Tag: financial

Scarcity Vs. Abundance Mindset

Ever notice how sometimes you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like there’s never enough? That’s what having a scarcity mindset feels like—a feeling that resources, opportunities, or success are limited and just out of reach. On the flip side, an abundance mindset is like seeing the world as full of possibilities, where there’s enough for everyone, and opportunities are waiting to be grabbed. Both mindsets shape how we approach life and money, and understanding how to shift from scarcity to abundance can change everything.

If you’re dealing with tough financial situations, maybe even thinking about California debt relief options, shifting your mindset might be just as important as finding practical solutions. Let’s explore what these mindsets mean, how they affect you, and ways to make a positive switch.

What Is a Scarcity Mindset?

A scarcity mindset is a way of thinking where you believe there’s never enough—never enough money, time, success, or resources. This mindset can leave you feeling anxious, depressed, or even paralyzed, because you’re always focused on what’s missing.

When you believe opportunities are scarce, you might hold back from taking risks or sharing resources, fearing loss or failure. Financial stress often worsens scarcity thinking, as you might feel trapped by debt or limited income. This mindset can make it hard to see solutions or possibilities.

For people facing financial strain, including those seeking California debt relief, this mindset can create a cycle of worry that’s hard to break.

The Power of an Abundance Mindset

In contrast, an abundance mindset is rooted in the belief that there’s enough for everyone, and new opportunities are always around the corner. This perspective encourages excitement, motivation, and action. Instead of focusing on limitations, you see potential and growth.

With an abundance mindset, setbacks become lessons rather than failures. You’re more likely to take calculated risks, share knowledge and resources, and approach challenges with confidence.

Financially, this mindset helps you look for creative solutions and opportunities rather than getting stuck in fear. It empowers you to rebuild, save, and invest in your future, no matter where you start.

How Mindsets Influence Financial Behavior

Your mindset directly impacts how you manage money. Scarcity thinking might lead to hoarding cash, avoiding budgeting, or making impulsive decisions out of fear. You might resist asking for help or exploring options like debt relief, feeling ashamed or hopeless.

Abundance thinking encourages planning, smart spending, and seeking support when needed. It helps you see financial challenges as temporary and solvable, which is essential for making progress.

Steps to Shift From Scarcity to Abundance

Switching your mindset isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about changing how you focus your attention and interpret experiences. Here are some practical ways to start shifting:

  • Practice Gratitude: Regularly remind yourself of what you do have. Gratitude helps redirect focus from lack to plenty.
  • Reframe Negative Thoughts: When scarcity thoughts creep in, challenge them. Ask yourself, “Is there really no way forward? What possibilities am I missing?”
  • Set Small, Achievable Goals: Progress builds confidence. Even small wins reinforce an abundance mindset by showing you can improve your situation.
  • Surround Yourself With Positive Influences: Spend time with people who have growth-oriented attitudes. Their mindset can rub off on you.
  • Educate Yourself: Financial knowledge reduces fear. Learning about budgeting, saving, or debt relief options (like those available in California) empowers you to act.

Why This Shift Matters

Changing your mindset impacts more than just your finances. It affects your relationships, stress levels, and overall happiness. People with abundance mindsets tend to experience less anxiety and greater resilience because they believe in possibilities.

Financially, this shift can be the difference between being stuck in a cycle of debt and frustration or building a stable, hopeful future.

Final Thoughts

Scarcity and abundance mindsets are like two lenses through which we view the world—and we get to choose which one to wear. While scarcity leaves you feeling overwhelmed and stuck, abundance opens doors to excitement, motivation, and meaningful action.

If you’re navigating financial challenges, including exploring California debt relief, don’t underestimate the power of your mindset. By practicing gratitude, reframing your thoughts, setting goals, and seeking knowledge, you can gradually embrace abundance.

Your financial future—and your peace of mind—can begin with a simple choice to see the world not as limited, but full of opportunities.

Top Healthcare Analytics Companies in 2025

The rapid digitalization of the healthcare sector has brought data to the forefront of clinical decision-making, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes. Healthcare providers, digital health startups, research institutions, and payers now rely heavily on intelligent data tools to extract value from vast volumes of clinical, administrative, and patient-generated information. Healthcare analytics companies are leading this transformation, offering solutions that improve care quality, reduce costs, enable interoperability, and support population health management. Below is a detailed list of the top healthcare analytics companies in 2025 that are redefining the future of data-driven healthcare.

1. Kodjin

Kodjin is an advanced, FHIR-native healthcare data analytics platform designed to help healthcare organizations unify fragmented data sources, standardize datasets, and generate actionable insights in real time. Built by Edenlab, Kodjin solves a core problem in healthcare: lack of interoperability and the difficulty of transforming raw medical data into structured, analyzable formats. 

The platform incorporates a powerful FHIR engine, ensuring compliance with global data standards while enabling seamless exchange of clinical information across systems, applications, and care environments. Kodjin empowers hospitals, payers, and digital health vendors with dashboards, predictive models, query tools, and analytics workflows that support population health analysis, operational management, clinical decision-making, and regulatory reporting. With its focus on clean data, speed, security, and scalability, Kodjin positions itself as a cornerstone solution for organizations undertaking digital transformation, building health information exchanges, or implementing modern data architectures.

2. Optum

Optum is one of the most established names in healthcare analytics, offering robust data intelligence solutions for providers, payers, and life sciences organizations. Leveraging one of the largest healthcare datasets in the world, Optum delivers insights that support predictive risk modeling, chronic disease management, and operational optimization. Its analytics tools help healthcare systems identify care gaps, improve value-based care performance, and reduce unnecessary utilization. Optum’s long-standing expertise, combined with AI-driven analytics and deep clinical datasets, makes it a trusted partner for organizations seeking to enhance care quality and efficiency.

3. SAS Institute

SAS Institute is a global leader in advanced analytics and AI-driven health intelligence. Its healthcare suite uses machine learning, statistical modeling, and data science to support clinical research, population health initiatives, and hospital management. Healthcare organizations rely on SAS for fraud detection, epidemiological modeling, outcome prediction, and quality improvement. With decades of experience in data analytics and an unmatched record in trustworthy algorithms, SAS empowers medical researchers and health systems to uncover patterns and derive insights that lead to evidence-based improvements in care.

4. Health Catalyst

Health Catalyst provides cloud-based analytics and data warehousing solutions specifically tailored to the healthcare sector. The company helps organizations aggregate, normalize, and analyze data from across clinical and administrative systems. Health Catalyst’s platform is widely recognized for driving measurable improvements in operational performance, cost reduction, and patient outcomes. Their tools support decision-making across quality metrics, financial operations, and patient experience. By focusing on outcome-driven analytics and real-world implementation, Health Catalyst stands out as a leading partner for hospitals aiming to accelerate digital transformation and enhance clinical efficiency.

5. IQVIA

IQVIA is a powerhouse in healthcare analytics, blending real-world data, artificial intelligence, and life sciences expertise. Known for its extensive datasets and advanced data modeling, IQVIA supports pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and health providers with tools for real-world evidence analysis, clinical trial optimization, and patient journey insights. Their platform enables organizations to analyze treatment effectiveness, improve drug development processes, and strengthen population health strategies. IQVIA’s unique ability to integrate clinical, genomic, and behavioral data makes it a foundational analytics partner for organizations focused on precision medicine and innovation.

6. Truven Health Analytics (IBM Watson Health)

Truven Health Analytics delivers evidence-based insights powered by AI and natural language processing through IBM Watson Health technologies. The company provides analytics solutions for population health management, clinical benchmarking, and operational efficiency. Truven’s tools allow hospitals to evaluate performance, improve patient safety, and align care delivery with national quality standards. Government agencies and employers also rely on Truven for policy evaluation and cost analysis. With strong analytical capabilities and a focus on actionable intelligence, Truven helps healthcare systems make informed decisions that improve outcomes and reduce costs.

7. MedeAnalytics

MedeAnalytics provides enterprise analytics solutions designed to help healthcare organizations strengthen both financial and clinical operations. Its platform offers real-time dashboards, revenue cycle analytics, and population health tools that enable healthcare leaders to uncover inefficiencies and identify improvement opportunities. MedeAnalytics focuses on intuitive data visualization, giving stakeholders at all levels—from executives to clinical managers—the ability to interpret data quickly and effectively. Their predictive analytics solutions also support resource planning, patient engagement, and quality improvement initiatives. By turning complex data into clear, actionable insights, MedeAnalytics enables organizations to achieve measurable performance enhancements.

Conclusion

The healthcare analytics landscape is becoming increasingly vital as organizations navigate growing data requirements, regulatory pressures, and the shift toward value-based care. Each company on this list plays a crucial role in advancing data-driven healthcare—whether through enhanced interoperability, predictive modeling, research analytics, or operational intelligence. Kodjin, with its FHIR-native architecture and focus on real-time data standardization, stands out as a leader for modern healthcare ecosystems seeking scalable and future-proof analytics solutions. Together, these top healthcare analytics companies empower the industry to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation. In a world shaped by digital health, analytics is not just a tool — it is the foundation of smarter, safer, and more efficient care delivery.

 

Approaching Debt Collectors Professionally

Few financial situations create as much stress as dealing with debt collectors. The phone calls, letters, and emails can feel overwhelming, but the way you respond can shape the outcome more than you think. Some people end up turning to bankruptcy debt relief when the situation grows too difficult to manage, but for many, the first step is simply learning how to engage with collectors in a professional and effective way. That doesn’t mean giving in to pressure or agreeing to terms that harm you. It means approaching the situation with clarity, composure, and confidence.

Professional communication with debt collectors allows you to stay in control of the process. It helps you protect your rights, reduce stress, and open the door to practical solutions. While it may feel intimidating, there are ways to handle these conversations that keep your dignity intact while moving closer to resolution.

Understanding the Role of Debt Collectors

Debt collectors are not personal enemies. Their role is to recover money owed to creditors, and they operate within laws that are meant to regulate their behavior. Recognizing that collectors are following a job rather than targeting you personally can shift the tone of the conversation. When you keep this perspective, you are less likely to react defensively or emotionally. Instead, you can focus on facts and maintain a professional attitude.

Know Your Rights Before You Speak

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act outlines specific rules about what collectors can and cannot do. They cannot harass you, call at unreasonable hours, or misrepresent the debt. Knowing these rights gives you confidence and sets boundaries for your interactions. Before speaking with any collector, take time to review these protections. When you understand the limits of what they can ask for, you enter the conversation with authority and calmness. Knowledge is your first layer of professionalism.

Clarity Is Your Best Tool

When debt collectors reach out, it can be tempting to avoid the conversation altogether. But ignoring them rarely helps. A professional approach starts with asking for details in writing. Request a validation notice that outlines the amount owed, the original creditor, and your rights to dispute the debt. This ensures accuracy and gives you a clear picture of the situation. Responding with clarity shows that you are taking the matter seriously without rushing into commitments you might regret.

Keeping Emotions in Check

It’s natural to feel frustration, embarrassment, or even anger when speaking with a debt collector. But letting those emotions guide the conversation usually makes things worse. Professionalism means keeping your composure, no matter how the discussion unfolds. Take a deep breath before responding and remind yourself that your goal is resolution, not conflict. By staying calm, you set the tone and keep the conversation from spiraling out of control.

Negotiation as a Skill

Approaching debt collectors professionally also means understanding that negotiation is part of the process. Collectors often have flexibility, especially if you can demonstrate a willingness to work with them. You might negotiate a lower payoff amount, a payment plan, or reduced interest. Treat the negotiation like any other professional discussion: respectful, clear, and focused on a mutually beneficial solution. Taking notes during the conversation and requesting agreements in writing helps protect you and ensures both sides are on the same page.

Documentation Protects You

Every professional interaction leaves a paper trail, and debt conversations should be no different. Keep a record of all calls, letters, and agreements. Write down the names of people you speak with, the date, and the details of the discussion. If something is promised, ask for it in writing. Documentation not only gives you peace of mind but also serves as protection in case there are disputes later. It demonstrates that you approached the situation responsibly and seriously.

Respect Goes Both Ways

One of the overlooked aspects of professionalism is the role of respect. While collectors are required to treat you with fairness, showing them respect in return can go a long way. A calm, polite tone often results in better communication than confrontation. Respect doesn’t mean agreeing with everything they say—it means acknowledging their role while standing firm in your own boundaries. When both sides treat each other with respect, solutions are easier to find.

When to Seek Additional Help

Sometimes, even with professionalism, the situation may be too complex or stressful to manage alone. In those cases, reaching out to a financial counselor or legal advisor can provide valuable guidance. Professionals can review your debt, explain your options, and even step in to communicate on your behalf if needed. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a smart move when you need support to stay on track.

Turning a Hard Situation Into Growth

Dealing with debt collectors can feel like one of the hardest parts of financial struggle. But when you approach it with professionalism, it becomes an opportunity to practice resilience, negotiation, and self-advocacy. Instead of letting fear control the process, you are choosing to face it with maturity and purpose. That choice can reduce stress, improve outcomes, and even change the way you view financial challenges in the future.

Approaching debt collectors professionally isn’t about giving them power—it’s about claiming your own. With clear communication, respect, and knowledge of your rights, you create a path toward resolution that protects your dignity and supports your long-term financial health.

 

Which Businesses Need Cybersecurity the Most? A Sector-by-Sector Guide

Cyberattacks are no longer rare events – they’re an everyday threat, and the cost of each breach is climbing fast. In the UK alone, over 38% of small businesses reported being targeted by a cyberattack in the past year, with many facing significant financial and reputational damage. At Support Tree, we’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable organizations can be when cybersecurity isn’t a priority. In this article, we’ll explore which industries are most at risk, why they’re targeted, and what steps businesses can take to protect themselves.

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Every Business?

Cybercrime isn’t reserved for big corporations with vast databases and deep pockets. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often prime targets because hackers know their defences are usually weaker, and a single breach can cause devastating consequences.

Criminals don’t discriminate by size; they look for opportunity. For many SMBs, that opportunity comes in the form of outdated software, untrained staff, or a lack of robust security measures. The result? Cyberattacks can halt operations, drain bank accounts, and damage hard-earned reputations.

Some of the most common threats include:

  • Phishing – fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick employees into revealing passwords or payment details.
  • Ransomware – malicious software that locks you out of your systems until a ransom is paid.
  • Insider threats – intentional or accidental data leaks caused by staff or contractors.
  • Data breaches – unauthorized access to sensitive customer, financial, or intellectual property data.

The truth is simple: in today’s digital landscape, every business is a potential target. Taking action before a threat materializes is not just smart — it’s essential for survival.

High-Risk Sectors for Cyberattacks

Some industries are targeted more aggressively than others because of the type of data they hold, the financial reward for criminals, or the potential disruption an attack can cause. While no sector is immune, understanding where the highest risks lie can help businesses prioritize their defences.

Sector Why They’re Targeted Examples of Attacks Compliance / Key Risks
Financial Services Direct access to money and high-value personal data. Data breaches at banks, fintech platform hacks, and insurance fraud cases. PCI-DSS for payment security, FCA guidelines for financial conduct.
Healthcare Patient data is highly valuable on the black market. NHS ransomware incidents, private clinic data leaks. Loss of patient trust, disruption to critical services.
E-Commerce & Retail Payment card theft and account takeovers. Online store breaches, fraudulent transactions. Risks peak during major sales events like Black Friday.
Manufacturing & Supply Chains Ransomware can halt production and operations. Cyberattacks on suppliers are causing production delays. Industrial espionage, theft of trade secrets.
Professional Services Store sensitive client and financial data. Law firm data leaks, insider data theft. Insider threat risk, professional reputation damage.

Businesses operating in these sectors cannot afford to take cybersecurity lightly. The combination of high-value data, financial incentives for attackers, and regulatory pressure means prevention is far more cost-effective than recovery.

Overlooked but Vulnerable Sectors

When people think of cyberattacks, they often picture large corporations, banks, or hospitals. But some of the most vulnerable targets are in sectors that don’t make the headlines. These industries can be easier prey for cybercriminals because they often lack the same level of security resources as bigger players.

Here are a few examples where risk is high but awareness is low:

  1. Charities & Nonprofits
    • Why at risk: Often run on tight budgets with limited IT investment.
    • Typical threats: Phishing emails aimed at staff and volunteers, breaches of donor databases, and ransomware disrupting fundraising events.
    • Impact: Loss of donor trust, reputational harm, and reduced ability to operate.
  2. Education
    • Why at risk: Schools, colleges, and universities hold vast amounts of personal data on students, parents, and staff.
    • Typical threats: Ransomware shutting down systems, leaks of student records, and phishing attacks on staff.
    • Impact: Disruption to learning, safeguarding concerns, and compliance breaches.
  3. Hospitality
    • Why at risk: Booking platforms and payment systems store valuable customer and financial data.
    • Typical threats: Point-of-sale (POS) system hacks, booking system breaches, and card data theft.
    • Impact: Loss of customer confidence, direct financial loss, and damage to brand reputation.
  4. Local Government
    • Why at risk: Councils and local authorities manage critical public services and store sensitive citizen records.
    • Typical threats: Ransomware attacks causing service shutdowns, breaches of public databases, and phishing targeting officials.
    • Impact: Public service disruption, political fallout, and exposure of personal data.

The common thread across these sectors is the assumption of low risk a dangerous mindset that makes them attractive to attackers. Even with smaller budgets, implementing basic cybersecurity measures can dramatically reduce exposure.

Consequences of Poor Cybersecurity

Failing to protect your systems and data can have far-reaching effects, often more damaging than the initial attack itself. Understanding these consequences is the first step in appreciating why prevention must be a business priority.

  1. Financial Loss
    • Direct costs: ransom payments, fraud, stolen funds.
    • Indirect costs: legal fees, system recovery, and hiring specialists to repair the damage.
    • Example: A ransomware demand might be £50,000, but the true recovery bill can run into the hundreds of thousands once lost revenue is considered.
  2. Legal Penalties
    • Non-compliance with regulations like GDPR, PCI-DSS, or sector-specific rules can lead to hefty fines.
    • Example: Data breaches involving personal information can result in penalties up to 4% of annual global turnover under GDPR.
  3. Reputational Damage
    • Customers lose trust when their data is compromised.
    • Negative media coverage can harm a brand’s image for years.
    • Example: Studies show that up to 60% of small businesses close within six months of a major breach due to lost customer confidence.
  4. Operational Downtime
    • Cyberattacks can bring daily operations to a standstill.
    • Example: Manufacturing firms hit by ransomware have had to halt production for days or even weeks, leading to missed orders and broken contracts.

The reality is that the cost of prevention is far lower than the cost of recovery. Every business, regardless of size or sector, should view cybersecurity as a fundamental part of its risk management strategy.

Essential Cybersecurity Measures for All Businesses

No matter the size or industry, every organization can take practical steps to strengthen its defences. These measures don’t require a massive budget, but they do require consistency and commitment.

  1. Implement Strong Password Policies
    • Require complex, unique passwords for all accounts.
    • Enforce regular password changes and ban password reuse.
  2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    • Add an extra layer of security to logins, even if passwords are stolen.
    • Prioritize MFA for email, banking, and administrative systems.
  3. Regularly Back Up Data
    • Store backups securely, offline or in a protected cloud environment.
    • Test backups periodically to ensure they can be restored quickly.
  4. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness
    • Provide regular training on spotting phishing emails, social engineering tactics, and safe internet use.
    • Encourage a “stop and check” culture before clicking links or opening attachments.
  5. Secure Endpoints and Networks
    • Use antivirus, anti-malware, and firewalls on all devices.
    • Keep all software and systems updated with the latest security patches.
  6. Control Access to Sensitive Data
    • Restrict permissions so employees only access what they need.
    • Monitor and review access rights regularly.
  7. Consider Cyber Insurance
    • Provides a financial safety net in case of a breach.
    • May also include access to rapid incident response services.

 

Cybersecurity is not a one-time project but an ongoing process. By embedding these practices into daily operations, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a target and be better prepared to respond if an attack does occur.

Cybersecurity is no longer an optional extra – it’s a core part of doing business in the digital age. Whether you’re running a financial institution, a local charity, or a growing e-commerce store, the risks are real, and the consequences of inaction can be devastating.

The good news is that you don’t have to tackle these challenges alone. At Support Tree, we help businesses of all sizes assess their vulnerabilities, strengthen their defences, and respond effectively to incidents. The earlier you act, the more control you have over your security and your future.

Don’t wait for a cyberattack to force your hand. Start by reviewing your current protections today, train your team, and put robust safeguards in place. Your customers, your reputation, and your bottom line depend on it.

Fenergo creates 300 new jobs in Ireland with €100 million investment

Leading Irish Software as a Service (SaaS) financial technology solutions provider Fenergo, has today announced 300 new jobs at its global HQ in Dublin. This is part of a €100 million Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) expansion plan supported by Enterprise Ireland. In addition to the new roles in Ireland, which will double the domestic headcount, Fenergo is creating new jobs across its international markets to meet increasing demand for its AI-powered solutions. A total of 500 new positions will be filled by the company globally within the next three years.  

With support from Enterprise Ireland, Fenergo has also invested in a new RD&I Centre of Excellence at its Dublin HQ where the new Irish roles will be based, supporting Fenergo’s innovation strategy. The new roles will enable Fenergo to further deliver on its mission to support financial institutions in fighting financial crime and creating a safer world. Fenergo will continue to build out its intelligent, AI-powered solutions for client lifecycle management (CLM), anti-money laundering (AML) and Know your Customer (KYC). This suite of solutions forms Fenergo’s FinCrime Operating System, which addresses all anti-financial crime events and operations, transforming compliance from a burden into a strategic competitive advantage. 

Recruitment for the new roles is now underway, with candidates being sought for a wide range of mid-level engineering and R&D positions. Fenergo is also rolling out a graduate programme with the intention to appoint up to 30 university graduates. Interested candidates can find more information about the new jobs and submit applications via: Let’s Grow Together | Fenergo. 

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD welcomed the jobs announcement: “The government and Enterprise Ireland are committed to supporting and accelerating the scaling of ambitious, innovation-led Irish companies. Fenergo is a clear example of ambition in action – a company that has expanded at pace since it first launched in 2009, and one which today represents a standout financial technology solutions provider both globally and domestically. Today’s announcement not only represents significant job creation within the Irish market and excellent opportunities for our homegrown talent, but it also reinforces our position as one of the largest and most important tech hubs in Europe. I would like to commend Fenergo on this milestone expansion and their continued investment in Ireland, which I’m confident will underpin further growth for the company while supporting our economy.”  

Marc Murphy, CEO and Founder of Fenergo, said: “I am delighted to announce Fenergo’s significant expansion in Ireland with the creation of 300 jobs at our new RD&I Centre of Excellence, which was made possible with the considerable support and investment we have received from Enterprise Ireland. This investment and growth of our Irish operations reflect our confidence in the excellent talent pool we have in this country, and a market where innovative thinking, entrepreneurship and evolving technology will propel Fenergo to new heights. With AI at the core of our RD&I strategy, we are committed to delivering future-proof solutions for financial institutions in Ireland, across Europe, the UK, America, Middle-East and Asia – supporting them during times of intensifying geopolitical tension and regulatory uncertainty.  

“We are actively recruiting for the new roles already, and I would strongly encourage prospective candidates to consider applying and join our world-class team of change-makers at Fenergo – shaping the future of financial services operations through innovation and AI.” 

Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO, Enterprise Ireland said, “Ambitious companies like Fenergo embody Enterprise Ireland’s mission that Irish owned, globally focused companies will be the primary driver of our economy. Fenergo, announcing 500 new jobs today, is a great example of an innovative Irish company growing customers, adding RD&I to drive forward AI powered solutions and creating an impact in global markets. I’d like to congratulate Marc and the team on this expansion and we look forward to working with them.” 

Due to the continued strength of Fenergo’s export activity, along with a growing portfolio of financial services clients in the Irish market over the past two years, Fenergo delivered a substantial profit in FY25 and is tracking well to deliver strong EBITDA profitability in this financial year, FY26.  Fenergo’s investment in its Irish and international expansion is expected to further bolster its ability to serve international markets while also growing its domestic business. 97% of Fenergo’s revenue in the year ending March 2025 was generated from exported business. 

Enterprise Ireland Export Results 

This expansion announcement was made in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland’s client company export results for 2024. Enterprise Ireland today announced that its clients have achieved record exports of €36.75bn in 2024, up 7% on 2023, with all territories and major sectors recording increases, surpassing the 2022 – 2024 strategy target of €30bn exports.  

Exports to Europe, grew by 8% to €10.63bn representing 29% of total exports. This is the first time that exports to this region have surpassed the UK, making Europe now the largest export territory for Enterprise Ireland’s client base. 

·       Within Europe, the Eurozone, which represents 26% of total exports, continued to perform. Exports increased by 9.6% to €9.42bn in 2024 with growth across the majority of countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and France. 

·       The UK, now the second largest export territory for clients achieved €10.52bn exports in 2024, up 4% on 2023 and surpassing the €10bn mark for the first time.  

·       North America also delivered growth, with exports of €7.30bn in 2024, up 8% on 2023. USA, the main export market had exports of €6.66bn, up 8% on 2023. 

 

All sectors showed strong export growth. The Food and Sustainability sector reached €16.25bn, up 5% on 2023. Non-food exports surpassed this, achieving €20.5bn, up 8%, with the Industrial and Lifesciences sector recording €11.46bn exports, up 9%. Of this, High Tech Construction exports increased by 20% to €4.66bn. 

The Technology and Services sector also grew, with exports of €9.05bn achieved in 2024, up 7% on 2023. Of this, Digital Tech exports reached €3.16bn in 2024, up 9% on 2023. Fintech, Financial & Business Services also saw an increase, up 5% to €2.90bn in 2024.  

Enterprise Ireland client companies spent €42.65bn in the Irish economy in 2024, including €13bn on payroll.  

 

Welcoming Enterprise Ireland’s export results, Minister Burke said: “The strength of Ireland’s exporting base of companies is reflected in Enterprise Ireland’s strong 2024 export performance results. Despite a more challenging international environment, Irish exporters have made significant gains and continue to grow their influence internationally. These companies are a critical part of the Irish economy, and the government through Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting this sector to scale further, while preparing for and mitigating against disruption in global trade tariffs.” 

 

Announcing Enterprise Ireland’s export results today, Kevin Sherry Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland said: “Despite ongoing challenges in recent years, such as economic headwinds and rising costs our client companies continue to show their agility and resilience as they scale internationally, achieving yet another year of record export growth with €36.75bn in exports in 2024. This robust performance by clients like Fenergo, reflects a strong and resilient exporting base which fuels our economy, delivering sustainable prosperity nationwide.” 

 

“Our results show that for the first time Europe has surpassed the UK as the number one export territory. This demonstrates that while our client base continues to grow exports in the UK, there is less reliance and dependency on this one market with many clients broadening their base and winning business in other markets. Amid future geopolitical instability, Irish businesses proven ability to diversify across markets will stand to them when facing challenging and uncertain times. Enterprise Ireland remains committed to supporting companies as they explore potential mitigation and market diversifications strategies to navigate the challenges of export tariffs.” added Kevin Sherry.

Your Privacy, Secured: How Galaxy AI Protects Privacy with Samsung Knox Vault

Galaxy AI is built to understand what you need before you even ask whether that’s suggesting a change in your routine or pulling up just the right information at the right time.

This level of personalisation can be incredibly helpful, but the more your phone knows, the more there is to protect. So, what’s keeping all that personal data secure?

Samsung believes there is no privacy without strong security. That’s why every Galaxy device is protected from the chip up by a multi-layered approach, which includes on-device personalisation, user-controlled cloud processing, and ecosystem-wide protection through Samsung Knox Matrix.

At the core of this system is Samsung Knox Vault, the company’s hardware-based solution for safeguarding your most sensitive information.

Secured at the Hardware Level

Most mobile devices rely solely on software to protect sensitive data. Galaxy devices go further.

Knox Vault is a hardware-level security solution that creates a physical barrier between your most private information and everything else. It works like a locked room inside your phone, with its own processor and memory to encrypt sensitive data, with Knox Vault securing the keys. It pairs a secure processor with dedicated memory, isolating your passwords, PINs, biometrics, as well as financial information and cryptographic keys. These are the kinds of details you don’t want anyone else to access, and Knox Vault is built to make sure they stay private. You don’t need to activate or manage it, as it’s always on, working silently in the background, keeping your data safe while you get on with your day.

This is particularly crucial in the age of AI as user concerns are expanding from traditional cybersecurity threats, like viruses and malware, to worries over leaking personal data, such as conversations with your AI assistant. As AI becomes part of more everyday tasks, the types of data that need protection are also expanding.

For example, metadata from your most personal photos not only details the resolution and file format but also shows the exact location where the image was taken. This personal metadata is more than just files — it’s information that is deeply connected to your daily life, and in the era of AI, these types of data used to provide personalised suggestions need to be kept private.

Knox Vault helps mitigate these growing concerns by safely storing personal information in a secure, hardware-isolated environment designed to block both physical tampering and remote attacks, ensuring your data can’t be accessed without approval.

Personalised AI, Protected at the Core

Knox Vault not only provides protection for today’s threats, but it also ensures your privacy as mobile experiences continue to evolve.

As Galaxy AI becomes more useful, it also becomes more personal, learning how you use your device and adapting to your needs. These highly tailored AI experiences rely on deeply personal data; Knox Vault plays a crucial role in keeping that information private and secured.

Galaxy AI ensures privacy by processing tasks directly on-device where possible, keeping data in your hands and off online servers. For example, Audio Eraser, removes background noise from videos or voice recordings without the need for any cloud-based processing — so your personal information stays private. Call Transcript[2] operates in the same way, keeping your calls organised while ensuring personal conversations stay private by remaining on-device.

Knox Vault ensures your data is protected, confidential, and secure. Building on its role in Galaxy AI as the trusted foundation for security and privacy, Knox Vault will expand across Samsung’s growing AI ecosystem as AI becomes more deeply integrated into the user experience.

Knox Vault is more than a security feature, it’s Galaxy’s promise that no matter how advanced your devices become, or how much AI evolves, your privacy is secured.

To find out more about Galaxy AI and Knox Vault, please visit: Samsung.com/ie

Ireland puts pressure on Big Tech to tackle surge in online financial ad scams

Online financial scams are accumulating a substantial toll within the European Union, as consumers continue to be defrauded at an estimated €4.3 billion in 2022, and similar trends continuing in the year after. 

Sophisticated yet misleading advertisements have been pushed across major social media and technology platforms have become a primary conduit for these fraudulent activities.

Ireland’s stand: A push for pre-emptive action from tech giants

In response to the escalating threat, Ireland is spearheading an important initiative within the EU that proposes a rule change that would force Big Tech companies to vet financial advertisers before their advertisements are published. 

At the core of this Irish amendment, which would add to the already extensive payment services regulation, is to mandate that only financial service providers (who are officially registered with national competent authorities) would be permitted to run financial ads within the EU. 

Such a proactive stance is designed to shift the onus of initial verification onto the platforms themselves, in part because those with the broadest shoulders should bear the greatest burden. Though, the crux of the debate is simply that if a platform “airs” an ad, they should be responsible for it. 

The debate has similarities to the debate of whether web hosting providers, particularly cheap and accessible providers like IONOS, should be responsible for the sites that they host. The proposal has gained a lot of eyes, and traction, with around half of EU member states reportedly expressing support. Though, figures like US President Donald Trump have previously advocated for scaling back the regulation of major American technology firms, so this could further stoke the fire of what appears to be the EU and US going head to head.

Digital Services Act and internal conflict 

Ireland may well face internal conflict too, as a big challenge to the proposal lies in its potential conflict with the EU’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA). Several EU diplomats have indicated that the European Commission sees a requirement for Big Tech to pre-vet online advertisers as contravening the DSA provisions, which generally don’t force platforms to conduct broad-based, proactive monitoring of content. Of course, broadly speaking, the mood around this topic might be changing, and Irish MEP Regina Doherty has countered that the requirement can be structured to align with existing law. Doherty claims it could focus on verifying the advertiser’s authorised status rather than policing the specific content of each ad, a little bit like how one must be FCA authorised to conduct crypto ads in the UK now. 

Alternative suggestions also exist, like Poland’s proposal for streamlined communication between payment providers and platforms to facilitate post-fraud content removal. Though, this is deemed insufficient by industry critics who argue this reactive approach fails to address the speed and impact of initial fraudulent postings. 

Supporting the need for more proactive urgency, the Bank of Ireland claimed that over 75% of its customers’ fraud losses during the past year come from investment scams, of which many are promoted online.

Creating a safer digital financial ecosystem

The growing crisis of online financial ad scams highlights that something needs to be done, and as is often the case, the EU is where it is most likely to happen. As Ireland pushes for this proactive amendment, we are yet to see how not only internal disagreements play out, but also how US Big Tech reacts to their ongoing battles with the EU.

Coimisiún na Meán awards the Central Bank of Ireland with first Trusted Flagger Status in Ireland

Coimisiún na Meán, has announced the decision to grant Trusted Flagger status to the Central Bank of Ireland. Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), Coimisiún na Meán as the Digital Services Coordinator in Ireland has the power to award Trusted Flagger status to entities established in Ireland who meet certain conditions.

Trusted Flaggers are empowered to identify, detect and notify illegal content within their area of expertise to online platforms. Providers of online platforms are then legally obliged to ensure that notices of the presence of illegal content, reported by Trusted Flaggers are given priority and decided upon without undue delay.

Speaking about the announcement, Digital Services Commissioner, John Evans said: “Coimisiún na Meán is committed to ensuring a media landscape that consumers can trust, and where they are protected from exploitation and fraud. We recognise that financial scams and fraud are a concern to the Irish public, and we welcome the Central Bank of Ireland’s expertise in this area. By granting the Central Bank of Ireland Trusted Flagger Status, we are legally obliging online platforms to ensure that any illegal online content reported by the Central Bank of Ireland, such as financial scams and fraud are prioritised by the platform and dealt with in a timely manner.”

“The Trusted Flagger status is a new statutory mechanism that offers empowerment for organisations by placing obligations on the platforms to give priority to Trusted Flagger notifications. Entities awarded Trusted Flagger status are recognised as such across the EU. Trusted Flaggers will also feed into Coimisiún na Meán’s identification of trends and issues via annual reports which will be instrumental in establishing an informed, evidence-based approach to our platform supervisory activities.”

Meanwhile, Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, said: “The Central Bank of Ireland is delighted to be the first organisation in the country to be granted Trusted Flagger Status by Coimisiún na Meán. This accreditation marks another milestone in the Bank’s commitment to protecting consumers and strengthens our efforts to disrupt the activities of unauthorised providers of regulated financial services. We look forward to continuing our work to strengthen the framework of consumer protection in Ireland through this new status.”

Under Article 22 of the DSA, Trusted Flagger status can be granted to entities who meet the following conditions:

• It has particular expertise and competence for the purposes of detecting, identifying and notifying illegal content;

• It is independent from any provider of online platforms;

• It carries out its activities for the purposes of submitting notices diligently, accurately and objectively.

The Central Bank of Ireland have been granted the Trusted Flagger status for three years, from 2 April 2025 to 2 April 2028. Their designated area of expertise is financial scams and fraud, including the provision and/or offer of financial services without authorisation. Upon the expiry of the accreditation period the Trusted Flagger status is reassessed and, where appropriate, re-granted.

Further information on the role of Trusted Flaggers and the obligations of online platforms in respect of notices issued by Trusted Flaggers can be found on our dedicated Trusted Flaggers page on the website.