Shopping Guide for Men’s Watches

December 3, 2019

Therefore, since you are ready to burn with cash on the watch you are looking for, it may be your first watch or your first watch as a materialistic little thing. Regardless, there are two things you need to know about watchmaking so that you can buy something that works best for you. In this article, we’ll show you some of the things that will help you buy the ideal watch for you.

1. When buying a watch Q: Why do you want one?

Likewise with any major purchase, you must select the one that you want from your watch. Obviously, you need something that looks good, but is that your motto? You are looking for hardness and precision commonsense highlights, especially if you use it for sinking, bustling sports, or various exercises where the minor clock does not work.

It is understandable that your biggest concern is the speculation you want to keep up with. Also, not all watches are so well regarded in terms of their spending. Then, in spite of all the worries, you must believe that this is justified. Your purpose behind finding the watch will help you restrict your decisions. When it comes to buying watches, Watch Shopping is the best step for men’s watches at impeccable prices.

2. Simple or digital watch?

‘Simple’ indicates a good old clock with hands and ticking. This is by far the most popular alternative thought, and the chance that you need something that can be as clever as running events, you undoubtedly need advanced do not have. However, some watches offer both simple and computerized shows. These looks also look great when combined with formal wear upstairs.

3. Strap configuration: metal, leather, or rubber

Calfskin watches are similar to garbage belts. The thin, smooth and simple kind of ritual is as simple as you can get, yet it is easy in the thick matte aspect. In the summer, cowhide is spraying and it will be damaged by sweat, so when you go with calf skin you will have to tie it in the heat like nylon or work.

A watch that contains metal earrings looks mannequin, which works with anything including business-appropriate clothing. Also suitable for wearing all year long. In the event that you are looking for good quality watches, then look for the ones that are damaged. Lastly, the flexible (otherwise called pitch) watchdog is an easy way out, but it can be helped with a suit if the watch looks sharp enough. Gum kicking does not mean the watch is of low quality, simply because it is meant for utmost utility – it is not gems.

Bottom line

In terms of finding the right clock for yourself, a great deal of ingredients are handled differently. Depending on where you are headed to the welfare work you need and motivating you, it is really up to you to make a purchase.

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Before buying a men’s watch, consider 5 things

December 3, 2019

At that time, buying a watch was as easy as the monkeys picking peanuts, at this time everyone on earth was happy to wear their watch. However, since men’s wrists should be viewed as hacking squares, we are here to reveal to you 5 things that you should consider before buying a men’s watch.

1. Brand

In the event that cash is not an issue for you then the world is a watch manufacturing plant and you can choose whatever you want. Then, in the event that you have a financial limit, the brand of the watch you choose depends on the amount you want to spend.

There are top level brands, medium brands, top brands and, of course, extravagant brands. Select the brand of the brand on which you are willing to contribute. What’s more, remember, the clock doesn’t cost, it’s a venture, so select by definition. You would have a marked clock instead of the middle of the road.

2. Band

By and large, The Watch Company groups can be grouped into two parts – metal groups, those made of traditional tempered steel or precious metal, and cow guides groups like crocodile watch groups, gators. Groups such as Calfskin are classified. Groups, and even a basic cavity band.

The decision of your band depends on your inclination and, of course, whether your watch is intended to be worn day to day or to be a dress watch. Generally, a calf’s skin is seen as a dressier than a metal tie. However, everything depends on how useful your band is.

3. Dial

Your body type determines the weight and size of your watch dial. At this point you have a solid shape, a standard dial will probably appear female on your wrist. In this way, you need to buy watches that are bulkier. Should go Then again, if you’re an ordinary person, the standard dial is probably going to work for you. By the way, you can try Belquer in the same way – it might suit you.

4. Easy or digital?

It all depends on your inclination and clock usage. A typical clock consists of a dial that has the hour and moment hand, the number, the Roman number, or the marker that shows the time. An advanced clock had an LED presentation and the time is shown numerically. The simplest watch is formally seen for obvious reasons, while the advanced clock is simple and lively. High Time You should purchase an advanced watch, at which time you will need one for sports. Generally easy to follow on the basis that in addition to being formal, elegant and tasteful, you have a range of brands and styles to look at.

5. Case

A case is the structure of a clock. General watches have metal cases made of steel, silver, gold, platinum or titanium. Jewelry can be worn on these edges, they are fully designed that are fully formed, or they can be either sharp or matte.

Depends entirely on the kind of case you want to wear.

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5G: These are the Effects on the Gaming Industry

December 3, 2019

With EE and Vodafone pioneering the establishment of this new technology in the UK, 5G networks are already available in some metropolitan areas such as London, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham. As large ISPs and mobile carriers continue the rollout over the next few years, we’ll see the widespread adoption of 5G in most developed countries.

Without getting too technical, the easiest way to explain 5G is to say that it will provide mobile data transfer speeds that are hundreds or sometimes thousands of times faster than what you would currently get through a 4G or 3G network. So, how will all that extra speed affect the way we play the next generation of games on sites such as wooricasino? Here are the top five effects that 5G will have on the gaming industry:

1. More Interactive and Immersive Mobile Games, and Mobile Consoles

Since we already have incredibly fast home and business Wi-Fi through fiber networks, the real benefit that 5G will provide comes from the fact that such speeds will now be available for mobile games as well. As data can be transferred back and forth between your device and the server, it will be possible for servers to host cloud-based games that are too resource-intensive or large for any mobile phone to run natively.

This might also mean that you would no longer need to download a game and install it on your device, as you would simply connect to the game and play the same way you would currently play virtual casino games through an online platform. The remotely located server would be running the game and streaming it in almost real-time to your device, so you wouldn’t be using any storage space or RAM on your phone, tablet, or mobile gaming console.

2. The Elimination of Lag

Anyone who has had to deal with lag during gameplay knows just how frustrating this aspect of multiplayer gaming can be. In fact, it’s enough to make you not want to play the game at all because it gives players with faster connections an insurmountable advantage.

With 5G, the playing field will be levelled to the extent that the outcome of individual games, matches, or battles would be more indicative of the players’ skill level rather than the speed of their internet connections.

3. Syncing User Input and Haptic Feedback

The development of haptic feedback systems and devices – which vibrate or jolt to give you the sensation of touching or bumping into something in a game – is nothing new, with PlayStation controllers having this capability for more than a decade.

However, 5G will make it possible to implement even more advanced haptic feedback features within mobile gaming devices since the lag between your actions and what you see and experience within the game will be almost entirely eliminated.

4. Top Tier Gaming Away from Wi-Fi Networks

With the release of next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 set to happen in late 2020, the contrast between current-gen mobile games and next-gen console games will be so great that there will be a very real need for mobile developers to step their game up. The availability of 5G connectivity will keep mobile games relatively entertaining when stacked against the upcoming generation of console games.

Also, the introduction of advanced mobile consoles will make current portable gaming devices like the Nintendo 2DS look like an Atari. In fact, it’s very likely that next-gen mobile games will be as good if not better than current-gen console games.

5. No More Data Caps?

The amount of data that can be transferred through a 5G connection in just a single minute could be enough to exhaust many people’s current mobile data cap on their 3G or 4G plan. As such, mobile carriers will be making a dramatic change to the way data caps are established. Since there are already unlimited 4G plans available, it seems that eventually, 5G systems will be so well-equipped and widespread that data caps could become a non-issue within the next 5-10 years.

Of course, that’s great news for mobile gamers because you’ll be able to play your favourite games throughout the month without having to worry about data caps at all. However, it’s also likely that there will still be cheaper, introductory plans available that do carry some sort of limitation related to bandwidth or access time.

When Will All of This Happen?

Residents of the UK can already access a 5G network through EE, which was the first British mobile carrier to establish this technology back in May of 2019. Vodafone also launched a 5G service in July, and O2 and Three are expected to follow suit over the next year. In the U.S., AT&T Fiber already has more than 14 million locations in the United States, setting a foundation for a nationwide 5G network that will be rolled out over the next two years. Verizon also has active 5G networks in 20 U.S. cities.

In conclusion, developed countries can expect widespread access to 5G within the next 1-3 years.

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Hong Kong – Pure Western Insanity

December 3, 2019

By Peter Koenig

The impunity with which the US aggresses Hong Kong is insane. Equally or more insane is western media coverage of what is going on in Hong Kong. Not one word on how the incredible “pro-democracy” vote of the rather unimportant District Council Elections was achieved. Of the 18 District Councils, 452 of 479 seats (71%) went to “pro-democracy” candidates. Such an extreme anti-Beijing vote could only be obtained by massive western propaganda at the cost of millions of dollars, targeted with algorithms, developed on the principles of the now (apparently) defunct Cambridge Analytica. And this with 70% of eligible voters going to the polls.

None of this practically non-realistic result was analyzed by the west and reported on.

None of this practically non-realistic result was analyzed by the west and reported on. In reality, the vast majority of Hong Kongers is sick and tired of the western inspired violence, but are very much proud of being Chinese citizens. They were told by the propagandists that voting for ‘democracy’ candidates was the way to bring peace. And Peace is what everyone wants. After all, integrated into China in 1997, they have enjoyed much more freedom than under British colonialism, where they were not even allowed to vote for their district councils.

The absurdity does not stop here. The US Congress has recently passed legislation that would allow the US monitoring ‘democracy’ and human rights in Hong Kong, the so called “Human Rights and Democracy Act”, with the caveat of imposing sanctions, if Beijing would transgress on the US imposed rules. Can you imagine? Can anyone imagine this all-overarching arrogance?

The US Congress passing legislation to control another foreign territory? And the west goes along with it. It may happen soon in Europe too that the US dictates what sovereign nations are allowed to do and not to do. It is already happening. The US prohibits Europe to do business with whom they want – i.e. Iran, if not, they are being punished. No comments. It’s just the new normal. In the case of Hong Kong, Beijing has protested, called the US Ambassador twice to discuss the matter – to no avail.

It gets even more ludicrous. Madame Michelle Bachelet, High Commissioner of the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, has published in the Saturday issue of the South China Morning Post an article seeking full and “independent and impartial judge-led investigation” into police conduct at protests as part of confidence-building measures. The statement in itself already takes sides, as it does in no way address the foreign-inspired violence of protesters, who, for example, are using a university campus to build Molotov-type bombs and other incendiary devices. The Chinese Government immediately rebuked the article accusing Ms. Bachelet of further inflaming ‘radical violence’.

The statement in itself already takes sides, as it does in no way address the foreign-inspired violence of protesters.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Chen Yaou, spokesman for China’s permanent mission to the UN, launched a scathing attack on what he called an “erroneous article” by Michelle Bachelet. Chen emphasized that China “strongly opposed” Bachelet’s article, saying she had interfered in the internal affairs of China and would only encourage protesters to use more radical violence. Mr. Chen added that “the protesters were seeking to create chaos in the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region), paralyze the HK SAR government and seize the administrative power of the Hong Kong SAR with the aim of rendering the ‘one country, two systems’ principle defunct.” Cheng also said that his government stands fully behind Ms. Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive.

Despite the overwhelming pro-democracy vote on 24 November 2019, protests continue. Thousands took to the streets on Saturday afternoon assembling before the United States Consulate in Central, to “express gratitude” for passing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. They were waving US flags, chanting the Star-Spangled Banner and are asking for more support. They pledge not to let go until all their demands are met.

Essentially, they want total independence from Beijing and become a US colony. They should look at Puerto Rico, what it means to be a US colony, what Washington has in store for its colonies. Or closer to their own history, they should look at their UK colonial past – and remember their state of oppression, the almost zero rights they had then.

What does this all mean for Hong Kong? At the time of the UK handover to China in 1997, Hong Kong contributed about 18% to China’s GDP. Already before the protests began some 6 months ago, it had shrunk to a mere 3%. Within the last few months HK’s economic output has further declined, as key financial institutions want stability and therefore are leaving Hong Kong for safer venues, i.e. Singapore, and, indeed, for Shanghai which is rapidly becoming the financial hub of the east.

The real purpose of the 50-year special status of Hong Kong that the UK (and US) negotiated with Beijing, was to keep this unregulated eastern financial paradise alive for western oligarchs’ often illicit and tax-evading financial transactions of which the western – UK and US – bankers and financiers were the key beneficiaries and profiteers. These US-inspired violent protests are meant to destabilize the Government of Beijing – which is, of course, a pipedream – when in fact, they are committing slowly suicide. Washington and London are disabling Hong Kong of her west-serving money-laundering capacity.

And if it comes really down to the level of intolerant crime and violence against the majority of HK citizens by this foreign-inspired and funded disruption of SAR, Beijing could in less than 24 hours put an end to it. So simple. The west could just gape, but say nothing, because it is in Beijing’s full right to restore law and order in their territories.

Now, let’s look again at the US arrogance to pass legislation to control a foreign territory. Could anyone imagine the logical opposite? China passes legislation to ban any foreign interference in their territories with the threat of sanctions. These could include outright import bans for certain US goods, for example agricultural produce, or stopping crucial exports to the US (iPhones, computers, other US-outsourced manufactured-in-China goods), barring certain US citizens from entering China – or, god forbid, building a military base in Venezuela and / or Mexico; Mexico being the latest Latin American country being harassed by the US for Mexico’s left-leaning government.

It is only by equals facing equals that maybe, just maybe can achieve harmonious and peaceful coexistence. This applies politically as much as it does economically – and in economics, China is the unspoken front-runner with a strong and stable currency backed by her economic output and by gold, versus an entire not only US, but western economy based on fiat money.

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About the Author

Peter Koenig is an economist and geopolitical analyst. He is also a water resources and environmental specialist. He worked for over 30 years with the World Bank and the World Health Organization around the world in the fields of environment and water. He lectures at universities in the US, Europe and South America. He writes regularly for Global Research; ICH; RT; Sputnik; PressTV; The 21^st Century; Greanville Post; Defend Democracy Press, TeleSUR; The Saker Blog, the New Eastern Outlook (NEO); and other internet sites. He is the author of Implosion – An Economic Thriller about War, Environmental Destruction and Corporate Greed – fiction based on facts and on 30 years of World Bank experience around the globe. He is also a co-author of The World Order and Revolution! – Essays from the Resistance.
Peter Koenig is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization.

First published by the New Eastern Outlook – NEO

Can AI really Make Compliance Easy?

December 3, 2019

By Colin Bristow

AI is fast becoming a cornerstone of new organisational strategies. Of the many business practices that AI is augmenting, compliance is perhaps the least riveting; it’s necessary, without much potential for excitement. But there is high potential for value. To reduce the chances of compliance practices becoming a cost centre¹, businesses must learn how they can extract maximum value from them.

Long and arduous compliance processes can tie businesses in knots, but technology can help untangle this. No business is irredeemable, with variated and tailored solutions available for multinationals and SMEs alike. Understanding the pressures that individual businesses are under is vital when it comes to finding solutions that offer ease and add value to each organisation.

New routes to efficient compliance

The burgeoning RegTech (regulatory technology) industry is seeking to highlight how AI can be at the forefront of augmenting compliance practices. RegTech partly focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of existing processes. As part of that improvement, organisations are starting to use AI, machine learning and robotic process automation (RPA) to smooth the integration and processes between new RegTech solutions, existing legacy compliance solutions and legacy platforms.

Why look to AI for help? Recent regulations, such as GDPR or PSD2, are handed down in the form of large and extremely dense documentation (the UK government’s guidance document for GDPR alone is 201 pages). Identifying the appropriate actions mandated by these lengthy documents requires a great deal of cross-referencing, prior knowledge of historical organisational actions, and knowledge of the relevant organisational systems and processes.

The practical application of regulations currently relies on human interpretation and subsequent deployment of a solution, with heavy penalties for noncompliance. This is where AI can help.

What’s more, several regulations attract fines or corrective actions if not applied properly (like the infamous “4% of company turnover” penalty attached to GDPR).

In short, the practical application of regulations currently relies on human interpretation and subsequent deployment of a solution, with heavy penalties for noncompliance. This is where AI can help, reducing the workload involved and improving accuracy. Here are three key examples of how AI can help companies turn compliance into a value-added activity.

1 Allow AI to help reduce risk

Following the deployment of compliance processes, there is often residual risk. This can be as a result of unforeseen gaps in compliance processes, or unexpected occurrences that become apparent when operating at scale.

That’s partly because there are usually a lot of steps and processes to be carried out during the data collation stage of compliance programmes. RPA can help reduce administrative load associated with these processes that include a high degree of repetition – for example, copying data from one system to another. AI can then help process cross-organisational documentation, combining internal and external sources and appropriately matching where necessary.

AI can also help to reduce companies’ risk of noncompliance with, for example, privacy regulations². Furthermore, using AI techniques, organisations can automate transforming and enhancing data³. Intelligent automation allows companies to carry out processes with a higher degree of accuracy.

2 Maximise efficiencies with a hybrid approach

Inefficient processes can also hinder compliance. For example, automated systems that detect suspicious transactions for anti-money laundering (AML) processes are sometimes not always as accurate as they could be. A recent report highlighted that 95% of flagged transactions⁴ are closed in the first stage of review. Effectively, investigators spend most of their day looking at poor quality cases.

Use of an AI hybrid approach to detection ensures there are fewer, higher quality alerts produced. Furthermore, it is possible to risk-rank cases which are flagged for investigation, speeding up the interaction and relegating lower-risk transactions. Although AI forms an underlying principle across most modern detection systems, maintenance is key to managing effective performance.

AI can also be used to bolster AML and fraud measures more widely. For example, applying AI to techniques such as text mining, anomaly detection and advanced analytics can improve trade finance monitoring⁵. This, in turn, can improve the regularity for document review and consignment checking, improving the validation rates of materials as they cross borders.

Businesses have to contend with a constantly evolving landscape, potentially across several regions. AI can help to optimise the processing of these regulations and the actions they require, helping companies keep up to date.

3 Monitor regulations closely

Compliance never stands still. Businesses have to contend with a constantly evolving landscape, potentially across several regions. AI can help to optimise the processing of these regulations and the actions they require, helping companies keep up to date. Companies that need to effectively comply with several differing regulations require a wide range of understanding across all parts of the business. The size, complexity and legacy systems of the business can be significant obstacles.

To mitigate this risk, companies can use natural language processing⁶ (NLP) to automate aspects of regulatory review, identifying appropriate changes contained in the regulation and then relaying potential impacts to the appropriate departments. For example, AI could help geographically diverse companies determine whether changes in the UK have an impact on their Singapore office.

Working together with tech

AI and RegTech are not the enemies of humans in the job market. These systems are designed to integrate into existing teams to boost our productivity⁷. In fact, they’re already helping to automate low-level, repetitive tasks. Questions still remain: could some AI systems be biased⁸? Who has control over these systems? How can transparency be increased? Consequently, AI’s role in simply acting as an assistant to existing teams should be maintained, balanced carefully with a good level of manual oversight.

Compliance is easier with AI involved. Documents can be reviewed quicker, fraud can be prevented at a deeper level, and new insights can be uncovered. Not only can it sort through a wealth of complex transactions, but it is also helping workers to reduce monotony and complexity in their roles. SAS is using these very techniques to assist international banks in adopting AI and advanced analytics. Throughout the whole compliance process, AI aims not only to increase efficiency but, crucially, to add value as a team member, fully focussed on the unique goals of each business.

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About the Author

Colin Bristow is a Customer Advisory Manager at SAS UK & Ireland. With over 18 years of experience working in the financial services sector, Colin has spent time advising organisations in usage of machine learning, intelligent systems technologies and analytics for improvement and business advantage. Colin joined SAS in 2012 and since then, he has been responsible for leading the customer advisory team for insurance firms, discussing strategy and direction for usage of advanced analytics.

References
1. http://www.acamsriskassessment.com/pdfs/Compliance-is-NOT-a-Cost-Center.pdf
2. https://www.freestyle.agency/blog/gdpr-artificial-intelligence/
3. https://support.sas.com/content/dam/SAS/support/en/books/free – books/artificial – intelligence – with – sas.pdf
4. https://www.reuters.com/article/bc-finreg-laundering-detecting/anti-money-laundering -controls-failing-to-detect-terrorists-cartels-and-sanctioned-states-idUSKCN1GP2NV
5. https://www.sas.com/content/dam/SAS/en_gb/doc/other1/pointofview/trade – finance – fraud.pdf
6. https://www.allerin.com/blog/applying-deep-learning-to-natural-language-processing
7. https://www.sas.com/en_gb/customers/swisscom.html
8. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/artificial-intelligence/tackling – bias – in – artificial – intelligence-and-in-humans

New USPS Service Gives You a Peek into Your Mailbox

December 2, 2019

All customers of the U.S. Postal Service have something to be happy about with the new company revolutionizing service called Informed Delivery. The ID (Informed Delivery) helps to send users an email with scanned previews of the letter-size mail planned to be delivered one to three days.

The new idea displays a somehow similar innovation-driven by Richard Alden, and although people are so much into digital, USPS is bridging that idea to its customers. What Postal service does is scan all letter-size mail, which is part of the sorting process. So, as a customer, you will receive scanned images every morning.

New Experience

The traditional mail was phased out by the entry of emails, which people see as more efficient. In fact, a number of things have changed with the postal services Company, but it is no longer interesting for most people who have moved on with the digital era. But for the introduction of ID might be an attempt to get back the magic. The new experience will allow users to check their mail before it is delivered to their addresses. The peek into the mailbox shows up to 10 grayscale images in every email with a link at the bottom so you can see the rest.

Users have the ability to view the images on their dashboard for seven days. The program is only available for selected addresses only.

How It Started

The Informed Delivery idea started way back in 2014 as a pilot program in Northern Virginia, and it was designed to help post office box customers by then when they had something in their P.O. Box. According to ID executive program director, Bob Dixon and other users have seen the new idea transform their lives as you only need a cellphone, tablet, or any other digital medium to learn about your delivery. This technology is allowing people to get notified about their delivery regardless of their busy schedules. Everyone can receive the notification wherever you may be.

During the trial period back in 2014, some of the participants said the idea was great for those who misplaced their mail. Also, for those who travel frequently appreciated the innovation of sending them messages daily as very helpful.

The new technology is just an improvement of a system Postal Service used to do back in the 1990s. The mail used to be scanned by taking photos of the exterior of the most mail pieces to sort and then route the mail. In the year 2013 New York Times reported that the United States Postal Service occasionally used to provide photos to law enforcement that would request them as part of criminal cases.

Mail Transformation

A while ago, many people did not see a way in which technology was to impact mail. But they have been proved wrong as a dramatically introduction of ID was something unexpected by many.

Mail until today, it has the highest response rate channels, especially for marketing messages. USPS executive Director says it is important as the company continues to demonstrate the mail relevance, but provide the convenience of a digital response channel.

Conclusion

According to USPS director, the idea of mail going digital allows users to always plan for the day ahead. Also, he says the situation may not be magical to some but excited that bridging the gap with the digital one makes the mail to remain relevant.

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What Kind of People Hires Private Investigators?

December 2, 2019

You must have seen a lot of private investigators in the movies, and you may also have come across a person who has hired one to tail someone. Private investigators are trained, and sharp professionals, and they know how to get the information on anyone. But do you ever wonder what kind of people hire private investigators and in what circumstance could you need one? In this article I have mentioned the types of clients a private investigator comes across.

Insurance Companies

It is common for an insurance company to hire a private investigator these days. In USA, the number of fraudulent insurance claims is rising every day. Be it health care, road accidents, or arson, a lot of people have been filing fake claims lately, and this is causing billions of dollars’ worth of damages. This is precisely why insurance company has turned towards private investigators, so they can avoid fraudulent insurance claims by investigating the insured party. Now, you must be wondering how they hire private investigators. There are several private investigation firms in USA, and one can call them and book an appointment to hire an investigator. Some of the trusted private investigation firms include Investigation Hotline and Pinkerton.

Lawyers

This one is no surprise. Lawyers deal with complex cases daily, and they could get into a situation where they will need to investigate a particular aspect to make their case stronger. So, to get answers and build solid arguments, lawyers hire private investigators to do the legwork. Private investigators are excellent and unearthing witnesses and can also perform thorough background checks on the party being investigated.

Human Resource Professionals

It is the responsibility of a human resource professional to bring good quality employees to the company. And to ensure that, sometimes have to hire a private investigator to perform a little background check. While hiring a new resource, HR professionals have to make sure that their resume checks out, and they have not provided any wrong information. They also make sure that the candidate does not have any criminal background. Private investigators are hired solely to help them out in this entire process.

Property Owners

No landlord wants to hire a tenant that can cause stress for them. Property owners like to do a proper background check on tenants and to be on the safer side some even hire private investigators. If you are letting someone stay on your property, it is your right to make sure that they are clean. It is common for private investigators to investigate a tenant. They can paint a picture for the landlord by looking into tenant’s criminal records, prior convictions, or any civil suits.

Business Owners

Business owners also hire private investigators when they are doing big business deals or are going into a partnership agreement with another business. The private investigators are hired to check the credits of the partners and their reputation. They can also find out about the other companies with which the partners are involved to make sure that nothing is in the wrong. Some business owners also hire private investigators to do an integrity or security audit.

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Financing the SDG Agenda: The Potential of Sukuk The Indonesia Case

November 30, 2019

By Dalal Aassouli and Ebi Junaidi

Indonesia, the largest Muslim population country claims to first issue green Sukuk worth USD 1.25B, significantly contributing to the country’s national economic development and putting Indonesia as the world centre for Islamic economics and finance. “Sukuk” is a Shariah compliant, growing source of funding for development with key principles in financing projects that target climate change, women empowerment, agriculture, education, poverty alleviation, and accountability – seen to have a natural connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The authors discuss here how Indonesia, the first of the two countries to promote Sukuk transformed its economy and the vital role that Islamic finance plays in achieving the SDGs and market stability.

The Sukuk market is one of the fast growing segments in the Islamic financial industry with 24.2% of Islamic finance global assets in 2018 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.6% – between 2003 and 2018¹. The Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic financial Institutions (AAOIFI) defines Sukuk as certificates of equal value representing undivided shares in ownership of tangible assets, usufructs and services or (in the ownership of) the assets of particular projects or special investment activity. Since its inception in 2001, the market witnessed new entrants from non-Islamic sovereigns and corporates, increasing cross border transactions and has become an important source of funding for several countries in Asia, Europe and Africa. As a result, global Sukuk issuance is expected to reach $783 billion by 2023².

Sukuk, often qualified as Islamic bonds, present two key features that position them as a viable option for financing sustainable development projects. First, the asset-backing requirement facilitates their link to the real economy and therefore widens the scope of sectors that can be financed. Indeed, Real asset backing is one of the key principles of Islamic finance whereby financing is based on real economic activities rather than pure financing. These could include financing projects that target climate change, refugees, women empowerment, agriculture, education, poverty alleviation, etc.

Second, Sukuk can be structured in various ways using single or hybrid Islamic contracts such as wakala, musharaka, mudaraba, ijara, etc. This flexibility offers tremendous opportunities for innovation and for addressing specific financing needs, even though this complexity may lead to a lack of standardisation and therefore higher transaction costs.

However, the analysis of the global Sukuk market shows the lack of sector diversification. At end of 2018, governments led the total Sukuk outstanding (54.96%), followed by financial services (24.17%) and utilities (6.19%), with the three sectors representing more than 85% of Sukuk issuances. On the other hand, sectors such as healthcare and energy represented only 0.54% and 1.87% respectively of the global Sukuk issuances.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Financing Gap

A report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) argues that about $2-3 trillion of additional investments per annum are required to meet the SDGs, which according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) could open up $12 trillion of market opportunities in food and agriculture, cities, energy and materials, and health and well-being alone.

The private sector can play a pivotal role in meeting this financing gap. In this regard, Islamic finance – as put forward at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa in July 2015 – can both complement and provide an alternative to traditional sources of funding to realise the SDGs. Sukuk have played a key role in infrastructure financing for public and private projects. An estimated $73.1 billion worth of infrastructure Sukuk were issued by more than 10 countries between 2002 and the third quarter of 2015³.

The Sukuk market witnessed several innovations in the past years in the form of green and Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Sukuk to meet the SDGs with dedicated local frameworks.

Recent innovations in the Sukuk market and the Potential for SDG financing

The Sukuk market witnessed several innovations in the past years in the form of green and Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Sukuk to meet the SDGs with dedicated local frameworks. These include green and SRI Sukuk issuances in Malaysia between 2015-2018 under the SRI Sukuk framework⁴, the republic of Indonesia green Sukuk in 2018 under the green bond and green Sukuk framework and the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm) debut Sukuk in 2014 targeting vaccination programmes and health system strengthening in poor countries. These issuances are expected to influence the future developments of the Sukuk market and direct efforts towards ethical and responsible finance as it is the case in the bond market. It is important to note that themed bonds such as green, water, vaccine, microfinance and green banking on women were developed since 2000, aiming to meet specific financing needs and development objectives.

There are several developments that could enhance the contribution of the Sukuk market to sustainable development financing and thus comply with the “maqasidi”⁵ approach of development. First is the development of green Sukuk for climate and environmentally friendly projects. The potential of green Sukuk has long been discussed in recent months and dedicated frameworks were developed by countries like Malaysia and Indonesia to promote standardisation and investor confidence. The Malaysian SRI Sukuk framework distinguishes two key categories of eligible SRI projects (i) green projects and (ii) community and economic development and waqf properties/assets whereas the Indonesia green bond and green Sukuk framework highlights nine eligible sectors. These are renewable energy; resilience to climate change for highly vulnerable areas and sectors/disaster risk reductions; sustainable transport; waste to energy and waste to management; green tourism; sustainable agriculture; energy efficiency; sustainable management of natural resources and green building.

Second, greater development of retail Sukuk could reduce the dependence on foreign investors for infrastructure financing and promote retail participation in sustainable development financing while enabling investors to diversify their investment portfolio, thus facilitating a transition from savings-oriented societies to investment-oriented societies. This is the case for example in Indonesia where retail Sukuk have been used for infrastructure financing since 2009. This was facilitated by the improving investment conditions of the Sukuk market in general.

Greater development of retail Sukuk could reduce the dependence on foreign investors for infrastructure financing and promote retail participation in sustainable development financing.

However, Green, SRI and retail Sukuk require a large ethical investor base that is conscious about Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors. This means greater emphasize on transparency, traceability and impact assessment. Furthermore, tremendous education and marketing efforts are still required in spreading a sustainable investment culture among retail investors, and in some cases a financial and investing culture. Sukuk innovations could be labeled as new asset classes that target both SRI and Islamic investors. Given the global development challenges and their impact especially on the poorest populations as well as the magnitude of the sustainable development investments needed across various sectors, investor activism reuniting both SRI and Islamic investors could drive the transformation towards sustainable economies in the future.

Finally, promoting these themed issuances cannot be achieved without multilateral development banks (MDBs) support. In the case of the themed bonds market, for example, the role of the World Bank and the other MDBs like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) was instrumental in the development of these markets. Their inaugural issuances gave a good signal to the market, which subsequently attracted other issuers and investors. MDB’s support can take the form of technical assistance, credit enhancement or inaugural issuances. In fact, MDBs have the ability to leverage their status, rating and expertise to provide policy guidance, technical assistance and financial support. Their unique business model enables them to leverage their limited capital in order to mobilise private sector financing as well to support sustainable development projects.

The Indonesia case

Indonesia has indeed been widely claimed to be among the first two countries – together with Malaysia – who issued green Sukuk. It was back in February 2018, that the government of Indonesia, through its Ministry of Finance, issued the first world sovereign green Sukuk worth USD 1.25 billion. The green projects to be financed are twenty-three green projects consisting of 727 kilometers of train double lines, 121 units of solar power plants as well as waste management facilities for around 3.4 million households.

A year after, Indonesia issued the second global sovereign green Sukuk. This time, the issuance proceeds amounted to USD 2 billion divided into 5,5 years USD 750 million and ten years 1.25 billion Sukuk. It is important to note that both issuances were oversubscribed, securing around 146 investors on the first green Sukuk and 183 institutional investors on its second issuance. This has shown that targeting an institutional investor base might not be a big deal in Indonesia. As for the government, in line with Deloitte and ISRA’s “sustainable finance report”, the use of green Sukuk was done as it allows the government to raise funds at low cost, promote green financing as well as develop the sharia-compliant market and broaden alternative sources for state budget funding.

Following the national news coverage of the global green Sukuk issuance, many Indonesian retail investors contacted banks to invest in the instruments. Retail Sukuk is indeed a success story of Indonesia which started offering them to the public in 2009. Retail Sukuk have been instrumental in achieving the government’s objectives of domestic financial markets deepening, financial inclusion as well as the transformation of Indonesia from a saving-oriented society into an investment-oriented one.

Following Indonesia’s success in retail Sukuk, the government is now initiating the possibility of issuing retail green Sukuk, taping the potential of retail investors, especially the millennials. During the previous Indonesia’s Annual Islamic Finance Conference (AIFC) in Surabaya, East Java, the Ministry of Finance has indicated that a study over this plan has been requested through United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Indonesia. This optimistic move was indeed reasonable as investors in recent retail Sukuk issuances were dominated by the millennials.

While we witnessed the exemplary role from the government side in Indonesia, the private companies are unfortunately not keen enough to follow suit. This point has already been identified by key Islamic finance stakeholders in Indonesia. Junino Yahya, for instance, former finance director of PT. Indonesian Satellite Corporation (Indosat), in the seminar held by Indonesian Islamic Economics Society in Durham University Business School several months ago, indicated that the high cost of Sukuk issuance compared to conventional bonds has contributed to the low interest of corporations in using Sukuk for fund raising. As the man behind the first corporate Sukuk issuance in Indonesia, back in 2002, he stressed the need to create the same level of playing fields for both financial instruments. He argued that the “infant-industry argument”, the rationale to justify the incentives given to a new established company/industry to promote its growth and ability to compete against established companies/industries, might be used for the case of Sukuk against conventional bonds.

The expectation of corporations of a better conducive environment for Sukuk has been captured by the Indonesia National Islamic Finance Committee (KNKS). This newly launched institution led directly by the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, aims to accelerate the development of Islamic finance in contributing to Indonesia’s national economic development as well as to be the world center for Islamic economics and finance. In achieving this objective, KNKS then developed the Indonesia master plan for a sharia economy of 2019-2024. Aside from the fundamental strategy, programs and targets, the master plan also set several quick wins of each sectors of Islamic economics and finance. These quick wins are targets to be reached within short time periods.

For capital markets, quick wins number three (out of 5 points), the committee has developed several solutions to promote Sukuk issuance by proposing a greenlane or fast tract for corporate Sukuk. This proposal is expected to shorten the time needed for Sukuk issuance as well as cutting the bureaucracy by facilitating the issuance license for Sukuk.

Another interesting quick win in line with SDGs that needs to be noted in this masterplan, is the effort made to tap into sovereign social Sukuk of waqf-linked Sukuk. This is, in fact, the number one quick win for sharia capital markets. Waqf is a charitable endowment that plays a great role throughout the history of Muslim civilisation. In this initiative, Indonesia Waqf Board (BWI), a state independent institution in charge of revitalizing Indonesia waqf potential, together with ministry of finance will utilise idle temporary waqf fund for state budget funding through private placement. It is expected that projects in line with the SDGs as well as BWI’s mission of community empowerment, can be realised under this initiative.

Waqf-linked Sukuk is not only interesting since it combines the classic financial instruments in Islam, waqf, together with the modern innovation financial instruments, Sukuk. It can also be regarded as a reminder that in the end, Sukuk, as part of the instrument developed in Islamic finance, cannot be separated with the idealism Islamic finance and economics, once initiated by the Islamic finance founding fathers, that is to create the welfare of the people, to empower them. As argued by Professor Mehmet Asutay (2013)⁶ the objective of Islamic finance is to achieve the human fallah; the walfare or prosperity. Above all, the Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah/2.30) mentioned that the human was created as the khalifatul ardh; the steward, the care taker or those who give prosperity in this universe. In this case, as targets in SDGs are in line with Islam, therefore Islamic finance should play an important role in achieving them.

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About the Authors

Dr Dalal Aassouli is currently an assistant professor of Islamic finance and Program Coordinator at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar. She is also an Islamic finance trainer and advisor. Previously, she was a visiting academic at the Durham Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance, Durham University Business School. Prior to that, she worked at the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM) in Malaysia where she assisted with the establishment of the IILM’s Sukuk programme. Before that, she held several positions in Europe where she had exposure to the African, European and Latin American markets.
Her areas of research interest include Islamic finance in general and its implications for corporate finance, ethical finance, development finance, green finance, sustainable development and socially responsible investing.

Ebi Junaidi is School of Economics Lecturer at Universitas Indonesia. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Islamic Finance at Durham University Business School. Prior to his academic career, he was researcher in ING – Baring Securities, Indonesia. His research area are Waqf, Trust, Venture Capital, Sukuk, Risk, Time Preference and Financial Decision Making. He is the Chairman for Indonesia Islamic Economics Society-United Kingdom Chapter (MES UK) 2017-2019.

References
1. Islamic Financial Services Board (2019). Islamic Financial Services Industry Stability Report 2019. Kuala Lumpur: IFSB.
2. Thomson Reuters (2018). Islamic Finance Development Report Building Momentum.
3. Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (2015). Role of Islamic Finance in Infrastructure Financing. Presentation at the Sub-Regional Expert Group Meeting for South-East Asian Countries. Kuala Lumpur.
4. These include Tadau Energy Sdn Sukuk, Quantum Solar Park Sdn Bhd Sukuk, PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd Sukuk, Sinar Kamiri Sdn Bhd Sukuk, UiTM Solar Power Sdn Bhd and Sukuk Ihsan.
5. The term “maqasid” in plural means objective. It is a science that analyses the purpose behind the rules and prescriptions of Islamic law.
6. Islamic moral economy as the foundation of Islamic finance, in Islamic Finance in Europe: Towards a Plural Financial System, edited by Valention Cattelan, Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, UK.

How are ASEAN Countries Leading the Digital Transformation Wave

November 29, 2019

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has one of the most robust economies in Asia. The regional intergovernmental organization has 10 member countries whose combined GDP is in excess of US$2.5 trillion. The region’s economy is currently growing at a steady rate of 6% per year, with the impressive growth being mostly fuelled by the rapid penetration of smartphones and smart technology in the region. This trend is known as the ASEAN digital transformation.

The ASEAN digital transformation is characterized by a well-developed and innovation-driven information and communications tech infrastructure. The middle class in this region is expanding by the day, e-commerce and social media are gaining popularity at a steady rate, and tech devices are becoming more and more affordable. Also, the region has a huge youthful population and a strong startup sector. All these factors combined give birth to a digital wave that is promising to transform Southeast Asia.

An Economy on the Verge of Takeoff

The internet economy is taking shape in ASEAN. The region’s small and medium enterprises now have a strong platform from which they can launch themselves into global supply chains. The region’s diverse economies are also on the verge of uniting and forming one inseparable economic bloc. When this happens, the region will be ripe for economic take-off.

Multinational companies are already trying to penetrate the ASEAN market in readiness for this takeoff. For instance, PEOs in Singapore are investing in the right technologies that will help them find and recruit the right employees for the region’s expanding job market. If you dream of expanding your business to the ASEAN market, you will need the services of a translation company in understanding and interacting fruitfully with the ASEAN customers.

To aid this takeoff, the ASEAN member countries are working towards creating a seamless e-commerce space that will allow traders in the region to market and sell their products without any tariff or international trade restrictions. There is also the ASEAN Economic Blueprint 2025 that seeks to tap technology and leverage its power in an effort to close the gap between the member states and the top economies such as China, the US, and the EU. The ASEAN economic takeoff is also boosted by a Smart Cities Network that comprises of 26 cities in the region. If these cities become smart by 2025, the region will be ripe for industrial transformation.

The Master Plan on Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and Industry 4.0

The key aim of the MPAC 2025 is to promote economic integration amongst member nations as a way of creating an inclusive and competitive trade bloc before the year 2025. This goal will only be achieved by improving cross-sectoral connectivity across the region. The plan has already given birth to an ASEAN digital data governance framework that seeks to drive digital innovation and create a stronger digital agenda in the region.

If the MPAC 2025 is implemented successfully, digital technologies in ASEAN will have grown to more than US$500 billion by 2025. Technology will be adopted in the region in a bigger scale, efficiency in business and governance will be a notch higher, and products and services from the region will stand a stronger chance of competing in the global market.

“The ASEAN digital transformation wave is also supported by the Industry 4.0, a digitization phase that seeks to transform the way ASEAN citizens live and work. It is a building block that has led to increased adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality, 3D printing, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), among other revolutionary technologies” explains New Horizons Global Partners.

This widespread adoption of new and advanced tech tools will help the region to leapfrog many regional trade blocs in terms of customer satisfaction and service delivery. Education systems in the region are also likely to improve as a result of AI integration.

Are There Any Challenges to Southeast Asia’s Digital Transformation?

The digital revolution in Southeast Asia is far from completion due to many teething problems. The greatest among these problems is the fact that the digital landscape in some of the member states is in deplorable conditions while other states are almost at par with the world’s developed economies. Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia, for example, have been developing at a very slow pace as compared to their peers in the trade bloc, e.g. Malaysia and Singapore. This sharp contrast could easily lead to the ultimate failure of the digital revolution.

Conclusion

If the ASEAN region continues in the current digital trajectory, its member states will most likely join the largest global economies by 2030. Countries such as Singapore will edge closer to big economies such as the United States and China and even leapfrog some economic giants in the European Union. It is a good thing that the region has a huge young and educated workforce which is prepared and comfortable to run away with new technologies as they come. Indeed, the full potential of the ASEAN digital transformation still lies in the future.

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Best Slot Games Released by Yggdrasil Gaming

November 29, 2019

Malta-based developer Yggdrasil is a mainstay in the online gaming world due to countless hit releases, a developer that isn’t afraid to experiment every now and again to bring its player base something unique to experience! We consider Yggdrasil Gaming to be one of the best in the game right now, ask any avid online gaming enthusiast, they’ll tell you everything you need to know about these guys and more!

The company opened their digital doors all the way back in 2013 and have only grown exponentially as time has gone on, finding new footing in various new markets that had otherwise gone without previous! Their logo is almost as distinct as the slots/casino games they produce, a tree that looks just as rich as the last time we laid eyes on it spinning one of their games!

Knowing where to start in the Yggdrasil Gaming catalogue can be difficult, especially to an outsider that might not know where to start — right now we count around a hundred new slot games in their catalogue, this can make choosing the right one without outside bias somewhat difficult. Thankfully you’ve stumbled across this article, one written by a slot machine expert, now, let’s dive in shall we, here are the best slot games released by Yggdrasil Gaming!

Vikings Go Berzerk Slots game

A viking epic fit for any scallywag who dares take to the seven seas! Compared to some of the other slots in their catalogue, this is an example of one of their best — one that has amassed quite the following since its initial release! One of the major highlights here is the RTP percentage, a number that sits pretty at around 95% or so, thus meaning every penny you spend will be returned with interest.

Whenever the player can hit the free spins, they will also be gifted with a random bonus of some kind. In the Ragnarök free spins, multiple icons will go rampant, causing the entire game to shake pretty much, granting you access to countless boosts to scores. We should also mention the treasure chest you see on the reels from time to time, try matching it on the fifth reel exclusively for a bigger bonus!

Orient Express Slot

Who wouldn’t want to take a ride on the Orient Express? This 20 payline game is one of the most prestigious of all slots from Yggdrasil Gaming, one that doesn’t require a ticket but will need your undivided attention if you hope to succeed where so many have failed! Like the previous slot machine in our list, Orient Express is all about giving the customer what they want with a 96% RTP percentage!

Some of the various bonuses here can change your financial situation in an instant if you’re playing on a larger amount. Walking wilds, win multipliers, wild reels and random wilds are all at your disposal here, available from the jump! You don’t have to be posh to be privileged here people, now come on, all aboard the Orient Express, choo choo!

Gem Rocks – New online slot

Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, Yggdrasil Gaming go and create something very unique, so unique in fact that various other developers have tried to recapture the same sort of magic, introducing, Gem Rocks! The story of this slot alone is worth the price of admission in all honesty, a slot that depicts various rock monsters living in perfect harmony amidst the mountains, help them and they’ll pay you handsomely!

If you have never played a cluster slot before then you are in for a real treat here. Cluster slots aren’t like your run of the mill, left-to-right slot machine, no, they require a lot more attention — not to worry, since this is an incredibly unique slot to say the least. In a cluster slot you can match symbols both horizontally and vertically with a minimum of 4×4 symbols needed to form a winning combination. Expect only the unexpected from Yggdrasil Gaming’s best kept secret in Gem Rocks.

Double Dragons Casino Slot

Game of Thrones made dragons cool again, but Double Dragons never needed the rub. In Double Dragons you enter the lair of two dragons, one made of fire, the other of ice. It is up to you to navigate your way through their domain to grab the gold! The first thing you’ll notice about Double Dragons is just how detailed it is, the gameplay ain’t half bad either guys! Think you’re up for the challenge? You best be sure because you’ll be eaten alive otherwise.

One of the best features in Double Dragons comes via the two beasts themselves. Whenever you activate these two you’ll be given something unique to play with. The fire dragon here will give you random wilds to play with, while the ice dragon will give punters a 2x multiplier to mess around with! The goal of anyone brave enough to see these dragons should be to enter the free spins mode, it comes with all sorts of multipliers to help you on your way to legendary status!

Penguin City

Penguin City is so like our own you don’t even know! This slot is all about helping some overworked penguins break free from their boss, an emperor penguin that is clearly taking the Mick! As far as looks go, Penguin City is definitely up there with some of the best games in their catalogue that’s for sure, looking almost like the infamous penguins from the Madagascar movies.

So what can you expect to see on the bonus front in Penguin City? Quite a lot actually, everything from sticky wilds to a free spins and all that good stuff! Be sure to look out for the dastardly emperor penguin here, he is a stacked wild icon that can cause your scores to skyrocket if you can find him!

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