Heard on the Street Wednesday Recap: Striking Oil
What happened yesterday:
Shell is in talks to acquire rival BP. If consummated, it would be the biggest oil deal in a generation. BP shares spiked on the news before ending the day up 1.6%. Shell shares fell about 1%.
FedEx stock dropped. The shipping giant gave a gloomy earnings forecast and flagged a $170 million expected hit from a change in U.S. tariff rules that slowed shipments from China. The company's stock dropped 3.3%. Rival UPS fell 1.2%.
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Fast Company
18 minutes ago
- Fast Company
AI readiness is no longer optional. Here's how to make it real in the next 18 months
AI isn't coming. It's here. And the next 18 months will be a proving ground, separating the organizations still testing the waters from those moving full steam ahead toward real transformation. Seventy-three percent of companies now spend over $1 million annually on AI, yet only about one-third have realized significant ROI from those investments. The gap between ambition and execution continues to widen. Many organizations still approach AI as a side project, guided by checklists rather than strategic vision. True AI readiness calls for something deeper: a clear strategy, modernized systems, and the commitment to scaling what works. The good news is, with the right focus, it's possible to go from fragmented efforts to enterprise-scale momentum—quickly. For leaders willing to act, the next 18 months offer a defining window to move from experimentation to integrated, business-aligned AI impact. WHY AI READINESS, NOT AI HYPE, IS THE REAL DIFFERENTIATOR The AI conversation is loud, but real transformation depends on readiness —the ability to scale AI with speed, discipline, and measurable value. That readiness goes beyond infrastructure. It requires: A strategy that connects business priorities with AI opportunities Teams equipped to move quickly without compromising trust or compliance Leadership alignment that drives adoption across functions The advantage now lies with those who move from intent to execution—who build the infrastructure, alignment, and cultural readiness to scale AI across the business. This isn't a time for isolated pilots or disconnected innovation efforts. It's a time to institutionalize AI as a core business capability. THE EXECUTIVE AI PLAYBOOK: WHAT LEADERS MUST GET RIGHT AI transformation doesn't hinge on a single capability. It requires readiness across five key dimensions, each critical to moving forward with confidence, speed, and accountability. 1. AI Strategy Alignment Too many AI initiatives lack a clear connection to business goals. Leading organizations define a strategic roadmap that prioritizes high-impact opportunities, aligns AI investments with enterprise objectives, and uses measurable outcomes to track progress. Without strategic alignment, even the most advanced models deliver limited value. 2. Data And Infrastructure Readiness Foundational systems often determine whether AI efforts scale or stall. Readiness in this area means having clean, accessible data, cloud infrastructure that can support high-volume workloads, and deployment processes built for speed, security, and resilience. Without this layer, innovation stays stuck in the laboratory. 3. Governance And Compliance For AI Responsible AI demands enforceable practices. Readiness in this area means having clearly defined structures, policies, and safeguards in place to ensure that AI systems are ethical, transparent, and legally compliant. Key components include role-based access controls, audit trails, model monitoring, bias mitigation processes, and risk escalation protocols. Organizations that embed governance early reduce exposure, maintain oversight, and build trust as they expand AI across the enterprise. 4. Talent And Culture Development AI adoption depends on more than technical skills. Teams need to trust the technology, understand its value, and feel equipped to use it in their day-to-day work. Readiness includes attracting and developing AI-literate talent while fostering a culture that supports experimentation, accountability, and continuous learning. Moving beyond isolated tool adoption requires a broader shift in culture—one that redefines how work gets done across the organization. 5. AI Integration Into Operations Scattered pilots and disconnected initiatives won't move the needle. Mature organizations embed AI into core business processes, scale solutions across functions, and continuously optimize based on performance. When AI is integrated into how the business runs—not just where it experiments—it becomes a driver of long-term performance, efficiency, and innovation. The belief that AI transformation demands massive, multi-year investments is outdated. Organizations that are moving fast have already proven the value of AI in isolated use cases. The next step isn't more experimentation—it's scaling what works. Getting out of the proof-of-concept mindset starts with identifying high-impact opportunities, integrating them into core systems, and measuring outcomes from day one. When AI improves efficiency, lowers costs, or enhances decision-making, momentum builds and resistance fades. Execution at speed doesn't require sacrificing control. With strong governance, technical readiness, and workforce alignment in place, organizations can accelerate adoption while maintaining clarity and accountability. What sets leaders apart isn't the number of pilots they've launched, but how consistently they turn early wins into enterprise-wide impact. Competitive advantage from AI won't come from early adoption alone. It will come from the organization's ability to scale strategically, operationally, and culturally. That kind of readiness doesn't happen by accident. It requires committed leadership, aligned priorities, modern infrastructure, and a workforce equipped to deliver impact. Technology may open the door, but leadership determines whether the organization is ready to walk through it. In the months ahead, the most meaningful gains will go to those who move beyond experimentation and create the conditions for AI to thrive. The real question isn't whether you've started. It's whether you're ready to lead.
Android Authority
21 minutes ago
- Android Authority
Your favorite Google AI features just got a cheaper yearly price
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google has introduced an annual subscription for its Google AI Pro (2TB) plan, costing $199.99 annually. This new annual option saves users approximately 16% ($40) compared to the monthly $19.99 plan. Higher-tier plans like the 5TB and above plans and the Google AI Ultra plan still require monthly billing options with no access to discounted annual rates. Ever since Google launched the Google AI Pro plan (previously called Google One AI Premium plan), users have been asking for an annual plan. Some Android flagships come with a free trial subscription for Gemini Advanced through the Google One AI Premium plan upon purchase, but eventually, users have to start paying for the AI perks. They can only do so monthly, which can get cumbersome very fast. Google mentioned its intention to bring annual plans for Google AI Pro, and they're finally doing so. As spotted by 9to5Google, Google has introduced an annual subscription for Google AI Pro (2TB), costing $199.99 annually. The Google AI Pro monthly plan costs $19.99, so opting for the yearly billing saves you about 16%, or $40. The Google AI Pro plan was already available for annual billing, but with its 5TB tier, coming in at $24.99 monthly and $249.99 annually. If you need to jump up to higher tiers like 10TB, 20TB, 30TB, or even to the Google AI Ultra plan, you must stick with monthly billing, as these higher tier plans do not have an annual billing option. Currently, I cannot see the annual billing option for the Google AI Pro plan when subscribing to the plan on a new account. However, when I log into my other account that is already subscribed to the plan, I can switch from the monthly plan to the annual billing option. Hopefully, Google extends the offer to new subscribers, too, though if you've never subscribed to Google One's AI plans before, the monthly plan remains a good starting point. If you like the AI perks that come along, you can switch to the annual subscription thereafter. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Forbes
21 minutes ago
- Forbes
20 Ways Financial Institutions Can Increase Customer Trust
Today's financial landscape is shaped by rapid innovation, but also economic uncertainty and increasing regulatory complexity. Customer trust in this industry is more critical than ever: Users want clarity, security and transparency from the institutions that manage their money. Earning this trust requires a combination of proactive communication, ethical decision-making and smart, compliant use of technology. To help your financial institution strengthen customer trust and transparency, 20 members of Forbes Finance Council share the strategies they've seen work. 1. Improve Customer Service With Sophisticated AI Support Tools They should focus on customer support. Replacing simplistic, menu-based IVR systems with sophisticated, human-centered AI support tools allows financial institutions to deliver empathetic, timely and transparent service. This approach not only solves customer problems more effectively but also builds long-term trust in an environment where financial systems are becoming more complex. - Alexey Posternak, 2. Highlight Broader Market Opportunities, Not Just In-House Solutions Offer clients open-architecture access to the best ideas and investment opportunities across the entire market. Too often, clients are steered toward in-house solutions under the guise of advice, when, candidly, they are being limited to a narrow slice of what's available. Trust is built when advisors make recommendations that are tailored to their clients' goals, not an institution's bottom line. - Thomas H. Ruggie, ChFC® CFP®, Destiny Family Office 3. Adopt Values-Based Banking Principles Financial institutions can adopt values-based banking to improve trust and transparency. By clearly showing customers how their deposits fund beneficial projects like affordable housing and renewable energy, banks demonstrate that money can create positive change. This transparent approach helps customers align their finances with their values while building a more inclusive economy. - Monique Johnson, Beneficial State Bank 4. Provide Automated Payments And Invoicing Banks build trust through secure, consistent and customized experiences. For example, to better serve merchants (a bank's enterprise business customers), loyalty-building payment experiences must consider regulatory needs, operational challenges and buyer preferences. Choosing a partner to provide automated payments and invoicing systems facilitates preferred transaction methods for B2B buyers. - Brandon Spear, TreviPay 5. Combine Transparency With Good Judgment To Share What's Relevant Trust is built on good judgment, not just transparency. Oversharing in the name of transparency can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Data dumps don't usually help clients make decisions. Clients want clear and understandable information. Financial institutions can build trust by judiciously providing key information to help clients make confident decisions without unnecessary complexities. - Neil Kawashima, McDermott Will & Emery Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms. Do I qualify? 6. Explain Options And Fees Clearly And Simply Perspective is key. Understand that clients don't know what you know. Explain in a simple manner so clients understand the situation and can trust you. Also, always be clear about pros, cons and fees to remain transparent. Lastly, take the lead on keeping the client informed on new updates. - Dessy Prasad, RIA Innovations 7. Ensure Customers Know Where Their Funds Are Going Zoom in on the fine print and make it crystal clear. Customers deserve to see where their money is going and why, without the complex legal language. In a noisy world, trust comes from showing the full picture. Customers may not like change, but they will not tolerate being kept in the dark. Clarity in communication is non-negotiable. Communication must be delivered accurately and in real time. - Karla Dennis, KDA Inc. 8. Communicate Proactively About Potential Challenges When it comes to managing people's money, enough cannot be said about proactivity. When the tariffs set in, our investment and marketing teams worked together to reassure legacy investors that 1. We were aware of how the situation might impact them and 2. We are always here to discuss concerns. Hopefully, this created a comfort level for our clients, knowing we have their financial welfare in mind. - Christopher Steward, Legacy Group Capital 9. Allow Customers To Choose Their Level Of Automation Let customers choose how much automation they are comfortable with-full AI, hybrid or human review, and explain how key inputs shape outcomes. In a world where algorithms drive credit, investing and advice, giving people control and visibility builds trust in what they can't see. - Anshuman Yadav, PAR Technology 10. Prioritize Speed Of Payment And Accuracy Of Information Customers want immediate, secure and seamless experiences with financial transactions, just as they do with other digital platforms. Faster payments can provide that transparent, instant and easy payment experience that today's customers seek. Accurate account balances, messaging, control and more that faster payments bring go a long way in improving trust and confidence in payments. - Reed Luhtanen, U.S. Faster Payments Council 11. Send Real-Time Mobile Alerts For Suspicious Activity Financial institutions should offer a seamless, secure mobile experience with real-time alerts for suspicious activity to build trust and transparency. Disclosing all fees and promptly addressing breaches builds confidence and shows customers that their safety and clarity are top priorities. In a digital world, trust begins with reliable access and clear communication. - Nike Ajao, OneBarrow Corp. 12. Use Technology To Educate And Inform Clients On Financial Activity Financial institutions can implement real-time transaction alerts and personalized financial insights to improve customer trust. By leveraging technology to provide transparency in account activities and educate clients on their financial behaviors, institutions can foster trust and engagement, ensuring customers feel informed and empowered in their financial decisions. - Letitia Berbaum, Blue Sands Wealth 13. Balance Personalization With Privacy When Using Customer Data Be mindful and intentional about balancing personalization with data privacy. When an organization is seen strategically walking this tightrope, it builds trust and loyalty. Using customer data to personalize the brand experiences shouldn't expand the attack surface for threat actors. Frequently auditing data collection practices can help ensure you're only capturing what's essential. - Lindsey Downing, TransUnion 14. Use Explainable AI To Provide Insights On Financial Decisions Financial institutions must embed real-time, explainable AI into customer interactions—offering clear, personalized insights on decisions, not just outcomes. Transparency isn't just disclosure; it's empowering clients with context, building trust through clarity, control and continuous engagement. - Swati Deepak Kumar (Nema), Citigroup 15. Develop 'Decision Audit Trails' To Provide Context Create a 'decision audit trail' to show customers how and why financial decisions or recommendations were reached, including data, assumptions and alternatives. Transparency behind the scenes fosters confidence, demystifies the process and encourages interaction, making clients educated collaborators rather than passive recipients. It makes trust real, not just promised. - Neil Anders, Trusted Rate, Inc. 16. Keep Infrastructure Simple And Up-To-Date Simplify infrastructure. It's hard to trust a bank when a fee structure is murky or service queries stay trapped in legacy systems. Even if customers don't know why their experience is poor, they know their money and time are getting tighter. Building trust starts with positive outcomes, and the more banks look within, the easier those are to realize. - Rahim Madhavji, Knightsbridge Foreign Exchange 17. Overcommunicate Overcommunicate and have follow-up calls. Ask a lot of questions and listen to what the customer is saying. Be authentic and real with the client, and show them how you can help with whatever they're saying is important to them. - Zachary W. Herzog, Wolfgang Capital LLC 18. Use A DID System To Minimize Breaches Implement a decentralized identity (DID) system to let individuals manage their own identity information through blockchain technology. This can seriously cut down the chances of data breaches, especially since the institution isn't holding onto all that sensitive personal info in one place. It's also a step toward transparency, which could help build stronger trust with users. - Jake Claver, Digital Ascension Group 19. Explain Financial Concepts In Depth, Even To Experienced Clients A great way to build trust and transparency is to explain financial concepts as if the client is hearing them for the first time—even if they're experienced. This approach avoids assumptions, opens the door for better questions and shows that you care about clarity over complexity. It's not about dumbing things down—it's about making sure every client feels confident and truly informed. - Michael Foguth, Foguth Financial Group 20. Include A 'Cost And Risk' Ledger In All Offerings Respectfully mandate that each product expose a live, plain-language 'cost and risk ledger' inside the mobile or web app: real-time fee accrual, risk-adjusted return projections and the bank's margin-all verifiable via an auditable open-banking data trail. Radical, self-serve transparency erases information asymmetry and cements trust. - Terry Chen, Modulate The information provided here is not investment, tax, or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
