AI & The Revolution of Value - Issue #443 November 23rd, 2023

In a dramatic turn of events at OpenAI, the pioneering artificial intelligence company, an overwhelming majority of staff and investors have demanded the resignation of three directors. This unprecedented move comes in the wake of a controversial boardroom decision that led to the ousting of CEO Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman. The revolt, involving 747 out of 770 employees, highlights deep internal rifts and marks a significant setback for a company that had been at the helm of pushing generative AI into the global spotlight. The incident throws into question the future direction of OpenAI, a company that had, until recently, been lauded as a global leader in AI development and commercialization.

Earlier this year, we analyzed venture capitalists’ predictions for fintech in 2023, and what we found was surprising: Out of a group of 15 peer VC firms, the vast majority didn’t even mention the word “consumer.” Fast forward to today, and that sentiment has persisted. The agenda for the recent annual Money20/20 fintech conference only had a handful of consumer-oriented sessions over the course of its four days of programming. Consumers, it seems, are just not on the industry’s mind.

In a recent interview, Don McGuire, SVP and CMO at Qualcomm, delved into the company's role in the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, particularly in the realm of generative AI. Speaking with TIRIAS Principal Analyst Jim McGregor, McGuire shed light on how Qualcomm, a key player in the wireless and mobile revolution, is now positioning itself at the forefront of AI advancements. The conversation focused on the implications of generative AI for Qualcomm, the broader industry, and society as a whole, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in enhancing efficiency across various sectors.

We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join our Senior Executive Team and manage Clearcover’s core financial functions, including strategic financial planning and analysis, accounting and controls, capital markets and fundraising activities, and audit and risk management.

The Director of People & Culture will be charged with developing a strategy and plan for the evolution of Forward’s workforce and will be an integral member of the Leadership Team. onsite in Boston 2 days per month at a minimum

As an integral member of Unanet’s Product Marketing Team, you will drive our product launch process, ensuring new products are understood and adopted by our customers and target market. This opportunity requires more than just strong project management. It is an opportunity to own the outcome of product launch for a multi-product, multi-market company.

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Tether, the issuer of the world's largest stablecoin USDT, is embroiled in a legal battle at London's High Court over a $1 billion deposit with Britannia Financial. The case revolves around a subsidiary of Britannia and its dispute with Arbitral International regarding the sale of a Bahamas brokerage. This high-stakes legal battle highlights the complexities and risks involved in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market, underlining the importance of regulatory and legal clarity in the fintech sector.

Bitcoin options trading reached a new peak with $15 billion in open interest on the crypto exchange Deribit. This surge reflects a growing interest in leveraging options for hedging and gaining exposure in the crypto market. The doubling of this figure since late September indicates a robust and active market for cryptocurrency derivatives, highlighting the increasing sophistication and maturity of the crypto financial markets​

The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised concerns about the prolonged slump in the commercial property sector, which could pose a threat to banks and investors. High interest rates and economic weakness have impacted property prices, potentially leading to a broader market stress. This situation highlights the interconnectedness of various sectors within the financial industry and the importance of stability in the real estate market for overall financial health.

BlackRock's 2024 thematic outlook identifies three key themes for investors: the evolving macroeconomic regime, the rise of artificial intelligence, and innovations in medical technology. These themes reflect the ongoing transformation in global finance, driven by technological advancements and changing market dynamics. The report emphasizes the need for targeted investment strategies in an increasingly complex financial world​.

Brazilian neobank Nubank has reached a milestone with over 90 million customers, primarily in Brazil. The bank reported a significant increase in profits and revenues, indicating the growing acceptance and success of fintech solutions in Latin America. Nubank's growth story underscores the transformative impact of fintech on traditional banking sectors, especially in emerging markets​.

Fnality International, a fintech firm, has raised €89 million in a Series B funding round, led by notable investors like Goldman Sachs and BNP Paribas. Fnality is combining blockchain technology with central bank money, signaling a significant shift in how financial transactions and liquidity management might be handled in the future. This investment reflects the growing interest in innovative fintech solutions that can revolutionize global finance systems​.