Toptal Finance Expert
Exploring the Bear Case of the Cryptocurrency Bubble
The arguments for a cryptocurrency revolution can tend to sway toward appearing more like get-rich-quick schemes than balanced debates. The regulatory risk overhang, constant scams, and technological immaturity of the movement mean that long-term success is far from certain.
In this article, Jonathan Sterling addresses the other side of the argument: the bear case for a crypto future. He shines a light on the problems blighting cryptocurrencies and some remedies for them, drawing upon comparisons with historic bubbles, some centuries old.
Jonathan Sterling
Jon is a software engineer that has built out a number of Fintech solutions relating to cryptocurrency and market-making for trading.
Small Data, Big Opportunities
By now, most have heard of Big Data – the buzzword du jour across most business circles. In this exploratory piece, Finance Expert, Gregory Thompson, introduces us to the wonderful world of Small Data.
Specifically, he guides us through its broader market dynamics, tools, players and solutions, and includes a practical implementation guide for how small businesses might add analytics as a core-capability to their respective business arsenals.
Gregory Thompson
Greg led corporate development at a tech company, completing many acquisitions and divestitures and growing revenue to over $800m.
Celebrity Investors Take Over Silicon Valley
Today, there are many celebrities that have become investors, and many investors that are borderline celebrities. One thing is clear: The division between Hollywood and Silicon Valley has become increasingly blurred. Though in the past it has been common for famous entertainers, musicians, or actors to grow their wealth through real estate, royalties, or restaurants, celebrities today are turning towards tech investments.
This article explores why celebrities are drawn to Silicon Valley, the types of companies they invest in, different models of their involvement, and commentary on how it impacts the tech industry.
Melissa Lin
Melissa has worked in ECM, tech startups, and management consulting, advising Fortune 500 companies across multiple sectors.
Pearls of Wisdom—The Best Shareholder Letters Nobody Is Reading
Equity analysts often leave out an important source of wisdom when analyzing companies—the annual shareholder letter. This article intends to elucidate the purpose and traits of good shareholder letters based on an analysis of the 601 companies in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. The article will also direct readers to some of the best lesser-known shareholder letters to put on their annual reading list.
Elizabeth J. Howell Hanano, CFA
Elizabeth began her career as an equity analyst and brings a deep understanding of how to unlock value within companies, big and small.
What Is Sales Forecasting?
Forecasting sales is an activity often performed inaccurately, with growth figures either being anchored around a target of “inflation + x” or an unrealistic round number plucked from thin air. In this tutorial, we explain the process of sales forecasting and how a correct process can help businesses in other areas, beyond just setting top-line targets.
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How Is the International Money Transfer Market Evolving?
With the global workforce becoming increasingly mobile, international money transfers (“remittances”) have equally grown in prominence, passing the $530 billion a year mark in 2016.
Fees for transfers are at an all-time low, thanks to pressure from bodies such as the UN, which is providing consumers with more value. But how are transfer companies responding to this pressure and what steps are they taking to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack?
Mauro F. Romaldini, ACMA CGMA
Mauro has led origination efforts for over $150m of private placement bond deals and built up finance teams for a range of startups.
Why Every Business Should Build Weekly Cash Flow Forecasts
When most finance professionals hear the term “13 week cash Forecast,” they view it as a burden—one more task to appease an overbearing lender. It doesn’t help that it seems less exciting than analyzing an investment or acquisition. Therefore, people often only prioritize these forecasts in distressed situations, when it is too late to take corrective actions.
However, in this article, Toptal Finance Expert Marty Mooney argues that weekly cash forecasts are crucial for all businesses, irrespective of size, health, or sector. It also provides a simple tutorial for efficiently building such analyses.
Marty Mooney
As a CFO and PE professional, Marty has a rich history of building up businesses and unlocking value through selling them.
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