Andy Smith
- Contributor, How We Made It In Africa
- Contributor, Investopedia
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Articles by Andy Smith
Ecommerce needs to realise the role of inclusive finance as it adjusts to a new credit challenge Original
Since it emerged onto the retail scene more than a decade ago, BNPL, or Deferred Payment Credit (DPC), came under the regulatory umbrella for the first time in July 2026 when it became subject to the Consumer Duty. Since then, DPC has become a mainstream part of the eCommerce landscape, converting demand and boosting confidence. The regulations are part of deliberate, proportionate steps to make DPC work better for consumers.
Bankruptcy Risk: Causes, Indicators, and Reduction Strategies
Key Takeaways Bankruptcy risk means a company may fail to meet debt obligations. Liquidity ratios, like the current ratio, assess a company’s risk of insolvency. Signs of bankruptcy include decreasing cash, dividend cuts, and management changes. Companies can avert insolvency by managing cash flow and cutting expenses. In bankruptcy, assets shift from stockholders to bondholders during repayment. What Is Bankruptcy Risk?
Economic Advantages of Rising Oil Prices: 4 Key Benefits
Key Takeaways Rising oil prices can drive economic activity in sectors like energy exploration and production, offering expansion opportunities. Higher oil prices increase the competitiveness of alternative energy sources, stimulating innovation and investments in cleaner technologies. Elevated oil prices often lead to reduced consumption, encouraging more efficient practices among consumers and companies.
Understanding Pass-Through Certificates: Meaning, Function, and Benefits
Key Takeaways Pass-through certificates represent an undivided interest in a pool of federally insured mortgages. These certificates offer banks liquidity by transferring mortgage assets to the secondary market. Investors benefit from regular interest and principal payments with reduced default risk, backed by entities like Ginnie Mae. Market conditions, such as falling interest rates, can affect returns due to early principal repayments from refinanced mortgages.
How to Identify a Junior Gold Miner: Key Criteria Explained
Key Takeaways Junior gold miners are small companies exploring or developing new gold deposits. These firms are high-risk investments due to limited capital and gold price sensitivity. Junior miners are often not listed on major gold indices and have small market capitalizations. Investing can yield high rewards but requires discernment between legitimate firms and unreliable operations. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise.
Understanding Abnormal Returns: Causes and Impact on Investments
What Is an Abnormal Return? An abnormal return is the difference between an investment's actual return and expected return, showing whether it generated unexpected profits or losses over a given period. Abnormal returns, which can be positive or negative, help investors evaluate risk-adjusted performance and assess how specific events affect investments. These deviations may result from chance, unforeseen events, or bad actors.
How can biotech survive its funding winter?
Biotech may be crawling out of its long funding winter, but early-stage firms are still shivering. After years of weak valuations, stubbornly high borrowing costs and regulatory uncertainty, UK biotech companies raised 46% less in the third quarter of 2025 than in the previous quarter, at £187 million. While a resurgence in Big Pharma M&A has injected some much-needed optimism, the reality is more nuanced.
Report on a Anhydrous Ammonia Manufacturing Plant Project Setup Cost and Expanses
IMARC Group’s “Anhydrous Ferric Chloride Manufacturing Plant Project Report 2025: Industry Trends, Plant Setup, Machinery, Raw Materials, Investment Opportunities, Cost and Revenue” report provides a comprehensive guide on how to successfully set up an anhydrous ferric chloride manufacturing plant.
Not Every AI-Driven Product is Sacred Enough for a Patent
Andy Smith is a patent attorney at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP, a Chicago-based intellectual property law firm. He may be reached at asmith@marshallip.com. I noticed something peculiar while watching an NBA playoff game with my son recently. Nearly every advertisement extolled the virtues of the latest AI-driven product, or a sports-betting app.
EV Charging Station Manufacturing Plant Project Report 2025: Setup Details, Capital Investments and Materials Expenses
IMARC Group’s “Electric Vehicle Charging Station Manufacturing Plant Project Report 2025: Industry Trends, Plant Setup, Machinery, Raw Materials, Investment Opportunities, Cost and Revenue” report provides a comprehensive guide on how to successfully set up an electric vehicle charging station manufacturing plant.
Barnett Waddingham - How pension schemes engage with insurers | Barnett Waddingham
As we move through 2025, it's a good moment to reflect on how pension schemes are engaging with insurers – how this process has evolved, and what may lie ahead. A look back Three years ago, the pensions landscape looked quite different. Long-term interest rates were still below 1%, many schemes were grappling with buyout deficits, and demand for insurance-based solutions was already running high.
Car Payment Delinquencies: Risks, Repossession, and Recovery Options
Key Takeaways Missing car loan payments can lead to repossession and negatively affect your credit score. After 30 to 90 days of missed payments, a loan can be declared in default, leading to potential repossession. Lenders may offer options like payment deferral, reduced payments, or refinancing for those struggling financially. Voluntary repossession can avoid high fees but still harms your credit report for up to seven years.
Barnett Waddingham - 2024 bulk annuity market outlook: record volumes expected | Barnett Waddingham
As we navigate through 2024, the bulk annuity market is showing signs of unprecedented growth. At Barnett Waddingham (BW), we predicted this year's business volumes would challenge the 2023 record of £49.1bn. Now, as we enter the second half of the year, we offer our insights on market trends and what pension scheme trustees and managers can expect in the coming months. Market overview: setting the stage for success The bulk annuity market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in 2024.
Share Certificates Explained: Ownership, Reissue, and Historical Value
Key Takeaways Share certificates are now mostly digital but can be reissued if lost or damaged. Contact your transfer agent immediately if your certificate is lost or stolen. Old share certificates may still hold value; research their worth before discarding. Tax implications are the same for inherited shares, whether held digitally or in paper form. The Dutch East India Company issued the first stock certificate in 1606. What Is a Share Certificate?
The Sea Remains a Dangerous Place to Operate – the Training Imperative
This March 26, the 984.3ft-long (300m) Singapore-flagged cargo vessel Dali reportedly lost power while transiting out of Baltimore Harbor and struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, resulting in the bridge collapsing and damage to the vessel.
ETP and ETF: How They Differ and What to Consider
Key Takeaways Exchange-traded products (ETPs) provide diversified and liquid investment options available for trading on stock exchanges like stocks. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a popular type of ETP designed to track underlying indexes, offering flexibility and lower fees. ETPs include diverse instruments, such as exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and exchange-traded commodities (ETCs), each carrying unique risks and benefits.
Agricultural ETFs: What You Need to Know
What Are Agricultural ETFs? Agricultural exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a convenient way to gain exposure to the agricultural sector. These funds track the performance of agricultural commodities, companies, and indexes. Unlike buying individual commodities or stocks, investing in an agricultural ETF can give you a diversified portfolio in this sector with shares that trade like stocks.
Our Spring Budget Representation To The Treasury
On the 24th of January NCASS submitted our representation for the Spring Budget to the treasury. Before every budget there is a period of representation where individuals, businesses and organisations can share the challenges they are facing, give examples and statistics and propose solutions that would support them best. We are campaigning for change for you with our #empowerindependents campaign and ask that if you haven’t already done, please take part in our survey here.
Are Real Estate Syndicates a Good Investment?
What Are Real Estate Syndicates? A real estate syndicate is an investment arrangement in which investors pool their money to buy and manage properties. Typically, a sponsor (sometimes called a syndicator) scouts for prospects, raises capital, and manages the assets, while passive investors deliver much of the equity for the syndicate. Investing in property through syndication allows you to get in on deals that may otherwise be inaccessible.
Understanding Small Business Taxes: A Comprehensive Guide
Key Takeaways Small businesses are subject to numerous types of taxes and required to file an assortment of tax forms. Those taxes can include federal income tax, self-employment tax, employment tax, excise tax, and state and local taxes, including sales tax. Small businesses are also eligible for a variety of tax deductions and credits that can lower their tax bills. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise.
Dividing date - NEC4
'The line in the sand' What is the ‘dividing date’, referred to in the NEC4 contract, and why is it so important? The contract does not refer to the ‘dividing date’ as an ‘identified and defined term’ but its function can be easily determined from Clause 63 which sets out the procedure for assessing compensation events.
Mastering Trend Analysis with the Supertrend Indicator
Key Takeaways The supertrend indicator is a tool developed by Olivier Seban in 2009 to identify market trends by using a color-coded line that suggests buy or sell opportunities. It combines the average true range (ATR) with a multiplier to create dynamic support and resistance levels adaptable to various asset classes. Although effective in trending markets, the supertrend indicator can lag and generate false signals during sideways market conditions.
Managing Projects and Disputes | Issue 26 of the Driver Trett Digest
Find out more about Lexology or get in touch by visiting our About page. Register To view this article you need a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader. If you can't read this PDF, you can view its text here. Go back to the PDF . EARNED VALUE Fernando Barragan Rajo and Balint Laszlo Senior Consultants Madrid and Munich, Driver Trett Mainland Europe WHAT IS EARNED VALUE?
Are Robo-Advisors Worth It for Your Investment Strategy?
When it comes to investing, one of the hottest topics is the rise of robo-advisors. Attracting interest with their user-friendly interfaces and lower fees, these algorithm-driven platforms promise a convenient way to manage your investments. But are they worth it? We’ll explore the advantages and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision. Key Takeaways Robo-advisors offer automated, low-cost investment management, ideal for novice investors.
Understanding the Carmack Amendment: Impact on Carriers' Liability
Key Takeaways The Carmack Amendment, established in 1906, sets liability limits for carriers on interstate shipments, covering only property loss or damage. Shippers only need to prove damage occurred—not negligence—for a carrier to be liable under Carmack. Carriers can be exempt from liability due to Acts of God, government intervention, or inherent vice. Carmack plays a crucial role in regulating interstate commerce by harmonizing liability laws for shipping companies.
District leader suspects 'hidden agenda' within West Midlands Combined Authority plans
Meetings over Warwickshire County Council joining the West Midlands Combined Authority as full members have left a district council leader suspecting a "hidden agenda". Cllr David Wright, leader of North Warwickshire Borough Council, this week delivered a withering assessment of the county's consideration of whether to become constituent members, something that would entail coming under the remit of the directly-elected West Midlands mayor.
Checklist for Your First Financial Advisor Appointment Original
Key Takeaways Your initial meeting with a financial advisor is a chance to establish your goals and understand their fees and services. Gather key documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and investment statements to provide a comprehensive financial overview. A financial advisor can guide you through specific events like marriage, divorce, or preparing for retirement. Understanding your financial situation and articulating your needs clearly helps your advisor give tailored advice.
Understanding Loan-Level Price Adjustments (LLPA) for Mortgages
What Is a Loan-Level Pricing Adjustment (LLPA)? A loan-level price adjustment (LLPA) is a fee applied to conventional mortgages based on the borrower’s credit risk. It affects most homebuyers using loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and is determined by credit score, loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, and loan type.
Effective Strategies for Investing in Commodities
Adding commodities to a portfolio, either through physical ownership or investment brokers, can provide diversification and may also offer a hedge against price exposure further up the value chain of certain industries. Energy products like oil, gas, and coal; agricultural products like corn, soy, canola, pork, and beef; and metals like gold, silver, copper, and platinum all have well-understood market dynamics and relatively simple financial instruments to act as trading vehicles.
A Guide to Discretionary Expenses: Definition, Budgeting, and More
Key Takeaways A discretionary expense is a non-essential cost that individuals or businesses can choose to forgo without affecting day-to-day operations. These expenses, such as entertainment and dining out, are typically covered by discretionary income, leftover money after paying for essentials. By tracking discretionary expenses and budgeting for them, individuals and businesses can better manage finances during economic downturns.
Defence | Halldale Group
In the run-up to I/ITSEC 2023, Tom and Colin host a special episode of The Warfighter Podcast, sponsored by Hadean and delivered in two parts. This is the third in a series of short articles on military FSTD developments. We’ll resume from where we departed from our last glimpse of the fast-jet sector with a survey of a new F-35-focused training device entering this market space and then gain an update on the art-of-the possible by way of one novel flight simulator in development.
Ordinary Dividends Definition
What Are Ordinary Dividends? Ordinary dividends are a share of a company’s profits passed on to the shareholders periodically. One of the primary advantages of owning stocks, also known as equities, is the regular payment of dividend income. Dividends are considered “ordinary” by default, although there are cases when a dividend may be classified as “qualified” because it meets specific criteria.
States’ Laws and Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatments and Medication
Key Takeaways Infertility treatments, including IVF, medications, and surgery, can be costly and are often paid out of pocket. State laws on fertility treatment insurance coverage vary widely, with many exemptions for small employers and self-insured plans. The Affordable Care Act does not mandate fertility treatment coverage, leaving many individuals without insurance options.
Why 3x ETFs Are Riskier Than You Might Think
Suppose you're sure you can make a trade now that would net you a 5% gain. That would be great, but what if you could instead net a 15% profit? That's the appeal of triple-leveraged (3x) exchange-traded funds (ETFs), investments that aim to triple the returns of the markets they track. But this magnification of gains has a flip side that some investors don't fully grasp until it's too late. For experienced day traders, 3x ETFs can be worthwhile and beneficial tools.
Johannesburg, South Africa By Andy Smith, CEO, Sandown Capital According to Preqin’s 2022 Global Private Equity Report, the total size of the global private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) asset pool is already well above US$5 trillion and is expected to surge to more than $11 trillion by 2026. However, as it stands today, global allocation of this asset pool to Africa is well below 1% and falling in real terms.
Understanding Shiba Inu (SHIB): Dogecoin’s Rival in the World of Altcoins
What Is Shiba Inu (SHIB)? Shiba Inu is a meme coin, which is a cryptocurrency associated with some theme—like the Shiba Inu—but is often launched as a parody or inside joke rather than as a digital product that actually has utility. Shiba Inu was created in August 2020 by an anonymous individual or group called Ryoshi, but the person using the name Shytoshi Kusama stepped down as lead visionary and became lead ambassador on Jan.
Placing Stock Orders: How to Buy and Sell Shares Efficiently
Key Takeaways Buying and selling stocks has become easier with advancements in online trading platforms. Investors typically buy stocks through brokerage firms, which execute orders and handle transactions. Common stock order types include market orders, limit orders, and stop orders. The offer price is what buyers pay, while the bid price is what sellers receive. The gap between bid and offer prices can indicate trading volume levels.
Mortgage Dos and Don’ts
Buying a home, especially your first, is a big step in life. It can also be confusing to navigate all the different aspects and terminology. When making such a big purchase, you want to make sure you're prepared from the start and are making all the right decisions as the process moves along. If you're thinking of getting a mortgage or refinancing the one you already have, here are a number of factors to consider.
5 Tips for Improving Food and Beverage Operations Beyond COVID-19
There have been few historical events that have had a greater impact on the food and beverage industry than the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 has brought novel urgency and complexity to how companies remain agile in the face of food item shortages or demand fluctuations in grocery products, all while ensuring a safe working environment.
Stock Watch: Gaming The US Health Care System
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. finally filed its 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, disclosing new investigations into the firm's pricing and business practices and further details about its shady dealings with the specialty pharmacy Philidor Rx Services Inc. The company also revealed its plans to shake up its board - nominating three new members.
Stock Watch: Rollercoaster For Pfizer; Doldrums For Esperion
Drug manufacturers still have a variety of ways to limit the impact of the Biden administration's historic decision. Whether the huge political loss for industry translates into more than just headline-risk or faster global COVID vaccination remains to be seen. It is also not clear whether it is an ominous sign for other industry battles in the US, including the drug pricing debate.
Stock Watch: Novartis And Lilly Pour Cold Water On Q1 Earnings
The Second Week Of Earnings Season Took A Bad Turn Executive Summary Novartis's comparatively anemic revenue growth and Lilly's sales shortfall suggest that hopes for an immediate sector recovery from the pandemic are premature. You may also be interested in... With disappointing revenues during Q1 due to the pandemic impact on sales and price pressure on Taltz, the pharma gave a long-term, pipeline-focused growth narrative. Alzheimer's filing plans pushed back.
Smiths Group plc Interim Results 2021
Print Mail a friend Annual reports Friday 26 March, 2021 Smiths Group PLC Smiths Group plc Interim Results 2021 RNS Number : 5644T Smiths Group PLC 26 March 2021 Smiths Group plc - Interim Results for the half year ended 31 January 2021 Robust first half performance with improving trends Highlights · Robust performance despite market disruption o Underpinned by our market-leading positions and high proportion of aftermarket revenues · Good profit conversion and excellent cash generation o...
WATS 2021 – New Dates Announced
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vIITSEC - An Appropriate, Virtual Capstone to 2020
Compiled from reports filed by Andy Smith, Halldale Group Publisher, Andy Fawkes, MS&T Editor, Dim Jones, MS&T Europe Editor, Rick Adams, CAT Editor and Marty Kauchak, Halldale Media Group Editor. The 2020 vIITSEC did nothing less than confirm that the military simulation and training community’s underpinnings are rapidly shifting.
Are you ready to return to workplace? Not so fast
TALKING IT THROUGH: Panelists in the second half of the PBN Health Care Summit on Oct. 29 discuss the implications of returning to workplaces amid a rise in COVID-19 cases. The virtual panel included, clockwise from top left, Dr. Claire Levesque, from Tufts Health Plan; Peter Marino, from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island; moderator Michael Mello, PBN editor; Dr. Matt Collins, from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island; and Siobhain Sullivan, from Rhode Island Medical Imaging Inc.
Marijuana Legalization and the 2020 Election: Green Wave Sweeps the United States in Cannabis and Drug Reform
Weed is legal in New Jersey. Amen. Maybe now the Garden State will finally live up to its nickname. Nearly nine million people call New Jersey home and with both Philly and The Big Apple just ‘cross their respective rivers, well, perhaps this new legislature will finally push New York and Pennsylvania to go legal as well.
Secure remote access for administrators is possible -- without VPNs
This is a guest post by Andy Smith, cybersecurity evangelist at Centrify. The prolonged stint of home working poses significant challenges to businesses. Many have already written about the social and psychological issues that have arisen from home working, including isolation and stress, but one aspect is sometimes overlooked: maintaining cybersecurity and avoiding breaches and data loss.
Tom Stocker, managing director, Owner’s Edge LLC
ON THE EDGE: Owner’s Edge LLC Managing Director Tom Stocker created with his company a CEO forum for executives and owners to discuss with one another common problems and solutions to those issues. PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY PBN 2020 Leaders & Achievers Awards Tom Stocker | Managing director, Owner’s Edge LLC TOM STOCKER’S JOB is to help other people do their jobs better.
Return to Work for Safety Critical Occupations
Many of those responsible for the lives of their colleagues and clients through their working day have been effectively laid off for a period of months and unable to practice their individual and team skills. This will include pilots and flight crews, many doctors and nurses, whose elective surgeries have been cancelled, train and bus drivers whose businesses have been operating much reduced services and indeed all those whose work regimes have been impacted by measures taken to contain C-19.
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