NULLTX.COM
The role of cryptocurrency in crime: Money Laundering
There have been numerous allegations regarding Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies being used for nefarious activities. Making any of these charges stick has been a bit more difficult than anticipated, although there are some key statistics which all users need to be aware of. Turning illicitly obtained funds into ‘legal’ currency is a very difficult process these days.
THE HINDU
The formal-informal divide
It is now well recognised that there is an investment slowdown in India, which is delaying a full-blooded recovery in the economy. Private investments, the principle engine of growth, are out of steam. Puja Mehra notes that the slowdown in private investments is visible chiefly in the informal sector, not the corporate sector.
FARNAM STREET
A Lesson on Elementary Worldly Wisdom
Here is Charlie Munger’s famous talk at USC Business School in 1994. The subject of the talk is the art of stock picking as a subdivision of the art of worldly wisdom. The talk is sort of along the lines that some behaviorist psychologists call Grandma's rule after the wisdom of Grandma when she said that you have to eat the carrots before you get the dessert.
FINANCIAL TIMES
The mystery trader who roiled Wall Street
Former Blackstone executive used complex credit derivatives to become a feared hedge fund manager but left behind a trail of recriminations and lawsuits. That man is Akshay Shah.
OBSERVER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
In need of realignment
India must adopt a more systematic approach to involve the private sector in its development cooperation programme. Its development cooperation initiatives must try to create positive externalities for Indian companies in Africa. Moreover, development projects should be targeted to sectors and countries which are of interest to Indian businesses. This will foster trade and investment relations between India and Africa. It is critical that India assess why its credit lines are failing to serve as stepping stones for Indian businesses in Africa.
KNOWLEDGE @WHARTON
Being great is no longer good enough
The retail industry is undergoing a major repositioning as legacy stores and brands that were once customer favorites fall victim to shifting consumer demands. Nine West, Toys R Us, Claire’s, Macy’s, Aerosoles, BCBG, Payless and countless others have either filed for bankruptcy, closed hundreds of stores or simply pulled the plug on the whole operation. Barbara Kahn has written a new book on how retailers can weather these radical changes.
