Digital lending and payment provider WLTH and Parley for the Oceans, a new form of environmental organisation, announce a five-year partnership to empower customers with an innovative lending solution that offers an everyday way to protect the oceans and support the movement to end marine plastic pollution across Australia.
WLTH is collaborating with Parley for the Oceans to develop and deliver simple mechanics to its customers to aid in the protection of Australia’s treasured reefs and coastlines from the threats of plastic pollution.
Aimed at a new generations of banking customers who are driven by authentic, impactful commitments to environmental responsibility, WLTH and Parley for the Oceans will deliver an eco-innovative suite of products and services over the next five years.
Scheduled for release in Q4 2021, WLTH will introduce the Convego® Parley Ocean Card developed with Giesecke+Devrient (G+D). The innovative new payment card, made of Parley Ocean Plastic® created from intercepted and upcycled marine plastic waste, will empower cardholders with an everyday tool to take action for the oceans.
Founder and CEO of Parley for the Oceans, Cyrill Gutsch said: “To end plastic pollution and the environmental crises behind it, we need to align our economic system with the ecosystem we all depend on: the oceans. Everyone has the power to demand change and take action to help create it, but it’s on industry leaders to own the responsibility of bringing new and better options into reality. The keys are collaboration and eco-innovation. This Convego® Parley Ocean Card and the alliance behind it represent the future we have the opportunity to create, and the role leaders of financial technology can play in shaping it.”
The dynamic partnership with WLTH gives Parley for the Oceans a new platform to scale its global mission to intercept plastic from beaches and coastlines while educating communities throughout Australia. Together, WLTH and Parley for the Oceans are re-imagining the future of lending and its social impact, creating a practical solution for customers to actively address today’s major ocean threats.
Co-founder of WLTH, Drew Haupt commented: “With sustainability in our core DNA, we have partnered with Parley for the Oceans and G+D to launch the first recycled ocean plastic cards in Australia. Not only is it an honor to be one of the first fintech doing so, but it’s also a goal we’ve been aspiring to achieve since the planning phase of building WLTH.”
“As a business, we want to make a difference to the environment and the world around us, and through this partnership, we will be fighting against the growing threat of marine plastic pollution, as well as protecting the oceans and waterways, that are such a huge part of the Australian lifestyle.”
Out of the gate, WLTH will contribute proceeds to Parley for the Oceans with every new user who activates a WLTH Pay account. WLTH will include additional mechanics such as round-up features, plastic off-setting options, and will host events and customer expeditions with Parley for the Oceans throughout the year to raise awareness for the beauty and fragility of the oceans.
WLTH’s commitment to support Parley for the Oceans includes allocating contributions for every home loan towards Parley for the Oceans’ Australian Clean-up Efforts to support intercepting plastic from beaches and coastlines from around the country.
Global Head of Sales and Distribution at G+D, Dr Carsten Wengel added: “Consumers are looking for new ways to a more sustainable lifestyle. That’s why we offer banks our ecologically eco-innovative payment cards. They remind consumers every day of their own and their bank’s environmental commitment to protecting the planet.”
Fext offers simple messaging automation for small businesses to improve customer connections without complicated technology
In Short:
– Small business owners seek simple tech solutions for customer connections, avoiding complex systems.
– Fext offers automated messaging, allowing users to communicate efficiently without group chats.
Small business owners often seek straightforward solutions to connect with customers using minimal technology. Gonenc Mete from Fext discusses how these owners tend to avoid complex tech systems. His experience in Silicon Valley highlights the desire for simple, effective tools to manage everyday tasks.
Currently, many small business owners manage customer communications primarily through their phones. They often resort to sending repeated messages by copy-pasting, which can be time-consuming.
The solution with Fext is a messaging automation feature. Users can compose a single message and send it to multiple recipients without the hassle of group chats..
The Fext app is available internationally, with strong user bases in Australia and New Zealand.
Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats.
In Short:
– Cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific redefine critical infrastructure, expanding its scope beyond just industrial machinery.
– New strategies emphasise visibility to protect crucial sectors like banking, finance, and telecommunications from cyber threats.
The rise in cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific is reshaping the definition and protection of critical infrastructure. New digital and operational technology risks are prompting stakeholders to reconsider conventional beliefs that critical infrastructure is primarily industrial machinery behind high fences.
Michael Fisher from Garland Technology discusses this evolving landscape. Critical infrastructure now encompasses essential services such as banking, finance, and telecommunications, expanding beyond traditional definitions.
The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) networks increases cyber security risks. Many OT services were not designed with cyber security in mind, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Industries most at risk include telecommunications, banking, finance, and utilities, where any disruption can significantly impact society.
Increased Visibility
Fisher highlights that traditional cyber security alone is insufficient to secure these infrastructures. Effective protection requires a new approach focused on visibility. Garland Technology’s mission is to provide visibility to upstream cyber security platforms, eliminating blind spots.
Governments and businesses must recognise their roles in combatting cyber threats. Australia’s Security of Critical Infrastructure Act is a step towards increasing corporate responsibility in recognising critical infrastructure and ensuring compliance with security measures.
Electric vehicles revolutionise last mile delivery with significant growth expected in Australia as sustainability gains momentum.
In Short:
– The shift to electric vehicles for last mile delivery is increasing, especially in Australia, driven by government initiatives.
– Challenges like costs and charging infrastructure hinder EV adoption, but advancements improve efficiency and sustainability perceptions.
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) for last mile delivery is accelerating globally, with Australia expected to see significant growth. Companies and retailers are increasingly adopting greener solutions, driven by supporting government initiatives.
Joe Sofra from ANC discussed the current state of the last mile EV market. He noted the global market is valued at around $30 billion and could grow three to four times over the next eight years.
Challenges such as cost and charging infrastructure remain significant. Currently, over 100 EVs are on the road, but sufficient charging stations need to be developed, including home and public options. The unique requirements of commercial vehicles further complicate access to these facilities.