Brenton Charnley

We're operationally ready to work with approved third parties on delivering Open Banking solutions that will help improve New Zealanders’ banking experiences. As of today, we've made Payments NZ’s API Centre Payment Initiation v2.1 API Standard available for third parties to connect to. Westpac NZ Chief Information Officer Russell Jones says work continues across the bank to make open banking a success in the months and years to come. “We’re committed to the successful rollout and adoption of open banking, and we look forward to helping provide New Zealanders with more options for making payments and managing their money in a safe and secure way,” Mr Jones says. “Open banking has the potential to provide far-reaching opportunities for customers to manage their money in new ways, from plugging into budgeting tools to splitting the cost of a meal in a quick and easy fashion. “Consumer confidence is key to the successful uptake of open banking, and we continue to work with the industry on future API standards that are safe and secure, as well as providing a seamless and efficient partnering process with third parties that creates trust in the system. “We have entered into a number of partnerships with API providers to date, and are finalising details of our API agreements with these providers. We are also in discussions with a range of other providers regarding potential future partnerships.” For more on Open Banking see: https://lnkd.in/gK9RGCPp and for more on the API Centre Payment Initiation v2.1 API Standard see: https://lnkd.in/gQji5Muh Catherine McGrath Sarah Hearn Richard Dalby Joanne Freeman Dan Symons Ara Krishnaraj Marty Sellwood Steve Wiggins Max Bania Will Hine Sarah Wall Annabel Olsen (Cramer)

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👁️‍🗨️ AI Headlines: Today in ANZ BUSINESS Leonardo.Ai launches a new feature called Flow State. Start with one prompt and keep iterating until you get the image you’re looking for. More here: https://lnkd.in/guKmfHsB STARTUP Melbourne startup Booked AI launches virtual travel agent by founder Mennan Yelkenci. Booked AI has achieved an international certification usually reserved for human travel agents, as they launch a beta version of their mobile app which can field questions about destinations, activities, and book hotels and flights for users. WOMEN LEADERS Founder Nicole Gibson’s world-first AI technology could help us better understand our emotions with inTruth Technologies. She’s raised $9.5million in preparation for the launch. “I saw a massive correlation between someone’s ability to express themselves emotionally, level up their self-awareness, and their ability to overcome mental health challenges [as well as] initiate any meaningful change in their life”. More here: https://lnkd.in/gUidCWj6 ETHICS & REGULATION The Government has created a Voluntary AI Safety Standard which outlines 10 guardrails to consider when implement AI into your business. It’s believed these guardrails will serve as a guide for mandatory future guardrails for AI use in high-risk settings like financial services licensees for example. Some of the guardrails include things like: ✅  Establish, implement and publish an accountability process including governance, internal capability and a strategy for regulatory compliance. ✅ Establish and implement a risk management process to identify and mitigate risks. ✅  Protect AI systems, and implement data governance measures to manage data quality and provenance. More here: https://lnkd.in/gHfY-iqM HEALTH aKin builds assistive robots for mobility disability to support daily living activities. Akin's frontier technology has been built at the intersection of neuroscience, chaos theory, cognitive sciences and AI. “As a technologist who cares deeply about the future of humanity and our planet, I have always believed that AI needs to be built for the benefit of humanity.” Lee Yearsley, Founder & CEO More here: https://www.akin.com/ ONE GLOBAL UPDATE  Cornel Amariei, the CEO and founder of dotLumen the Romanian startup which is bringing a new assistive technology option to the blind and visually impaired with AI-powered glasses. Referred to as ‘pedestrian autonomous driving’ by the company, the aim of the glasses is to enhance safety and provide more independence when it comes to navigation. More here: https://lnkd.in/g3M7d6_J ONE AI DEFINITION Large Language Models: is an advanced AI system trained on vast text data to understand, generate, and process human language across various tasks with context awareness.

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The Federal Budget headlines are here, but what truly matters to mid-sized businesses? Our latest MYOB Bi-Annual Business Monitor sheds light on their priorities, surveying 500 mid-market decision-makers (20-500 FTEs, $5m+ revenue) for the first time 👀. Key Findings: - Operational Efficiency is Paramount: Mid-market businesses are laser-focused 🔍 on overcoming cost pressures. Fuel prices (49%), utilities (43%), and interest rates (43%) are their top concerns. - Innovation for Growth: While cautiously optimistic (63% believe the economy will improve📈), they seek measures that support digitization (36%) and national security (37%). - Red Tape Reduction is Crucial: Cutting red tape (36%) is a major priority, allowing them to scale and adapt more effectively🚀. What the Mid-Market Needs: - Streamlining Operations: Incentives to tackle rising fuel and utility costs, along with support for efficient business processes👌. - Investing in Innovation: Funding for digitisation initiatives and policies that foster growth in green technologies and national security sectors💡. - Less Bureaucracy, More Growth: A streamlined regulatory environment to free up resources and unlock their full potential🔓. Read more here - https://lnkd.in/dpsVuKEd

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🚀 Participate in our survey on AI's impact on productivity and help shape the future of #AI! Callaghan Innovation is proudly joining forces with AI Forum NZ and Victoria University of Wellington to deliver quarterly reports on this important topic 💡 📃 Survey link 👇

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The recently released ACCI Small Business Conditions Survey 2024 paints a stark picture for small businesses across Australia. With 45% of small businesses contemplating closure within the past year and 82% reporting significant impacts from regulatory red tape, the challenges are clear and pressing. For the hospitality industry, these findings are particularly concerning. Known for its dynamic and flexible workforce, our sector faces unique challenges in complying with increasing regulatory demands. The cost of compliance, both in time and money, is diverting essential resources away from growth and innovation. As we look to the future, it's imperative that we advocate for meaningful regulatory reform. Without it, the hospitality industry risks increased closures, reduced investment, and ongoing operational strain. Clipboard Hospitality #hospitality #cafe #hotels #restaurants

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I have written about the journey to Vivara in an article on #CaffeineDaily https://lnkd.in/g8GDw_hA

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📢 Too busy running your business to read the Australia 2024 Federal Budget - no need we did and there are a few gems for mid-size businesses 💰🚀 Here's what's on the table: - Billions in renewable energy and tech investment - Enhanced programs for innovation and manufacturing - Strategic defense spending that could benefit your industry - Streamlined regulations to help you operate more efficiently Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g9fRFaaN

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Learn how to reduce or even eliminate the tax your adult children or other non-dependents pay when they receive your #superannuation death benefits.

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Attention founders: find your next investor here 👀 We started a crowd-sourced list of ANZ investors for the startup ecosystem back in 2017. Today more than 600 VCs, angels, syndicates, venture debt providers, accelerators and grants have been listed to make navigating funding a little easier for founders. Check out the list via the link in comments, and add your details to the relevant table via the submission forms 👇 🌟 This resource is part of our series highlighting the top ten resources from Open Source VC to help founders shortcut company-building firsts.

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Qantas “new distribution model” The claim… “Additionally, for agents it opens up new revenue opportunities, makes it easier to sell ancillary products, streamlines the process for refunds and changes, and empowers them with the tools to create a more personalised experience for each traveller.” There is no evidence that this will happen. No credible examples. The empty promises were first made on 1AUG 2019 with the announcement of the Qantas Channel. “Agencies who have signed up to the Qantas Channel will, over time, be able to offer customers new content, sourced from the New Distribution Capability (NDC)-enabled Qantas Distribution Platform (QDP) Greater reward and recognition of our Frequent Flyers and the ability to deliver targeted offers for our Agency Partners are just some of the benefits that are in the pipeline.” The reality. Plenty of evidence. More surcharges and content chaos. More investment in direct sales eg Qantas Business Rewards. With a new side of “Premium- by invitation only” truffle fries for the elite few who earn their “Golden Ticket” #Qantas #Qantas Distribution Platform #MarketPower #OptinProgram #Fragmentation #Discrimination #NewDistributionCarnage

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#DigitalAdvice is the hot ticket item right now for any public offer superannuation fund or product providers seeking to add value to a smaller pool of advice practitioners. But, despite all the promises of technological advancements, there remains a significant disconnect between product institutions and their desired customer experience. Shaun Green Chief Executive at Elemnta, explains why this should concern providers, and the importance of investment into #data infrastructure capabilities. Read the full article in ifa (Independent Financial Adviser). https://bit.ly/49XJOX4

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🔔 Featured in The Australian Business review, Fintech Ovanti (ASX:OVT) soars after former Zip Co exec named CEO🔔 Ovanti’s recent appointment of Simon Keast, former Zip Co US CFO, as CEO has sent their stock surging by 225%. With over 30 years of global financial experience, Keast is set to lead the company’s ambitious expansion into the US, starting with the launch of its Buy-Now-Pay-Later (#BNPL) platform. His proven track record, including Zip Co’s turnaround in the US, brings confidence to Ovanti’s growth potential in this highly competitive market. As the company prepares to tap into an under-serviced segment of the US economy, investors have a unique opportunity to support a fintech on the brink of major expansion. With Ovanti’s sights now set on the US market, the stage is set for substantial growth. For more details on this exciting development, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gty2M9bg To explore investment opportunities in Ovanti Limited, please contact Trent Primmer. #OVT #Ovanti #Fintech #USMarket #InvestmentOpportunities #ECommerce #ASX #ASXNews #StockToWatch #BuyNowPayLater

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In principle it's great that governments provide data analysis to increase transparency and help citizens with decision making. But I have a bad feeling about the new NSW Rent Check tool. (I have no doubt about good intentions.) For a property, the tool provides a "median rent range", and in one example that range is >15% between 'low median' and 'high median' (whatever that means). Supposedly renters can check if they're being overcharged, but statistically many properties should be above the median, so it's not very actionable. Many land lords, on the other hand, are below one of the medians and will see the 'high median' as the new minimum for their next rental increase. (It would not surprise me if one day the Tax Office would go after them for not charging enough based on this.) The Rent Check tool will update its "median rent range" upwards: chain reaction. Fortunately market forces still apply, so there's a limit in practice. There's been a lot of talk about a housing crisis: does this throw oil on the fire? I can't fault transparency, but would it be more responsible to give more targeted insights from the data, e.g. what percentile your rent is currently in? #data #housing https://lnkd.in/gydu64NM

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💡 Thank you to the The Australian Financial Review and Joanne Tran for a well written and insightful article discussing Technology investment in Australia. And thanks to Tim Riordan and our Blackwattle Investment Partners Mid Cap Quality Team for sharing their own insights, please see a snippet below: - Blackwattle Investment Partners portfolio manager Tim Riordan owns Xero and Life360 among other technology stocks in his mid-caps fund and has been overweight the sector. - The money manager cited robust financial metrics as one of the reasons for the strong momentum behind ASX-listed technology businesses. Other reasons include the poor performance of Australia’s mining sector which has prompted investors to look elsewhere for returns. - “They continue to present as very attractive and strong business models,” Mr Riordan said. “They’ve got multiple operational levers available to them to achieve their growth outcomes. It’s a really attractive dynamic.” #Blackwattle #Alignment #Quality #Trust To read more, please click the article link below 👇 https://lnkd.in/g7GSnfGj

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Superannuation is a crucial component of every working Australian’s life, but it’s frequently clouded by uncertainty and a dash of fear. Understanding how to manage your super investment options and determining how much you need for a comfortable retirement are pivotal steps towards securing your financial future. But fear not! This guide is tailored to shed light on these topics for young professionals, retirement planners, and the broader Australian populace aiming to retire comfortably by age 67. #SuperannuationSavings #RetirementPlanning #FinancialSecurity #InvestmentOptions #SuperannuationManagement #SuperBalance #RetirementGoals #FinancialLiteracy #SuperConsolidation #InvestmentStrategy #FuturePlanning #SuperReview #RetirementSecurity #FinancialAdvice #SuperannuationTips https://lnkd.in/dkhVz6r5

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The Reserve Bank of Australia #RBA today released a report analysing the benefits, design choices and challenges associated with linking #fastpayment systems across countries. The report finds that connecting fast #payment systems has the potential to considerably improve the #speed and #transparency of #crossborder payments, benefiting both end users and service providers. Crucial to realising these benefits are well-designed governance, scheme rules and payments processing capabilities, which help to manage risk and ensure a seamless cross-border payments experience. However, establishing an #interlinking arrangement poses challenges, including dealing with differences in #legal and #regulatory frameworks across participating jurisdictions and agreeing on governance arrangements and scheme rules. Linking national fast payment systems is receiving significant international attention as a promising way to improve the #crossborderpayments experience. In light of these developments and #Australia’s commitment to enhancing cross-border payments, the RBA recently collaborated with a number of Australian industry participants involved in cross-border payments to study the interlinking of fast payment systems. The report contributes to the international discussion on this topic and encourages further analysis of key design considerations. This work will also help inform future discussions in Australia about the potential for the domestic fast payment system, the New Payments Platform (NPP), to be linked to fast payment systems in other countries.

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Geopolitics is heavily impacting Australian retail. Our latest report explains key geopolitical trends and how retailers can build resilience.

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🎉 Happy World Micro & SME Businesses Day! I'm a huge supporter of Australian SMEs – they play a critical role in our economy and have potential for enormous impact when they work together. ➡ Account for more than 98% of all businesses ➡ Employ around 70% of the workforce ➡ Generate $500 billion of economic activity ➡ Constitute one-third of Australia’s GDP If that doesn't deserve to be celebrated, I don't know what does 🥂 #SupportLocal #SupportSMEs #entrepreneurship

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Digital transformation is now a bandaid fix to a faster moving challenge. Why is govt still investing in this strategy? I’d love to see what Aussie companies are heavily investing in broader CX outcomes moving into 2025 - #LCAisthenewCX

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