#NewsYouCanUse (December 18, 2023)

The #NewYouCanUse is an article series where I share important reminders of what is going on in the world and how it affects women, underrepresented professionals, male allies, and the business we do in financial services and financial technology.

You are always welcome to add articles, thoughts, and meet new people through these discussions. Please be kind to one another when differences of opinions occur. It happens and helps us all think differently.

Here are today's finds:

1?? Advisors Better Use Tech or Else via J.D. Power

I went ahead and did the download so you don't have to risk being on an endless email campaign, but this is a pretty Powerful report (pun intended.) The big takeaway: Advisors are neglecting a critical aspect of client engagement - discussing their firm’s digital capabilities. How many of you are are telling clients about your technology? I have heard some say, "My clients don't care." I beg to differ. More importantly, are you telling the clients about customer-facing tech they get to use, which is especially important for your DIYers out there. Curious what Linda Wittich , H. Adam Holt, CFP?, ChFC? and Alison Susko of Asset-Map , and Ryan George of Docupace think about this, too.

2?? Women and #FinTech via The Fintech Times

And since we are on the topic of #FinTech and I'm a women-centric business in finance, I loved that Polly Jean Harrison started the article with the truth, "Though progress has been made to reduce the gender gap in fintech, the industry still has far to go until it hits true representation and champions full equity." ???? Some of the thoughts shared were about being aware of hiring women (I don't understand why this isn't naturally happening? I mean, a woman literally birthed each of us, so why wouldn't we think of women?) Also the importance of role models (the 'see it be it' is a very real thing) is especially critical for the First and Only (First Women, Only Black, etc.). And I love that "providing resources" was shared because that's exactly what we do in the Females and Finance Community . Curious for some women in #FinTech to comment like Cheryl Nash , Kelly Waltrich , and Margaret O'Connor .

3?? Cybersecurity Predictions for 2024 via Fast Company

We will just keep talking tech on this #NewsYouCanUse and wrap it up with scary stuff, like cybersecurity. Y'all gotta read this article. Advanced Phishing - and we are just the beginning of what AI can do in the wrong hands. AI-Powered Scams - the robust authentication concerns are very real. Malicious Browser Extensions - I recently removed almost all of mine due to the alarming rate that these are infesting our devices. I'm sure Google Chrome isn't particularly thrilled about this either. Young people on devices means more scamming possibilities. Enlightening the kiddos on what looks off is something new the parents and teachers will have to educate on. Crazy times are here.

?? Who has thoughts to share?

?? What are your opinions?

?? Where can we make the biggest change happen first?

≠ When can we expect something to be different?

? How can we get started?

????♀? Why should others care about this stuff going on?

I work on these kinds of matters and more in the Females and Finance Community and welcome thought leaders who are in or serve the professionals of financial services and financial technology to reach out, join, and let's build a better landscape of professionals.

Stay well, friends.

Sheryl Hickerson

CEO & Founder - Females and Finance