Tag: risk

1win Token: the future of tokenized betting & player psychology

The evolution of blockchain technology and tokenized assets is reshaping the betting industry, introducing a new era of digital wagering. 1win Token plays a crucial role in this transformation, offering players a decentralized, fast, and transparent way to place bets without the limitations of traditional financial systems. As sports betting platforms integrate blockchain-based currencies, the industry is witnessing a shift toward tokenized transactions, automated payouts, and trustless gaming ecosystems.

Beyond the technological advancements, the psychology of betting is also evolving. The use of digital tokens instead of fiat money changes how players perceive risk, winnings, and losses. 1win Token creates a distinct betting experience, where users feel a greater sense of flexibility, reduced emotional attachment to wagers, and increased engagement with gamified reward systems. This psychological shift influences betting behavior, financial decision-making, and player loyalty, making digital assets a powerful tool in modern gambling strategies.

As blockchain-based betting continues to grow, 1win Token is at the forefront of this revolution, redefining how players interact with sportsbooks, perceive value, and engage in betting markets. Whether through automated transactions, digital reward systems, or the psychological appeal of tokenized betting, it is paving the way for a more dynamic and innovative betting culture.

Tokenized sports betting: how 1win Token is creating a new betting culture

The introduction of blockchain-powered betting systems has revolutionized the way players engage with sportsbooks. 1win Token is at the forefront of this evolution, offering a decentralized, efficient, and transparent alternative to traditional sports betting models. Unlike conventional betting platforms that rely on fiat currencies and centralized payment systems, tokenized betting provides instant transactions, automated payouts, and smart contract-based wagering—eliminating the risks of delays, hidden fees, and operator manipulation.

Below is a breakdown of how 1win Token is shaping the future of sports betting:

Feature How it works Why it’s transforming betting Impact on players
Instant transactions Bets, deposits, and withdrawals using 1win Token are processed in real-time via blockchain technology. Eliminates delays caused by banking restrictions, payment approvals, and third-party processing. Players experience faster transactions and immediate access to winnings.
Smart contract-based wagering Betting agreements are automatically executed via smart contracts, ensuring fair payouts. Removes the need for manual validation and operator interference. Users gain full trust in bet settlements and outcome transparency.
Borderless betting 1win Token allows global participation in sports betting without geographic limitations or currency conversion fees. Expands access to players in regions with restricted banking services. More users can engage in betting markets regardless of location.
Lower transaction fees Traditional payment methods involve high banking and conversion fees, while blockchain transactions reduce costs. Players keep a larger percentage of their winnings. Creates a cost-effective and fairer betting environment.
Decentralized sports betting markets Players can wager against each other directly using 1win Token, rather than relying on bookmaker-set odds. Introduces a peer-to-peer (P2P) betting system, reducing house edge. Users gain greater flexibility in setting odds and bet conditions.
Automated rewards & loyalty programs Players earn bonus 1win Tokens for regular betting activity, staking, or tournament participation. Encourages long-term engagement and player retention. Users benefit from extra rewards without relying on fiat-based promotions.
NFT-based betting perks Special NFTs grant enhanced betting conditions, VIP access, or reduced fees. Adds collectible, value-driven assets to the betting experience. Players can trade or hold NFTs for added in-game advantages.
Fair play & transparency Every transaction and bet outcome is recorded on the blockchain ledger, ensuring no manipulation or hidden adjustments. Increases trust and eliminates doubts about fairness. Players gain full confidence in the legitimacy of betting results.

By removing traditional banking barriers, introducing smart contract automation, and enhancing user engagement through tokenized rewards, 1win Token is redefining the sports betting landscape. The transition from fiat-based to tokenized betting creates a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient gambling environment, ensuring that players experience faster payouts, lower fees, and greater control over their wagers.

As the gambling industry continues its shift toward blockchain integration, 1win Token is leading the way in establishing a new culture of digital-first, decentralized sports betting, making wagering more accessible, secure, and financially rewarding for users worldwide.

The psychology of digital money: why players perceive betting differently with 1win Token

The introduction of digital currencies into the gambling industry has not only changed the mechanics of betting but also transformed how players perceive risk, rewards, and financial decision-making. 1win Token, as a blockchain-based betting asset, influences player psychology in ways that traditional fiat currencies cannot. The shift from physical cash to digital tokens creates a new psychological environment, impacting spending behavior, emotional attachment, and risk assessment in betting scenarios.

Here’s how 1win Token alters the perception of betting and financial decision-making:

  • Reduced emotional attachment to money – digital tokens feel less tangible than physical cash, making players more likely to place bets without the same psychological resistance as when using fiat money.
  • Increased betting frequency – the ease of instant transactions with 1win Token encourages players to place bets more frequently, as there are no banking delays, withdrawal restrictions, or long processing times.
  • Higher risk tolerance – since 1win Token operates within a digital ecosystem, players often perceive it as a separate asset from their traditional bank balance, leading to higher-risk bets compared to fiat-based gambling.
  • Perceived infinite supply – unlike traditional money, where cash withdrawals and deposits feel finite, tokens can be earned, staked, and traded, making them feel like an unlimited resource in the betting economy.
  • Gamification of financial transactions – the use of 1win Token in rewards, staking, and NFT-based perks makes betting feel more like a digital gaming experience than a financial transaction.
  • Instant gratification & faster spending cycles – unlike fiat transactions that require banking approvals, 1win Token allows immediate withdrawals and bets, making players engage in faster betting cycles.
  • Less regret for losses – since 1win Token is acquired through multiple sources like staking, rewards, and loyalty programs, losses don’t feel as significant as losing traditional money.
  • Higher engagement with staking & rewards – the ability to earn extra tokens through staking, cashback, and play-to-earn incentives creates a sense of earning opportunities rather than simple gambling losses.
  • Greater experimentation with betting strategies – digital assets lower the perceived risk of experimenting with new betting styles, making players more open to testing new markets and unconventional wagering tactics.
  • Stronger loyalty to tokenized platforms – since players accumulate 1win Token through gaming incentives, they are more likely to stay within the ecosystem rather than switching to traditional fiat-based betting sites.

By removing traditional financial barriers, introducing gamified digital assets, and altering how players perceive betting risk, 1win Token is shaping a new psychological approach to gambling. The combination of instant transactions, reward-based staking, and reduced emotional attachment to digital money creates a more engaging, high-frequency betting experience.

As the gambling industry continues shifting toward tokenized assets, understanding the psychological impact of digital currencies like 1win Token will be crucial in designing future betting platforms that are both financially rewarding and psychologically optimized for user engagement.

Final thoughts: the psychological and technological shift in betting with 1win Token

The integration of 1win Token into sports betting and gambling ecosystems is more than just a financial evolution—it represents a fundamental shift in how players perceive and engage with digital wagers. By introducing tokenized betting, instant transactions, and decentralized smart contracts, 1win Token is redefining the traditional boundaries of gambling culture.

From a psychological standpoint, digital currencies alter the way players evaluate risk, handle losses, and approach betting strategies. The reduced emotional attachment to digital assets, increased willingness to experiment with different betting tactics, and gamification of financial rewards all contribute to a new era of engagement in the gambling industry.

At the same time, the technology behind 1win Token eliminates many inefficiencies found in fiat-based betting, offering faster payouts, greater transparency, and a more inclusive global betting ecosystem. As the iGaming industry continues shifting towards blockchain integration, 1win Token stands at the forefront of this transformation, paving the way for a more dynamic, decentralized, and player-centric gambling experience.

Unlocking AI’s value securely: Navigating Key Security Imperatives

Across EMEA, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining industries, inspiring innovation, improving operations, and driving, growth. Government and Irish businesses are embracing and capitalising on AI’s potential to enhance customer experiences and gain a competitive advantage. But as adoption accelerates, new security challenges arise, demanding vigilant attention to protect these investments Ivor Buckley, Field CTO at Dell Technologies Ireland explains more

Forecasts indicate that AI could contribute trillions to the global economy by 2030, with Ireland well-positioned to capture a significant share of this value. According to Dell Technologies’ Innovation Catalyst Study, 76% say AI and Generative AI (GenAI) is a key part of their organisation’s business strategy while 66% of organisations are already in early-to mid-stages of their AI and GenAI journey.

As AI becomes more embedded in everything from customer management to critical infrastructure, safeguarding these investments and tackling the evolving cyber threat landscape must be a priority. To that end the success of integrating AI in the region depends on addressing three critical security imperatives: managing risks associated with AI usage, proactively defend against AI-enhanced attacks, and employing AI to enhance their overall security posture.

Managing the Risks of AI Usage

Ireland as a digital hub within the EU, must navigate the complex regulatory environment like the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), NIS2 Directive, the Cyber Resilience Act and the recently launched EU AI Act. These frameworks introduce stringent cybersecurity requirements that businesses leveraging AI must meet to ensure resilience and compliance.

AI’s reliance on vast amounts of data presents unique challenges. AI models are built, trained, and fine-tuned with data sets, making protection paramount.

To meet these challenges, Irish organisations must embed cybersecurity principles such as least privilege access, robust authentication controls, and real-time monitoring into every stage of the AI lifecycle. However, technology and implementing these measures effectively isn’t enough. The Innovation Catalyst Study highlighted that a lack of skills and expertise ranks as one of the top three challenges faced by organisations looking to modernize their defenses. Bridging this skills gap is vital to delivering secure and scalable AI solutions because only with the right talent, governance, and security-first mindset can Ireland unlock the full potential of AI innovation in a resilient and responsible way.

A further step that Irish businesses can take to address AI risks, is to integrate risk considerations across ethical, safety, and cultural domains. A multidisciplinary approach can help ensure that AI is deployed responsibly. Establishing comprehensive AI governance frameworks is essential. These frameworks should include perspectives from experts across the organisation to balance security, compliance, and innovation within a single, cohesive risk management strategy.

Countering AI-Powered Threats

While AI has enormous potential, bad actors are leveraging AI to enhance the speed, scale, and sophistication of attacks. Social engineering schemes, advanced fraud tactics, and AI-generated phishing emails are becoming more difficult to detect, with some leading to significant financial losses. Deepfakes, for instance, are finding their way into targeted scams aimed at compromising organisations. A 2024 ENISA report highlighted that AI-enhanced phishing attacks have surged by 35% in the past year, underscoring the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.

To stay ahead organisations must prepare for an era where cyberattacks operate at machines’ speed. Transitioning to a defensive approach anchored in automation is key to responding swiftly and effectively, minimizing the impact of advanced attacks. The future of AI agents in the cybersecurity domain may not be far off.

This means deploying AI-powered security tools that can detect anomalies in real time, automate incident response and adapt evolving threats. Equally important is that business across Ireland need to start fostering a culture of cyber awareness across the workforce, which is supported by AI-driven training tailored to individual risk profiles to counteract evolving threats.

Leveraging AI to Strengthen Security

AI’s capabilities offer organisations powerful tools to fortify their defenses. With its ability to detect vulnerabilities, predict risk, and accelerate response times, AI is emerging as a critical asset in the fight against cyber threats. It can help Irish organisations move from reactive to proactive security postures. The Innovation Catalyst Study found 75% of business and IT leaders say AI/GenAI is a key part of their organisation’s business strategy, with many already seeing tangible results in their cybersecurity strategies.

Here’s how organisations in Ireland can leverage AI to enhance security:

  • Secure Software Development: AI can improve coding processes by detecting weaknesses early, helping teams reduce vulnerabilities in the development phase.
  • Advanced Threat Prediction: AI’s algorithms can identify patterns and anticipate potential attack paths, aiding teams in proactive risk allocation.
  • Enhanced Threat Detection: By processing vast datasets in real time, AI can discern genuine threats from noise with unprecedented accuracy.
  • Automated Incident Responses: AI tools can significantly accelerate containment and mitigation following an intrusion, reducing response timelines.
  • User Awareness Programs: AI-powered systems can deliver tailored security training to employees, fostering vigilance and reducing human errors that often lead to breaches.
  • For many businesses, the adoption of these advanced AI-driven tools will rely on partnerships with technology providers. It’s critical to ensure internal processes and data are structured and simplified to fully support the power of AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions. An automation-first approach ensures that businesses can adapt to a future where autonomous threats are the norm.

 Building a Resilient Future

Ireland’s digital future depends on our ability to innovate with confidence and as we know AI has now moved beyond emerging technology status and now plays a central role in digital transformation. That means embedding security into every AI initiative, aligning with evolving regulations and investing in skills, talent and right technology/technology partners is needed to stay ahead of threats.

Companies that approach AI security with robust protections and innovative strategies will not only mitigate risks but position themselves as industry leaders. By addressing the three imperatives of managing risks, countering threats, and leveraging AI for security, businesses here in Ireland can unlock AI’s full potential.

Secured properly, the innovation AI enables will drive sustainable growth for businesses across EMEA, setting them up to thrive in an increasingly digital and data-centric world. The future belongs to those who innovate securely, balancing progress with responsibility.

Why the Right Ear Plugs Matter – Especially at Concerts

Concerts are all about energy, emotion, and connection — but they’re also about sound. A lot of sound. While we expect loud music in these settings, what many people don’t realise is that just a few hours of high-volume exposure can cause long-term hearing damage. That’s why using the right ear plugs for concerts is one of the smartest choices any music lover can make.

The Hidden Risk in Live Music

Standing in front of a stage, feeling the bass through your body, and singing along to your favourite band is an incredible experience. But concert volumes regularly exceed 100 decibels — a level that can start damaging hearing in under 15 minutes. The ringing you might hear after a show isn’t just a temporary annoyance; it’s a sign that your ears have been overexposed.

And repeated exposure? That can lead to permanent hearing loss or conditions like tinnitus.

Not All Ear Plugs Are Created Equal

Some people avoid ear plugs at concerts because they think they’ll ruin the sound — muffling vocals, flattening the music, or making the experience less enjoyable. That may be true with cheap foam plugs, but not with ear plugs designed specifically for music.

High-quality ear plugs for concerts, like those from Alpine, use special acoustic filters that lower the volume without distorting the sound. This means you get the same clarity, depth, and energy — just at a safe listening level.

Everyday Protection with Alpine Ear Plugs

While concert-specific models are ideal for live events, Alpine’s broader range of ear plugs offers solutions for every situation — from sleep and travel to work and study. All are designed for comfort, durability, and effective sound reduction, so you can find exactly what fits your lifestyle.

Whether you’re blocking out city noise during your commute or protecting your ears at a music festival, Alpine ear plugs make it easy to enjoy life without putting your hearing at risk.

Listen Smart, Enjoy More

You don’t have to choose between your love of music and your long-term hearing health. With the right ear plugs, you can fully enjoy concerts, festivals, and gigs — all while giving your ears the protection they deserve.

 

Building Digital Resilience: Strategies for Security Teams Under Pressure

As digital infrastructures expand, so too does the scope of risk. Enterprises no longer contend solely with perimeter breaches or isolated phishing attacks; they face a constantly shifting threat landscape shaped by geopolitics, emerging technologies, and the growing sophistication of adversaries. Security leaders are under pressure to adapt—not just reactively, but strategically.

Building resilience requires more than a solid firewall or frequent employee training. It’s about anticipating, responding, and recovering in a way that minimizes disruption and safeguards long-term operations. But doing so demands that cybersecurity programs mature beyond static controls and embrace continuous learning, contextual awareness, and intelligent prioritization.

Bridging the Gaps Between Risk, Strategy, and Action

Many organizations maintain a separation between risk governance and technical security operations. Compliance frameworks dictate controls, audits verify their implementation, and risk registers get updated annually. Meanwhile, security teams operate on a different cadence—responding to alerts, patching vulnerabilities, and investigating anomalies as they occur.

This disjointed approach leads to blind spots. Executives believe risk is under control because a framework has been followed. Security teams, however, may be aware of threats or attack paths that aren’t reflected in the documentation—or even properly understood by other departments.

Bridging this gap requires more than cross-functional meetings. It calls for a shared understanding of risk that is both technical and strategic. Security leaders must be fluent in the language of business impact, while decision-makers must recognize that cyber risks evolve faster than annual review cycles allow. When technical realities and business goals are misaligned, even a well-funded cybersecurity program can falter.

The Role of Contextual Awareness in Cyber Threat Intelligence and Incident Response

Security incidents don’t happen in a vacuum. Threat actors tailor their tactics based on industries, technologies, and even geopolitical developments. What matters is not just what happened, but why it happened, and what it means for future exposure.

This is where the convergence of cyber threat intelligence and incident response becomes critical. Together, they provide a cycle of insight and adaptation. Intelligence supplies the context—who is targeting your sector, what tools they use, and what signals might indicate reconnaissance or lateral movement. Incident response, on the other hand, applies that knowledge during high-pressure moments to reduce dwell time, contain impact, and improve response accuracy.

Organizations that invest in this synergy are better equipped to move beyond one-off incident reports. Instead, they build a threat-informed defense posture that continually adapts to new realities. This doesn’t require reinventing the SOC model, but it does mean integrating intelligence into both detection logic and post-incident reviews. The result is not just faster response—but smarter, more resilient defense cycles. [Insert link here]

Avoiding Tool Sprawl While Maximizing Operational Value

A common reflex when addressing gaps in security posture is to adopt new tools. Behavioral analytics, extended detection and response (XDR), and SOAR platforms all promise faster insights and better coordination. But without a clear integration plan, these technologies often introduce complexity faster than they add value.

Tool sprawl has both operational and psychological consequences. Analysts waste time switching between dashboards, reconciling conflicting alerts, or manually correlating data. Worse, leadership may assume that the presence of cutting-edge tools equates to effectiveness—when in reality, the team may be overwhelmed and underutilizing key capabilities.

The solution isn’t to avoid new technology altogether, but to pursue it deliberately. Start with clear objectives—what gap are you trying to close, and how will success be measured? Choose vendors that emphasize interoperability, not lock-in. And most importantly, invest in people. Even the most advanced threat detection platforms are only as effective as the analysts interpreting their output.

Building Toward a Culture of Preparedness

Cybersecurity has matured into a discipline of both prevention and recovery. As such, organizational culture matters as much as technology. Incident simulations should be routine, not exceptional. Cross-functional tabletop exercises should test both the technical and communicative response to hypothetical breaches. Post-mortems should be honest, blameless, and actionable.

Preparedness is not a state; it’s a practice. It involves executive buy-in, realistic planning, and a willingness to acknowledge uncertainty. No team can prevent every incident—but those that cultivate transparency, learning, and agility will fare far better when one occurs.

By focusing on strategic alignment, intelligent integration of threat intelligence and response, and a culture of readiness, organizations position themselves not only to endure attacks—but to emerge stronger from them.

1 in 3 Irish businesses use AI to help detect fraud

More than 9 in 10 (94%) of Irish businesses are using Artificial Intelligence, a survey has revealed.

This is according to research from insurance broker and risk management company Gallagher in Ireland, which found that only 3% of Irish businesses are not using AI. By comparison, the same survey in the UK found that 15% of businesses are not using AI.

Commenting on the survey findings, Laura Vickers, Managing Director of Commercial Lines in Gallagher said:

“AI is transforming the way we live and work, with our survey showing that most Irish businesses are already using AI, and for a myriad different reasons.

Recent years have seen AI advance in leap and bounds. AI arguably has much greater potential to transform the workplace than previous breakthrough technologies, such as the internet and smartphones, have. AI can be used to drive innovation in a business and to make work processes more efficient, freeing up the time of employees. It can also help detect fraud and to reduce customer service costs.”

Gallagher commissioned a survey of 300 business decision makers across the UK & Ireland, 100 of whom are based in Ireland.

The survey identified the top 8 reasons employees in Irish businesses use AI:

  1. To improve customer service and support         (43%)
  2. To be able to gather better data and insights that will benefit their business and customers (41%)
  3. To improve customer experience and engagement (39%)
  4. Supply chain management (37%)
  5. To provide an extra layer of IT security to the business (35%)
  6. To help detect fraudulent activity (34%)
  7. To automate business processes and free up the time of colleagues (30%)
  8. Accounting (18%)

Ms Vickers added:

“Whilst AI has the potential to deliver many benefits to businesses, there are valid concerns around the power of this technology, including privacy, misinformation and its potential to lead to job displacement. It’s important that business leaders ensure their employees are supported and trained in the use of the technology and that they have adequate cyber cover in place to help protect their businesses.”

Geographic differences on AI

The survey revealed some interesting geographic differences when it comes to the use of AI in the workplace including:

  • Businesses in Dublin (43%) and Munster (40%) are the most inclined to use AI to help detect fraud (see Table 2 in Appendix). Businesses in Connacht are the least likely to use the technology to help detect fraud, with only one in ten (11%) doing so, followed by businesses in Ulster (25%) and Leinster (29%).
  • Munster businesses are the most inclined to use AI to provide an extra layer of IT security for their business. The survey found that six in ten (60%) businesses in Munster use the technology for this reason compared one in four (24%) in Leinster and one in three (33%) in Dublin.
  • Businesses in Munster are the most likely to use AI to improve customer service and support with 60% doing so compared to one in three (33%) firms in both Leinster and Connacht.
  • When it comes to using AI to free up the time of colleagues, Dublin businesses are the most inclined to do so (39%).

For further information, please visit: https://www.ajg.ie/

What Should You Consider Before Choosing Your First Prop Firm?

Navigating the world of proprietary trading can be challenging, especially for those entering the industry for the first time. Selecting the right prop trading firm may determine the level of support, funding, and trading flexibility a new trader receives. It’s essential to evaluate each firm for its track record, payout structure, and commitment to risk management.

For example, Atmos Funded, prop trading firm, might appeal to those who value clear rules and a structured path to funding. Some firms focus heavily on fast scaling, while others, like Atmos, may place more emphasis on steady performance and risk control. It’s worth comparing how each firm handles evaluations and whether their terms match your trading style. Taking the time to weigh these differences can make a big difference in how comfortable and successful you feel as you grow.

Key Takeaways

  • The right firm provides support and funding to traders.
  • Review transparency, payout policies, and risk management thoroughly.
  • A careful selection process leads to better trading opportunities.

Essential Factors to Evaluate Before Choosing a Prop Firm

Selecting a prop trading firm means looking well beyond marketing promises. The integrity of a firm, its market access, and how it manages risk rules directly affect a trader’s experience and long-term potential for success.

Reputation and Trustworthiness

When reviewing prop trading firms, reputation should be verified through third-party reviews and trader testimonials. Established names such as FTMO, FundedNext, Topstep, and SurgeTrader have amassed large communities with a mix of positive and negative feedback. Consistent performance results and positive trader experiences are hallmarks of a reputable prop trading company.

Regulation is a key indicator of trustworthiness. In Canada and the U.S., look for firms registered with recognized authorities such as IIROC or FINRA. While not all prop firms are regulated, those that publicly list compliance details are often more transparent and reliable.

It’s also advisable to track down independent reviews across forums and social platforms. Check for reported payment issues or unethical practices. A strong track record, fair evaluation processes, and ethical conduct all indicate a reputable prop trading firm.

Trading Instruments and Markets Offered

Each prop trading firm offers a different menu of financial instruments and asset classes. Traders should identify firms that support their preferred markets, such as forex trading, stocks, futures, options, cryptocurrency, or CFDs. For example, FTMO is well known for its wide forex offering, whereas Topstep primarily focuses on futures.

Some firms, like Funding Pips or FXIFY, specialize in forex or indices. Others enable access to larger markets, including stock market trading, energy, or real estate derivatives. Always review the platform’s full list of supported financial instruments.

It’s important to consider market hours, liquidity, and trade execution speed. The diversity of markets and instruments can impact trading strategies, so choose a firm that aligns with personal strengths and interests.

Risk Management and Trading Rules

Every proprietary trading firm enforces risk policies to protect both the company and funded traders. Rules often include maximum drawdown limits, strict daily loss caps, and profit targets. Failure to follow these guidelines can lead to account termination or removal from a funding program.

Important risk management factors to check include the firm’s approach to scaling plans, how it handles position sizing, and whether it offers trailing drawdowns or fixed limits. For example, Topstep and FTMO both have clear, rule-based evaluation processes that focus on discipline and consistency.

Before joining any prop firm, study the terms for funded accounts, withdrawal procedures, and what happens in edge-case drawdown situations. Reliable firms provide transparent risk parameters and reinforce a culture of responsible trading. 

Practical Considerations When Selecting Your First Prop Trading Firm

Choosing a prop trading firm goes beyond headline numbers. Traders should analyse costs, technology, and support to ensure the firm aligns with their trading style, financial goals, and need for adaptability in diverse markets.

Cost Structure and Payouts

The structure of fees and payouts directly impacts a trader’s overall profitability and ability to achieve their financial objectives. Prospective funded traders should assess evaluation fees, recurring expenses, and the firm’s profit split. Firms may offer splits ranging from 70/30 up to 90/10 in favour of the trader, but the best deal is not always the highest split.

Day traders and those using retail trading approaches should check for any hidden costs, such as withdrawal fees, inactivity charges, or unexpected platform costs. Understanding payout schedules—whether payouts are weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—is critical for reliable income planning. Some prop firms impose limits on the minimum or maximum withdrawal, so reading the terms is non-negotiable.

Firms granting sizeable trading capital may require traders to meet strict trading conditions. Always evaluate how leverage is structured, keeping risk appetite and trading strategies in mind. 

Technology, Tools, and Platforms

Access to robust technology forms the foundation of modern trading activities. The right firm provides access to competitive trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and proprietary or third-party alternatives. These platforms should support automated trading and offer rich sets of analytical tools, indicators, and risk management features.

A good prop firm also supplies demo accounts for backtesting strategies and refining techniques before going live. The adaptability of platforms to multiple devices—desktop, web, and mobile—is important for day traders or those trading from home.

Advanced tech enables retail traders to maintain a competitive edge through real-time data, fast execution, and efficient trade management. It’s wise to check integration with reliable brokers and the quality of financial services, such as banking and withdrawal processes. 

Conclusion

Selecting a prop firm requires careful review of factors such as reputation, profit splits, trading conditions, and risk management rules. Traders benefit from assessing fee structures, payout processes, and the flexibility offered for different trading styles.

Evaluating multiple firms and comparing their offerings helps individuals find the most suitable option for their goals. Clear and transparent rules, as well as strong support systems, contribute to a productive trading experience.

 

Majority of Irish business leaders believe artificial intelligence could pose a risk to their business

Nine in ten Irish businesses (90%) are concerned about the risks artificial intelligence (AI) poses to their business. This compares to six in ten (63%) UK businesses, suggesting that Irish businesses are more worried about AI than their UK counterparts.

Research from insurance broker and risk management company Gallagher in Ireland has revealed that almost nine in ten (89%) Irish businesses are concerned about the increased threat of privacy violations and data breaches which AI could bring, with a similar number (88%) worried about the potential for AI to produce misleading or incorrect information.

Gallagher commissioned a survey of 300 business decision makers across the UK & Ireland, 100 of which are based in Ireland. The survey examined the level of concern about AI amongst Irish businesses and what those concerns related to.

Top six AI risks identified by Irish businesses:

  1. Increased threat of privacy violations and data breaches (89% of Irish businesses said they are concerned about this)
  2. Errors and the potential for AI to produce misleading or incorrect information (88%)
  3. Algorithm bias and discrimination (84%)
  4. Liability or legal accountability in the misuse of AI (83%)
  5. Greater vulnerability to cyberattacks and fraud (82%)
  6. The lack of skills within their organisation to leverage AI (82%).

Commenting on the survey findings, Laura Vickers, Managing Director of Commercial Lines in Gallagher said:

“AI is a rapidly evolving technology that has advanced at a quick pace. While there are many benefits to using the technology, including its ability to streamline processes and offer an enhanced customer experience, our research shows that its fast-growing capabilities and increasingly widespread use have raised concerns amongst businesses.

“Many entrepreneurs and managers have spent years, even decades, building up their firms into successful businesses, therefore it is essential that they proactively address any potential risks.”

 Gender, age and geographic divides

 Other highlights to emerge from the Gallagher research include:

  • 100% of business decision makers in legal, manufacturing, marketing and public relations, utility, business services and professional services firms said they were concerned about the risks AI posed to their business.
  • Concern about AI risks was also high amongst healthcare businesses (96% of business decision makers in this sector said they were concerned about the risks AI posed to their business), financial services firms (94%), construction (89%), hospitality and leisure (88%) and retail (87%).
  • The firms displaying lower levels of concern about AI risks were IT and computing businesses, where only half (50%) of respondents expressed concerns about the technology.
  • Businesses in Dublin (94%), Ulster (94%) and Connacht (89%) are most inclined to be concerned about the risks which AI could pose to their firm while Munster (80%) and Leinster (81%) firms were least concerned.

Ms Vickers added: “It is interesting that our survey found that IT businesses were amongst the least concerned about AI. Perhaps this suggests that those working in IT are more familiar with and better able to understand and manage AI. If Irish businesses learned more about this technology, it may help them to overcome their fear around it – and it may also empower them to make the most of the new technology, while also avoiding the risks and dangers it might bring.”

Looking at the Reality of Penny Stocks Trading

Penny stocks have an almost magical appeal for new investors. But here’s the harsh truth—while some make money, most also lose. The promise of massive returns blinds investors to the risks. If you’ve ever been tempted by a low-priced stock, this article is a must-read for you.

In this article, we will understand the reality of penny stock trading and see how they can put your money at risk. 

What Are Penny Stocks?

Penny stocks are low-priced shares of small companies, typically trading below ₹10. These stocks are often volatile, have low liquidity, and belong to companies with uncertain futures.

For example, GTL Infra share price was once much higher, backed by hopes in the telecom infrastructure space. However, rising debt, weak earnings, and industry struggles led to its downfall. It still attracts speculators hoping for a turnaround, but long-term investors have mostly suffered.

Many penny stocks follow this pattern—initial hype, price spikes, and then a slow fade into obscurity.

Why are People Attracted to Penny Stocks?

Many new investors get lured into penny stocks for the following reasons:

  • Low Entry Cost – You don’t need a lot of money to buy penny stocks. ₹1,000 can get you hundreds of shares.
  • Potential for High Returns – A stock going from ₹1 to ₹5 gives a 400% return, while blue-chip stocks rarely see such gains in a short time.
  • Success Stories – Some companies start as penny stocks and grow into mid-caps or large-caps, making early investors rich.

These factors make penny stocks seem like the golden ticket to wealth creation. However, the reality is far more complex.

The Harsh Reality of Penny Stock Trading

While the potential is exciting, the truth about penny stock trading is harsh. Here are the key risks:

1. Liquidity Issues

With blue-chip stocks like HDFC Bank or TCS, you can buy or sell shares instantly. But, penny stocks often have very few buyers. You might want to sell, but if no one is buying, your money gets stuck.

2. Price Manipulation

Penny stocks are highly susceptible to market manipulation. Certain groups buy large amounts of stock, creating artificial demand and driving up prices. Once unsuspecting retail investors jump in, these groups sell their shares at a profit, causing the stock price to crash. This practice, known as pump and dump, has caused many investors to lose their hard-earned money.

3. Unstable Businesses

Many penny stock companies aren’t profitable. They have weak financials, high debt, or are in declining industries. Unlike established companies with steady revenues, these businesses rely on hope, hype, and speculation.

4. Risk of Delisting

If a stock is consistently below the exchange’s requirements, it can get delisted. Once delisted, you can’t trade it on regular stock exchanges anymore, making shares worthless.

If you’re new to investing or want steady, long-term gains, penny stocks may not suit you. However, if you understand technical analysis, market psychology, and risk management, penny stocks can be profitable—if approached cautiously.

Conclusion

Penny stock trading is not a get-rich-quick scheme. While there are success stories, there are far more cases of investors losing money. If you’re considering investing in penny stocks, approach with caution. Do your own research, never invest more than you can afford to lose, and remember—if a stock looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Investing in the stock market should be about wealth creation, not gambling. Instead of chasing risky penny stocks, focus on long-term, fundamentally strong investments that can help you build real financial security.