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Thursday, May 28, 2009
Hidden Payments
Merchants who accept credit cards must pay a processing fee ranging from 1- 6 % of the purchase price. These hidden costs and hidden payments are transferred to the consumer in various ways.
The first method is the most commonly accepted one of a surcharge on the payment, leading to the price being higher than the marked price. The problem has been compounded in India, where the credit card companies have not asked for “merchant agreements”, which provide that the processing charges will not be added on by the merchant. This has led to credit cards being used less frequently than they might be, a disadvantage to the issuer as well as the merchant.
A second method is simply marking up of the prices of all items in the shop, leading to the surcharge being hidden in the retail price. While the MRP does restrict this to some extent, the net result is that people who pay in cash are paying as if they were using a credit card. Thus, a part of the revenue earned by the credit card companies comes from people who do not even own a credit card!
The flip side is, with the boom in the credit card market in India, greater volume of credit card sales allow the merchants to keep their existing price structure, and still not lose any profit on paying the processing fee, since the credit card companies have relaxed their rates, as a measure to boost sales and increase the acceptability net. . Credit cards also allow for convenience in repeat sales, and the processing fee is greatly offset by the increased convenience. Also, the processing fee is simply an equivalent payment to the costs incurred in counting, transporting and depositing the cash payments.
Whichever way you look at it, using a credit card can entail certain hidden payments consequences of which must be closely examined before using a credit card.
Source:
Wikipedia
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/08/AR2007030802178.html
Statutory Instrument 1990 No. 2159: The Credit Cards (Price Discrimination) Order 1990
http://rbifinance.com
http://kingcreditweb.com
The first method is the most commonly accepted one of a surcharge on the payment, leading to the price being higher than the marked price. The problem has been compounded in India, where the credit card companies have not asked for “merchant agreements”, which provide that the processing charges will not be added on by the merchant. This has led to credit cards being used less frequently than they might be, a disadvantage to the issuer as well as the merchant.
A second method is simply marking up of the prices of all items in the shop, leading to the surcharge being hidden in the retail price. While the MRP does restrict this to some extent, the net result is that people who pay in cash are paying as if they were using a credit card. Thus, a part of the revenue earned by the credit card companies comes from people who do not even own a credit card!
The flip side is, with the boom in the credit card market in India, greater volume of credit card sales allow the merchants to keep their existing price structure, and still not lose any profit on paying the processing fee, since the credit card companies have relaxed their rates, as a measure to boost sales and increase the acceptability net. . Credit cards also allow for convenience in repeat sales, and the processing fee is greatly offset by the increased convenience. Also, the processing fee is simply an equivalent payment to the costs incurred in counting, transporting and depositing the cash payments.
Whichever way you look at it, using a credit card can entail certain hidden payments consequences of which must be closely examined before using a credit card.
Source:
Wikipedia
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/08/AR2007030802178.html
Statutory Instrument 1990 No. 2159: The Credit Cards (Price Discrimination) Order 1990
http://rbifinance.com
http://kingcreditweb.com
Common Credit Card Mistakes
The following article highlights some common mistakes made by credit card holders before, after and during getting a credit card issued. Before getting the card: Procuring multiple cards An extremely common mistake made by most inexperienced cardholders, lured by the attractive initial rates of an add-on card or a special discount scheme offered during peak season, they often find themselves in twice as much debt as before.
Not shopping around for the best interest rate
Credit card rates and terms vary greatly. Always ask your issuing bank for all the credit card rates they charge like fuel surcharge, late fees, revolving credit charge etc. The bank’s website or customer care service can be used for this function. Choosing a card for the wrong reasons
Cardholders often get a card issued because of the fringe benefits and reward schemes on offer, even though the rates are higher. A credit card is there to make purchases, not to earn reward points. They should be treated as a bonus, after getting a card with the best rates.
Being misled by introductory rates
Some credit cards, especially of the low-end variety, often have a low or waived initial fee and a modest annual fee for the initial period. However, after the period is over, the rates spiral and increase significantly. The paperwork and forms must be scrutinized carefully by the cardholder for such tricks.
Not reading the SMALL print
Before you sign up, be sure you know the card's interest rate and how it is calculated, the grace period, fee schedule, and other terms. After getting a card issued, pay attention to any updates or notifications sent to you by the bank or the card company.
After getting the card:
Applying for a card and limit you cannot afford to repay and paying the minimum repayment
The most publicized feature of the credit card is that of the minimum amount due. What is not advertised is that interest is charged on the amount spent, not the amount outstanding. So use this feature only as a last resort.
Maxing out the card
This implies that the holder has overspent, and the debt becomes crippling. Often the cardholder is stuck paying off the interest alone, and cannot make any inroads into the principal.
Using the cash advance function
Check on the terms and conditions of the cash advance function very carefully. The interest rates are often steep and there is no interest-free period. If you must use it, repay the money at the earliest.
Late payments
Late payments subject you to extortionate interest rates and set fees. The charge is extremely high and proportional to your bill. The late payments are one of the main revenue-earners of the companies.
Not checking your statement and not keeping your receipts
A common error when we start to feel the pressure of a debt burden is to start to ignore the fact that the debt exists in the first place. A downward trend starts that will leave you hopelessly in debt. Also keep your receipts from purchases to cross-check with your monthly bill.
Adding a secondary user
Although some may not consider this a mistake, if you add a secondary user to your credit card account you’ve suddenly lost control over the spending on your card. The interest rates and payments you will have to make will also increase, and the fraud risk multiplies.
Using your card overseas
Overseas purchases are charged with a large fee and a higher exchange rate than the current one. It’s much safer and cheaper to carry travellers’ cheques or cash. There are also special deals which certain global banks offer, one among them being the offer to convert your card to the foreign country’s currency, provided the bank does business there.
http://rbifinance.com
Not shopping around for the best interest rate
Credit card rates and terms vary greatly. Always ask your issuing bank for all the credit card rates they charge like fuel surcharge, late fees, revolving credit charge etc. The bank’s website or customer care service can be used for this function. Choosing a card for the wrong reasons
Cardholders often get a card issued because of the fringe benefits and reward schemes on offer, even though the rates are higher. A credit card is there to make purchases, not to earn reward points. They should be treated as a bonus, after getting a card with the best rates.
Being misled by introductory rates
Some credit cards, especially of the low-end variety, often have a low or waived initial fee and a modest annual fee for the initial period. However, after the period is over, the rates spiral and increase significantly. The paperwork and forms must be scrutinized carefully by the cardholder for such tricks.
Not reading the SMALL print
Before you sign up, be sure you know the card's interest rate and how it is calculated, the grace period, fee schedule, and other terms. After getting a card issued, pay attention to any updates or notifications sent to you by the bank or the card company.
After getting the card:
Applying for a card and limit you cannot afford to repay and paying the minimum repayment
The most publicized feature of the credit card is that of the minimum amount due. What is not advertised is that interest is charged on the amount spent, not the amount outstanding. So use this feature only as a last resort.
Maxing out the card
This implies that the holder has overspent, and the debt becomes crippling. Often the cardholder is stuck paying off the interest alone, and cannot make any inroads into the principal.
Using the cash advance function
Check on the terms and conditions of the cash advance function very carefully. The interest rates are often steep and there is no interest-free period. If you must use it, repay the money at the earliest.
Late payments
Late payments subject you to extortionate interest rates and set fees. The charge is extremely high and proportional to your bill. The late payments are one of the main revenue-earners of the companies.
Not checking your statement and not keeping your receipts
A common error when we start to feel the pressure of a debt burden is to start to ignore the fact that the debt exists in the first place. A downward trend starts that will leave you hopelessly in debt. Also keep your receipts from purchases to cross-check with your monthly bill.
Adding a secondary user
Although some may not consider this a mistake, if you add a secondary user to your credit card account you’ve suddenly lost control over the spending on your card. The interest rates and payments you will have to make will also increase, and the fraud risk multiplies.
Using your card overseas
Overseas purchases are charged with a large fee and a higher exchange rate than the current one. It’s much safer and cheaper to carry travellers’ cheques or cash. There are also special deals which certain global banks offer, one among them being the offer to convert your card to the foreign country’s currency, provided the bank does business there.
http://rbifinance.com
Credit Cards for Students
The credit card market today is expanding to include undergraduate and post-graduate students under its umbrella. There aren’t many options for this type of card at present; many of the banks have been adapting their low-interest and lower-end cards for students’ use. The student credit card market is a fledgling one at present, with banks using models from the USA for their own adapted cards.
Features:
The most important feature of a student credit card is that there is no lower income eligibility limit, which allows even a person who doesn’t earn money to obtain a credit card.
Such credit cards are simpler to obtain than normal credit cards, with no income tax returns required. The only documents required are proof of residence and proof of enrollment at any institute.
A second major feature of most student credit cards is that they offer a lower cash limit and revolving credit limit, along with a lower service charge on the revolving credit limit.
Finally, there is no joining or annual fee, and the car is generally valid for a period of 5 years, and eligible to students who are 18 and above.
Warning:
A problem with student credit cards that has arisen in the USA, and which we would do well not to emulate is when credit card companies encourage students to use the student card to pay off their student loans. This plunges them deeper into debt, and often students are unable to pay back the loans on the credit card. The credit card companies compensate for a low monthly interest fees with an unusually high annual percentage rate, so the bills on a student card should be paid on time and in full.
NextGen Gold Visa Card:
A good example of a student credit is the Bank of Baroda’s NextGen Gold Visa Card, which is a card exclusively for students offering low interest rates as well as the primary features of their standard Gold card. The card is a prime example of a characteristic student credit card; 1.5% revolving credit service charge as opposed to 2.5%, and a higher APR.
Reminder:
Three things that a student must remember before obtaining a student card:
The card should be used for small purchases, not for any extravagant items.
The bill should be paid in full before the end of the year, otherwise the high APR kicks in.
The details and offers of the card should be studied in full before a card is purchased, with special emphasis on the APR and the late payment charge.
Features:
The most important feature of a student credit card is that there is no lower income eligibility limit, which allows even a person who doesn’t earn money to obtain a credit card.
Such credit cards are simpler to obtain than normal credit cards, with no income tax returns required. The only documents required are proof of residence and proof of enrollment at any institute.
A second major feature of most student credit cards is that they offer a lower cash limit and revolving credit limit, along with a lower service charge on the revolving credit limit.
Finally, there is no joining or annual fee, and the car is generally valid for a period of 5 years, and eligible to students who are 18 and above.
Warning:
A problem with student credit cards that has arisen in the USA, and which we would do well not to emulate is when credit card companies encourage students to use the student card to pay off their student loans. This plunges them deeper into debt, and often students are unable to pay back the loans on the credit card. The credit card companies compensate for a low monthly interest fees with an unusually high annual percentage rate, so the bills on a student card should be paid on time and in full.
NextGen Gold Visa Card:
A good example of a student credit is the Bank of Baroda’s NextGen Gold Visa Card, which is a card exclusively for students offering low interest rates as well as the primary features of their standard Gold card. The card is a prime example of a characteristic student credit card; 1.5% revolving credit service charge as opposed to 2.5%, and a higher APR.
Reminder:
Three things that a student must remember before obtaining a student card:
The card should be used for small purchases, not for any extravagant items.
The bill should be paid in full before the end of the year, otherwise the high APR kicks in.
The details and offers of the card should be studied in full before a card is purchased, with special emphasis on the APR and the late payment charge.
Debit Cards vs Credit Cards
This article highlights the differences and comparative advantages and disadvantages of the two types of popular plastic money on offer in India.
The basic difference between the two is the fact that a credit card takes the form of a personal loan from the issuing bank to the consumer, while a debit card is more like a cheque: money is directly deducted from a person’s bank account to pay for transaction.
Some advantages of a credit card over a debit card are:
With a flexile spending limit, a cardholder can take advantage of the easy loan facility of a credit card, and can use it to purchase items or spend money that he expects in the near future, not just money that he presently has in his account.
Most of the major features of a debit card such as withdrawal of cash from ATMs are available on credit cards as well.
A credit card has a wider acceptance and recognition, especially in online transactions.
A credit card has greater security measures ad checks than a debit card.
Credit cards allow for cash back and bonus points schemes that a debit card is not eligible for.
A credit card can be used as a convenient way to check and record your spending.
Since there is a fixed credit limit, a cardholder cannot overstretch his purchases.
The disadvantages of using a credit card: Following are the disadvantages of Credit card
The major one is the hidden costs of a credit card in the form of late payments, transaction fees, fuel surcharge. The consumer must take all of this into account before getting a card issued.
It is not compulsory for the entire balance to be paid, but the interest is charged on the entire amount, regardless of the part paid. This causes a debt trap for the cardholder.
The security of a card is not total and cases of fraud are extremely common even today.
Credit cards can be used at ATM cards, but there is a considerable processing fee required.
All in all, a credit card should be used responsibly and the amount due should be paid in full.
Debit cards provide access to ready money in a more convenient and less invasive form than cheques, and allow for a faster withdrawal of cash.
They can be used by people who do not qualify for a credit card, and the major advantage is that a person spends money that he actually possesses from his bank account.
A debit card can be used to withdraw money from an ATM with no processing charge. A debit card is a more convenient way of carrying cash around.
The disadvantages of the debit card:
There are almost no security measures and a person can use a debit card to clean out the cardholder’s account, if he knows the PIN.
A debit card does not prevent the account from being overdrawn, and has less affordability than a credit card.
A debit card also has a narrower acceptable area in India, with many merchants not accepting it since they are charged a fee every time they do.
The major problems of a debit card are negated by instant notifications of transactions via sms and emails. A credit card or a debit card are both useful tools that must be used carefully and sparingly to maximize your advantage.
The basic difference between the two is the fact that a credit card takes the form of a personal loan from the issuing bank to the consumer, while a debit card is more like a cheque: money is directly deducted from a person’s bank account to pay for transaction.
Some advantages of a credit card over a debit card are:
With a flexile spending limit, a cardholder can take advantage of the easy loan facility of a credit card, and can use it to purchase items or spend money that he expects in the near future, not just money that he presently has in his account.
Most of the major features of a debit card such as withdrawal of cash from ATMs are available on credit cards as well.
A credit card has a wider acceptance and recognition, especially in online transactions.
A credit card has greater security measures ad checks than a debit card.
Credit cards allow for cash back and bonus points schemes that a debit card is not eligible for.
A credit card can be used as a convenient way to check and record your spending.
Since there is a fixed credit limit, a cardholder cannot overstretch his purchases.
The disadvantages of using a credit card: Following are the disadvantages of Credit card
The major one is the hidden costs of a credit card in the form of late payments, transaction fees, fuel surcharge. The consumer must take all of this into account before getting a card issued.
It is not compulsory for the entire balance to be paid, but the interest is charged on the entire amount, regardless of the part paid. This causes a debt trap for the cardholder.
The security of a card is not total and cases of fraud are extremely common even today.
Credit cards can be used at ATM cards, but there is a considerable processing fee required.
All in all, a credit card should be used responsibly and the amount due should be paid in full.
Debit cards provide access to ready money in a more convenient and less invasive form than cheques, and allow for a faster withdrawal of cash.
They can be used by people who do not qualify for a credit card, and the major advantage is that a person spends money that he actually possesses from his bank account.
A debit card can be used to withdraw money from an ATM with no processing charge. A debit card is a more convenient way of carrying cash around.
The disadvantages of the debit card:
There are almost no security measures and a person can use a debit card to clean out the cardholder’s account, if he knows the PIN.
A debit card does not prevent the account from being overdrawn, and has less affordability than a credit card.
A debit card also has a narrower acceptable area in India, with many merchants not accepting it since they are charged a fee every time they do.
The major problems of a debit card are negated by instant notifications of transactions via sms and emails. A credit card or a debit card are both useful tools that must be used carefully and sparingly to maximize your advantage.
Credit Card Hijacking by Identity Theft
Identity theft is the stealing of another person’s identity and using it as your own. Personal information is stolen by identity thieves through various sources, and used to make credit cards and other identity documents. Fraudulent credit cards are the most common result of identity theft. There are various ways in which thieves gather details of someone’s identity. The most common methods are listed below:
Retrieving information from redundant equipment which has been disposed of carelessly, e.g. at public dump sites, information given away without proper sanitizing etc.
Stealing payment or identification cards, either by pick-pocketing or surreptitiously by skimming through a compromised card reader
Eavesdropping on public transactions to obtain personal data
Stealing personal information in computer databases
Advertising bogus job offers (either full-time or work from home based) to which the victims will reply with their full name, address, CVs, telephone numbers, and banking details
Browsing social network sites, online for personal details that have been posted by users.
These methods allow thieves to gather a surprising amount of information and get a credit card issued in your name. The net results of such a measure are disastrous. Vigilance and discretion must be exercised in keeping personal details from being stolen.
Credit Card Hijacking by Cancellation Barrier
Another common form of credit card hijacking is used by subscription companies, the payments for whom are routed through a credit card. The organization creates certain barriers that make it difficult for a credit card user to cancel his subscription easily, and as such continue to charge him for services he no longer desires or needs. This is in direct contrast to the traditional method of subscriptions, where the subscriptions have to be proactively renewed, and are cancelled or suspended if payments are not on time. The credit card makes the user’s money more easily accessible to the subscription company, and the liability resulting from inactivity falls on the user’s shoulders, rather than the company that is providing the service.
Also, since the general monthly cost is low, such practices can go unnoticed for months at a time. Hence, the user must maintain a close eye on his monthly bills.
Credit Card Hijacking by Negative Option Billing
Negative option billing is a business practice in which goods or services are provided automatically, and the customer must either pay for the service or specifically decline it in advance of billing. Thus, if the user makes no response to the bill sent by the company, he is assumed to have agreed with the transaction and the amount is debited from his credit card. This is a practice which is not illegal yet, and many credit card users have been exploited because of such tactics.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_card_hijacking
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_theft
Retrieving information from redundant equipment which has been disposed of carelessly, e.g. at public dump sites, information given away without proper sanitizing etc.
Stealing payment or identification cards, either by pick-pocketing or surreptitiously by skimming through a compromised card reader
Eavesdropping on public transactions to obtain personal data
Stealing personal information in computer databases
Advertising bogus job offers (either full-time or work from home based) to which the victims will reply with their full name, address, CVs, telephone numbers, and banking details
Browsing social network sites, online for personal details that have been posted by users.
These methods allow thieves to gather a surprising amount of information and get a credit card issued in your name. The net results of such a measure are disastrous. Vigilance and discretion must be exercised in keeping personal details from being stolen.
Credit Card Hijacking by Cancellation Barrier
Another common form of credit card hijacking is used by subscription companies, the payments for whom are routed through a credit card. The organization creates certain barriers that make it difficult for a credit card user to cancel his subscription easily, and as such continue to charge him for services he no longer desires or needs. This is in direct contrast to the traditional method of subscriptions, where the subscriptions have to be proactively renewed, and are cancelled or suspended if payments are not on time. The credit card makes the user’s money more easily accessible to the subscription company, and the liability resulting from inactivity falls on the user’s shoulders, rather than the company that is providing the service.
Also, since the general monthly cost is low, such practices can go unnoticed for months at a time. Hence, the user must maintain a close eye on his monthly bills.
Credit Card Hijacking by Negative Option Billing
Negative option billing is a business practice in which goods or services are provided automatically, and the customer must either pay for the service or specifically decline it in advance of billing. Thus, if the user makes no response to the bill sent by the company, he is assumed to have agreed with the transaction and the amount is debited from his credit card. This is a practice which is not illegal yet, and many credit card users have been exploited because of such tactics.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_card_hijacking
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_theft
Credit Cards for Small Businesses
Small business owners who need a quick cash inflow, but are unsure where to borrow from, should consider using a credit card. Business credit cards represent an easily accessible source for a loan, although the availability is offset by the high risk incurred in doing so. However, despite the dangers, there are countless examples of a credit card being used as a financing source.
Larry Page and Sergey Brin's start up of Google was financed by credit cards to buy the necessary computers and office equipment and a terabyte of memory, to start the search engine. Filmmaker Robert Townsend and Director Kevin Smith have used credit cards to finance various movies. Famed hedge fund manager Bruce Kovner began his career (and, later on, his firm Caxton Associates) in financial markets by borrowing from his credit card.
Taking note of such trends, credit card companies offer business credit cards that can be used for financing various projects, and also for the day-to-day running of the business. Visa and MasterCard both offer credit cards that allow business expenses to be charged to them, and easy access to secondary and add-on cards with the same features. Such cards offer reward points, air miles and other fringe benefits as an incentive for using them. They have low-interest rates, to increase sales and offer small businesses a way to cut down on operating costs, as well as providing a speedy method of emergency cash injection.
Another advantage of business cards is that they allow the owner to track his employees’ spending, and also makes his accounting more efficient and easier to manage.
However, business owners who borrow on plastic should strive to use their business credit card for monthly expenses and pay off their balance in full each month. Also, they should make sure to check their account summaries regularly. They should also generally use only one business card at a time, as it sometimes becomes difficult to pay off several balances.
Business owners and administrators should consult issuing banks or financial institutions about the feasibility of a credit card for their business.
Source
http://www.businesscreditcardsite.com/why-business-credit-cards-are-useful-to-your-business/
http://www.businesscreditcardsite.com/10-valuable-tips-about-business-credit-cards/
www.creditorweb.com/categories/business-credit-cards.html
Larry Page and Sergey Brin's start up of Google was financed by credit cards to buy the necessary computers and office equipment and a terabyte of memory, to start the search engine. Filmmaker Robert Townsend and Director Kevin Smith have used credit cards to finance various movies. Famed hedge fund manager Bruce Kovner began his career (and, later on, his firm Caxton Associates) in financial markets by borrowing from his credit card.
Taking note of such trends, credit card companies offer business credit cards that can be used for financing various projects, and also for the day-to-day running of the business. Visa and MasterCard both offer credit cards that allow business expenses to be charged to them, and easy access to secondary and add-on cards with the same features. Such cards offer reward points, air miles and other fringe benefits as an incentive for using them. They have low-interest rates, to increase sales and offer small businesses a way to cut down on operating costs, as well as providing a speedy method of emergency cash injection.
Another advantage of business cards is that they allow the owner to track his employees’ spending, and also makes his accounting more efficient and easier to manage.
However, business owners who borrow on plastic should strive to use their business credit card for monthly expenses and pay off their balance in full each month. Also, they should make sure to check their account summaries regularly. They should also generally use only one business card at a time, as it sometimes becomes difficult to pay off several balances.
Business owners and administrators should consult issuing banks or financial institutions about the feasibility of a credit card for their business.
Source
http://www.businesscreditcardsite.com/why-business-credit-cards-are-useful-to-your-business/
http://www.businesscreditcardsite.com/10-valuable-tips-about-business-credit-cards/
www.creditorweb.com/categories/business-credit-cards.html
Hidden Payments
Merchants who accept credit cards must pay a processing fee ranging from 1- 6 % of the purchase price. These hidden costs and hidden payments are transferred to the consumer in various ways.
The first method is the most commonly accepted one of a surcharge on the payment, leading to the price being higher than the marked price. The problem has been compounded in India, where the credit card companies have not asked for “merchant agreements”, which provide that the processing charges will not be added on by the merchant. This has led to credit cards being used less frequently than they might be, a disadvantage to the issuer as well as the merchant.
A second method is simply marking up of the prices of all items in the shop, leading to the surcharge being hidden in the retail price. While the MRP does restrict this to some extent, the net result is that people who pay in cash are paying as if they were using a credit card. Thus, a part of the revenue earned by the credit card companies comes from people who do not even own a credit card!
The flip side is, with the boom in the credit card market in India, greater volume of credit card sales allow the merchants to keep their existing price structure, and still not lose any profit on paying the processing fee, since the credit card companies have relaxed their rates, as a measure to boost sales and increase the acceptability net. . Credit cards also allow for convenience in repeat sales, and the processing fee is greatly offset by the increased convenience. Also, the processing fee is simply an equivalent payment to the costs incurred in counting, transporting and depositing the cash payments.
Whichever way you look at it, using a credit card can entail certain hidden payments consequences of which must be closely examined before using a credit card.
Source:
Wikipedia
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/08/AR2007030802178.html
Statutory Instrument 1990 No. 2159: The Credit Cards (Price Discrimination) Order 1990
The first method is the most commonly accepted one of a surcharge on the payment, leading to the price being higher than the marked price. The problem has been compounded in India, where the credit card companies have not asked for “merchant agreements”, which provide that the processing charges will not be added on by the merchant. This has led to credit cards being used less frequently than they might be, a disadvantage to the issuer as well as the merchant.
A second method is simply marking up of the prices of all items in the shop, leading to the surcharge being hidden in the retail price. While the MRP does restrict this to some extent, the net result is that people who pay in cash are paying as if they were using a credit card. Thus, a part of the revenue earned by the credit card companies comes from people who do not even own a credit card!
The flip side is, with the boom in the credit card market in India, greater volume of credit card sales allow the merchants to keep their existing price structure, and still not lose any profit on paying the processing fee, since the credit card companies have relaxed their rates, as a measure to boost sales and increase the acceptability net. . Credit cards also allow for convenience in repeat sales, and the processing fee is greatly offset by the increased convenience. Also, the processing fee is simply an equivalent payment to the costs incurred in counting, transporting and depositing the cash payments.
Whichever way you look at it, using a credit card can entail certain hidden payments consequences of which must be closely examined before using a credit card.
Source:
Wikipedia
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/08/AR2007030802178.html
Statutory Instrument 1990 No. 2159: The Credit Cards (Price Discrimination) Order 1990
History of the Credit Card
The concept of using a card for purchases was invented in 1887 by Edward Bellamy and described in his utopian novel Looking Backward. The first version of the credit card was used in the 1920s, in the United States, as an alternate means of paying for petrol. In 1938 several companies started to accept each other's cards. It was not until 1950 that Ralph Schneider and Frank X. McNamara suggested that credit could be used for variegated transactions, in order to consolidate multiple cards. The Diners Club card, which was created partially through a merger with Dine and Sign, was the first of such general purpose charge cards and was called a Charga Plate. It was different to contemporary cards in that it required the entire bill to be paid with each statement; it was followed shortly thereafter by American Express and Carte Blanche. Bank of America created the BankAmericard in 1958, a product which eventually evolved into the Visa system ("Chargex" also became Visa). MasterCard was inaugrated in 1966 when a group of banks started the MasterCharge scheme. It was also the year when the first non-US credit card was issued by Barclays’ Bank in the UK.
At the time, there was no rapid method of communication between banks in different regions, and credit cards allowed travelers to procure credit, even when they were far from their local bank facilities. Credit cards became very poplar in the USA, UK and Canada.
In contrast, many cultures were much more cash-oriented and had developed alternative forms of cash-less payments, like Carte bleue, or the EC-card (Germany, France, Switzerland, among many others). In these places, the uptake of credit cards was initially much slower. It took until the 1990s to reach anything like the percentage market-penetration levels achieved in the US, Canada or UK. Till date, In many countries credit card acceptance still remains poor due to the lack of trust in the banking system of the country.
There are now countless variations on the basic concept of revolving credit for individuals (as issued by banks and honored by a network of financial institutions), including organization-branded credit cards, corporate-user credit cards, store cards and so on. The credit card has had a rapid and eventful history, and is fast replacing paper money as the most popular means of payment in our cities today.
Source
En.wikipedia.org
PBS Documentary “Secret history of the credit card”
At the time, there was no rapid method of communication between banks in different regions, and credit cards allowed travelers to procure credit, even when they were far from their local bank facilities. Credit cards became very poplar in the USA, UK and Canada.
In contrast, many cultures were much more cash-oriented and had developed alternative forms of cash-less payments, like Carte bleue, or the EC-card (Germany, France, Switzerland, among many others). In these places, the uptake of credit cards was initially much slower. It took until the 1990s to reach anything like the percentage market-penetration levels achieved in the US, Canada or UK. Till date, In many countries credit card acceptance still remains poor due to the lack of trust in the banking system of the country.
There are now countless variations on the basic concept of revolving credit for individuals (as issued by banks and honored by a network of financial institutions), including organization-branded credit cards, corporate-user credit cards, store cards and so on. The credit card has had a rapid and eventful history, and is fast replacing paper money as the most popular means of payment in our cities today.
Source
En.wikipedia.org
PBS Documentary “Secret history of the credit card”
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Do it Yourself Credit Repair Or Hire a Credit Repair Service By Ron Lerman
People commonly choose to repair their own credit because they feel it will save them money. The only costs involved will be for postage to credit reporting agencies, credit card companies, and collection agencies along with the cost for copies of your credit reports. While everyone is eligible to receive one free copy annually, you will also want a copy of your 3 credit scores. Since free copies of credit reports do not include your credit scores, you will need to pay each credit reporting agency for a copy of their report with your score included.
Remember that fixing your own credit can be time-consuming, especially if you have never done this before. You must do your homework! There are laws you must follow to ensure that you are repairing your credit legally and making appropriate demands on the credit reporting agencies. If you do not understand the laws, you won't be able to use them to your advantage.
Keep in mind that credit/collection agencies can be difficult for people to deal with, especially without the proper knowledge base. It doesn't serve the credit agencies interests for you to fix your bad credit. Without collecting money from you, they are out of business!
Many credit repair agencies are well-versed in handling issues as they arise. Your decision as to whether to hire a credit repair agency should be based on how much time, patience, and money you have at your disposal. Many people have been successful at repairing their credit both by hiring someone to do it for them, and by doing it themselves. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. If you have good information on how to do the credit repair yourself, you can save much time and money. However, if you prefer to pay for convenience and can afford the monthly fee, hiring a credit repair agency may also be an option. If you decide to hire a credit repair agency, please investigate any prospective company carefully beforehand to ensure that it is legitimate and reputable.
| For more information on Credit Repair, visit us at Unsecured Biz Credit.com a web site that provides individuals and small businesses with information to build their credit. Article Source: Ron Lerman, Business Credit Advisor |
What is a Cash Back Credit Card? By Tom Tessin
A cash card is one of the most preferred credit cards on the open market today. Many consumers are looking to get something for the use of credit. The cash credit card is available with secured cards, unsecured credit cards, and with prepaid credit cards. The debit card user who normally has one of the major company logos like Visa, MasterCard, or Discover expects cash back rewards on their card.
A card is vital for most consumers because they are so use to getting rewards from manufacturers in the form of rebates and coupons it only stands reasonable for them to get rewards for using the credit card. A good reward program will not cost the consumer an arm and a leg to maintain. It is often part of the package deal that gives you a low APR% and late fee charges. One of the important parts of having a good cash back card is the fact that you earn no matter what you use your credit card for when spending. You should be able to make hotel reservations, airline reservations or on merchandise and still get cash back for all your expenditures.
The normal consumer and the business consumer are all looking for the same good package deal. The college student expects to be able to use the card while in college and have cash rewards when they graduate. A cash back credit card is highly acceptable by one and all in the economic world today, since it can save you so much money if you use it right.
| Find the best cash back cards that give you back as much as 5%, and more of Tom's work all at FINDcashbackcards. |
Understanding the Insane Math Behind Your Credit Cards By Tracey J Smith
Think back to that exciting day when you were approved for your first credit card. Perhaps your parents co-signed for you or perhaps you managed to get one with a small credit limit on your own. Either way, you were on your way to adulthood!
BUT, did you ever stop to think about what you were getting yourself into? Did you even look into the credit card's interest rate and service fees before you applied? Most credit card interest rates are between 15 and 25% these days. Have you done the math to determine what that means? Let's go through an example.
So, you're in the store looking at that brand new digital camera which retails for $349 and is on sale for $299. You absolutely LOVE it! You don't have the cash in the bank to pay for it right now so you decide that brand new shiny credit card in your wallet will do the trick. After all, you can't miss this sale, can you?
Within a few weeks, your credit card statement arrives. On the statement is the $299 for the camera (ignoring the fact that you really would have paid taxes on that as well). You still don't have the money, so you decide to make the minimum payment this month and carry the balance forward. Another month goes by and here comes another statement. Strangely, you still owe them $299 for the camera? How can that be? Didn't you pay them something last month? Yes, you did. But have you ever stopped to wonder what the minimum payment is based on? It's the interest on the amount you owe them, such that paying the minimum amount means you have paid them money but are absolutely no further ahead than when you started! That camera is getting more expensive by the day isn't it? Not really worth it, is it?
Now think of those people that are carrying thousands of dollars as a balance on their credit card. They're paying between 15 and 25% and racking up the charges each month. Let's think about this. What is the interest rate on a loan at the bank? Single digits, isn't it? And hard enough to pay off, isn't it? So why would you EVER carry a balance on a credit card knowing that they're so much higher in interest? Insanity indeed!
And now, one of the craziest questions I have ever been asked. You're carrying a balance on your credit card which we have now discovered is likely at 15%. You get paid a bonus at work for doing a good job and they give you $500. You wonder, should I pay down the credit card balance or invest in a bond? Oh my goodness people, look at the math! If you buy a bond, you might get 2% interest. You're being charged 14% on the credit card. Easy decision...pay down that credit card!
In over 40 years, I have never ONCE carried a balance on a credit card. I have never purchased anything without having the money already in the bank to pay for it. A credit card to me is just a way for me not to carry around cash. If you don't have the discipline to do this, then cut up the credit card and live off cash for a while. You'll find budgeting to be much easier.
I hope this helps our debt-filled society.
| Click below to view another article by this author on personal spending: This author is the owner of http://www.numericalinsights.com |
Prepaid Credit Cards For Free By Tom Tessin
When you open up a bank account you can request a debit card that works like a prepaid credit card and usually there is no fees attached. Most banks like having you as a customer and are more than glad to give you a prepaid debit card. The advantage of course is that you already have a committed amount of money in your checking account that secures your prepaid credit card.
People who have their payroll check automatically deposited usually find that it is very easy for them to obtain a credit card. People who are on a pension, social security or other controlled income often get a prepaid card in order to pay their bills, buy what they need, and make reservations when necessary. The prepaid credit card is one of the best types of credit cards because it is secured with funds already available, provides the consumer an available amount of cash, and protects the lender from losing any money.
The use of a free prepaid card for most consumers has been the answer to their spending problems. It seems that the cost of a secured or non secured credit card has been so high that most consumers shudder at the thought of having to use one for any purpose. The government is trying to put in sanctions that will help the consumer but the lending institutions may cancel the lending procedures in order to stay in business. While the government is coming up with their plan to help the consumer the lenders are also working on a plan to help govern their lending programs it should be interesting to see how it all comes out in the end for everyone concerned.
| Check out some of the best prepaid credit cards on the market today, as well as more of Tom's work all at FINDsecuredcards. |
Credit Cards For People With No Credit - How it Works By Court Tuttle
You might be surprised but even people who have a poor credit rating can also qualify for a brand new credit card. Now before you quality for a credit card with your poor history you need to first make yourself familiar with all the options open to you. You definitely don't want to get the wrong card and you want to make sure that you are protected against fraud and other inaccuracies that can come up with the use of credit.
The first thing you should know is that these credit cards often have high interest rates. This is a simple fact that you are going to have to simply live with. You also need to remember that trust is a big part of the credit card business so once the company trusts you, you will be able to ask for an interest rate that is lower. In order to do so you need to be able to pay off your credit card regularly. These credit cards also offer a balance transfer facility. This essentially means that your credit rating will improve and you can get right on track with improving your credit.
You are probably already anxious to know how you can get your hands on one of these credit cards? Your first step is to do some research about the different cards that are offered to people who have a bad credit history. You an start by applying for a few of them online, you can also printout their application form. If you have really bad credit or if you start to get denied by a lot of companies, I can recommend looking for a secured card. This will help you to get started.
Facts About Credit Cards of This Type
1. You can work towards a better credit rating by using them and paying them off.
2. You still have a level of security when you are having financial difficulty.
3.You can convert a poor credit card into a regular one if you pay off your cards regularly.
Issues With Using These Cards
1. High interest rates.
2. Low limits.
3. High fees.
| If you want to effectively use credit cards for no credit, make sure to pay them off completely each month. Combine this strategy with Bank One signature loans for maximum credit building effectiveness. |
Plan to Use Credit Cards By Teeny Ingberg
Credit cards have become almost a part of everyday life for most people, since they are small and very convenient to carry and make payments. Especially, if you are traveling, carrying cards may be a great choice than carrying cash for personal security reason. Credit cards have been around for a long time and gradually became very popular for many countries and places. There are a few things we will need to pay attention for using the cards wisely and correctly.
You can apply for a credit card from institutes like banks and retailer stores. There are a few things about credit cards that you should do the research to choose the best ones for your requirement and budget. Things like Annual Percentage Rate, which is the annual finance charge for using the card, Annual Fee, which is flat yearly payment for using the card, Cash Advance Charge is a charge for advancing cash to use from the card. Also look at the Grace Period, which is a period for using the credit card without paying the finance charge. The issuer also will offer Introductory Rate for a period of time for using their card with a special lower interest rate as an incentive. There are also Fixed Rate and Variable Rate to think about, Fixed Rate is a fixed annual charge for using the card, while Variable Rate is an interest rate that can vary. Do the research online on the web will be very convenient, just search with the search engine websites. Compare the best offers and plans from the various issuers, consider at least the few things about credit cards we just mentioned.
After obtaining the card, you should also create a plan to use the card. A correct and well-planned usage would save you money and expenses in the future. You should pay the card on time, and it is better to pay at least a little more than the minimum payment. The software such as Outlook ® will include a calendar and reminder for you to enter a reminder to pay the card on time. Spend within the credit card limit is always an advised way to avoid extra charges from the issuers. You could also try to consolidate the card payments to lowering the monthly payment. Credit cards are just like many other tools in life, they will be a convenient and useful tool if we use them correctly and with planning.
| Teeny is a writer for finance, computer, travel, cars, shopping and other subjects for many years, please visit http://www.fidetips.com/finance for more information. |
Friday, May 1, 2009
South African Banking Sector Analysis by: Shushmul Maheshwari
“South African Banking Sector Analysis” – that details on the fast growing banking industry of South Africa. The South African banking industry is experiencing significant growth, especially in terms of banking assets. During 2003-2006, asset growth recorded in the South African banking industry was higher than that witnessed in the global banking industry. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of the industry also increased from 12.3% in December 2006 to 12.8% in December 2007, with banks maintaining their CARs above the minimum requirement of 10%.
This research report provides valuable year-on-year trend analysis on the growing banking industry of South Africa, and products and services offered by it. It’s a thorough study on the structure of the industry and gives a comprehensive overview on the driving and restraining forces operating in the industry.
Key Findings of the Report
- Banks deposits in South Africa are forecasted to grow at a CAGR of about 9% during 2008-2012.
- Banks loans are projected to expand at a CAGR of 10.16% during 2008-2012.
- Mortgage loans, and overdrafts and loans represented the largest portions of loans and advances, amounting to 40% and 22.5% respectively at the end of December 2007.
- The number of credit card transactions increased at a CAGR of 12.3% between 2002 and 2007.
- Net interest income of South African banks is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during 2008-2012.
Key Issues & Facts Analyzed in the Report
- Market analysis of different product segments in the South African banking industry.
- Evaluation of present and future market trends.
- Study of factors pushing the banking industry toward growth.
- Analysis of challenges and growth prospects for the industry.
- Competitive landscape of the industry.
Key Players Discussed in the Report
This section provides overview and key financials of prominent domestic and foreign players like ABSA Group Limited, Investec Limited, FirstRand Limited, Citibank N.A., Deutsche Bank AG, and State Bank of India, operating in the South African banking industry.
Research Methodology Used in the Report
Information Sources
Information has been sourced from various credible sources like books, newspapers, trade journals, white papers, industry portals, government agencies, trade associations, monitoring industry news and developments, and through access to more than 3000 paid databases.
Analysis Methods
RNCOS industry forecast and analysis is based on various macro- and microeconomic factors, sector and industry specific databases, and our in-house statistical and analytical model. This model takes into account the past and current trends in an economy, and more specifically in an industry, to bring out an objective market analysis.
Our industry experts study the relationship between various industry and economic variables to ensure the required accuracy and desired check on the quality of data and information given in the report.
For FREE SAMPLE of this report visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM080.htm
Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: http://www.rncos.com
About The Author
RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. We are a team of industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. We provide industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate business decision in today's globally competitive environment.
This research report provides valuable year-on-year trend analysis on the growing banking industry of South Africa, and products and services offered by it. It’s a thorough study on the structure of the industry and gives a comprehensive overview on the driving and restraining forces operating in the industry.
Key Findings of the Report
- Banks deposits in South Africa are forecasted to grow at a CAGR of about 9% during 2008-2012.
- Banks loans are projected to expand at a CAGR of 10.16% during 2008-2012.
- Mortgage loans, and overdrafts and loans represented the largest portions of loans and advances, amounting to 40% and 22.5% respectively at the end of December 2007.
- The number of credit card transactions increased at a CAGR of 12.3% between 2002 and 2007.
- Net interest income of South African banks is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during 2008-2012.
Key Issues & Facts Analyzed in the Report
- Market analysis of different product segments in the South African banking industry.
- Evaluation of present and future market trends.
- Study of factors pushing the banking industry toward growth.
- Analysis of challenges and growth prospects for the industry.
- Competitive landscape of the industry.
Key Players Discussed in the Report
This section provides overview and key financials of prominent domestic and foreign players like ABSA Group Limited, Investec Limited, FirstRand Limited, Citibank N.A., Deutsche Bank AG, and State Bank of India, operating in the South African banking industry.
Research Methodology Used in the Report
Information Sources
Information has been sourced from various credible sources like books, newspapers, trade journals, white papers, industry portals, government agencies, trade associations, monitoring industry news and developments, and through access to more than 3000 paid databases.
Analysis Methods
RNCOS industry forecast and analysis is based on various macro- and microeconomic factors, sector and industry specific databases, and our in-house statistical and analytical model. This model takes into account the past and current trends in an economy, and more specifically in an industry, to bring out an objective market analysis.
Our industry experts study the relationship between various industry and economic variables to ensure the required accuracy and desired check on the quality of data and information given in the report.
For FREE SAMPLE of this report visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM080.htm
Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: http://www.rncos.com
About The Author
RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. We are a team of industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. We provide industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate business decision in today's globally competitive environment.
Offshore Banking Information by: Kevin Wessell
Offshore Banking
Offshore banking or Offshore banks refers to the many banking and investment institutions available in countries and jurisdictions other than the depositor’s home country. While technically any bank can be considered an Offshore bank when it meets the above criteria, the term is generally reserved for the banking institutions located in what are consider low-regulation, low-taxation “haven” jurisdictions.
Since their origin, Offshore banks tended to be unfairly portrayed by both media and the home jurisdictions alike--the accusations have ranged from tax evasion to money laundering, but careful examination of the true purpose of the Offshore banks, and an unbiased examination of where illicit funds are truly held or “laundered” sheds light on the situation. Other false accusations have centered around criticism of unsafe environments, poor regulation, etc. Again, these could not be further from the truth. Most Offshore banking jurisdictions of any repute have very sophisticated, stable banking regulations, and because it is in their best interest to attract and keep depositors, these regulations are geared towards meeting the needs of the depositor. Many of these jurisdictions rely on foreign capital held in their banks as their primary economic factor, and as their only source of foreign investment.
What is Offshore Banking?
The broad definition of an Offshore bank is that of a bank that is located in a jurisdiction or country that is different from the jurisdiction or country that the depositor or investor resides in. One of the many benefits of holding an Offshore banking account is that they are usually located in tax havens that provide substantial asset protection and confidentiality benefits to the account holder. These jurisdictions also often allow for a relaxation of restrictions with respect to the types of accounts available to depositors or investors, and how then can manipulated. This amounts to decreased regulation. The more popular offshore jurisdictions often provide a substantial decrease in tax liability. While technically any bank outside of a depositor’s home country can be called an “offshore bank,” for our purposes here we will focus only on those proven to provide quantifiable benefits as outlined above. These Offshore banks can be located in actual island-states such as the Caymans or Channel Islands, or in landlocked countries such as Switzerland--being surrounded by water is no longer a determining factor.
As mentioned in our opening paragraph, there are a number of misconceptions and myths associated with offshore banking in these offshore financial centers… Are Offshore Banks the Haven of Money Launderers and Criminals? We have additional information on Offshore Banking Myths that should be taken into consideration.
Where Should an Offshore Bank Account be Established?
It is important that the proper jurisdiction be selected when deciding which jurisdiction to use as an offshore banking jurisdiction. The majority of the offshore jurisdictions have prudent, sound regulations in place geared towards safeguarding the deposits and maintaining their confidentiality. However, some weigh their benefits in taxation, while others in confidentiality, and so forth. Though they all offer a comparatively confidential and secure environment, it bears consideration to outline what the banking goals are and then choose the jurisdiction accordingly. A small minority of the offshore jurisdictions do a poor job of managing and regulating their banking institutions, but the informed investor or advisor will deem these as unsuitable for themselves or their clients. Further, these poorly organized and run jurisdictions are often manipulated by illicit depositors and hence prove easy targets of the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) looking for money laundering or other criminal activity.
Offshore Banking History
It is an unfortunate fact that Europeans have always been subjected to relatively heavy tax burdens. This was as true on the British Isles as it was on the continent. Faced with the prospect of watching their hard earned assets and wealth diminish with every out-reach of the tax collector’s hand, they were ripe for a solution. And a solution came--the small, island nation state known as the Channel Islands convinced these frustrated depositors that deposits placed in its banks could be free from scrutiny and hence the heavy-handed taxation burden. The Euros were convinced--and soon this service thrived, with other small jurisdictions becoming savvy to this foreign capital-attracting status and they began to revamp their banking institutions, adopting sound, pragmatic banking rules and regulations that eased the potential concerns of investors and depositors. The Offshore bank was off to a running start!
And soon the term “Offshore banking” became synonymous with any smaller, haven jurisdiction that offered safe, secure, confidential banking with practical regulations. Soon the rest of the world was “in the know,” and began to look at these havens as viable solutions to their needs. Americans, Africans, Asians, etc., found these Offshore banks quite useful for a myriad of reasons. Unlike their banks at home, these Offshore banks were not regularly subjected to political turmoil or economic strife, and were most welcome for their stability and asset protection benefits.
In the years since they have come into greater use and thus more visible, offshore banks and accounts have been unfairly portrayed by the media and by the larger jurisdictions as the stomping grounds of the criminal underground--a veritable haven for their illicitly-obtained assets and funds, or the choice locales for their money-laundering schemes. Money-wise investors and depositors have long known that these prejudices could not be further from the truth. They know that offshore banks can be remarkably effective havens for assets and funds in need of safe, secure, confidential keeping. They know that these banks can safeguard their funds from the perils of civil, economic, or political strife in their home countries. Today, offshore banks continue to keep their end of the bargain and continue to provide a safe, confidential haven for those seeking to safeguard their assets and funds from the perils of undue regulation and taxation.
Many a discriminating depositor has benefited from the safe, confidential, and low taxation environment that Offshore banking has to offer. While it is important to assess your goals and discuss these with a competent, experienced agent before leaping into un-chartered waters, there are many unquestionable benefits provided by establishing an Offshore account. Their reputation among depositors and investors for providing a viable banking location featuring protection from liability and confidentiality is growing, and Offshore banks will continue with this hard-earned reputation for asset protection, tax reduction, and superb confidentiality of deposits.
About The Author
Kevin Wessell, renowned asset protection and estate planning expert offers offshore incorporation information and consulting for offshore banking and trusts at http://www.offshorecompany.com. For more information like this, visit http://www.offshorecompany.com/banking/.
Offshore banking or Offshore banks refers to the many banking and investment institutions available in countries and jurisdictions other than the depositor’s home country. While technically any bank can be considered an Offshore bank when it meets the above criteria, the term is generally reserved for the banking institutions located in what are consider low-regulation, low-taxation “haven” jurisdictions.
Since their origin, Offshore banks tended to be unfairly portrayed by both media and the home jurisdictions alike--the accusations have ranged from tax evasion to money laundering, but careful examination of the true purpose of the Offshore banks, and an unbiased examination of where illicit funds are truly held or “laundered” sheds light on the situation. Other false accusations have centered around criticism of unsafe environments, poor regulation, etc. Again, these could not be further from the truth. Most Offshore banking jurisdictions of any repute have very sophisticated, stable banking regulations, and because it is in their best interest to attract and keep depositors, these regulations are geared towards meeting the needs of the depositor. Many of these jurisdictions rely on foreign capital held in their banks as their primary economic factor, and as their only source of foreign investment.
What is Offshore Banking?
The broad definition of an Offshore bank is that of a bank that is located in a jurisdiction or country that is different from the jurisdiction or country that the depositor or investor resides in. One of the many benefits of holding an Offshore banking account is that they are usually located in tax havens that provide substantial asset protection and confidentiality benefits to the account holder. These jurisdictions also often allow for a relaxation of restrictions with respect to the types of accounts available to depositors or investors, and how then can manipulated. This amounts to decreased regulation. The more popular offshore jurisdictions often provide a substantial decrease in tax liability. While technically any bank outside of a depositor’s home country can be called an “offshore bank,” for our purposes here we will focus only on those proven to provide quantifiable benefits as outlined above. These Offshore banks can be located in actual island-states such as the Caymans or Channel Islands, or in landlocked countries such as Switzerland--being surrounded by water is no longer a determining factor.
As mentioned in our opening paragraph, there are a number of misconceptions and myths associated with offshore banking in these offshore financial centers… Are Offshore Banks the Haven of Money Launderers and Criminals? We have additional information on Offshore Banking Myths that should be taken into consideration.
Where Should an Offshore Bank Account be Established?
It is important that the proper jurisdiction be selected when deciding which jurisdiction to use as an offshore banking jurisdiction. The majority of the offshore jurisdictions have prudent, sound regulations in place geared towards safeguarding the deposits and maintaining their confidentiality. However, some weigh their benefits in taxation, while others in confidentiality, and so forth. Though they all offer a comparatively confidential and secure environment, it bears consideration to outline what the banking goals are and then choose the jurisdiction accordingly. A small minority of the offshore jurisdictions do a poor job of managing and regulating their banking institutions, but the informed investor or advisor will deem these as unsuitable for themselves or their clients. Further, these poorly organized and run jurisdictions are often manipulated by illicit depositors and hence prove easy targets of the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) looking for money laundering or other criminal activity.
Offshore Banking History
It is an unfortunate fact that Europeans have always been subjected to relatively heavy tax burdens. This was as true on the British Isles as it was on the continent. Faced with the prospect of watching their hard earned assets and wealth diminish with every out-reach of the tax collector’s hand, they were ripe for a solution. And a solution came--the small, island nation state known as the Channel Islands convinced these frustrated depositors that deposits placed in its banks could be free from scrutiny and hence the heavy-handed taxation burden. The Euros were convinced--and soon this service thrived, with other small jurisdictions becoming savvy to this foreign capital-attracting status and they began to revamp their banking institutions, adopting sound, pragmatic banking rules and regulations that eased the potential concerns of investors and depositors. The Offshore bank was off to a running start!
And soon the term “Offshore banking” became synonymous with any smaller, haven jurisdiction that offered safe, secure, confidential banking with practical regulations. Soon the rest of the world was “in the know,” and began to look at these havens as viable solutions to their needs. Americans, Africans, Asians, etc., found these Offshore banks quite useful for a myriad of reasons. Unlike their banks at home, these Offshore banks were not regularly subjected to political turmoil or economic strife, and were most welcome for their stability and asset protection benefits.
In the years since they have come into greater use and thus more visible, offshore banks and accounts have been unfairly portrayed by the media and by the larger jurisdictions as the stomping grounds of the criminal underground--a veritable haven for their illicitly-obtained assets and funds, or the choice locales for their money-laundering schemes. Money-wise investors and depositors have long known that these prejudices could not be further from the truth. They know that offshore banks can be remarkably effective havens for assets and funds in need of safe, secure, confidential keeping. They know that these banks can safeguard their funds from the perils of civil, economic, or political strife in their home countries. Today, offshore banks continue to keep their end of the bargain and continue to provide a safe, confidential haven for those seeking to safeguard their assets and funds from the perils of undue regulation and taxation.
Many a discriminating depositor has benefited from the safe, confidential, and low taxation environment that Offshore banking has to offer. While it is important to assess your goals and discuss these with a competent, experienced agent before leaping into un-chartered waters, there are many unquestionable benefits provided by establishing an Offshore account. Their reputation among depositors and investors for providing a viable banking location featuring protection from liability and confidentiality is growing, and Offshore banks will continue with this hard-earned reputation for asset protection, tax reduction, and superb confidentiality of deposits.
About The Author
Kevin Wessell, renowned asset protection and estate planning expert offers offshore incorporation information and consulting for offshore banking and trusts at http://www.offshorecompany.com. For more information like this, visit http://www.offshorecompany.com/banking/.
All You Need to Know About Swiss Banking by: Joseph Kenny
There is a common misconception that people who cannot store their unaccounted wealth in their own country open accounts in Swiss banks. Even though this may be true to an extent, Swiss banks are well known for their sophisticated and discreet banking services.
Many of the rich and famous like film stars, business entrepreneurs, top government officials, presidents, etc, are reputed to have Swiss bank accounts. Then again, it is also said one need not be a multi-millionaire to open a Swiss bank account.
Brief Background of the Swiss Banking System
One of the most prosperous and economically advanced nations, Switzerland has the world’s largest gross domestic product (GDP). There are nearly 400 banks in Switzerland, which range from the “Two Big Banks”, to smaller banks, serving single communities or selective clients. Considered as the world’s largest offshore financial center, the Swiss banking sector is renowned for its privacy, stability and protection of their customer’s information and assets. The Federal Banking Commission (FBC) regulates these banks.
Opening a Swiss Account
Often freely available, a Swiss bank account provides total confidentiality, strict privacy, and is tax-free. However, certain documents are required as proof to open a Swiss account. For example, people who are not residents of Switzerland need to furnish their passports, along with a passport size photograph. Depending on the profession, a current bank statement would be required to determine the client’s current financial condition. Along with this, certain personal information, like the date of birth, country of origin, etc., is also required.
A useful feature of Swiss banking is that it can also be done via correspondence as long as the customers follow bank rules and regulations. The bank and customer could interact through the Internet, telephone or snail mail.
However, a drawback of Swiss banking is that non-residents are expected to pay a hefty amount as deposit, and, the smaller accounts are more expensive to maintain. There is a clause especially for US citizens wherein they are expected to refrain from making any business transaction through their Swiss accounts, to keep their account privacy intact.
Deposit
A security deposit is needed in case the customer wants to obtain a credit card. Approximately 1.5 to 2 times the monthly credit limit is demanded, depending on the bank the customer chooses. This deposit is returned when the customer decides to discontinue the credit card, and has paid all outstanding bills.
Confidentiality
There are legends about mysterious numbered accounts in Swiss banks. Some high security bank accounts are given pseudonyms or special names instead of issuing them in the name of the customer, to preserve the anonymity of the customer. This number or name is used wherever the customer is referred. Moreover, even bank employees are expected to respect the customer’s privacy, the failure of which could land them in prison for several months.
However, Swiss banks, being very particular about preventing money laundering, crosscheck the authenticity of the information provided by the customer. If, during the scrutiny, the bank finds the information of a potential or existing customer connected to some criminal activity, a Swiss judge or prosecutor issues a lifting order. These investigations could include international criminal investigation for tax fraud, insider trading, or the infamous terrorist financing of recent times.
Closing of an Account
Despite a few negative notions about Swiss banking, closing an account is said to be easier than expected. No financial penalty is demanded, and neither is the money held hostage, like it is done in other off shore banking.
To conclude, the secrecy and discreet nature of Swiss banking makes them convenient and dependable. This not only helps customers to save money, but also is a viable means of attaining economic superiority in the business world and society as a whole.
About The Author
Joe Kenny writes for the Credit Card Guide, offering the latest UK credit cards, visit today for introductory 0% balance transfers and start clearing credit card debt today.
Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/
Many of the rich and famous like film stars, business entrepreneurs, top government officials, presidents, etc, are reputed to have Swiss bank accounts. Then again, it is also said one need not be a multi-millionaire to open a Swiss bank account.
Brief Background of the Swiss Banking System
One of the most prosperous and economically advanced nations, Switzerland has the world’s largest gross domestic product (GDP). There are nearly 400 banks in Switzerland, which range from the “Two Big Banks”, to smaller banks, serving single communities or selective clients. Considered as the world’s largest offshore financial center, the Swiss banking sector is renowned for its privacy, stability and protection of their customer’s information and assets. The Federal Banking Commission (FBC) regulates these banks.
Opening a Swiss Account
Often freely available, a Swiss bank account provides total confidentiality, strict privacy, and is tax-free. However, certain documents are required as proof to open a Swiss account. For example, people who are not residents of Switzerland need to furnish their passports, along with a passport size photograph. Depending on the profession, a current bank statement would be required to determine the client’s current financial condition. Along with this, certain personal information, like the date of birth, country of origin, etc., is also required.
A useful feature of Swiss banking is that it can also be done via correspondence as long as the customers follow bank rules and regulations. The bank and customer could interact through the Internet, telephone or snail mail.
However, a drawback of Swiss banking is that non-residents are expected to pay a hefty amount as deposit, and, the smaller accounts are more expensive to maintain. There is a clause especially for US citizens wherein they are expected to refrain from making any business transaction through their Swiss accounts, to keep their account privacy intact.
Deposit
A security deposit is needed in case the customer wants to obtain a credit card. Approximately 1.5 to 2 times the monthly credit limit is demanded, depending on the bank the customer chooses. This deposit is returned when the customer decides to discontinue the credit card, and has paid all outstanding bills.
Confidentiality
There are legends about mysterious numbered accounts in Swiss banks. Some high security bank accounts are given pseudonyms or special names instead of issuing them in the name of the customer, to preserve the anonymity of the customer. This number or name is used wherever the customer is referred. Moreover, even bank employees are expected to respect the customer’s privacy, the failure of which could land them in prison for several months.
However, Swiss banks, being very particular about preventing money laundering, crosscheck the authenticity of the information provided by the customer. If, during the scrutiny, the bank finds the information of a potential or existing customer connected to some criminal activity, a Swiss judge or prosecutor issues a lifting order. These investigations could include international criminal investigation for tax fraud, insider trading, or the infamous terrorist financing of recent times.
Closing of an Account
Despite a few negative notions about Swiss banking, closing an account is said to be easier than expected. No financial penalty is demanded, and neither is the money held hostage, like it is done in other off shore banking.
To conclude, the secrecy and discreet nature of Swiss banking makes them convenient and dependable. This not only helps customers to save money, but also is a viable means of attaining economic superiority in the business world and society as a whole.
About The Author
Joe Kenny writes for the Credit Card Guide, offering the latest UK credit cards, visit today for introductory 0% balance transfers and start clearing credit card debt today.
Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/
The Future of Offshore Banking, Corporations and Foundations by: Ronald Edwards
First it needs to be stated that no one has a crystal ball which predicts the future. These thoughts are just opinions and should be taken as such not as legal or tax advice. We will try to show the political positions of the countries that are not in favor of the tax haven offshore jurisdictions and the position of the tax haven countries. The countries most outspoken against offshore banking and offshore corporations are Australia, UK and USA.
Today there is a great outcry from these and other countries about the tax saving benefits afforded to citizens of certain countries by going offshore. These countries claim that their constituents are cheating them out of billions of dollars of taxes by going offshore. The offshore jurisdictions that are considered the tax havens say that is a nice allegation but we are not your collection agency and do not ask us to change our bank and corporate privacy laws because your constituents do not want to pay taxes, this is your problem not ours. The actual amount of taxes that are avoided unlawfully is a figure that one can only take a guess at. Many people set up offshore structures to do business outside of their home country and are not in violation of any laws the way they conduct their business affairs. Many people live in other countries and need to own offshore bank accounts, offshore corporations, offshore real estate, etc. Many people use offshore privacy to protect themselves from identity theft, kidnapping, blackmail, and possible extortion.
Let me use an analogy to make a point. In Latin America there is an organization of five states called Mercosur. Mercosur consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Uruguay. Mercosur also has associate members which are as follows: Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Columbia and Ecuador. The Mercosur countries engage in free trade and easy border controls with no passports, just national identity cards for border crossings. Mercosur recently issued a statement that they would in the future strive to resist any further attempts to get them to spend more resources on narcotics enforcement that stems from the UN. The UN says its member countries must enact certain kinds of laws to control narcotics and states these laws and insists on enforcement policies. The Mercosur spokesperson stated that this was an irrational policy since it has not worked for over a quarter of a century and it was severely draining the resources of their countries. Essentially they said they were sick and tired of the United States which is the nation driving these policies through the UN, making their problems, the problems of other countries and they were going to collectively attempt to legalize narcotics in their own nations to free themselves from this heavy burden of narcotics enforcement. This has already begun to happen in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Venezuela with the abundant legal availability of cocoa leaf. The cocoa leaf has cocaine alkaloids (real cocaine) and is commonly used as a chew like chewing tobacco leaf or made into tea leaves. Street cocaine is perhaps 30 times as potent and is diluted with harmful substances like turpentine, ether, etc. Cocoa leaf is a natural plant product used for centuries as a stimulant by people living in the high altitudes of Bolivia, farm workers etc. One can now see coca tea being sold freely on the internet but I would strongly advice you not to order any because you may get charged with narcotics importation, seriously because it can be lab tested to contain cocaine. So my point is a lot of countries have said ok enough is enough when it comes to narcotics. It is not working leave us alone, take care of your own problem. So Mercosur countries are now worrying about their own problems more and less about the narcotics issues in the USA and other nations. I think you will see more of the same type of thinking when it comes to offshore banking, offshore corporations, offshore foundations, offshore stock brokerage accounts etc.
Offshore jurisdictions have to go through all sorts of compliance that is not needed in say the USA or the UK. One offshore formation agent went to the USA and was able to open eight USA bank accounts in one day. In Panama a bank account can take five days after you collect and submit the reference letters and documents. In the USA and UK no bank reference letters are required to open a bank account, neither are any professional references required. In the USA and UK they do enforce money laundering protective measures strictly. One can buy USA corporations or UK corporations without any of the due diligence requirements that are required from offshore jurisdictions. So the playing field is not exactly level yet these countries are screaming for more controls not on themselves but on other countries. It seems that the offshore jurisdictions will scream enough is enough if any further controls are imposed on them and resist them. Of course one wonders what further controls they could come up with that they haven’t already imposed.
Let’s look at history a little to see how things deteriorated in the past regarding offshore privacy and offshore banking. Most of the older offshore tax havens are also tourist destinations such as Cayman Islands, Nassau, Bermuda, Grenada, Belize etc. These countries usually have little if any natural resources and need to bring in everything they consume. While some of them avoid income taxes instead they impose taxes on goods imported. These countries got heavily involved in tourism as a way to keep their economies moving. A cruise ship docking at these ports usually carries 2500 people. Each person probably spends an average of $100 a day when in this ports buying t-shirts, duty free liquor, tobacco, jewelry etc. many spend a good deal more. That is $250,000 per cruise ship. These jurisdictions get from 3 ships per week, to 40 ships per week docking there. The money from the cruise ships exceeds what would be earned from their previous offshore banking and incorporation activities. Remember a bank that controls hundreds of millions of dollars of deposits can only have 50 or so employees. A thriving cruise ship port can have thousands of employees working in the shops, restaurants, as tour guides, taxi drivers etc. So more jobs are at stake in the tourism business. We also have to take into account the resorts these countries have which create even more jobs and generate revenue in the form of a hotel room tax built into the rates. These countries also charge a head tax on every person coming into their country. Bottom line is there is much more money in the tourism business than there is the offshore business for the government of these jurisdictions. The governments of these countries don’t make much off of a bank account for instance, actually nothing. They have no income or capital gains tax. The offshore corporations would pay a few hundred dollars a year in taxes but that was it. The banks would pay a few thousand dollars a year for their licenses. So these countries sold out on offshore privacy to protect their tourism. If they did not do so the countries allowing tax free importation from these countries of tourist bought items might go away. Tourists returning from these countries by ship or air might find themselves stuck in long lines while they are searched and interrogated by authorities of various affected countries which would quickly and seriously discourage tourism to these countries. Other countries like Switzerland, Lichtenstein, and Luxembourg sold out due to pressure from the EU. But now we are seeing a reversal in position regarding the EU, not much of a reversal but at least a sigh of OK enough is enough.
In recent months the USA was exposed by the New York Times Newspaper in a scandal whereby they were monitoring SWIFT wire transactions for some years. SWIFT is a private company that enables banks to communicate with each other securely including sending wire transfers. SWIFT machines require a separate terminal and line so as to make them most secure. The USA served a court order on the SWIFT people in New York to turn over all the data they requested and gag ordered them to not mention what was going on. It went on for two years. This got the EU nations most upset. While they have not actually prosecuted the SWIFT people for violating the banking laws of the various European nations affected, there was serious talk of it. Whether or not obeying a USA court order to violate the banking laws of other nations is a viable defense has never been tested in any court, yet anyway. The EU position on this was they must get the USA to understand their banking laws call for privacy. This of course is not exactly giving ground for more privacy invasive laws which is what we mean by a reversal.
Today the most privacy oriented jurisdiction in the world is Panama. Panama has 400,000 corporations registered there. Panama requires corporation formation agents to be lawyers and their know your client rules are strict and call for criminal penalties if not followed. Panama banks follow tight anti-money laundering laws as well as know your customer laws. Panama does still allow for anonymous bearer share corporations which do not require the entry into any registry of any ownership names or identities. The anonymous bearer share corporations combined with Panama bank secrecy laws make for the best privacy in the world today. Panama foundations are also anonymous with no owners, beneficiaries or protectors names appearing in any registry or database. Panama is also in no tax treaty with any other country and is fairly unique in this regards. Of course one can ask the question if Panama can sustain their practices under pressure from other nations.
First off Panama does follow the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) practices. Secondly Panama does not exactly have a lot of tourism, actually it has quite a small amount of tourism and most of their tourism comes from Latin America not the EU or USA. This means there is no meaningful tourism that can be taken away. Panama is a small country and 15% to 20% of the workforce is employed by the international banks. Panama has 400,000 corporation registered there who each pay $300 in annual corporate taxes. This comes to $120,000,000 dollars and this is for a country of 2.9 million people. Also consider these corporations are paying for resident agents, nominee directors etc. Then we get into Panama Foundations which also collect $300 in annual taxes each year plus nominee council member fees. Panama will and has resisted attempts to compromise banking secrecy and corporate secrecy.
Again let us look towards history to see what we can learn, this time focusing on anonymous bearer share corporations. The issue with anonymous bearer share corporations is that when the international wires are monitored it is impossible to tell who the natural persons are behind the bearer share corporations sending or receiving the wires. The British Virgin Islands used to offer anonymous bearer share corporations. A few years ago they gave in to pressure from the UK and stopped issuing new bearer share corporations but they did make allowances for the existing bearer share corporations to remain anonymous for 10 years. After that time they would need to dissolve or operate in a non-anonymous mode. If we want to look on the dark side we can consider Panama doing the same if international pressure ever built up sufficiently to force a change. So of course those owning an existing bearer share corporation would be unaffected for ten years and these corporations would probably go up significantly in value on the secondary market. We have absolutely no indications subtle or otherwise that anything is going to change in Panama.
It is also a possibility that some other nations may enter into the bank secrecy arena in the near future and some other nations may return to bank secrecy as well. Only time will tell. Nothing we see gives any inkling of an idea that Panama will reverse on its position of bank and corporate privacy and it appears that things may have already sunk to an all time low and offshore banking and corporate privacy may actually soon start to improve, first with the wire transfer system and later on in other areas.
About The Author
Ronald Edwards is a researcher, with years of experience in finances and real estate.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.panamalaw.org
email at: panamalegal@hush.com
Today there is a great outcry from these and other countries about the tax saving benefits afforded to citizens of certain countries by going offshore. These countries claim that their constituents are cheating them out of billions of dollars of taxes by going offshore. The offshore jurisdictions that are considered the tax havens say that is a nice allegation but we are not your collection agency and do not ask us to change our bank and corporate privacy laws because your constituents do not want to pay taxes, this is your problem not ours. The actual amount of taxes that are avoided unlawfully is a figure that one can only take a guess at. Many people set up offshore structures to do business outside of their home country and are not in violation of any laws the way they conduct their business affairs. Many people live in other countries and need to own offshore bank accounts, offshore corporations, offshore real estate, etc. Many people use offshore privacy to protect themselves from identity theft, kidnapping, blackmail, and possible extortion.
Let me use an analogy to make a point. In Latin America there is an organization of five states called Mercosur. Mercosur consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Uruguay. Mercosur also has associate members which are as follows: Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Columbia and Ecuador. The Mercosur countries engage in free trade and easy border controls with no passports, just national identity cards for border crossings. Mercosur recently issued a statement that they would in the future strive to resist any further attempts to get them to spend more resources on narcotics enforcement that stems from the UN. The UN says its member countries must enact certain kinds of laws to control narcotics and states these laws and insists on enforcement policies. The Mercosur spokesperson stated that this was an irrational policy since it has not worked for over a quarter of a century and it was severely draining the resources of their countries. Essentially they said they were sick and tired of the United States which is the nation driving these policies through the UN, making their problems, the problems of other countries and they were going to collectively attempt to legalize narcotics in their own nations to free themselves from this heavy burden of narcotics enforcement. This has already begun to happen in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Venezuela with the abundant legal availability of cocoa leaf. The cocoa leaf has cocaine alkaloids (real cocaine) and is commonly used as a chew like chewing tobacco leaf or made into tea leaves. Street cocaine is perhaps 30 times as potent and is diluted with harmful substances like turpentine, ether, etc. Cocoa leaf is a natural plant product used for centuries as a stimulant by people living in the high altitudes of Bolivia, farm workers etc. One can now see coca tea being sold freely on the internet but I would strongly advice you not to order any because you may get charged with narcotics importation, seriously because it can be lab tested to contain cocaine. So my point is a lot of countries have said ok enough is enough when it comes to narcotics. It is not working leave us alone, take care of your own problem. So Mercosur countries are now worrying about their own problems more and less about the narcotics issues in the USA and other nations. I think you will see more of the same type of thinking when it comes to offshore banking, offshore corporations, offshore foundations, offshore stock brokerage accounts etc.
Offshore jurisdictions have to go through all sorts of compliance that is not needed in say the USA or the UK. One offshore formation agent went to the USA and was able to open eight USA bank accounts in one day. In Panama a bank account can take five days after you collect and submit the reference letters and documents. In the USA and UK no bank reference letters are required to open a bank account, neither are any professional references required. In the USA and UK they do enforce money laundering protective measures strictly. One can buy USA corporations or UK corporations without any of the due diligence requirements that are required from offshore jurisdictions. So the playing field is not exactly level yet these countries are screaming for more controls not on themselves but on other countries. It seems that the offshore jurisdictions will scream enough is enough if any further controls are imposed on them and resist them. Of course one wonders what further controls they could come up with that they haven’t already imposed.
Let’s look at history a little to see how things deteriorated in the past regarding offshore privacy and offshore banking. Most of the older offshore tax havens are also tourist destinations such as Cayman Islands, Nassau, Bermuda, Grenada, Belize etc. These countries usually have little if any natural resources and need to bring in everything they consume. While some of them avoid income taxes instead they impose taxes on goods imported. These countries got heavily involved in tourism as a way to keep their economies moving. A cruise ship docking at these ports usually carries 2500 people. Each person probably spends an average of $100 a day when in this ports buying t-shirts, duty free liquor, tobacco, jewelry etc. many spend a good deal more. That is $250,000 per cruise ship. These jurisdictions get from 3 ships per week, to 40 ships per week docking there. The money from the cruise ships exceeds what would be earned from their previous offshore banking and incorporation activities. Remember a bank that controls hundreds of millions of dollars of deposits can only have 50 or so employees. A thriving cruise ship port can have thousands of employees working in the shops, restaurants, as tour guides, taxi drivers etc. So more jobs are at stake in the tourism business. We also have to take into account the resorts these countries have which create even more jobs and generate revenue in the form of a hotel room tax built into the rates. These countries also charge a head tax on every person coming into their country. Bottom line is there is much more money in the tourism business than there is the offshore business for the government of these jurisdictions. The governments of these countries don’t make much off of a bank account for instance, actually nothing. They have no income or capital gains tax. The offshore corporations would pay a few hundred dollars a year in taxes but that was it. The banks would pay a few thousand dollars a year for their licenses. So these countries sold out on offshore privacy to protect their tourism. If they did not do so the countries allowing tax free importation from these countries of tourist bought items might go away. Tourists returning from these countries by ship or air might find themselves stuck in long lines while they are searched and interrogated by authorities of various affected countries which would quickly and seriously discourage tourism to these countries. Other countries like Switzerland, Lichtenstein, and Luxembourg sold out due to pressure from the EU. But now we are seeing a reversal in position regarding the EU, not much of a reversal but at least a sigh of OK enough is enough.
In recent months the USA was exposed by the New York Times Newspaper in a scandal whereby they were monitoring SWIFT wire transactions for some years. SWIFT is a private company that enables banks to communicate with each other securely including sending wire transfers. SWIFT machines require a separate terminal and line so as to make them most secure. The USA served a court order on the SWIFT people in New York to turn over all the data they requested and gag ordered them to not mention what was going on. It went on for two years. This got the EU nations most upset. While they have not actually prosecuted the SWIFT people for violating the banking laws of the various European nations affected, there was serious talk of it. Whether or not obeying a USA court order to violate the banking laws of other nations is a viable defense has never been tested in any court, yet anyway. The EU position on this was they must get the USA to understand their banking laws call for privacy. This of course is not exactly giving ground for more privacy invasive laws which is what we mean by a reversal.
Today the most privacy oriented jurisdiction in the world is Panama. Panama has 400,000 corporations registered there. Panama requires corporation formation agents to be lawyers and their know your client rules are strict and call for criminal penalties if not followed. Panama banks follow tight anti-money laundering laws as well as know your customer laws. Panama does still allow for anonymous bearer share corporations which do not require the entry into any registry of any ownership names or identities. The anonymous bearer share corporations combined with Panama bank secrecy laws make for the best privacy in the world today. Panama foundations are also anonymous with no owners, beneficiaries or protectors names appearing in any registry or database. Panama is also in no tax treaty with any other country and is fairly unique in this regards. Of course one can ask the question if Panama can sustain their practices under pressure from other nations.
First off Panama does follow the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) practices. Secondly Panama does not exactly have a lot of tourism, actually it has quite a small amount of tourism and most of their tourism comes from Latin America not the EU or USA. This means there is no meaningful tourism that can be taken away. Panama is a small country and 15% to 20% of the workforce is employed by the international banks. Panama has 400,000 corporation registered there who each pay $300 in annual corporate taxes. This comes to $120,000,000 dollars and this is for a country of 2.9 million people. Also consider these corporations are paying for resident agents, nominee directors etc. Then we get into Panama Foundations which also collect $300 in annual taxes each year plus nominee council member fees. Panama will and has resisted attempts to compromise banking secrecy and corporate secrecy.
Again let us look towards history to see what we can learn, this time focusing on anonymous bearer share corporations. The issue with anonymous bearer share corporations is that when the international wires are monitored it is impossible to tell who the natural persons are behind the bearer share corporations sending or receiving the wires. The British Virgin Islands used to offer anonymous bearer share corporations. A few years ago they gave in to pressure from the UK and stopped issuing new bearer share corporations but they did make allowances for the existing bearer share corporations to remain anonymous for 10 years. After that time they would need to dissolve or operate in a non-anonymous mode. If we want to look on the dark side we can consider Panama doing the same if international pressure ever built up sufficiently to force a change. So of course those owning an existing bearer share corporation would be unaffected for ten years and these corporations would probably go up significantly in value on the secondary market. We have absolutely no indications subtle or otherwise that anything is going to change in Panama.
It is also a possibility that some other nations may enter into the bank secrecy arena in the near future and some other nations may return to bank secrecy as well. Only time will tell. Nothing we see gives any inkling of an idea that Panama will reverse on its position of bank and corporate privacy and it appears that things may have already sunk to an all time low and offshore banking and corporate privacy may actually soon start to improve, first with the wire transfer system and later on in other areas.
About The Author
Ronald Edwards is a researcher, with years of experience in finances and real estate.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.panamalaw.org
email at: panamalegal@hush.com
A Guide to Banking for Students by: Joseph Kenny
A bank serves as a financial institution, providing complex financial services, right from the maintenance of deposits to extending credit. A little guidance and initiative help students to improve their personal credit record.
Banking offers the convenience of not having to handle large sums of money, thereby minimizing the chances of theft. Moreover, most of the financial institutions enable you to earn interest on your money deposited in a particular account.
There are a number of bank accounts and financial plans that are specifically designed for students. Today, students handle allowances that take care of all their financial requirements and if judiciously saved, could save them from debt in the future too. It is essential for students to select the right bank.
Tips to select the right bank for students:
The following tips would help students in selecting the best bank for themselves:
- Services offered: It is essential to opt for a bank that meets your specific requirements and serves you efficiently.
- Convenience: Before selecting a bank, you should check the location, working hours and your accessibility.
- Insured federally: Always look for a bank that is insured. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDCI insures most banks. It indicates that even if the bank goes bankrupt, you would get your money back, up to $100,000.
- Bank fees: There are bank fees associated with the bank accounts. They charge fees on dropping below the minimum balance, overdraft protection, issue of checks and many more.
Requirements in setting up your banking services:
Financial institutions require you to submit certain important documents, for opening a bank account. They are as follows:
- Your social security number
- A photo ID, like a driver’s license, passport or student ID
- Proof of address
- Your signature on a card or form that is maintained by the bank
Essential banking services for students are as follows:
There are student and graduate accounts, with a number of attractive fringe benefits, designed especially for students. Students struggling to excel in their chosen fields usually cannot afford to pay back the money they borrow, within the expected time frame. Banks offer them the facility of special accounts, designed to increase their loyalty to the financial institution in good time.
Some of the essential considerations to be made, before opting for banking services are:
- Student accounts: A student account offers advantages like vouchers and discounts on branded articles and department stores.
- Overdrafts: Overdrafts enable you to pay your university fees without carrying liquid money. Therefore, it is essential to pick an account with an interest- free overdraft limit.
- Overall package: Though, the overdraft limit is necessary, you need to study the overall bank account package offered. You need to check the fees and charges applicable for certain services.
- Support: Before opening a student’s account, you need to ensure that your account provides you with dedicated support at time of crisis.
You should select a banking service only after conducting substantial research and analyzing the banks credentials.
About The Author
Joe Kenny writes for the UK Loans Store visit for the best UK loans and offer more information on debt consolidation loans and other loan topics available on site.
Visit Today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk
Banking offers the convenience of not having to handle large sums of money, thereby minimizing the chances of theft. Moreover, most of the financial institutions enable you to earn interest on your money deposited in a particular account.
There are a number of bank accounts and financial plans that are specifically designed for students. Today, students handle allowances that take care of all their financial requirements and if judiciously saved, could save them from debt in the future too. It is essential for students to select the right bank.
Tips to select the right bank for students:
The following tips would help students in selecting the best bank for themselves:
- Services offered: It is essential to opt for a bank that meets your specific requirements and serves you efficiently.
- Convenience: Before selecting a bank, you should check the location, working hours and your accessibility.
- Insured federally: Always look for a bank that is insured. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDCI insures most banks. It indicates that even if the bank goes bankrupt, you would get your money back, up to $100,000.
- Bank fees: There are bank fees associated with the bank accounts. They charge fees on dropping below the minimum balance, overdraft protection, issue of checks and many more.
Requirements in setting up your banking services:
Financial institutions require you to submit certain important documents, for opening a bank account. They are as follows:
- Your social security number
- A photo ID, like a driver’s license, passport or student ID
- Proof of address
- Your signature on a card or form that is maintained by the bank
Essential banking services for students are as follows:
There are student and graduate accounts, with a number of attractive fringe benefits, designed especially for students. Students struggling to excel in their chosen fields usually cannot afford to pay back the money they borrow, within the expected time frame. Banks offer them the facility of special accounts, designed to increase their loyalty to the financial institution in good time.
Some of the essential considerations to be made, before opting for banking services are:
- Student accounts: A student account offers advantages like vouchers and discounts on branded articles and department stores.
- Overdrafts: Overdrafts enable you to pay your university fees without carrying liquid money. Therefore, it is essential to pick an account with an interest- free overdraft limit.
- Overall package: Though, the overdraft limit is necessary, you need to study the overall bank account package offered. You need to check the fees and charges applicable for certain services.
- Support: Before opening a student’s account, you need to ensure that your account provides you with dedicated support at time of crisis.
You should select a banking service only after conducting substantial research and analyzing the banks credentials.
About The Author
Joe Kenny writes for the UK Loans Store visit for the best UK loans and offer more information on debt consolidation loans and other loan topics available on site.
Visit Today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk
Common Online Banking Features by: Peter Kenny
Online banking is a fairly established practice in our internet-saturated world. Many people are making use of the unique and convenient options that online banking services provide. Yet, if you are a bit behind the times, but still considering the idea of upgrading your current banking practices, internet banking may be the right move. But what if you don't know a thing about online banking? Perhaps, you've thought about being hooked up to a bank's web service, but wasn't sure that the service would be worth the trouble. Or, maybe, it was more about not knowing what sorts of banking features you would be able to access.
Now, obviously, one of the most recognized features is accessibility. Online banking offers you, the customer, 24-hour access to you account, barring any designated website downtimes that may be scheduled. Beyond accessibility, you have portability. Most of the time, you can be on any computer anywhere and access your financial account and do your necessary business, at no charge!
To facilitate online use, most banks that offer online banking provide a host of high quality, technological solutions that make your banking experience easy and fast. Most online banking systems offer the same common features, with only a few exceptions, and most of these services are given to customers free of charge.
Some of the common online banking features and services include:
You can view a summary of your account and transaction history
You can view or print your account statements and balances
Set up online payments and direct deposit services
You may be able to reorder checks for your account via the web
Some services allow you to export your account histories to third-party accounting software
You can transfer funds from one account to another or make deposits
Other accounts and services like CDs, IRAs, and others can be managed from the online account
These, again, are but just some of the common features that many online banking services provide their customers. Another category of features very closely associated with online banking is those that deal with information security. These types of features are constantly evolving to deal with the changes in the web and the potential risks that are involved with conducting sensitive financial business on the network.
Information and identity theft are both very unfortunate realities made more serious by the volume of business conducted across the internet every day. People are exchanging personal financial and identity information all the time, and all of this is a part of regular business affairs. With online banking, the need for sound security measures becomes obvious.
Elements of online security features include computer firewall protections, user ID and password authentication combined with code encryption, limitations on number of times that passwords and user names may be entered before they are locked out, measures like TANs (or transaction numbers), and more recently, security tokens, and digital certificates.
The fact remains that online banking is not going anywhere and with the numbers of banks and credit unions offering these types of services, there will be plenty of competition to stimulate the development of new and better features.
About The Author
Peter Kenny is a writer for The Thrifty Scot, please visit us at http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/mortgage/ and http://www.loansubmit.co.uk http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/news/022008/top-place-in-poll-for-nationwide.html
Now, obviously, one of the most recognized features is accessibility. Online banking offers you, the customer, 24-hour access to you account, barring any designated website downtimes that may be scheduled. Beyond accessibility, you have portability. Most of the time, you can be on any computer anywhere and access your financial account and do your necessary business, at no charge!
To facilitate online use, most banks that offer online banking provide a host of high quality, technological solutions that make your banking experience easy and fast. Most online banking systems offer the same common features, with only a few exceptions, and most of these services are given to customers free of charge.
Some of the common online banking features and services include:
You can view a summary of your account and transaction history
You can view or print your account statements and balances
Set up online payments and direct deposit services
You may be able to reorder checks for your account via the web
Some services allow you to export your account histories to third-party accounting software
You can transfer funds from one account to another or make deposits
Other accounts and services like CDs, IRAs, and others can be managed from the online account
These, again, are but just some of the common features that many online banking services provide their customers. Another category of features very closely associated with online banking is those that deal with information security. These types of features are constantly evolving to deal with the changes in the web and the potential risks that are involved with conducting sensitive financial business on the network.
Information and identity theft are both very unfortunate realities made more serious by the volume of business conducted across the internet every day. People are exchanging personal financial and identity information all the time, and all of this is a part of regular business affairs. With online banking, the need for sound security measures becomes obvious.
Elements of online security features include computer firewall protections, user ID and password authentication combined with code encryption, limitations on number of times that passwords and user names may be entered before they are locked out, measures like TANs (or transaction numbers), and more recently, security tokens, and digital certificates.
The fact remains that online banking is not going anywhere and with the numbers of banks and credit unions offering these types of services, there will be plenty of competition to stimulate the development of new and better features.
About The Author
Peter Kenny is a writer for The Thrifty Scot, please visit us at http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/mortgage/ and http://www.loansubmit.co.uk http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/news/022008/top-place-in-poll-for-nationwide.html
Top 5 reasons to use online banking by: David Lynes - Loans4
In recent years online banking has become increasingly popular, and many consumers have benefited from being able to conduct all of their banking transactions online without having to resort to queuing in the local bank or spending time trying to get through automated switchboard in order to speak to someone on the phone.
Online banking allows you to run your day to day finances, and manage your bank account, with ease and convenience, and with this method of banking you are always in control. With online banking you get to enjoy convenience, ease, speed, and increased control, which is why so many people now decide to conduct their banking transactions online rather than at a branch. The main reasons many people opt to use online banking are:
1. The ultimate in convenience: When you use online banking you can conduct your transactions from the comfort and privacy of your own home, so you won't have to worry about going out to your local branch, spending time queuing up, and trying to fit your banking commitments into your busy day, which can be particularly difficult for those that work full time.
2. No time constraints: With regular banking you are restricted in terms of when you can contact or call in to the bank in order to conduct transactions, and this can prove difficult for those with busy lifestyles and full time jobs. However, when you opt for online banking you can conduct transactions at any time of the day or night, which means that you can effectively manage your account around the clock.
3. Do everything you need to online: You will find that you are able to conduct pretty much any banking transaction that you can perform by phone or visit to your branch by going online, other than withdrawing and depositing cash. This means that you can effectively control your finances from the privacy of your own home.
4. Increased security: Banks now use very secure software to ensure the safety and security of customers, making it safer than ever to bank online. Just remember never to link to your bank account from an email link, as this could be a false link, and do not save your banking passwords and security details on a shared computer that could give others access.
5. 24 hour access to your account: With online banking you can access your account 24 hours a day, conducting transactions such as making bill payments, checking your balance and statements, setting up or cancelling direct debits and standing orders, and more.
Gone are the days when you could only gain access to you bank between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm.
About The Author
David Lynes
Loans4 provide homeowner loan solutions for homeowners. Please visit http://www.loans4.co.uk for the latest finance related news.
Online banking allows you to run your day to day finances, and manage your bank account, with ease and convenience, and with this method of banking you are always in control. With online banking you get to enjoy convenience, ease, speed, and increased control, which is why so many people now decide to conduct their banking transactions online rather than at a branch. The main reasons many people opt to use online banking are:
1. The ultimate in convenience: When you use online banking you can conduct your transactions from the comfort and privacy of your own home, so you won't have to worry about going out to your local branch, spending time queuing up, and trying to fit your banking commitments into your busy day, which can be particularly difficult for those that work full time.
2. No time constraints: With regular banking you are restricted in terms of when you can contact or call in to the bank in order to conduct transactions, and this can prove difficult for those with busy lifestyles and full time jobs. However, when you opt for online banking you can conduct transactions at any time of the day or night, which means that you can effectively manage your account around the clock.
3. Do everything you need to online: You will find that you are able to conduct pretty much any banking transaction that you can perform by phone or visit to your branch by going online, other than withdrawing and depositing cash. This means that you can effectively control your finances from the privacy of your own home.
4. Increased security: Banks now use very secure software to ensure the safety and security of customers, making it safer than ever to bank online. Just remember never to link to your bank account from an email link, as this could be a false link, and do not save your banking passwords and security details on a shared computer that could give others access.
5. 24 hour access to your account: With online banking you can access your account 24 hours a day, conducting transactions such as making bill payments, checking your balance and statements, setting up or cancelling direct debits and standing orders, and more.
Gone are the days when you could only gain access to you bank between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm.
About The Author
David Lynes
Loans4 provide homeowner loan solutions for homeowners. Please visit http://www.loans4.co.uk for the latest finance related news.
Online banking – is it safe to do all your banking online by: David Lynes - Loans4
Over recent years the popularity of online banking in the UK has soared, with many consumers enjoying the benefits of being able to conduct their day to day finances and manage their bank accounts from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. These days, many major banks offer online banking facilities to customers, and some banks even operate solely online, reflecting the popularity of banking online.
With online banking many consumers are able to conduct all sorts of transactions online – in fact, pretty much anything other than physically making deposits or withdrawing cash can be done using an online bank account. You can set up or cancel direct debits or standing orders, transfer money, make one off bill payments, check balances, check statements, order stationery such as cheque books, and more.
But just how safe is online banking? Well, the risk of fraud and theft in relation to online banking was once a major concern amongst consumers, and this resulted in many being reluctant to conduct their banking online some years ago. However, banks now use sophisticated software that minimises the risk to the customer, and this has resulted in more and more people enjoying the benefits of online banking whilst also enjoying peace of mind.
Providing you are sensible and exercise caution with regards to your bank account you will find that doing your banking online can be perfectly safe. However, you need to make sure that you do not put yourself at risk through your own actions. For example, although security amongst online banks has become more sophisticated, so have procedures used by fraudsters, and there are some common scams that you need to look out for.
One common scam is known as phishing, and this is where you receive an email that appears to be from your bank, asking you to link to the site and enter your account details. This is something that you should never do, as banks will not send out this type of email. If you have any concerns following the receipt of such an email you should either contact your bank by phone or you should log into your bank account through the search engine and never through the email link, otherwise you will be handing your account details to fraudsters on a plate.
Another thing that you should avoid doing is saving your bank details and password details on a computer that is shared, as this gives others access to your details. Even when the computer is not shared it is safer and more secure to make sure that your details are not saved, and to enter them manually each time you log into your bank account.
About The Author
David Lynes
Loans4 provide homeowner loan solutions for homeowners. Please visit http://www.loans4.co.uk for the latest finance related news.
With online banking many consumers are able to conduct all sorts of transactions online – in fact, pretty much anything other than physically making deposits or withdrawing cash can be done using an online bank account. You can set up or cancel direct debits or standing orders, transfer money, make one off bill payments, check balances, check statements, order stationery such as cheque books, and more.
But just how safe is online banking? Well, the risk of fraud and theft in relation to online banking was once a major concern amongst consumers, and this resulted in many being reluctant to conduct their banking online some years ago. However, banks now use sophisticated software that minimises the risk to the customer, and this has resulted in more and more people enjoying the benefits of online banking whilst also enjoying peace of mind.
Providing you are sensible and exercise caution with regards to your bank account you will find that doing your banking online can be perfectly safe. However, you need to make sure that you do not put yourself at risk through your own actions. For example, although security amongst online banks has become more sophisticated, so have procedures used by fraudsters, and there are some common scams that you need to look out for.
One common scam is known as phishing, and this is where you receive an email that appears to be from your bank, asking you to link to the site and enter your account details. This is something that you should never do, as banks will not send out this type of email. If you have any concerns following the receipt of such an email you should either contact your bank by phone or you should log into your bank account through the search engine and never through the email link, otherwise you will be handing your account details to fraudsters on a plate.
Another thing that you should avoid doing is saving your bank details and password details on a computer that is shared, as this gives others access to your details. Even when the computer is not shared it is safer and more secure to make sure that your details are not saved, and to enter them manually each time you log into your bank account.
About The Author
David Lynes
Loans4 provide homeowner loan solutions for homeowners. Please visit http://www.loans4.co.uk for the latest finance related news.
The Banking World Steps Into Digital Merchandising by: Bruce Leach
Digital merchandising has made great strides in both the retail and hospitality industries, but a new service industry is stepping up to take advantage of going digital. The financial services industry has discovered what other industries have been boasting for a while now: a method of speaking directly to your audience, information provided with entertainment, quick and effective promotions of new products, and an increase in revenues. All ways to take money to the bank!
Digital Merchandising Prompts Bank Customers
Banks, like any other business, want to reach out to their customers and educate them about banking products and services. Digital merchandising has proven itself as a medium that can provide a bridge between retailers and consumers. Banks are using it to educate their customers about banking transactions and prompting them to inquire about the products and services that are available.
Between traditional paper-based marketing, website marketing, and digital merchandising, banks are working to integrate all of their marketing methods to provide more educated and satisfied customers. Retail markets have shown that these digital promotions aid in overall customer approval and drive up repeat business, which the financial services industry is also interested in attaining for their own customers.
Benefits of Digital Merchandising
As traditional marketing methods are replaced by digital technology, the financial services industry has discovered some of the benefits of digital merchandising.
• Dynamic graphics and messages replace lone, static messages
• Dramatic increase in sales by using targeted advertising
• Increased results by using time, location, and demographics information to target advertising messages
• Effective branding techniques by using catchy messages and brilliant graphics
• Stylish flat screen panels enhance bank décor
• Entertainment combined with information makes wait times seem smaller and increases attention to the advertising by not overloading the client with too much information at once
• Integrating marketing campaigns that are used in contact centers, branch sales, telemarketing, and websites
Problems and Solutions in Digital Merchandising
Other industries can learn from the problems financial services industry has encountered when implementing digital marketing options. Each problem has borne a solution that can be applicable elsewhere in the retail world.
• Bank customers tend to return regularly to the same branch, resulting in a need to switch up content regularly for the customer, in order to maintain interest
• A mix of advertising and other relevant data, like news stories, sports information, and weather, relieves boredom for customers and prompts them to read and remember the advertising that is presented
• Splitting screens to provide advertising on one side and other entertainment on the other side also can retain customer interest in the advertising aspect of electronic merchandising
• Providing different visual keys to point out certain information can drive up interest in that information, one financial company uses scrolling messages at the bottom of the screen to display local stocks or stocks of particular interest to their clients
According to the Strategy Institute of Toronto, digital signage gets 10 times more eye contact than static signage, increases sales of new products by more than 30 percent, and increases sales for products that are promoted by more than 30 percent. Banking can benefit from the advantages of digital merchandising to increase their businesses too.
About The Author
For more information on Digital Merchandising visit http://www.ek3.com/digital-merchandising-products.htm
Digital Merchandising Prompts Bank Customers
Banks, like any other business, want to reach out to their customers and educate them about banking products and services. Digital merchandising has proven itself as a medium that can provide a bridge between retailers and consumers. Banks are using it to educate their customers about banking transactions and prompting them to inquire about the products and services that are available.
Between traditional paper-based marketing, website marketing, and digital merchandising, banks are working to integrate all of their marketing methods to provide more educated and satisfied customers. Retail markets have shown that these digital promotions aid in overall customer approval and drive up repeat business, which the financial services industry is also interested in attaining for their own customers.
Benefits of Digital Merchandising
As traditional marketing methods are replaced by digital technology, the financial services industry has discovered some of the benefits of digital merchandising.
• Dynamic graphics and messages replace lone, static messages
• Dramatic increase in sales by using targeted advertising
• Increased results by using time, location, and demographics information to target advertising messages
• Effective branding techniques by using catchy messages and brilliant graphics
• Stylish flat screen panels enhance bank décor
• Entertainment combined with information makes wait times seem smaller and increases attention to the advertising by not overloading the client with too much information at once
• Integrating marketing campaigns that are used in contact centers, branch sales, telemarketing, and websites
Problems and Solutions in Digital Merchandising
Other industries can learn from the problems financial services industry has encountered when implementing digital marketing options. Each problem has borne a solution that can be applicable elsewhere in the retail world.
• Bank customers tend to return regularly to the same branch, resulting in a need to switch up content regularly for the customer, in order to maintain interest
• A mix of advertising and other relevant data, like news stories, sports information, and weather, relieves boredom for customers and prompts them to read and remember the advertising that is presented
• Splitting screens to provide advertising on one side and other entertainment on the other side also can retain customer interest in the advertising aspect of electronic merchandising
• Providing different visual keys to point out certain information can drive up interest in that information, one financial company uses scrolling messages at the bottom of the screen to display local stocks or stocks of particular interest to their clients
According to the Strategy Institute of Toronto, digital signage gets 10 times more eye contact than static signage, increases sales of new products by more than 30 percent, and increases sales for products that are promoted by more than 30 percent. Banking can benefit from the advantages of digital merchandising to increase their businesses too.
About The Author
For more information on Digital Merchandising visit http://www.ek3.com/digital-merchandising-products.htm
RNCOS Releases a New Report- Booming Indian Retail Banking Sector by: Shushmul Maheshwari
“Booming Indian Retail Banking Sector” provides extensive research and rational analysis on the Indian banking industry. This report has been made to help clients in analyzing the opportunities, challenges and drivers critical to the growth of the retail banking industry in India.
The forecast given in this report is not based on a complex economic model, but is intended as a rough guide to the direction in which the market is likely to move. The future projection undertaken in this report is done on the basis of the current market scenario, past trends, and rules and regulations laid by Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The report provides detailed overview of the Indian banking industry by contemplating and analyzing various parameters, like asset size, income level etc. It helps clients to understand various products offered by the Indian banking industry and their future scope.
The report also provides the future overview of the industry in terms of assets size, number of financial cardholders and various other important features. The future forecast discusses the prospects of different arms of banking industry, including rural banking, bancassurance, financial cards, mobile banking, role of technology in rural banking, pension funds, and the future course of action or strategies for pension fund industry to be taken at macro level.
Key Findings of the Report
- Pension fund industry in India grew at a CAGR of 122.44% from 1999-00 to 2006-07.
- In terms of ownership, debit cards are more in number than credit cards but in terms of transactions, use of credit cards is more prevalent than debit cards.
- The ATM outlets in India increased at a rate of 28.09% from March 2006 to March 2007.
- Outstanding Education loan segment is expected to grow at 36.41% till March 2009 from March 2007 onwards to cross Rs. 27000 Crore Mark.
- Two-wheeler finance industry is projected to forge ahead at a CAGR of 14.21% till 2009-10 from 2005-06.
- Indian Mutual Fund industry witnessed a growth of 49.88% from May 2006 to May 2007, and a higher 215.61% growth was recorded in closed ended schemes.
- Increasing number of millionaires in India is increasing the scope of Wealth Management Services.
- Bankable households in India are estimated to move up at a CAGR of 28.10% during 2007-2011.
Key Issues & Facts Analyzed in the Report
- Market analysis of different product segments in the banking industry.
- Evaluation of current market trends.
- Basel II Accord and Capital Requirement by Indian Banking Industry.
- Factors driving he growth of Retail Banking Industry in India.
- Analysis of various challenges and opportunities for the industry.
- Urban vs. rural banking in terms of deposit and credit.
- Drivers and constraints for credit and debit cards industry in India.
- Pension Fund industry in India.
Key Players Analyzed
This section covers the key facts about the major players (including Public, Private, and Foreign sector) in the Indian Banking Industry, including Bank of Baroda, State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Citibank, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC Bank, ABN AMRO Bank, American Express, etc.
Research Methodology Used
Information Sources
Information has been sourced from books, newspapers, trade journals, and white papers, industry portals, government agencies, trade associations, monitoring industry news and developments, and through access to more than 3000 paid databases.
Analysis Method
The analysis methods include ratio analysis, historical trend analysis, linear regression analysis using software tools, judgmental forecasting, and cause and effect analysis.
For FREE SAMPLE of this report visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM579.htm
Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: http://www.rncos.com
About The Author
RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. We are a team of industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. We provide industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate business decision in today's globally competitive environment.
The forecast given in this report is not based on a complex economic model, but is intended as a rough guide to the direction in which the market is likely to move. The future projection undertaken in this report is done on the basis of the current market scenario, past trends, and rules and regulations laid by Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The report provides detailed overview of the Indian banking industry by contemplating and analyzing various parameters, like asset size, income level etc. It helps clients to understand various products offered by the Indian banking industry and their future scope.
The report also provides the future overview of the industry in terms of assets size, number of financial cardholders and various other important features. The future forecast discusses the prospects of different arms of banking industry, including rural banking, bancassurance, financial cards, mobile banking, role of technology in rural banking, pension funds, and the future course of action or strategies for pension fund industry to be taken at macro level.
Key Findings of the Report
- Pension fund industry in India grew at a CAGR of 122.44% from 1999-00 to 2006-07.
- In terms of ownership, debit cards are more in number than credit cards but in terms of transactions, use of credit cards is more prevalent than debit cards.
- The ATM outlets in India increased at a rate of 28.09% from March 2006 to March 2007.
- Outstanding Education loan segment is expected to grow at 36.41% till March 2009 from March 2007 onwards to cross Rs. 27000 Crore Mark.
- Two-wheeler finance industry is projected to forge ahead at a CAGR of 14.21% till 2009-10 from 2005-06.
- Indian Mutual Fund industry witnessed a growth of 49.88% from May 2006 to May 2007, and a higher 215.61% growth was recorded in closed ended schemes.
- Increasing number of millionaires in India is increasing the scope of Wealth Management Services.
- Bankable households in India are estimated to move up at a CAGR of 28.10% during 2007-2011.
Key Issues & Facts Analyzed in the Report
- Market analysis of different product segments in the banking industry.
- Evaluation of current market trends.
- Basel II Accord and Capital Requirement by Indian Banking Industry.
- Factors driving he growth of Retail Banking Industry in India.
- Analysis of various challenges and opportunities for the industry.
- Urban vs. rural banking in terms of deposit and credit.
- Drivers and constraints for credit and debit cards industry in India.
- Pension Fund industry in India.
Key Players Analyzed
This section covers the key facts about the major players (including Public, Private, and Foreign sector) in the Indian Banking Industry, including Bank of Baroda, State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Citibank, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC Bank, ABN AMRO Bank, American Express, etc.
Research Methodology Used
Information Sources
Information has been sourced from books, newspapers, trade journals, and white papers, industry portals, government agencies, trade associations, monitoring industry news and developments, and through access to more than 3000 paid databases.
Analysis Method
The analysis methods include ratio analysis, historical trend analysis, linear regression analysis using software tools, judgmental forecasting, and cause and effect analysis.
For FREE SAMPLE of this report visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM579.htm
Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: http://www.rncos.com
About The Author
RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. We are a team of industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. We provide industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate business decision in today's globally competitive environment.
10 G.o.o.d.H.e.a.l.t.h. Ways to Make Sure Your Website is Caught Up to the 21st Century by: Tracy Ebert
Sure, you probably have a website. Almost everyone does. Have you looked at it lately? I mean really looked at it.
Many companies, especially those in the healthcare industry, will focus their advertising/marketing dollars on popular mainstream media (television, newspapers, etc…). BUT what happens when someone who sees your great ad on TV decides to visit your website and all they see is an antiquated, lifeless site? They’re not going to view you as the high-tech facility you pride yourself to be.
It is important when branding to make sure you take a look at ALL aspects of your public persona: TV and newspaper ads; signage at your facility and other events; letterhead and envelopes used by all departments of the facility; promotional products handed out at recruiting events and to employees; and last, but most certainly not least, your website.
Below are 10 ways to clean up and breathe some new life into your old website:
1. Graphics – Make sure images you use are clean and sharp. High resolution photos of your facility, grounds, staff and even current patients can help give a more personal feeling to your site.
2. Opt-in Box – Use something that will capture the visitor’s information to keep them on your mailing list and give you a reason to keep in touch on a regular basis. This can easily be accomplished with a service like Constant Contact or Swiftpage. These are both easy-to-use programs with pre-made templates to help the author quickly turn out a very professional piece of literature (like a newsletter) on a regular basis.
3. Offer sufficient information on each page to help your visitor make an informed decision. Nothing is more frustrating than being directed to a certain page on a website and not being able to find what you’re looking for. Make sure all information listed is current and correct and all links are “live” and go to where they promise.
4. Directions, Physical Address, Email Address, Contact Us – It can be on one page or multiple pages, but make sure it’s clear how and where your potential customers can get to you.
5. Home Page – This page will define you, your facility/practice and your brand. Make sure you capture your visitor’s attention with the first look. Better to keep it simple, use high-quality graphics and don’t use a lot of text. Visitors want something easy to look at (so don’t use yellow color text) and want to be able to find what they’re looking for.
6. Easy Navigation – A website that is easily navigated is more user-friendly…so…your visitors will stay longer!
7. Articles – Keep your visitors informed with timely, current articles. Also include these in your newsletter to hold your target market’s interest. Visitors want information – they thrive on it! Give them what they want with well-written, well-researched articles. Also, the spider bots love new content on a regular basis – this is a good way to keep them active.
8. Look Before You Leap – Take a look at your successful competitor’s websites. They are successful for a reason, so don’t recreate the wheel, just take a few pointers from them. I’m not suggesting you copy their site or layout, but take a look at the ease in navigation, the graphics, the home page, and the depth of information they’re offering. They’re obviously doing something right.
9. Testimonials from satisfied customers help lend credibility to you and your brand. What type of advertising works best? Word of mouth. By posting testimonials of REAL patients and customers, your visitors will easily identify with them and will be more likely to use your service and/or product.
10. Have a purpose for every web page and make sure that purpose is easily identified! Don’t have full staff bios on the Contact Us page. That page has a purpose – show your visitor how to contact you – don’t muddy it up with other information that isn’t pertinent. You can always create another page called Meet the Staff.
It’s so important in this high-tech culture we live in to make the right impression and give sufficient information to the people who visit your site. If you don’t, they’ll find someone who will.
About The Author
Tracy Ebert is the co-owner of GoodHealthPromos.com (http://www.goodhealthpromos.com) - an online, reward-based site for healthcare professionals to purchase related promotional items. She has been helping professionals grow their businesses for over 18 years. Tracy lives in Virginia with her husband and three children.
Many companies, especially those in the healthcare industry, will focus their advertising/marketing dollars on popular mainstream media (television, newspapers, etc…). BUT what happens when someone who sees your great ad on TV decides to visit your website and all they see is an antiquated, lifeless site? They’re not going to view you as the high-tech facility you pride yourself to be.
It is important when branding to make sure you take a look at ALL aspects of your public persona: TV and newspaper ads; signage at your facility and other events; letterhead and envelopes used by all departments of the facility; promotional products handed out at recruiting events and to employees; and last, but most certainly not least, your website.
Below are 10 ways to clean up and breathe some new life into your old website:
1. Graphics – Make sure images you use are clean and sharp. High resolution photos of your facility, grounds, staff and even current patients can help give a more personal feeling to your site.
2. Opt-in Box – Use something that will capture the visitor’s information to keep them on your mailing list and give you a reason to keep in touch on a regular basis. This can easily be accomplished with a service like Constant Contact or Swiftpage. These are both easy-to-use programs with pre-made templates to help the author quickly turn out a very professional piece of literature (like a newsletter) on a regular basis.
3. Offer sufficient information on each page to help your visitor make an informed decision. Nothing is more frustrating than being directed to a certain page on a website and not being able to find what you’re looking for. Make sure all information listed is current and correct and all links are “live” and go to where they promise.
4. Directions, Physical Address, Email Address, Contact Us – It can be on one page or multiple pages, but make sure it’s clear how and where your potential customers can get to you.
5. Home Page – This page will define you, your facility/practice and your brand. Make sure you capture your visitor’s attention with the first look. Better to keep it simple, use high-quality graphics and don’t use a lot of text. Visitors want something easy to look at (so don’t use yellow color text) and want to be able to find what they’re looking for.
6. Easy Navigation – A website that is easily navigated is more user-friendly…so…your visitors will stay longer!
7. Articles – Keep your visitors informed with timely, current articles. Also include these in your newsletter to hold your target market’s interest. Visitors want information – they thrive on it! Give them what they want with well-written, well-researched articles. Also, the spider bots love new content on a regular basis – this is a good way to keep them active.
8. Look Before You Leap – Take a look at your successful competitor’s websites. They are successful for a reason, so don’t recreate the wheel, just take a few pointers from them. I’m not suggesting you copy their site or layout, but take a look at the ease in navigation, the graphics, the home page, and the depth of information they’re offering. They’re obviously doing something right.
9. Testimonials from satisfied customers help lend credibility to you and your brand. What type of advertising works best? Word of mouth. By posting testimonials of REAL patients and customers, your visitors will easily identify with them and will be more likely to use your service and/or product.
10. Have a purpose for every web page and make sure that purpose is easily identified! Don’t have full staff bios on the Contact Us page. That page has a purpose – show your visitor how to contact you – don’t muddy it up with other information that isn’t pertinent. You can always create another page called Meet the Staff.
It’s so important in this high-tech culture we live in to make the right impression and give sufficient information to the people who visit your site. If you don’t, they’ll find someone who will.
About The Author
Tracy Ebert is the co-owner of GoodHealthPromos.com (http://www.goodhealthpromos.com) - an online, reward-based site for healthcare professionals to purchase related promotional items. She has been helping professionals grow their businesses for over 18 years. Tracy lives in Virginia with her husband and three children.
What is Adverse Possession by: Wendy Moore
Some of you may have heard about this only now. Some of you may have been in this situation and were caught unaware about the process.
So what really is adverse possession in the real estate scenario? It actually refers to the occupation of land not consistent with the rights of the real owner. This basically pertains to the right of a trespasser to own land or part of it which has been in his possession for a certain period of time. The full ownership can be granted to that individual if he or she has been using that land for at least 15 years.
This old doctrine of adverse possession protects the land owner against anybody who wants to claim the property but fails to provide proof of a better land title. It protects the occupier of the land concerned from being ejected by any person who may later on discover a technical issue concerning the land’s original boundaries.
Let’s take an example.
Mr. A owns a certain piece of land which he has turned into a farm. He has been farming there for 20 years. Then comes Mr. B, the new owner of the adjacent land, who found that the fence around Mr. A’s farm was incorrectly placed inside the boundary of his property. The land owned by Mr. B had been sold several times in the past but it is only now that the boundary issue came up when Mr. B requested for a survey of his property’s boundaries.
So, can Mr. B have part of the property included in Mr. A’s land back? Does he have the right to get it back? How can the true boundary of a property be determined?
If we are to base it on the old doctrine of adverse possession, the answer is no. Mr. B no longer has the right to challenge Mr. A on this issue and recover his property. Mr. B cannot force Mr. A to move the fence back to the original and correct boundary.
In cases like this, the role of a surveyor is crucial. This is because the process of challenging a land owner on the issue of adverse possession involves several stages.
The surveyor is the right authority who can perform a check survey to determine the proper boundaries of a certain real estate property according to the original subdivision or survey plan. He will then make a drawing of the property showing the boundaries with the proper measurements and fencelines. The drawing is useful in making a comparison with other survey plans involving the property.
Getting a qualified surveyor should be a priority. Choose one who is familiar with the local area where the property is located. One who knows about the property concerned can be more reliable.
Other qualifications to look for include licenses and certifications as well as membership in professional associations. For example, in Victoria, Australia, the Surveyors Registration Board of Victoria is the agency that issues licenses to qualified surveyors. You may want to check if the surveyor you want to hire is licensed by visiting the Board’s online registry of licensed surveyors.
In terms of survey cost, there is no standard rate. Normally, the cost will depend on the size, shape and other characteristics of a property. If you would like get an idea of the amount you will need, contact a surveyor you know or you can call several surveyors and consult them about your specific situation. The information you provide on your problem and the survey required will enable them to quote you an estimated price.
On the other hand, a real estate lawyer is the best person who can give you advice whether or not you should pursue a claim on your property that was mistakenly included in another person’s property.
About The Author
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You can, as long as you include the following:
Wendy Moore is founder of http://www.affluencia.com and creator of the Get Started in Property Mentoring Program - the step-by-step, hold your hand program that gives you the tools and confidence to take your first step on the property investing ladder so you can live a life you love. To receive your F.R.E.E. Special Report and weekly how-to articles to expand your property investing toolkit, visit http://www.affluencia.com.
So what really is adverse possession in the real estate scenario? It actually refers to the occupation of land not consistent with the rights of the real owner. This basically pertains to the right of a trespasser to own land or part of it which has been in his possession for a certain period of time. The full ownership can be granted to that individual if he or she has been using that land for at least 15 years.
This old doctrine of adverse possession protects the land owner against anybody who wants to claim the property but fails to provide proof of a better land title. It protects the occupier of the land concerned from being ejected by any person who may later on discover a technical issue concerning the land’s original boundaries.
Let’s take an example.
Mr. A owns a certain piece of land which he has turned into a farm. He has been farming there for 20 years. Then comes Mr. B, the new owner of the adjacent land, who found that the fence around Mr. A’s farm was incorrectly placed inside the boundary of his property. The land owned by Mr. B had been sold several times in the past but it is only now that the boundary issue came up when Mr. B requested for a survey of his property’s boundaries.
So, can Mr. B have part of the property included in Mr. A’s land back? Does he have the right to get it back? How can the true boundary of a property be determined?
If we are to base it on the old doctrine of adverse possession, the answer is no. Mr. B no longer has the right to challenge Mr. A on this issue and recover his property. Mr. B cannot force Mr. A to move the fence back to the original and correct boundary.
In cases like this, the role of a surveyor is crucial. This is because the process of challenging a land owner on the issue of adverse possession involves several stages.
The surveyor is the right authority who can perform a check survey to determine the proper boundaries of a certain real estate property according to the original subdivision or survey plan. He will then make a drawing of the property showing the boundaries with the proper measurements and fencelines. The drawing is useful in making a comparison with other survey plans involving the property.
Getting a qualified surveyor should be a priority. Choose one who is familiar with the local area where the property is located. One who knows about the property concerned can be more reliable.
Other qualifications to look for include licenses and certifications as well as membership in professional associations. For example, in Victoria, Australia, the Surveyors Registration Board of Victoria is the agency that issues licenses to qualified surveyors. You may want to check if the surveyor you want to hire is licensed by visiting the Board’s online registry of licensed surveyors.
In terms of survey cost, there is no standard rate. Normally, the cost will depend on the size, shape and other characteristics of a property. If you would like get an idea of the amount you will need, contact a surveyor you know or you can call several surveyors and consult them about your specific situation. The information you provide on your problem and the survey required will enable them to quote you an estimated price.
On the other hand, a real estate lawyer is the best person who can give you advice whether or not you should pursue a claim on your property that was mistakenly included in another person’s property.
About The Author
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE?
You can, as long as you include the following:
Wendy Moore is founder of http://www.affluencia.com and creator of the Get Started in Property Mentoring Program - the step-by-step, hold your hand program that gives you the tools and confidence to take your first step on the property investing ladder so you can live a life you love. To receive your F.R.E.E. Special Report and weekly how-to articles to expand your property investing toolkit, visit http://www.affluencia.com.
3 Top “Don’ts” to Avoid with Life Insurance Quotes by: Kim Chambers
Life insurance quotes don’t always come cheap. That’s because insurance companies are taking a gamble when they decide to insure your life and, like all gamblers, insurers need to know how much of a risk they are taking when deciding whether or not your life is a safe bet.
With high insurance premiums, it can be tempting to be “economical” with the truth or just to downright lie as you fill out your policy form. However, omitting the full truth either by choice or ignorance can lead to your policy being declared void, which leaves those left behind with nothing, even if you have continued to make your monthly payments. Truth is always the best policy, so here are 3 top “don’ts” that you should bear in mind.
Don’t be coy about your age
Age is a determining factor when it comes to life insurance quotes, as the older you get, the more your premium is going to go up. Your age is an easy thing for insurers to check once a claim is made using information from your birth certificate. If the age on your policy doesn’t match that on your other documentation, then your policy is nullified. As incredible as it sounds, some people lie to insurance companies for no other reason than vanity – it simply isn’t worth the risk.
Don’t lie about your health
There are certain health factors that contribute to your lifestyle which will affect life insurance quotes . If you are a smoker for instance or if you have smoked before, then you must declare this to the insurance company. Smoking is a recognised danger to your health and will push your premium up. By not declaring to the insurance company that you smoke, you are in fact committing fraud, which is a sure-fire way to not receiving a payout after your death. Similarly, be honest about the number of units of alcohol you consume in an average week and the amount of exercise you do.
Don’t be ignorant of family health history
Ignorance is not an excuse for giving false information about health problems in your family’s history. Take the time to research your family tree properly for as many generations as you can and see if there are any hereditary illnesses. Assuming the best is not a smart thing to do with health problems, and could lead to your insurer refusing to pay for a claim.
About The Author
Kim has 2 years experience in the Life insurance industry. She enjoys writing articles on various topics.
http://www.uswitch.com/life-insurance
With high insurance premiums, it can be tempting to be “economical” with the truth or just to downright lie as you fill out your policy form. However, omitting the full truth either by choice or ignorance can lead to your policy being declared void, which leaves those left behind with nothing, even if you have continued to make your monthly payments. Truth is always the best policy, so here are 3 top “don’ts” that you should bear in mind.
Don’t be coy about your age
Age is a determining factor when it comes to life insurance quotes, as the older you get, the more your premium is going to go up. Your age is an easy thing for insurers to check once a claim is made using information from your birth certificate. If the age on your policy doesn’t match that on your other documentation, then your policy is nullified. As incredible as it sounds, some people lie to insurance companies for no other reason than vanity – it simply isn’t worth the risk.
Don’t lie about your health
There are certain health factors that contribute to your lifestyle which will affect life insurance quotes . If you are a smoker for instance or if you have smoked before, then you must declare this to the insurance company. Smoking is a recognised danger to your health and will push your premium up. By not declaring to the insurance company that you smoke, you are in fact committing fraud, which is a sure-fire way to not receiving a payout after your death. Similarly, be honest about the number of units of alcohol you consume in an average week and the amount of exercise you do.
Don’t be ignorant of family health history
Ignorance is not an excuse for giving false information about health problems in your family’s history. Take the time to research your family tree properly for as many generations as you can and see if there are any hereditary illnesses. Assuming the best is not a smart thing to do with health problems, and could lead to your insurer refusing to pay for a claim.
About The Author
Kim has 2 years experience in the Life insurance industry. She enjoys writing articles on various topics.
http://www.uswitch.com/life-insurance
Essential Services Call Center 24/7 – The Growth Company by: Raymundo J. Piccio
For only a few years in existence Essential Services Call Center has mange to grow beyond industry’s expectation. It can be attributed to their marketing approach and proven reliably to deliver needed results to customers most especially their American clients whose criterion of a call center requires the highest standard there is.
>From recruiting potential agents to on the job training, Essential Services is one of the small to mid-size Indian call center complete with an array of equipments and tools always ready to enhance call agents attributes. It is here that one of the company’s management philosophies, ‘higher inputs mean higher output’ is practice with earnest. Aside from the usual tools and training, agents are monitored in discreet fashion as to avoid misunderstanding and improve agents’ quality of work.
So far not even the current world financial crisis could put a dent on Essential services continued success in getting new clients in their list long of satisfied customers. Just recently Essential Services was again called to handle the most sought after loan modification and payday loans for various financial establishments in the US.
This prompted management to expand Essential’s home base call center program. However their home base call center program is strict in adhering to the high standards set forth both by their clients and Essential themselves. This just shows Essentials’ rigid training and high qualification conditions for a home based call center pass the standard set by their clients.
To date Essential Services 24/7 has more or less 3 new accounts and has a retain customers for years now numbering 4 accounts. Aside for their expertise on call center operations either at their brick and mortar office in India or their virtual call center located in various countries worldwide, Essentials continue to strive to give the BPO industry in various ways. Start-up and other potential call centers or home base call centers can avail of Essentials other products such as leads of contacts to various industries, dialers and other needs that are needed to start one up. Again this is one area where Essential Services can work for these companies and individuals.
Essential Services has indeed proven itself as a growth company priding itself as one of the few companies that was able to shield from the effects of the present global financial crisis and that was done by their expertise in the call center and BPO industry.
For further inquiries visit their website at http://www.es-email.com/
About The Author
Raymundo J. Piccio is a freelance writer whose cocentration is in finance, from vast work experience, gambling ex-casino dealer and the sport of golf, avid golfer who plays 2-3 times a week.
http://www.es-email.com
>From recruiting potential agents to on the job training, Essential Services is one of the small to mid-size Indian call center complete with an array of equipments and tools always ready to enhance call agents attributes. It is here that one of the company’s management philosophies, ‘higher inputs mean higher output’ is practice with earnest. Aside from the usual tools and training, agents are monitored in discreet fashion as to avoid misunderstanding and improve agents’ quality of work.
So far not even the current world financial crisis could put a dent on Essential services continued success in getting new clients in their list long of satisfied customers. Just recently Essential Services was again called to handle the most sought after loan modification and payday loans for various financial establishments in the US.
This prompted management to expand Essential’s home base call center program. However their home base call center program is strict in adhering to the high standards set forth both by their clients and Essential themselves. This just shows Essentials’ rigid training and high qualification conditions for a home based call center pass the standard set by their clients.
To date Essential Services 24/7 has more or less 3 new accounts and has a retain customers for years now numbering 4 accounts. Aside for their expertise on call center operations either at their brick and mortar office in India or their virtual call center located in various countries worldwide, Essentials continue to strive to give the BPO industry in various ways. Start-up and other potential call centers or home base call centers can avail of Essentials other products such as leads of contacts to various industries, dialers and other needs that are needed to start one up. Again this is one area where Essential Services can work for these companies and individuals.
Essential Services has indeed proven itself as a growth company priding itself as one of the few companies that was able to shield from the effects of the present global financial crisis and that was done by their expertise in the call center and BPO industry.
For further inquiries visit their website at http://www.es-email.com/
About The Author
Raymundo J. Piccio is a freelance writer whose cocentration is in finance, from vast work experience, gambling ex-casino dealer and the sport of golf, avid golfer who plays 2-3 times a week.
http://www.es-email.com
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