lender proposes a unilateral change, it would be required to put the existing account … Continue reading A market test alternative for credit cards

Microsoft

Google plans a PC operating system | NY Times

Colin Henderson

This breaking news from NY Times just a few minutes ago.  Long rumoured but if this is true then its welcomed by this linux user. It does not show on techmeme or any tech blogs yet. Things could be getting interesting. Google Plans to Introduce a PC Operating System In a direct challenge to Microsoft, Google is expected to announce on Wednesday that it is developing an operating system for a personal computer based on its Chrome browser, according to two people briefed on Google’s plans. The move would sharpen the already intense competition between Google and Microsoft, whose Windows … Continue reading Google plans a PC operating system | NY Times

AI11 Comments

Are we finally seeing the demise of the bank branch

Colin Henderson

Finally we are seeing hints of what we all know is inevitable.  It has taken a long time and probably this latest economic crisis, but the long view on branches suggests a damatic shift with less of them. Slow but inexorable move to online banking Yet slowly but surely, the internet is starting to make its mark on the sector as more people move their banking online. Lloyds is to shut up to 400 branches as part of its integration of HBOS. Its rivals are likely to follow suit. A decade from now, the local branch could well be an … Continue reading Are we finally seeing the demise of the bank branch

Uncategorized

US antitrust is the devil

Colin Henderson

Fascinating insght into US antitrust thinking that is quite mind boggling.  They actually believe that the antitrust case against Microsoft promoted Google Chrome and Firefox!  This is a great example of reverse analysis thinking where the result rationalises the approach. Microsoft Internet Explorer became huge because it was better and faster than Netscape.  That was 1996.  Time passes and IE became known as slow.  Firefox emerged, followed by Chrome  I see no connection to antitrust stuff here. My Interview With Antitrust Expert Gary Reback: Google’s Looming Antitrust Issues | TechCrunch One interesting insight from the conversation: I ask Reback if … Continue reading US antitrust is the devil

Economy, US3 Comments

China and America economic future – Ferguson/ Fallows debate

Colin Henderson

A summary in NYT of the fascinating Ferguson/ Fallows debate at Aspen on the economic relationship between China and US. Ferguson: US and China are divorcing economically.  China will focus on internal consumption, not exports.  “Depreciation (of US $) is inevitable and the Chinese are working to end the dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency.” Fallows: “…  doesn’t know what the future will hold, but he believes that Chinese officials still see the dollar as their least risky investment. Domestically, China will not turn democratic, but individual liberties will expand. He agreed that China and the U.S. will dominate … Continue reading China and America economic future – Ferguson/ Fallows debate