Tuesday, 29 April 2025

Cash : Relic or lifeline ?

 Cash : Relic or lifeline ?

 

After yesterday’s blackout across Spain and Portugal, it has really put a new perspective on our reliance on our cards and digital payment methods.

Whilst the pandemic encouraged us to move away from cash payments and  increase our spend on physical cards and digital payments, yesterday’s outage showed us that there is still a place for cash.

So, with that in mind, we e have some  practical tips to help prepare for digital payment outages to ensure you are  not caught off guard the next time systems go down:

๐Ÿฆ 1. Keep a Small Cash Reserve

  • Enough to cover 2–3 days of essentials like food, transport, and minor emergencies
  • Store some securely at home and keep a small amount in your wallet for day-to-day use

๐Ÿ”‹ 2. Keep Devices Charged & Carry a Power Bank

  • Keep your phone fully charged when possible and invest in a portable charger

๐Ÿ“ฑ 3. Enable Offline Features on Your Payment Apps

  • Some apps allow offline payment limits (like Apple Pay or Google Wallet), which can still process small transactions when you’re offline
  • Check with your bank or wallet provider to see what’s available

๐Ÿงพ 4. Make a physical note of key information

  • Write down or print key account numbers and support phone lines (for your bank or credit card issuer)
  • In a blackout or mobile outage, you may not be able to access contact info digitally


 5. Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Prepare

  • The worst time to realise you need cash is after the ATMs go dark or merchants can’t process cards
  • Treat it like insurance: you hope not to need it, but it’s crucial when you do

 

Thursday, 24 April 2025

Mastercard announced as headline partner of Open Banking Expo USA 2025

 Mastercard announced as headline partner of Open Banking Expo USA 2025

 

London, New York, 2025 – Open Banking Expo is pleased to announce Mastercard is the headline partner of the inaugural Open Banking Expo USA 2025. The event will take place on June 26, in the bustling heart of New York.

 

Open Banking Expo USA offers an unmissable opportunity for leaders across America’s financial services spectrum, spanning banks, credit unions, cutting-edge fintech innovators, technology providers, and policymakers, to converge and map out an evolving future for consumer permissioned data sharing.

 

Visitors to the Expo can expect a packed agenda that explores real-world applications and offers valuable insights, delivered through expertly curated sessions, compelling case studies, and hands-on workshops.

 

Among the key themes to be explored during the one-day Expo are establishing consumer trust in data privacy, navigating regulatory complexity, and financial inclusion and access.

 

Additionally, the event promises to delve into the commercial possibilities within the payments sphere and anticipate the unfolding journey towards Open Finance in the US.

 

Bart Willaert, executive vice president, Open Banking, Americas at Mastercard, said: “Open Banking is transforming financial services, and the opportunities for growth are exponential. We look forward to convening at the Expo as we work together as an ecosystem to enable innovative and secure financial experiences that responsibly support all parties in the ecosystem.”

 

Adam Cox, co-founder and managing director of Open Banking Expo, said: “We are thrilled to make our debut in the US in 2025, and to welcome Mastercard as headline partner of Open Banking Expo USA.

 

“It is the perfect opportunity to bring together decision-makers and innovators. The Expo promises to be a landmark event that will shape the future of finance in the US.”

Find out more about Open Banking Expo USA and register to attend here.

To receive a discount code enter CPJ20 when booking


Visit the event website with agenda and booking platform


Tuesday, 15 April 2025

Fractional Working: What It Is and How to Get Started

 An Introduction to Fractional Working: What It Is and How to Get Started

If you've heard the term but aren't quite sure what it means (or how to get into it), this is for you.

As the world of work continues to evolve, so do the ways we think about employment, careers, and time. One model gaining momentum across industries is fractional working — a flexible, agile approach that’s reshaping how businesses access talent and how professionals design their careers.

So, What Is Fractional Working?

At its core, fractional working means offering your professional skills to multiple companies or clients on a part-time or project basis — typically in a strategic, high-impact role. Think of it as a middle ground between full-time employment and freelancing.

Common in leadership and specialist roles, you might see titles like:

  • Fractional CMO
  • Fractional CFO
  • Fractional HR Director
  • Fractional Product Manager

The idea is that a business gets senior-level expertise without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire, while the professional gains flexibility, variety, and autonomy.

Why Is It Growing?

The rise of fractional roles is driven by a few key trends:

  • Startups and SMEs needing experienced leadership but lacking the budget for full-time hires
  • Professionals seeking flexibility, variety, or a better work-life blend
  • A shift toward outcomes-based work rather than time-based contracts

It’s particularly popular in tech, marketing, finance, HR, and operations — but it’s spreading fast.

Is Fractional Right for You?

You might be a good fit for fractional work if:

  • You’re an experienced professional with a strong niche or area of expertise
  • You’re looking for more autonomy or a portfolio-style career
  • You enjoy solving problems, building systems, and moving between teams or projects

It works well for ex-founders, former executives, consultants, Subject Matter Experts and even full-time professionals looking to transition out of the 9–5.

How to Get Started

1. Define Your Offering
What do you want to be known for? Are you a growth strategist, a finance operator, a brand builder? Get clear on your value proposition — what problems do you solve, and for whom?

2. Package Yourself
Update your LinkedIn to reflect your fractional identity. Think clear headlines (e.g. "Fractional CMO | Scaling early-stage startups"). Consider a personal website or service page, and have case studies or examples ready.

3. Leverage Your Network
Many fractional gigs come through word of mouth. Reach out to former colleagues, clients, or connections. Let people know you’re available on a part-time or project basis.

4. Think Long-Term Relationships, Not One-Off Gigs
Fractional doesn’t mean disposable — in fact, many businesses want an ongoing, strategic partner. Focus on delivering value and becoming a trusted part of the team.


Final Thought

Fractional work isn’t just a career experiment — for many, it’s the future of how we work. It’s about doing meaningful, strategic work on your own terms.

Whether you’re exploring options or already part of the movement, there’s never been a better time to build a career that fits your life.

Have you stepped into the fractional world? Or thinking about it? I’d love to hear your experience ๐Ÿ‘‡


#paymentjobs #fintechjobs #fractionalwork #fractionalworking