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TECHx
10 hours ago
- Business
- TECHx
Four Ways Government Agencies Can Achieve True Modernization
Home » Expert opinion » Four Ways Government Agencies Can Achieve True Modernization Discover 4 ways to achieve True Modernization in government. Chris Erasmus shares how AWS helps agencies transform with cloud, AI, training, and smart data use. The current federal administration has issued a challenge to federal agencies: accomplish their missions with greater speed, cost savings, and efficiency. This unprecedented moment of technological opportunity requires a bold strategic vision that can meet today's challenges, and ensure America maintains its global leadership in AI and innovation. Drawing on the extensive experience Amazon Web Services (AWS) has in partnering with public sector organizations worldwide, here are four transformative steps agencies can take to drive meaningful modernization and shape the future of government service delivery. 1. Migrate from on-premises to the cloud to unlock savings and security AWS has years of data showing that migrating to the cloud from on-premises saves money. The choice is clear: if you want to be more efficient, moving to the cloud is the way to go. When customers migrate to the cloud, some cut their related IT expenditures by almost two-thirds which can generate major savings for taxpayers. AWS works with thousands of public sector organizations to migrate to the cloud securely. Cloud enables customers to instantly scale resources to meet fluctuating mission needs, shift from capital expenditures to a more flexible pay-as-you-go model, and leverage built-in security and compliance frameworks specifically aligned to government requirements. AWS supports 143 security standards and compliance certifications, including PCI-DSS, HIPAA/HITECH, FedRAMP, GDPR, FIPS 140-2, and NIST 800-171, helping satisfy compliance requirements for virtually every regulatory agency around the globe. AWS's security-first architecture, combined with continuous monitoring and automated threat detection, provides agencies with stronger security posture than most can achieve on-premises. This comprehensive approach not only reduces costs, it strengthens security and accelerates innovation. 2. Adopt AI tools to boost efficiency and productivity Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming government operations by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and improving citizen engagement. Every day, AI-powered digital transformations are moving beyond proof of concept into fully operational solutions. For example, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which is not government but operates under Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversight, achieved a 40 percent reduction in effort for technology upgrades and maintenance tasks using AI-powered development tools, while also improving code quality and integrity by 30 percent. The U.S. Navy Reserve is seeing the benefits of AI after deploying a Q&A chatbot in just four months that now helps more than 56,000 reservists find critical information faster. Built on AWS GovCloud, the chatbot uses generative AI to aid reservists in accessing information quickly, reducing the need for support calls to their command. These are just two examples of how AI is transforming government across multiple fronts—from automating document and records management, to deploying virtual assistants to provide 24/7 support, and implementing predictive analytics that can anticipate service needs and optimize resource allocation. These capabilities enhance productivity while allowing government employees to focus on higher-value work that directly improves mission outcomes. AWS announced the Generative AI Impact Initiative, a two-year, $50 million investment designed to accelerate AI adoption among public sector organizations. Since then, customers from around the world have increased innovation using AWS generative AI services and infrastructure, such as Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q, and more. 3. Invest in upskilling and workforce training Technology is only as effective as the people who use it, and agencies that invest in continuous learning and workforce development are able to more fully realize the benefits of modernization. Upskilling is time and resources well spent. This is why AWS offers a wide range of training and certification programs designed specifically for public sector professionals, helping agencies close the digital skills gap and build a future-ready workforce. Federal employees can also take advantage of our newest programs: AWS Certified AI Practitioner and AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate. Training has been a longstanding investment for AWS. In December 2020, AWS committed to investing hundreds of millions of dollars to provide free cloud computing skills training to 29 million people worldwide by 2025. More than a year ahead of schedule, AWS has surpassed this ambitious goal, having helped more than 31 million learners across 200 countries and territories build their cloud skills through its free training initiatives. This milestone represents AWS's relentless drive to democratize access to cloud careers and uplift communities worldwide. 4. Optimize budgets through data-driven decision making Efficient budgeting requires real-time visibility, strategic planning, and accountability. Cloud-based analytics tools can empower agencies to make smarter financial decisions and maximize the impact of public funds. According to an ESG Economic Validation study, 83 percent of organizations reported that AWS helped them improve their ability to perform analytics on their data, and organizations leveraging AWS analytics tools experienced a 37 percent improvement in the speed of data-driven decision making—enabling more strategic resource allocation and budget optimization. AWS tools can empower agencies to gain financial transparency and control through real-time cost monitoring and forecasting dashboards that track and predict spending patterns, resource optimization capabilities, and performance metrics that align spending directly with mission outcomes and citizen satisfaction. With solutions like Amazon DataZone, agencies can implement comprehensive data governance while democratizing access to insights. The Defense Innovation Unit used cloud technology to optimize air logistics, which has critical impact on national security. With the ability for on-time package delivery worldwide, AWS used its internal air logistics optimization engine to create a service that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) tested. During a demonstration, Amazon developed several route options which reduced the number of needed aircraft by up to 50 percent, drove mission operation cost savings by 12 percent, and reduced pallet delivery expenses by 10 percent. Conclusion Achieving meaningful modernization is not just attainable for government agencies—it's essential for America's continued AI leadership. By migrating to the cloud, adopting AI, investing in workforce development, and optimizing budgets, federal agencies can transform their operations while simultaneously strengthening the nation's position at the forefront of global innovation. At home, these modernization efforts create a powerful foundation for advanced AI applications that directly improve Americans' everyday interactions with government, building trust in institutions while ensuring taxpayer dollars deliver maximum value. AWS remains committed to working as a trusted mission partner with the federal government to achieve these goals through secure, scalable, and cost-effective cloud solutions that accelerate America towards technological advancement and AI leadership. By Chris Erasmus, The Country Manager, AWS, UAE
Business Upturn
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Dogecoin Cash, Inc. Confirms Stock Dividend Record and Payment Dates; FINRA Publication Completed
MESQUITE, NV, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — March 10, 2025 – Mesquite, NV – Dogecoin Cash, Inc. ($CBDS), a publicly traded leader in blockchain innovation, is excited to announce its strategic expansion into the rapidly growing meme coin MESQUITE, NV – May 6, 2025 – Dogecoin Cash, Inc. (OTC: CBDS) today announced that its previously declared stock dividend distribution has been finalized and is now reflected in the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's (FINRA) Daily List. The Company confirms that the payment date for this distribution is now set for May 9, 2025, while the record date remains November 25, 2024, as originally announced. The Company notes that no changes have been made to the amount or terms of the dividend. As a Nevada corporation, and in accordance with general corporate law principles, the adjustment of a payment date—where the record date and distribution amount remain fixed—is considered a ministerial action. Therefore, the change has been authorized by management without requiring additional Board approval. Item 8.01 – Other Events Dogecoin Cash, Inc. (OTC: CBDS) received confirmation from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) that its previously announced stock dividend, payable in a separate equity security, has been published on the FINRA Daily List today with a payable date of May 9, 2025. As previously disclosed in public announcements, the dividend consists of a distribution of a new class of preferred stock to shareholders of record. For every 1,000 shares of common stock held on November 25, 2024, shareholders will receive one (1) share of unrestricted preferred stock of the issuer. This preferred stock, designated as Series A Preferred pursuant to a Certificate of Designation filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on November 13, 2024, carries the right to receive, if and when declared by the Board of Directors, one (1) share of common stock annually per preferred share, provided the holder is of record as of November 25 of the applicable year. The stock is not convertible but may be redeemed at the Company's discretion on or before October 25, 2034, at a rate of ten (10) shares of common stock for each preferred share. The symbol for Dogecoin Cash, Inc. common stock will remain CBDS until a new symbol is applied for. A trading symbol for the preferred shares has not yet been assigned. FINRA has indicated that no ex-dividend date will be established for this event. Fractional shares will be rounded up to one whole share. About Dogecoin Cash, Inc. (CBDS) Dogecoin Cash, Inc. (OTCQB: CBDS) is a publicly traded company that owns and operates PrestoDoctor, a trusted leader in medical cannabis telemedicine. CBDS holds the first patented cannabis strain, Ecuadorian Sativa aka 'CTA', and a patented cannabis lozenge for treatment of hypertension. CBDS engages in cannabis product development and licensing, as well as blockchain innovation. The company is actively engaged in leveraging emerging digital assets, decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions, and blockchain technology to enhance its offerings and create new market opportunities. Disclaimer: Dogecoin Cash, Inc., and the DogeCoin Cash (DOG) token were inspired by the well-known cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE); however, Dogecoin Cash, Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Dogecoin or its development team. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute 'forward-looking statements.' Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as may be disclosed in the Company's filings. In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors, including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release, and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. Such forward-looking statements are risks that are detailed on the Company's website and filings. This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. For a detailed discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please refer to Dogecoin Cash, Inc.'s filings with the SEC. Contact Information: [email protected] Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
If a financial adviser wants to roll over your retirement savings, watch out
If you ask 10 financial advisers how and where you should invest your tax-advantaged retirement savings, you may get 10 different answers. There are many options and it's not easy to know which one makes the most sense. The challenge grows if you're retired or nearing retirement. You may have accumulated a large nest egg, and advisers may recommend rolling over that pile of money into a different type of account. What a plunge in shipping traffic from China says about tariffs, stocks and the economy 'An argument ensued': My mother entrusted my inheritance to her second husband. That's when it all went horribly wrong. A cruel summer looms, but here's why JPMorgan still expects a higher S&P 500 finish this year 10 'pure value' stocks favored by analysts to soar 20% to 96% over the next year I held power of attorney for my late brother. Can I withdraw money from his bank account to give to his favorite charity? But rollovers can backfire. The stakes are high, given that a rollover is among the biggest, most consequential financial decisions you could make. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or Finra, is increasing its scrutiny of advisers' rollover recommendations, especially those targeting retirees and seniors. When rolling over their retirement savings, older investors might unknowingly find themselves in worse shape than if they did nothing. The good news: Broker-dealers and registered representatives must follow Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) when making rollover recommendations to clients. That means their recommendations must meet a standard of care in which they act in the client's best interest. Despite this regulation and Finra's oversight, risks remain. You may not realize that by agreeing to roll over funds (from, say, a 401(k), IRA or similar plan) into a different account, you can get hit with hidden fees, tax penalties, loss of investment options and other protections. 'Investors need to determine the total cost of a proposed rollover before they go ahead with it,' said Craig Ferrantino, a financial adviser in Melville, N.Y. Read: 'I really do not need the funds.' I'm 72 and facing RMDs in mere months, but I don't need the money or want the taxes. What's my move? List all the fees and expenses and compare it to your current plan's cost. Confirm the proposed rollover would not trigger any tax liability or penalties. The adviser's recommendations should include printed content that, in simple language and easy-to-understand graphs and tables, lets you compare the features, benefits, costs and tax consequences of various accounts and rollover scenarios. You may want to take the printed proposal and seek counsel from your accountant, attorney and others whom you trust. Consider how the adviser gets paid. Many of them charge an assets-under-management fee, typically around 1%. Read: 14 financial pros reveal the No. 1 money concern their clients are facing now If you're urged to transfer all of your assets (including your retirement funds) to their firm, calculate the total cost. Beyond paying their fee, ask about the expense ratio of the underlying investment products they recommend (which covers the funds' operating expenses, marketing, record keeping, etc.). Some advisers favor certain types of products or custodians, so make sure you understand the rationale for their rollover recommendation. They may funnel clients' retirement funds into one financial institution and get rewarded for their volume of business with that firm. Ask about the pros and cons of a range of different rollover strategies before you make a decision. And inquire about their motives. 'You should ask, 'Are there any sales incentives you get by recommending this?' and 'Do you have any conflict of interest in selling me this product?'' Ferrantino said. Fred Reish, an attorney and partner at Faegre Drinker, a Los Angeles-based law firm, advises retirement-plan participants to ask their financial adviser the following questions before authorizing a rollover: 'If the adviser doesn't give clear and comprehensible answers to these questions, that's a red flag,' Reish said. For example, plan fiduciaries have an ongoing duty to monitor the plan's investments, so the answer to the first question should be a straightforward 'yes.' He adds that when comparing the total cost of the proposed rollover with your current plan, treat even slightly higher-percentage fees as significant. 'If the total cost of the proposal, which should include the adviser's compensation, is much higher than your existing plan's cost, make sure there are additional services that justify the difference,' he said. 'Remember that an amount that seems small, say 0.5% or 1%, can add up to a lot of money over time.' More: 'I'm literally afraid to look at my balance': I have $300K in a 2025 target-date fund. Is there a chance it will recover? Also read: Are tariffs worth the risk to our retirement — and overall — economic security? 'I am suspicious': My father died, leaving me $250,000. My brother says it's all gone. What can I do? 'The whole thing feels predatory': My grandma, 97, pays $170 a month for a $10,000 life-insurance policy. Should we stop payments? My dying cousin supposedly 'fell in love' with his hospice nurse. She inherited his entire estate. How can this happen? My husband will inherit $180K. I think we should invest the money. He wants to pay off his $168K mortgage. Who's right? 'She acted as a mother to me growing up': My stepmother remarried after my father died. How can I claim my inheritance? Sign in to access your portfolio
CBS News
25-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Most Americans couldn't pass this financial literacy test. Can you?
From understanding inflation to how compound interest works, many consumers struggle with the financial basics. That's according to preliminary findings from a recent survey of more than 25,000 American consumers who were quizzed on their financial know-how by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. The nonprofit has conducted the study every three years since 2009. FINRA stands for Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, an organization that oversees brokerage firms. Testing your financial literacy Overall, less than a third of respondents answered at least five of the seven questions correctly. The findings released this month mirror the results of quiz-takers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, where between 27% and 29% correctly answered at least five questions. One area of improvement? Notably, the group found consumers' knowledge about inflation has increased, with nearly 60% of quiz-takers overall answering the following question correctly, compared with 53% in 2021: Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1% per year and inflation was 2% per year. After one year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account? More than today Exactly the same Less than today Don't know The correct answer is less than today. Gary Mottola, the FINRA Foundation's research director, said that an improved understanding of inflation likely reflects the lived experiences of many over the past few years. "People have had to live with inflation and read about it, and for young adults, this is probably the first time in their lives that they've encountered it," he said. "People now seem to have a more intuitive understanding of inflation." You can click here to take the financial knowledge quiz yourself. Meanwhile, this question on compound interest managed to stump 71% of quiz-takers: Suppose you owe $1,000 on a loan and the interest rate you are charged is 20% per year, compounded annually. If you didn't pay anything off, at this interest rate, how many years would it take for the amount you owe to double? Less than 2 years 2 to 4 years 5 to 9 years 10 or more years Don't know The correct answer is 2 to 4 years. "Generally speaking, financial knowledge in the United States is on the low side, but there are some pockets of the country that are doing a little bit better," Mottola said. "There's a big opportunity here to make financial education a priority and give people the knowledge, skills and tools they need to make sound financial decisions throughout life." Pushing for better education If there's one thing most Americans can agree on, it's that financial literacy should be taught in high school. A whopping 87% of respondents said as much in a recently published American Bankers Association Foundation survey. Many of those consumers (72%) believe they'd be better off financially had they learned the basics of personal finance at an earlier age. It comes as Pennsylvania joins at least 25 other states that have enacted high school personal finance requirements. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, Pennsylvania high schools must provide a financial literacy course that students will have to take to graduate. Similar requirements vary by district in New Jersey and Delaware, according to Next Gen, a nonprofit that advocates for personal finance education. Studies show requiring financial education improves credit scores, lowers loan delinquency rates and reduces the likelihood of falling behind on credit card payments. Do you have a money question, a consumer issue, or a scam story you want to share? Email InYourCorner@
Associated Press
03-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Firstrade Launches Overnight Trading
NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Firstrade, a leading commission-free U.S. brokerage, today announced the launch of Overnight Trading, significantly expanding access to the markets with trading available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. ET the next trading day. Clients can now trade over 1,200 stocks and ETFs, gaining a near round-the-clock trading experience that allows them to respond to global market events and adjust strategies in real time. 'Firstrade is committed to putting our clients first by continually enhancing their trading experience,' said John Liu, CEO of Firstrade. 'With Overnight Trading, investors can respond more efficiently to international events and after-hours market activities—seizing opportunities the moment they arise.' To support this expanded access, Firstrade now provides 24-hour real-time quotes and stock charts, enabling clients to track price movements across all trading sessions and make timely, data-driven decisions. In addition, professional customer support is available at any time to provide expert assistance when needed. As demand for flexible, always-on investing continues to grow, Firstrade remains focused on expanding its platform to meet the evolving needs of today's investors. As always, all stocks and ETFs available through Overnight Trading are offered with $0 commissions. To learn more about Overnight Trading, visit: About Firstrade At Firstrade, 'Clients' Experience First' remains our guiding principle. We champion our clients with exceptional service and cutting-edge financial solutions at the lowest cost. Established in 1985, Firstrade stands as a leading online brokerage, offering commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, options and mutual funds, complemented by a selection of fixed income products. Alongside its diverse product line, Firstrade provides no-fee IRA retirement services and advanced tools, empowering self-directed investors to confidently navigate their financial future. Firstrade is a registered member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). For more information, visit . Media Relations Contact: 5W Public Relations [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Firstrade Securities Inc.
