BusinessGovernmentTechnology

Australia’s Central Bank Chief Outlines Four-Pronged Strategy for Payments Modernization

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock has identified key focus areas for modernizing the nation’s payments framework. The strategy emphasizes balancing innovation with security while maintaining cash accessibility for Australian consumers.

Modernization Priorities for Australia’s Payment Infrastructure

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock has outlined four critical areas for modernizing the nation’s payments system, according to reports from her recent address. Sources indicate the central bank is collaborating with government and industry stakeholders to enhance both innovation and security within Australia’s financial infrastructure.

AIBusinessSoftware

AI Services Poised for “Shopify Moment” as Usability Takes Center Stage

A new wave of AI platforms is shifting focus from building smarter models to creating usable tools for small businesses. Analysts suggest this accessibility revolution mirrors Shopify’s impact on e-commerce, potentially redefining how small businesses grow.

The Accessibility Gap in Artificial Intelligence

At what appears to be the peak of the artificial intelligence boom, sources indicate a significant gap remains between AI’s potential and its practical application for small businesses. While billion-dollar labs continue developing larger models and venture capital pours into the sector, reports suggest most small business owners—from hair salon operators to freelance digital marketers—still struggle to implement AI solutions effectively.

AISoftwareStartups

Cercli Secures $12M in Oversubscribed Series A to Expand AI-First HR Platform Across MENA Region

Cercli, an AI-powered HR and payroll platform designed for MENA businesses, has raised an oversubscribed $12 million Series A. The startup reports scaling revenue over 10x and processing $100M+ in annual payroll, leveraging AI-native architecture to challenge legacy systems.

Oversubscribed Funding Round

Cercli, a Dubai-based HR technology startup, has reportedly raised $12 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round led by European venture capital firm Picus Capital. According to reports, the round saw participation from Knollwood Investment Advisory and existing investors Y Combinator, Afore Capital, and COTU Ventures. This investment marks Picus Capital’s first venture into the MENA region, with the firm having previously backed global HR companies such as Personio and Deel.

BusinessRemotework

Remote Work Firms See Talent Surge as Office Mandates Drive Applicant Flood

Remote-first companies are experiencing a dramatic surge in job applications as organizations implementing return-to-office policies create a talent migration. Industry data reveals remote positions attract disproportionate interest despite representing a small fraction of job postings, creating what executives describe as a significant competitive advantage.

Remote Work Becomes Recruitment Magnet

Companies maintaining remote work arrangements are seeing unprecedented demand for their positions as return-to-office mandates at other firms redirect talent flow, according to industry reports. The trend highlights a growing divide in workplace strategies, with remote work transitioning from pandemic necessity to competitive recruitment advantage.

BusinessEconomy and Trading

Jobless Growth Becomes New Normal as AI Reshapes Labor Market

Goldman Sachs economists identify “jobless growth” as the new labor market normal, where AI-driven productivity gains outpace hiring. This trend particularly impacts Gen Z and entry-level workers despite solid GDP growth.

The United States is experiencing a troubling new economic phenomenon that Goldman Sachs economists call “jobless growth” – a situation where robust GDP expansion coincides with stagnant hiring, creating particular challenges for Gen Z workers and recent college graduates. According to recent analysis by Goldman economists David Mericle and Pierfrancesco Mei, this pattern represents a fundamental shift in labor market dynamics that’s likely to persist throughout the mid-2020s.

The Anatomy of Jobless Growth