Blogs

Unfortunately, it’s no longer a matter of “if,” but rather “when” payments fraud will impact your business. As you look at your payment strategy, does it minimize your risk to fraud? Like many businesses, your strategy may be highly focused on check payments, the most compromised payment type. Sixty-six percent of businesses said their companies experienced check fraud as part of the 2021 Association of Financial Professionals Payments Fraud and Control Report. While other payment methods have been targets, the risk significantly decreases with others; a breakdown is below. Tools and Best...

What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a continuously evolving form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption - often targeting and threatening to sell or leak exfiltrated data or authentication information if the ransom is not paid. Who is at Risk of Ransomware Attacks? Anyone with a device connected to the internet is at risk, including government or law enforcement agencies and healthcare systems as well as other critical infrastructure entities. Ransomware...

Commercial construction costs hinge on two primary categories: materials and skilled labor. Therefore, when both are in short supply and more expensive, already small profit margins contract even further. To counteract rising costs, many CRE firms simply raise their prices—which could further negatively affect the industry. First, there was Covid-19. Then came widespread labor shortages. Supply chain collapses saw rising commercial construction costs dig into profit margins worldwide. And now—to top it all off—there’s inflation. Rising steel prices, peaking at nearly $2,000/ton have affected...

Your business probably receives daily invoices for payments. Have you considered the steps, manpower and security of your payment method? Cutting a check can take upwards of ten steps and is very unsecure, while ACH and credit card are quicker and more secure. If the latter two are used less frequently, your business is probably not maximizing your accounts payables process. By developing a solid payments strategy, both your business and your vendors will benefit. You can maximize your ability to earn revenue, improve cash flow and streamline processes with a strong payments strategy in place...

While we may not have a magic wand to reveal the future, we have the next best thing! View our 2021 Mid-Year Economic Update webinar to catch a glimpse of how your business may be impacted by possible market and industry trends. Leading economist, Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., delivers an insightful, entertaining “Chamber of Data” themed presentation that pays a subtle homage to the Harry Potter series. Don’t worry, we didn’t let the sorcery get out of hand. During this webinar, Basu delivered economic data and an analysis juxtaposing the pre-pandemic and pandemic...