Key Takeaways OPFI's auto-approval rate climbed to 79% in 3Q25, boosting revenues and margins by cutting interactions.OppFi saw expenses fall 490 basis points y/y in 3Q25, a trend expected to improve after LOLA.OppFi views LOLA as a scalable, AI-ready architecture designed to support long-term growth.OppFi (OPFI) is optimistic about the long-term scalability of the Loan Origination Lending Application (LOLA). The CEO stated that LOLA will serve as a clean architecture made to take advantage of swiftly devel ...

Course Offerings - Wind continues to provide high-quality online courses globally, with a focus on various financial topics including AI-driven derivatives, gold price logic, and professional financial asset allocation plans [2][3]. - The January 2026 course schedule includes sessions on derivatives, economic database analysis, bank financing, and cross-border investment research, all scheduled for Thursdays at 16:00 [2][3]. Essential Training Series - The Wind Insights Essential Training Series features courses on IR bond trading instruments, with two sessions planned in January 2026, focusing on empowering money market and interest rate bond traders [3][4]. - Additional topics in the Essential Training Series include equity research empowerment and AI-driven asset allocation strategies, with sessions available in both English and Chinese [5][6]. Course Registration - Participants are encouraged to scan the QR code provided at the end of the article to register for courses of interest and access live broadcasts and replays [2][5].

Core Insights - AI is no longer just a buzzword; it is actively redefining the finance sector, with CFOs focusing on real-world applications to enhance forecasting, financial planning, and strategic decision-making [1][2] - The year 2026 is anticipated to be pivotal for enterprise-scale AI, as pilot programs transition to full-scale deployments, with CFOs expecting measurable value from AI in terms of faster decisions and predictive insights [3] Group 1: CFO Perspectives - Zane Rowe, CFO of Workday, emphasizes the shift from exploring AI capabilities to building a scalable foundation, highlighting the importance of data governance and process redesign for successful AI integration [4] - Mandy Fields, CFO of e.l.f. Beauty, notes that AI enhances both macro and micro perspectives in finance, aiding in global growth and aligning with the company's teamwork culture [4] Group 2: Economic Outlook - Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan projects a strong U.S. economy for 2026, with growth expected to rise from approximately 2% this year to about 2.4% next year, driven by AI investments and corporate spending [8][9] - Moynihan indicates that AI spending is increasing, with a notable shift in capital towards AI, which supports the bank's optimistic economic forecast [9] Group 3: Industry Trends - The finance industry is witnessing a transformation where AI is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency and providing competitive advantages [3][11] - CFOs across various sectors are increasingly recognizing the potential of AI to tackle complex challenges and drive value creation [11]

Core Insights - Shawbrook Group has acquired fintech lending company Imployapp, operating as Playter, to enhance its offerings in the SME lending market [1] - Playter specializes in providing short-term cashflow loans and credit lines to SMEs in the UK, utilizing proprietary technology for automated credit decisions [1][2] - The acquisition aims to combine Playter's technology with Shawbrook's market reach and funding resources to improve access to finance for UK SMEs [4] Company Overview - Playter has facilitated over £100 million in lending to SMEs since 2021, with funds used for various purposes including VAT payments and business expansion [2] - The platform includes 'Ari', an AI broker hub that simplifies the process for commercial finance brokers [2][3] - Playter's CEO emphasized the importance of technology in improving access to finance for SMEs and supporting brokers [3] Strategic Implications - The integration of Playter's team and technology into Shawbrook's existing digital capabilities is expected to enhance the company's service offerings [4] - Shawbrook's commercial chief banking officer highlighted the ongoing reliance of SMEs on advisers and brokers for funding, indicating a strong market demand [5] - The acquisition follows Shawbrook's recent purchase of ThinCats Group, indicating a strategic focus on expanding funding solutions for growth-oriented SMEs [5]

Core Insights - The Gartner Finance Symposium/Xpo 2026 will focus on "Autonomous Finance: Building Resilient, AI-Driven, and Value-Centric Enterprises" [1] - The conference will cover key topics such as AI in finance and finance transformation, featuring a keynote by Gartner analysts [2] Event Details - The event is scheduled for March 23-24, 2026, at Hilton Sydney, Australia [1] - Early-bird registration ends on January 23, 2026, with media registration available through a specific contact [4] Conference Highlights - Attendees will have access to live demos and case studies from leading finance technology solution providers [3] - The agenda includes sessions on building finance organizations that leverage insights for faster decision-making and automation [1][2] Gartner's Role - Gartner provides insights to help senior finance executives address their priorities and drive business impact [5] - The organization is recognized as a leading authority on AI, offering extensive resources and tools for C-Level executives [9]

From @WSJopinion: While applying AI to finance is important, less appreciated is how finance can, in turn, help advance AI, write @ericschmidt and Dimitris Tsementzishttps://t.co/GLLedd8L6T ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current market outlook, emphasizing that earnings are driving the market, with expectations for the S&P 500 to end the year around 7,000, supported by strong earnings growth [1][2]. Earnings Performance - Analysts are raising their 2026 earnings expectations, with Q1 and Q2 of 2025 showing better-than-expected results, moving from low to mid single-digit growth to low double-digit increases year-over-year [3]. - The Q3 earnings reporting season for the S&P 500 is projected to show a 14% increase, significantly higher than the initial expectation of 6.5%, indicating strong performance despite market volatility [4]. Investment Opportunities - The article presents a list of 13 cheap stocks under $10, selected based on a forward P/E ratio below 15 and the number of hedge fund holders, indicating strong hedge fund interest [6][7]. Company Highlights - **Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:MLCO)**: - Stock Price: $9.07, Forward P/E: 15, Hedge Fund Holders: 18 - Reported Q3 2025 revenues of $1.31 billion, up 11% from $1.18 billion year-over-year, attributed to improved gaming and non-gaming operations [9][10]. - EBITDA for Macau properties increased by 21% year-over-year, with strong growth in the Philippines and Cyprus [11][12][13]. - **Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG)**: - Stock Price: $5.03, Forward P/E: 11.57, Hedge Fund Holders: 19 - Announced the launch of the UK's first agentic AI financial assistant, aimed at providing personalized financial guidance to 21 million mobile app customers [14][15]. - Analysts have raised the price target for Lloyds, with RBC Capital increasing it to 110 GBP and Kepler Capital setting it at 97 GBP, both maintaining positive ratings [16][17].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue grew to over $178 million, up 7.5% year-over-year [38] - Subscription revenue increased by 7%, while services revenue grew by 13% due to accelerated project delivery [38] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) reached $685 million, up 7.3% [39] - Non-GAAP operating margin was 21.4%, reflecting improved productivity [43] - Non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine was $38 million, representing a 21% margin [44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New customer bookings increased by 45%, with the average new deal size more than doubling by 111% [7] - Strategic products accounted for 36% of sales, up from 32% last year [42] - SOLEX revenue accounted for 26% of total revenue, remaining steady [42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer count reached 4,424, reflecting a strategic resegmentation away from lower-end customers [41] - Revenue renewal rate was 93%, up from the previous year, driven by strong enterprise performance [41] - Net retention rate for the quarter was 103%, despite a headwind from foreign exchange [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accelerating revenue growth and margin expansion as it transitions to a platform-based pricing model [6][12] - Emphasis on winning larger, more strategic platform deals against major competitors [7] - Continued progress in the public sector, with expectations for FedRAMP approval in early 2026 [11] - The company is modernizing its technology stack to support scalable, efficient, and AI-powered innovation [18][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering sustained profitable growth, supported by a strong pipeline and operational improvements [36][48] - The macro environment is currently stable, with potential tailwinds from corporate job layoffs creating opportunities for efficiency discussions with customers [100] - The strategic transition to platform pricing is expected to take time but is viewed positively for long-term customer commitment [13][72] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $113 million to shareholders through share repurchases, reflecting confidence in long-term value [44] - The planned churn from the strategic de-emphasis of lower-end market customers is nearing completion [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of large customers pausing user ads - Management acknowledged that some deals slipped into Q4, costing a couple of million dollars, but noted an increase in larger enterprise deals [53][54] Question: Automation and customer attrition - Management explained that success-based attrition is occurring as customers achieve higher efficiency with fewer licenses, which is a positive long-term trade-off [72] Question: Factors driving expected bookings growth - Management highlighted the importance of changing conversations to focus on digital finance transformation and deepening relationships with partners [85][86] Question: Competitive takeaways - Management noted an uptick in competitive wins, attributing it to the company's proven track record and improved implementation quality [88][89] Question: SAP relationship and pipeline building - Management confirmed a solid relationship with SAP, focusing on joint customer success and reducing attrition [96][97] Question: Macro environment characterization - Management indicated that the current macro environment is stable, with no significant impacts from tariffs, and noted potential tailwinds from job layoffs [100]

Core Themes of CFO Leadership Council Conference - The CFO Leadership Council's Q4 conference will focus on leadership, transformation, benefits strategy, and the intersection of finance and technology [2] Key Insights from the Conference - Insight into leading through transformation will be provided by speakers from outside traditional finance, emphasizing trust-building, strategic clarity, and personal accountability [3] - Proactive approaches to combat rising health care costs will be discussed, highlighting the importance of transparency in financial planning and aligning cost management with employee well-being [4] - Implementation of AI tools with financial discipline will be a key topic, focusing on realistic applications in forecasting, operations, and investor communications [5] - Guidance on driving business-wide digital strategy will be shared, showcasing how CFOs can align financial insights with technology strategy to foster innovation [6]

Core Insights - Siebert Financial Corp. and Next Securities have entered into a strategic agreement to combine AI technology with financial infrastructure, aiming to enhance trading ease and market insights for investors [1][2][3] Company Overview - Siebert Financial Corp. is a diversified financial services company with a history dating back to 1967, known for its brokerage and financial advisory services [7][9] - Next Securities is a Korean fintech and broker-dealer focused on AI-driven user experience in brokerage services, aiming to transform investment engagement [10] Strategic Agreement Details - The agreement leverages Next Securities' AI expertise and Siebert's financial infrastructure to create a platform that integrates trading convenience with high-quality financial information [3][4] - Both companies plan to explore further opportunities for collaboration, including technology integration and global expansion efforts [4][5] Leadership Perspectives - John J. Gebbia, CEO of Siebert, emphasized the importance of integrating technology and insights for investors, highlighting the potential for richer, AI-enabled experiences [4] - Seungyeon Kim, CEO of Next Securities, noted that the partnership will empower investors with innovative tools and reshape engagement with financial markets [5]