As the beverage industry contends with the challenge of fraud , particularly in the realm of e-commerce and online sales , Au Vodka , a UK-based Vodka brand , partnered with Signifyd to strengthen itself against fraud . The brand , which sports a recognisable and iconic gold bottle , has recently expanded to the US with the help of Signifyd and has expressed that the partnership has allowed them to overcome fraud challenges , expand globally and enhance customer trust .

Major tells us more about this collaboration and the results realised on page 48 .

This editions Gauging the Market explores one of the lasting consequences of the pandemic ; the need for flexible working . Employees are demanding it from their employers , with many insisting they prefer working from home , compared to the office . Karl Breeze , CEO at Matrix Booking , provides insights into this and offers business leaders five steps on how they can review their workspaces on page 17 .

Funding Circle and Savanta emphasises resilience and staff well-being ' s significance in navigating challenges . Being guided on your budget can be vital , and so , on this month ’ s Editors Question , we ask experts : If SMEs had the budget for only one major technology transformation , which business technology would you recommend ? These experts offer their thoughts on page 25 .

Our Regional Round-Up , on page 44 , focuses on Mukuru , one of Africa ’ s leading fintech providers , who have recently introduced pioneering Naira bank top-ups to streamline remittances in Nigeria . Simplifying USD-to- Naira conversions , Tendai Tizirai , Market Development Manager at Mukuru , discusses the progressive step for the company and how the development will support those operating in Naira .

Next , we look at how the rise of digital platforms is meeting unmet needs for SME banking . Thomas Becher , Head of SME Banking at SAP Fioneer , discusses how the SME banking market provides a significant

TO OUR MONTHLY MAGAZINE opportunity for financial institutions and how bespoke digital platforms can help tap into this market on page 63 .

We also have a range of ‘ intelligent ’ pages , which feature the latest strides in the cloud , security , mobile , software , blockchain and Artificial Intelligence space .

I hope you enjoy this issue and if you would like to contribute to any future editions then please do not hesitate to contact me .

Ellen Flannery , Editor

Amid limited budgets , choosing the right technology for SMEs is crucial . A study by

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