|
|
|
BIIA HEADLINE NEWS
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE INDUSTRY HEADLINE NEWS
| |
BIIA IS AN ASSOCIATION FOR INFORMATION COMPANIES AND PROFESSIONALS IN ASIA PACIFIC - MIDDLE EAST
BIIA ALSO SERVES INFORMATION COMPANIES AND PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE LOCATED ELSEWHERE AND WHO HAVE A KEEN INTEREST IN ASIA.
ADDITIONAL INDUSTRY NEWS ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE ON: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
THE JUNE 2009 ISSUE OF THE BIIA NEWSLETTER has been posted on http://www.biia.com/memberNewsPW.php
BIIA is a leading Network of information companies and information professionals. An annual subscription to the BIIA newsletter is available for US$ 950.00 per annum. To subscribe contact biiainfo@biia.com
To participate in important industry advocacy matters, industry professionals and their companies should join BIIA as a full member:
http://www.biia.com/library.php#199
BUSINESS STRATEGIES GROUP PUBLISHES ASIAN B2B ONLINE MEDIA REPORT
BIIA Member BSG published its fifth report on Asian B2B online media. The report tracks the financial performance of the top Asian B2B media companies that are publicly-listed or publish reliable financial figures.
Baidu, the rapidly growing Chinese search engine, surged past Alibaba.com, Pico and Xinhua Finance to seize the number one ranking in terms of revenues. Baidu posted revenues of US$469 million in 2008 compared with US$240 million the year before. Second place is held by Alibaba.com, another company with fast growing revenues. Alibaba.com recorded revenues of US$440 million in 2008 (vs. revenues of US$298 million the year before). Hong Kong-listed Pico Far East generated revenues of just under US$340 million or if the business of its Thai subsidiary is included in the total, Pico had revenues of US$369 million.
Fourth place is held by Xinhua Finance with revenues US$279 million, while Global Sources ranked fifth with revenues of just under US$207 million. It is important to note, however, that over the last year Xinhua Finance has sold off many of its key subsidiaries. As a result of those asset disposals, Xinhua Finance's management is now forecasting 2009 revenues to plummet down to US$34 million. Consequently, in the next edition of this report, BSG expects Global Sources to move into fourth place.
To order this report contact Kerry Wong, Researcher Kerry@bsgasia.com
ALIBABA SURPASSES 1 MILLION REGISTERED USERS IN INDIA
Hong Kong-listed Alibaba.com announced this week that it now has more than one million registered members in India. That is roughly double the number of Indian members they had last year, soon after Alibaba.com announced a strategic partnership with Infomedia 18. Indian members currently account for 12% of Alibaba.com's international users. The company's press release stated that more than 40,000 small- and medium-sized Indian enterprises are now registering each month on Alibaba.com.
Source: Alibaba.com press release
HUAXIA AND CRIF FORM STRATEGIC ALLIANCE IN CHINA
Beijing, 25 June 2009 - HUAXIA International Credit Group and CRIF today announced the establishment of a new joint company in the Chinese domestic market, Huaxia CRIF China, which provides advanced consumer credit information services and credit risk management solutions.
To read the full story go to: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
WORLD ECONOMY: NO GREEN SHOOTS
The quarterly Global Economic & Risk Outlook Report states that governments and central banks have not yet succeeded in breaking the adverse feedback loop between the financial system and the real economy. This link makes it imperative to revive the banking sector, as the crisis which began in this industry has spread to other areas of the financial sector, as well as to emerging markets in the past six months.
Recent data indicating a slowdown in the pace of economic deceleration should not be interpreted as the start of a global recovery. A new report released today by leading credit reporting and business intelligence firm Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) states that the outlook for the world economy over 2009-10 remains poor and the downside risk to Australia remains considerable as a consequence.
The World Bank released it Global Finance Report projecting that the world economy would contract by 2.9%, down from its forecast of a minus 1.75% last March.
For the full Australian story go to: http://www.biia.com/press.php
ONLINE AD GROWTH TO SLOW IN CHINA IN 2009
iResearch, a Beijing-based market research firm, has released a report on the online advertising market in China. According to iResearch online advertising revenues in China were RMB 17 billion (US$2.5 billion) in 2008. That is more than a 60% year-on-year increase. In the online ad affiliate market, revenues were RMB 2.17 billion (US$317 million), an increase of 105% over 2007. However the global recession is expected to put a dent into online ad revenues growth in 2009.
Source: iResearch
CRIF ACQUIRES FLS SERVICES
CRIF, a leader in credit services, and FLS Services (FLS), a major provider of indirect lending software to financial institutions, announced that CRIF has acquired FLS. As part of the agreement, FLS will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CRIF.
The FLS acquisition is a part of CRIF's continued global expansion and investment in workflow capabilities
To read the full story click on the link: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
BSG INDUSTRY REPORT: INDIA ROUND-UP
BIIA cofounder Business Strategies Group, Hong Kong has published a report which provides a summary of the key developments in India's B2B media industry over the past year. The report is segmented into online & mobile, exhibition and print developments.
The overall Indian media and entertainment industry is forecast to grow at CAGR of 18% through 2011 when it will be worth US$25 billion. The report currently valued it at US$10.9 billion. Internet advertising is at a relatively small US$40 million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 43% through 2011 growing to US$238 million. India is still a market where there appears to be a strong future in print; print media is valued at US$3.2 billion and it expected to grow at a CAGR of 13% to US$5.8 billion in the same period (Source: FICCI-PWC).
To order the report contact: Kerry Wong, Researcher Kerry@bsgasia.com
http://www.bsgasia.com
AUSTRALIAN RISK CLIMATE: BUSINESS INVESTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO FALL
BIIA member D&B Australia published its latest Business Expectations Survey for the September quarter: Employment, sales and profit indexes still deep in negative territory
To read the full story click on the link: http://www.biia.com/cci_industry_news.php
OUTSELL ANALYSIS ON FACTIVA, DIALOG AND LEXISNEXIS
BIIA Co-Founder Outsell Inc. published a new company analysis: "Factiva, Dialog, and LexisNexis - The Aggregators Formerly Known as the Big Three"
To learn more about this report click on the link: http://www.biia.com/press.php
CRIF & D&B FORM PARTNERSHIP
CRIF, S.p.A., one of the largest providers of business information in Italy, acquired D&B' Italian business for $11 million in cash, net of certain liabilities at closing. D&B' domestic Italian operations generated approximately $48 million in revenue and approximately $1 million in operating income in 2008.
Simultaneous with closing this transaction, D&B entered into a ten year commercial arrangement to provide CRIF with global data for its Italian customers. This transaction has no impact on D&B’s previously issued 2009 financial guidance.
Essentially CRIF will manage D&B's franchise in Italy and becomes part of the global D&B information network. The deal confirms D&B's strategy to work, in mature markets with little growth potential, with partners and to focus on key global markets which offer significant growth potential. D&B and CRIF are BIIA members.
Source: CRIF Press Release & D&B SEC Filing. To read more click on the link: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
BISNODE REPORTS STRONG GROWTH IN Q1 2009
Bisnode's Credit Solutions products delivered strong growth and higher profitability. Lower demand for marketing services is creating pressure on Marketing Solutions. Busode's Q1 revenues increased by 14% outperforming its business information rivals in Europe.
To read the full story click on the link: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
YELLOW PAGE PUBLISHER R.H. DONNELLEY FILES CHAPTER 11
The Chapter 11 filing punctuates a dramatic fall for R.H. Donnelley, which had a $5 billion market capitalization in May 2007.
The company was brought down by two major forces: the flight of traditional Yellow Pages advertisers to the Internet and a staggering debt load of $9 billion. The company accumulated most of that debt through a series of acquisitions when its business was riding high.
The recession has only added to the company's woes, as evidenced by a first-quarter loss of $401.2 million. R.H. Donnelley said advertising sales slumped 17 percent, to $598 million, during the quarter.
Source: Business Journal
BIIA MEMBER VEDA ADVANTAGE ACQUIRES SECURE SENTINEL
This strategic acquisition will complement and expand Veda Advantage's consumer offering of credit file services and identity theft alerts. Secure Sentinel's offering, which helps protect, retrieve and replace registered cards and passports if they are lost or stolen will add to Veda Advantage's My Veda Alert services, which notifies a consumer every time there is a change to their credit file. These complementary offerings will help consumers take a proactive stance against identity crimes to prevent financial loss and adverse changes to their credit profile.
Secure Sentinel provides loss assistance and retrieval services for financial cards, mobile phones, documents and personal valuables in one package. Its focus is on preventing identity theft rather than the recovery process.
To read the full story click on the link: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
BIIA Member CRIF is awarded the modernization of Bangladesh Bank's credit information bureau
Dhaka and Bologna, 27 May 2009 - CRIF has been awarded the international tender for the modernization of the credit information system of the Bangladesh Bank, the country's central bank. After an extensive process of evaluation and selection, CRIF's proposed solution was chosen as the preferred option from the list of international players.
To read the full story click on the link:http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
TRANSUNION ANNOUNCES GLOBAL LAUNCH OF AWARD WINNING DECISIONCENTRE(SM) SOLUTION
TransUnion introduced DecisionCentre(SM), a new ASP decisioning software solution to help financial institutions throughout the globe balance the risks and rewards of lending. TransUnion DecisionCentre's customizable program is designed to help organizations quickly enhance and streamline their risk management strategies, address portfolio growth, increase collections efforts and reduce fraud.
TransUnion DecisionCentre will be deployed in several global markets, including India, South Africa, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Canada. With its pre-configured collections and portfolio review modules, the automated TransUnion DecisionCentre works with several languages and currencies, providing international markets with robust rules, workflow and decisioning engines that can leverage multiple data sources and host a variety of analytical and scoring models.
To read the full story go to: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
AUSTRALIAN RISK CLIMATE DETERIORATES
The number of business-to-business debts referred for collection has increased by close to twenty percent year-on-year and their dollar value is up by almost fifty percent, according to figures released today by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).
To read the full story click on the link: http://www.biia.com/cci_industry_news.php
Survey Finds Americans Could Use a Crash Course in Financial Basics
TrueCredit.com Challenges Consumers to Test Their Own Financial Knowledge. To read the full story click on the link: http://www.biia.com/press.php
CREDIT CRUNCH: IMPORTANCE OF CREDIT MANAGEMENT
BIIA partner Dr. Chris Kuehl, Armada Corporate Intelligence made the following observations during a recent credit management meeting:
Notwithstanding the stress of the credit crunch, credit managers remain among the most creative of people. They are most often stuck between two awkward realities. On the one hand there is the desperate sales force. They are taken every shred of potential business in a vain attempt to keep their jobs intact but in the process they try to make deals with some very risky consumers. The company wants that business but mostly they want to get paid and as fast as possible. The credit manager is pulled in
both directions and is tasked with making them all happy. Not an easy assignment but it is amazing how innovative the solutions become.
Another observation is that too many businesses miss the first point: The credit function is quite literally the heart of corporate life. To manage this tightrope of debt the only effective tool is information.There is no way to get that information except through collecting the knowledge that those in the industry have. It is nothing short of astonishing that short sighted desires to reduce budgets come at the expense of the credit managers.
Courtesy Dr. Kuel, Armada Corporate Intelligence
BUSINESS INFORMATION IS UNDERGOING CHANGES AT AN UNPRECEDENTED PACE CREATING NEW DEMANDS AND CHALLENGES
Key trends have been posted on: http://www.biia.com/key_trends.php
Courtesy of BIIA cofounder member Outsell Inc.
CIBIL AND TRANSUNION LAUNCH INDIA'S FIRST AND ONLY PERSONAL LOAN SCORE
MUMBAI, India, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- To enable credit grantors to make loan decisions with greater confidence and reliability at a time of new challenges, Credit Information Bureau India Limited (CIBIL) and TransUnion today announced the launch of the CIBIL TransUnion Personal Loan Score. Developed by CIBIL and TransUnion, the new offering is the first score of its kind for the Indian market. The CIBIL TransUnion Personal Loan Score is the only offering to provide analytics on the likelihood of applicants or customers becoming 91 days delinquent on a personal or consumer loan over the next 12 months.
SOURCE: TransUnion
Web site: http://www.transunion.com/
http://www.cibil.com/
To read the full story click on the link: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
HOW TO PRICE A NEW PRODUCT?
To find the answer click on the link: http://www.biia.com/library.php#259
RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF INFORMATION: CHINA BACKTRACKS ON WTO AGREEMENT ON FINANCIAL INFORMATION SERVICES
China bans foreign financial news information providers to operate in China, backtracking on an agreement reached in a WTO dispute filed by the US, the EU and Canada in November last year, which was to allow companies like Bloomberg, Dow Jones and Thomson Reuters to distribute information to financial and corporate clients.
Financial information services businesses had been relatively unrestricted when China took the controversial step of ordering distribution through an agent wholly-owned by Xinhua, in essence giving a competitor the dual role of being a regulator. In the deal reached with the US, EU and Canada, China had promised to appoint an independent regulator, which is now not going to happen.
Source: Financial Times
NEGATIVE GROWTH ACROSS THE BOARD FOR CREDIT INFORMATION
Equifax, Experian, Moody's, S&P and D&B reported negative growth for Q1/09. D&B's North American market begins to be impacted by credit crunch, while its international business is growing.
To read a summary of results click on: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
DUN & BRADSTREET (D&B) ANNOUNCES ALLIANCE WITH JIGSAW
D&B announced that it has entered into an alliance with Jigsaw, a leading provider of business-to-business company and contact information. D&B will provide their customers with Jigsaw's deep business-to-business contact information for their sales and marketing activities.
Jigsaw currently has over 12 million business contacts in its rapidly growing database, each containing a contact name, title, company, address, email address and phone number. It includes C-level and VP-level contacts, as well as key mid-level managers who make and influence purchase decisions. The breadth, depth and accuracy of Jigsaw's contact database is driven by its unique Web 2.0 environment that leverages user-generated content contributed by its global community of 800,000 members.
ABOUT JIGSAW
Jigsaw (http://www.jigsaw.com) is a leading provider of business information and data services that uniquely leverages user-generated content contributed by its global business-to-business community of 800,000 members. Jigsaw gives individuals and companies access to contact information for 12 million business people and profiles of 2 million companies. In addition to delivering low-cost and easy access to high-value business information for sales, marketing, recruiting and customer service, Jigsaw provides companies with cloud-based data acquisition and management services. Founded in 2004, Jigsaw is located in San Mateo, Calif. and funded by Austin Ventures, El Dorado Ventures, and Norwest Venture Partners.
SOURCE: D&B PRESS RELEASE
THE GROWTH PARTY IS OVER: MICROSOFT GROWTH DECLINES
Microsoft Corp. today announced revenue of $13.65 billion for the third quarter ended March 31, 2009, a 6% decline from the same period of the prior year. Operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $4.44 billion, $2.98 billion and $0.33 per share, which represented an increase of 3% and declines of 32% and 30%, respectively, when compared with the prior year period.
Growth comes to an end after 34 years of continued revenue growth. The decline in Microsoft’s quarterly revenues on a year-on-year basis came as its PC software and internet divisions took bigger hits than expected from the economic downturn.
Source: Microsoft
EQUIFAX Q1 REVENUES UP 1% FROM PREVIOUS QUARTER - PROFITABILITY DECLINES
Q1 revenues came in at par with last quarter, nevertheless on a year on year basis consolidated revenues declined 10% (6% caused by unfavorable exchange rates). Net income was US$54.4 million, down from US$ 65.7 million in Q1, 2008.
Current trading conditions are described as difficult with clients under significant stress. Second quarter 2009 outlook for consolidated revenues will be comparable or up slightly from Q1.
Source Equifax
D&B AUSTRALIA DOWNGRADES 130,000 COMPANIES
Nearly 130,000 Australian businesses have had their risk profile downgraded since October 1, 2008 (the beginning of Australia's first quarter of negative economic growth in 17 years) and are now a higher risk of experiencing financial distress over the next twelve months, according to Australia's leading credit reporting agency Dun & Bradstreet.
To read the full story click on the link: http://www.biia.com/cci_industry_news.php
EQUIFAX JOINS BIIA
Equifax, one of the leading companies in information solutions, managing consumer and commercial data, advanced analytics and proprietary technology has joined BIIA as a full member.
Equifax has recently been granted a license by the Reserve Bank of India to operate a credit bureau in India and regards major Asian markets such as India as an area for potential future growth.
BIIA members are welcoming Equifax as a new member which will further the cause of our industry and adding weight to BIIA's industry advocacy efforts in Asia.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA ISSUES FOUR LICENSES FOR CREDIT BUREAUS
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has after almost one year delay seen fit to improve transparency in credit transactions in India by granting four licenses for credit bureau operations.
In a short statement the RBI named the four companies:
(i) Credit Information Bureau (India) Ltd.,
(ii) Equifax Credit Information Services Pvt. Ltd,
(iii) Experian Credit Information Company of India Pvt. Ltd,
(iv) Highmark Credit Information Services Pvt. Ltd.
The RBI rejected nine other applications
For further news click on: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
BREAKINGVIEWS RISES IN THE EAST
New Hong Kong bureau extends coverage of Asian companies and markets.
BIIA member Breakingviews has expanded its coverage of Asia with the launch of its Hong Kong bureau. John Foley will lead Breakingviews' agenda-setting financial commentary in the region, alongside an influential team of writers in Europe and the US.
To read the full story click on: http://www.biia.com/press.php
EXPERIAN CONTINUES TO BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT IMMEDIATE OUTLOOK
Experian managed to report some organic growth in the second half, driven by strength in emerging markets, good progress on countercyclical initiatives and strong performances in non-financial verticals.
At constant exchange rates, total revenue growth for the half was 5%, with organic revenue growth of 4%. For the full year the company expects to achieve its objectives of broadly maintaining margins, growing profits and generating strong cash flow, while delivering a good earnings outcome.
At actual exchange rates total revenues in the second half were down by 6%. Following the announcement Experian's shares dropped 24 1/2p to 442 1/2p.
Management stated that it sees some signs of stabilization in the financial services sector which it hopes to translate eventually into improved consumer lending activity. For now, the environment remains fragile, and we continue to be cautious about the immediate outlook for organic revenue growth.
Source: Experian Press Release April 16th, 2009
TRADE FAIRS & EXHIBITS: BUCKING THE TREND
Bucking received wisdom and industry trends elsewhere in the world, two of Hong Kong's large exhibitions opened this week with more exhibitors.
GLOBAL SOURCES announced that the spring CHINA SOURCING FAIR: ELECTRONICS & COMPONENTS was the 'biggest ever'. The show was scheduled to feature over 2,500 booths from 13 countries and regions. The majority of exhibitors at the show were from mainland China with 1,900 booths, followed by Hong Kong and Taiwan with over 500 booths.
Perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel. Source: http://www.bsgasia.com
TECH MAHINDRA TAKES CONTROLLING STAKE IN SATYAM
India's Tech Mahindra outbids rivals to acquire a 31% stake in outsourcing firm Satyam paying US$353million. That puts the value of Satyam at US$ 1.1 billion, a 23% premium. The Tech Mahindra / Satyam combination elevates Tech Mahindra to the top league of Indian outsourcing companies and marks its entry into other verticals such as financial services, healthcare and manufacturing.
Source: Company Press Release
AUSTRALIAN RISK CLIMATE: BUSINESS ADOPTS WAIT AND SEE APPROACH ON STIMULUS
D&B Australia released its latest findings from the Business Expectations Survey for the June quarter. Employment & inventory expectations drop to new lows. To read the full story click: http://www.biia.com/cci_industry_news.php
D&B Australia is a Full Member of BIIA
MEDIA REGULATIONS IN CHINA
BIIA member Business Strategies Group has issued its latest report on Media Regulations in China stating that the key starting point of any discussion of media regulation in China is the fact that the government in Beijing remains firmly in charge of market. The government's objective is to maintain control of content and, by extension, all forms of media; print, broadcast, events and the Internet.
To order this latest report contact: Kerry Wong, Business Strategies Group Ltd. Kerry@bsgasia.com
COFACE RELIES ON EXALEAD FOR ITS NEW UNIVERSAL SERVICE, EASY NUMBER
Exalead CloudView makes identification data accessible in real time, on more than 50 million worldwide businesses. For more information click on: http://www.biia.com/library.php#138
THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES APPOINTS LAWRENCE P. NEAL PRESIDENT OF PLATTS
The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) announced the appointment of Lawrence P. Neal as president of Platts, the leading global provider of energy and commodities information. Mr. Neal, 47, currently is executive managing director of Standard & Poor's Equity Research Group, a global provider of independent equity analysis and opinion. Source: http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/releases/corporate/20090311.shtml
IMPACT OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS ON THE B2B MEDIA INDUSTRY IN ASIA
Business Strategies Group (a BIIA Founder Member) has issued a special report designed to provide its subscribers with a summary of the impact of the economic crisis on Asia's B2B media sector to date. For further details go to http://www.biia.com/press.php
THE ECONOMIST SHUTS DOWN CFO MAGAZINE
The Economist Group announced this week that it will close down its CFO magazine business in Asia. The group published a Chinese-language CFO China edition as well as the English-language CFO Asia. The decision was reportedly prompted by falling advertising revenues as a result of the financial crisis. The Economist Group will continue to operate the CFO businesses in Europe and the U.S.
Source: Reuters
70 COUNTRIES DOWNGRADED IN 6 MONTHS BY D&B
70 countries have had their risk rating downgraded over the last 6 months and more are expected to suffer the same fate as 2009 progresses, according to D&B. The number of risk downgrades peaked in November, before dropping off over following months, but have begun to rise again in February and March 2009.
The quarterly Global Economic & Risk Outlook Report states that recent months have seen an outright collapse in world trade, particularly in the emerging markets of East Asia. This has resulted in a further downgrading of world economic growth for 2009 to -1.2% led in large part by further deterioration in China and Japan. Those economies are now forecast by D&B to post growth of 3.5% and -3.8% respectively for 2009. Australia's growth for 2009 is now forecast by D&B Australia at -0.2%.
To read the full story go to BIIA informs users of credit information: http://www.biia.com/cci_industry_news.php
COLLAPSE IN WORLD TRADE HEIGHTENS RISK FOR AUSTRALIA
A collapse in world trade, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and a sharp drop in economic growth for China have significantly heightened the downside risk to Australia’s outlook, according to a new report released today by leading credit reporting and business intelligence firm Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).
To read the full story go to: http://www.biia.com/cci_industry_news.php
ALIBABA RESULTS STILL UP IN 2008, BUT MARGINS ARE DECLINING
Hong Kong listed Alibaba.com total revenues for 2008 were US$439.6 million (RMB 3 billion), a year-on-year increase of 39%. Excluding one-time interest income related to the company’s 2007 IPO, net income increased by 95% to US$175.9 million (RMB 1.2 billion). Net income increased by 25% if the interest income is included in the calculation. Alibaba.com reported an operating profit margin (excluding gains or losses from financial income) of 22% down from the 29% reported in the final quarter of 2007; an indication that the business climate is getting tougher.
The number of registered users on its two online sourcing platforms jumped to 38.1 million, a year-on-year increase of 38%. As of 31st December, the company's English-language international marketplace had 7.9 million registered users and the company’s domestically-focused China marketplace featured 30.2 million registered users. The combined number of paying users on both marketplaces increased by 41% to 432,031 at the end of last year.
Source: Alibaba Press Release
SINGAPORE AIDS MEDIA INDUSTRY
The Media Development Authority (MDA) in Singapore has committed to spend US$160 million to support Singapore's media industry during the current global recession.
The funding will largely be directed to media companies conducting research and development into areas such as digital media, but the scheme's funds will also be used for the creation of public service announcements.
Source: http://www.brandrepublic.asia/Media/index.php
D&B AUSTRALIA ACQUIRES FCS ONLINE
Dun & Bradstreet Australia has acquired the 53% of FCS OnLine shares it did not hold making it the sole owner of the business as it looks to further integrate its credit reporting and identity verification businesses.
To read the full story go to: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
CHINA INTERNET DEVELOPS FASTER IN RURAL AREAS
At the end of 2008, the number of Internet users in rural areas reached 84.6 million households, up 60 percent from 2007. The speed of Internet development in rural areas is now exceeding that of urban areas.
Source: People's Daily Online
CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT: SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST MEANS TO BE BEST-IN-CLASS
Essentials for strategically managing credit in any economic environment. A best practice (with new ideas) one can apply now.
To read the full story go to: http://www.biia.com/cci_industry_news.php
PERC: NO NEGATIVE EFFECTS IN USING ALTERNATIVE DATA IN UNDERWRITING
New PERC research shows that using alternative data in underwriting does not negatively affect consumer credit scores over time, and does not lead to above average levels of over-extension in the "new to credit" population.
Additionally, PERC research shows that the inclusion of fully reported (timely and late payments) alternative data-non-financial payment obligations such as energy utility, rent, and telephone payments-in credit files is most likely to help minority and low-income consumers achieve credit scores and obtain access to affordable mainstream credit, a key step in the asset building process.
To read the full story click on the link: http://www.biia.com/library.php#248
AUSTRALIAN RISK CLIMATE: WORST YET TO COME SAYS DUN & BRADSTREET AUSTRALIA
Australia’s economic outlook continues to worsen as executives' expect a further deterioration in business conditions and performance in the forthcoming June quarter. To get this news click on: http://www.biia.com/cci_industry_news.php
WHY IS AMERICA NO LONGER BUYING?
Unemployment Numbers Spur Expressions of Angst. To read the full story go to: http://www.biia.com/press.php
MARLIN PREDICTS SIGNIFICANT M&A ACTIVITY AMONG SMALLER AND MIDDLE MARKET TECH AND DIGITAL INFORMATION
Marlin Associates (M&A) has just published its Mergers & Acquisitions Outlook for Middle Market Technology and Digital Information 2009-2010. According to the principals of Marlin Associates the outlook is encouraging in spite of the depressed general mood in the venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) sectors.
In its commentary M&A state four reasons, that the outlook for Mergers & Acquisitions among middle market (and smaller) tech and digital information firms will continue to be better and recover faster than the broader merger and acquisition market.
To get the story go to: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
BUSINESS ONLINE THAILAND (BOL) REVENUES FOR 2008 ARE UP 3.2%
Business Online Thailand announced full-year results this week. Revenues were US$7.3 million, up 3.2% year-on-year. The company's management attributed the increase to an 8.3% growth in its core business which provides online financial information on Thai companies. The service is provided in cooperation with the Department of Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce in Thailand. The company is a member of the D&B Worldwide Network.
Net income in 2008 was US$2.1 million, a rise of almost 25% compared with 2007. BOL's cost of service decreased by 7.1% to US$3.3 million which was responsible for some of the growth in the company’s net income.
Source: BOL, A MEMBER OF BIIA
FAIR ISAAC AWARDED EIGHT NEW PATENTS
Surge of innovation brings total patent portfolio to 80; nearly double the portfolio of two years ago. The company filed for 10 more patents in the past four months, and currently has 160 patent applications pending in the U.S. and other countries. To read the full story go to: http://www.biia.com/industry_news.php
Source: Fair Isaac
FAIR ISAAC IS A MEMBER OF BIIA
SINGAPORE CREDIT BUREAU IN HIGH DEMAND
The Monetary Authority of Singapore lowered the minimum income requirements for unsecured credit, despite rising NPLs. With increased risk the value of the services of the Singapore Credit Bureau will be appreciated.
The minimum annual income requirement for unsecured credit facilities will be lowered from $30,000 to $20,000. The revised rules for unsecured credit will be implemented on 1 March 2009.
Financial Institutions (FIs) will be required to conduct comprehensive checks with the credit bureau before granting each new credit card, charge card or unsecured credit facility, as part of their rigorous credit risk assessment processes.
The revised rules aim to update the unsecured credit rules imposed on FIs to address developments within the industry, and to ensure a more consistent regime for granting of unsecured credit in Singapore. The revised rules will allow access to unsecured credit to more individuals who may have occasional genuine borrowing needs.
The changes attempt to maintain a balance between allowing responsible borrowing and the Government's social policy of discouraging individuals from spending beyond their means. Lenders and borrowers both have a role to play in ensuring that use of unsecured credit and credit cards is responsible, sustainable and within the means of the borrower.
Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore / The Asian Banker
GOOGLE: VULNERABILITY OF WEB SERVICES CASTS SHADOW OVER CLOUD COMPUTING
E-mail services (G-Mail) managed by Google and used by 100 million users crashed for more than two hours impacting users in Europe and Asia. America was less impacted because the failure occurred at night. According to the Financial Times it is the worst failure to date for G-mail, a browser-based e-mail service that has been growing at the rate of 40% per annum.
Google, with 113 million users has been gaining on its rivals Microsoft's Hotmail (283 million) and Yahoo (274 million). The failure highlights the vulnerability of 'Cloud' computing when customers trust their data to services run remotely over the web, without keeping applications on the PC's hard drive.
Source: Financial Times
THOMSON REUTERS: VALUE OF DIGITAL INFORMATION
Thomson Reuters reported a five percent rise in pro forma revenues for the fourth quarter (before currency effect). Profit margins rose by 6% in Q4 and 23% for the full year. Tom Glocer, CEO stated that the company expected US$ 1bn in annualized cost savings from the Thomson Reuters merger.
Thompson Reuters was well positioned against its rival Bloomberg because the latter was more exposed to harder hit financial services markets. Its professional services: Tax, legal and accounting, scientific and healthcare produced stronger tip-line growth and some steep margin improvements.
Tom Glocer dismissed speculation that the corporation may be tempted to gobble up a distressed media company stating that he had little appetite for consumer media. The focus appears to be firmly on digital value added business information services.
LEXISNEXIS STILL GROWING
LexesNexis had a good year despite the problems in the legal information sector. The ChoicePoint acquisition moved the company into a leading position in the risk information and analytics business. Including the ChoicePoint business acquired in September 2008 and after other acquisitions and disposals, revenues were EURO 2.328 billion, 13% higher at constant currencies and adjusted operating profits up 18%.The overall adjusted operating margin was up 95 basis points at reported exchange rates to 26.4%.
Without the ChoicePoint acquisition revenues were up 5% at constant currencies and adjusted operating profits up 10%. Underlying margin improvement was 130 basis points, driven by the good revenue growth and tight cost management.
The company states: "Looking ahead to 2009, legal and risk markets are more resilient than most but by no means immune from the deterioration in economic conditions. Law firm activity and corporate and government budgets are increasingly under pressure and this will reduce underlying revenue growth."
Source: Reed Elsevier Press Release
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MAGAZINE REVENUES DECLINE AS ECONOMY STRUGGLES
Business-to-business magazine revenues show a full-year decline of 7.3% as a result of the current economic conditions, according to the latest BIN data.
Examined on a quarterly basis, revenues were down 5.3% in the first quarter, 6.0% in the second quarter, 5.9% in the third quarter and 13.1% in the fourth quarter. Despite the overall decline, five of the 22 BIN categories showed growth in magazine revenues. These categories, with the highest growth first, include Agriculture; Transportation & Logistics; Architecture, Design & Lighting; Aviation, Aerospace & Military and Professional Services.
Source: ABM
BAIDU Q4 REVENUES ARE UP 58% - FULL YEAR UP 83%
Baidu, a leading Chinese language Internet search provider, released its fourth quarter and full-year results this week. Revenues in the fiscal year 2008 were US$468.8 million. That is a year-on-year increase of 83%. The number of active online marketing customers increased 32.7% to 284,000 in 2008. Net income rose by nearly 67% reaching US$153.6 million. Diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year were US$4.43.
Fourth quarter revenues were US$132.2 million which is an increase of 58%. Net income rose by 31.3% reaching US$42.3 million. Diluted earnings per share were US$1.22 in the quarter. Revenue per customer increased to US$1,642 an increase of 38% over 2007.
Baidu's management provided guidance for the first quarter of 2009. Revenues are expected to be between US$114 million and US$117 million, a 36% to 39% increase over the first quarter of 2008.
Source: Baidu Press Release
EUROPEAN FINANCIAL EXPERTS CALL FOR A GLOBAL CREDIT REGISTER
In order to avoid future financial crisis of today's magnitude, experts say the setting up a solid information base capturing global financial exposures is imperative.
The problem with Basel I and Basel II is that they do not cover systemic risk and there is no global database that tracks cross border exposure. Credit registers are basically still national. This is said to be an anachronism when companies borrow and banks lend globally.
There is a long list of exposures that are not transparent today, for example the cross-border links between large, complex financial institutions (LCFIs) and the whereabouts of credit default swaps, collateralized debt obligations and other asset-backed securities.
Putting together a global "risk map" displaying financial links among LCFIs as well as the most important risk drivers, such as asset price changes and yield spread dynamics, would enable authorities to carry out financial system stress tests.
BIIA welcomes this development and believes such an initiative would greatly improve the transparency of credit transactions worldwide, provided it is not just for the benefit of the financial services industry but also for investors and trade credit grantors as well.
Source: Financial Times
GLOBAL SOURCES ONLINE REVENUES UP BY 14%
NASDAQ-listed Global Sources announced this week that the company's fourth quarter results will be within the guidance range of US$63 million to US$64 million. Revenues are expected to be 4%-5% higher than the fourth quarter of 2007. Online revenues fuelled the growth and are expected to increase by 14% compared with the same period last year. GAAP earnings per share are expected to be US$0.12 to US$0.13.
Merle Hinrichs, chairman and CEO of Global Sources commented, "Looking ahead, business remains challenging and it is uncertain when global trade will recover. However, we do expect revenue for the first half of 2009 to decline compared to the first half of 2008, but we believe we will still be profitable."
Source: Global Sources
EXPERIAN THIRD QUARTER REVENUES DECLINED BY 5%
Experian (EXPN.L) October - December 2008 (EXPN.L's fiscal Q3) revenues declined by 5% (after foreign exchange) and increased by 6% at constant exchange rates. Organic growth was 5%.
North American revenue growth was up by 3%, However revenues for credit services and marketing services declined by 4% and 3% respectively. Interactive revenue saved the day by an increase of 11%. The North American business accounts for approximately 50% of total revenues.
Latin American revenue growth declined by 9% at actual exchange rates, local and organic growth was up by 15% (SERASA acquisition).
UK and Ireland revenues declined by 23% at actual exchange rates, however based on constant exchange rates growth was up by 5%.
EMEA/Asia Pacific revenue growth at actual exchange rates was zero, at constant exchange rates 6%, organic growth was 5%.
More news on Experian in the BIIA Newsletter
FAIR ISAAC OCT. - DEC. 2008 QUARTER DOWN 14%
Fair Isaac (FIC): Q4 revenues declined by 14% and income from continued operations declined by 42%. Full-year revenues declined by 5% and operating income by 24% (FIC's first fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2008/2009).
Fair Isaac's revenues and earnings have been on a downward trend since 2006. In view of the continuing credit freeze, management did not provide any guidance as to the outlook for 2009.
More news on Fair Isaac in the BIIA Newsletter
MOODY'S Q4 2008 REVENUE DOWN BY 20%
Moody's Q4 revenue was down 20%, annual revenues for 2008 were down 22%. Operating income for the year declined by 34%.
CEO Raymond McDaniel stated: "Weak credit market conditions that prevailed throughout most of 2008 were exacerbated in the fourth quarter by the broader downturn in global economic activity." He also stated that unusually challenging conditions are likely to persist through much of 2009.
Source: Moody's Press Release February 5th, 2009
AUSTRALIAN RISK CLIMATE TO DETERIORATE FURTHER
Australian firms have had a difficult start to the New Year and executives are anticipating the quarter ahead will be the most challenging yet.
The latest Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Business Expectations Survey reveals that an increasing number of firms expect sales, profits, employment and capital investment to weaken further in the June 2009 quarter.
To read the full story click on: http://www.biia.com/press.php
EQUIFAX Q4 2008 RESULTS DOWN 9% ON CORE US BUSINESS
Equifax reported 4th quarter consolidated revenue was down by 4%. Revenues of the US core business declined by 9%. Full year revenue was up 5%, EPS increased 4%, and operating margin was 26.4%.
Richard F. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer opened the Q4 Earnings Call with the statement "Our customers are hurting". He continued: "2008 was one of the most challenging business environments we have ever faced." In view of the uncertain economic condition Equifax declined in providing guidance for 2009.
Source: Equifax Press Release
INDIA: THE US$ 20 LAPTOP TO BEEF UP EDUCATION
India is planning to raise the literacy of India pupils with a laptop priced at US$20.00. Inda's laptop "Sakshat" considerable undercuts the 'US$ 100' Children's Machine (MIT) and the EeePC made by Asustek in Taiwan. The new device is intended to boost distance learning to fulfil India's educations needs. (Source: FT)
Computer literacy will mean that eventually no one will read a printed paper, at least the younger generation, with a profound impact on the Indian newspaper and print media industry.
Hugo Dixon, Editor-in-chief and Chairman, Breakingviews.com gave some insights not long ago about the 'Lost generation' and hinted that the age group under 30 may never read papers, when he spoke to an audience at the the SIIA Global Information Industry Summit 2008 about the future of financial journalism. To view his presentation go to: http://www.biia.com/library.php#242
Why BIIA?
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BIIA'S MISSION CLICK ON: http://www.biia.com/missionStatement.php
Who are the members and affiliated industry associations click on: http://www.biia.com/memberDirectory.php
To find out more about the composition of our membership click on: BIIA Membership Information http://www.biia.com/library.php#214
BIIA in Action:
Click on http://www.biia.com/library.php#196
and learn more about the concrete benefits and programs BIIA offers for its members.
Bankers and credit managers often speak about Asymmetries in Information. BIIA has addressed the situation on numerous occasions: http://www.biia.com/library.php#197
CURIOUS ABOUT THE HISTORY AND CURRENT STATE OF THE COMMERCIAL CREDIT INFORMATION BUSINESS? Go to: http://www.biia.com/library.php#234
NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ASIAN B2B ONLINE MEDIA? Subscribe to the BIIA NEWSLETTER - The leading source for b2b information services.
BIIA CODE OF CONDUCT
http://www.biia.com/code_of_conduct.php
|
|
|
|
Events
|
RISK MANAGEMENT SEMINAR BY PIETA
JULY 23 – 24, 2009; CONCORD HOTEL SINGAPORE
|
EADP ANNUAL CONGRESS
16 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2009; PRAGUE, HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL
|
PIETA RISK MANAGEMENT SEMINARS
SEPTEMBER 17 – 18, 2009; SINGAPORE
|
FEBIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2009
SEPTEMBER 23 – 25 2009 - KEMPINSKI HOTEL THE DOME
|
9th WORLD FINANCIAL INFORMATION INFORMATION CONFERENCE (WFIC)
OCTOBER 4-7, 2009, ATHENS, GREECE
|
|
