All posts by Neel Achary

Bengaluru 25th March 2023: Aimed at giving wings to the dreams of underprivileged children, Appario Retail Private Limited, has contributed Rs. 1.85 crores to fund education for underprivileged children in Bengaluru in collaboration with three non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The funds have been used to support educational programs and initiatives carried out by NGOs Christel House India, YuvaLok Foundation, and Jeevodaya Institute with the aim of addressing challenges faced by Bengaluru’s underprivileged children in accessing quality education.

Together with Christel House India, Appario Retail has sponsored the education of 70 school students under its Education Scholarship program to empower the young mind, of 32 undergraduate students by helping them with higher education Scholarship and providing 10 classroom projectors to enhance their digital learning experience. Similarly, in partnership with YuvaLok Foundation, the company has sponsored the education of 191 students in response to bridging the divide and renovated several toilets for the teachers and students of Yuvalok. It has also supported the higher education costs of 81 students and distributed 40 laptops to the Jeevodaya Institute to set up computer labs for the students and promote digitalization.

The aim of these initiatives is to narrow the education gap between children from privileged and underprivileged backgrounds and help level the playing field for students from poor families so that they, too, can reap the benefits of quality education.

Appario Retail’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Aman Deep Lohan said “The answer to closing the educational gap in India is to give everyone the chance to receive an education of the same caliber. Only when this occurs will India be able to discuss inclusivity and provide underprivileged youth in our nation with equal opportunities to learn and develop. We are pleased to support this important project that will give these kids access to a high-quality education that will prepare them for life’s opportunities and give them a leg up in the modern world. These underserved students must be encouraged and taught the importance of quality education because only then we can break the cycle of poverty they are stuck in.”

Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Mukul Mehra added, “By these initiatives, we hope to provide equal opportunities for underprivileged children by empowering them with the necessary knowledge and skills to not only reach their developmental milestones but also thrive in a knowledge-driven society. There is a great need for hands-on knowledge and exposure to emerging digitalization for children from poor families in order to enhance their higher education and career development. We’re excited to provide a setting that welcomes kids from diverse backgrounds. Seeing these kids excel in their chosen fields will fill us with pride.

India, March 25, 2023: All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council, the premier industry body catering to around 300,000 Indian jewellers and the allied industry value chain, is looking forward to the 3rd edition of GJS – India Gem & Jewellery Show scheduled from 7th to 10th April 2023 at Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO), Mumbai.

GJS will comprise the top-of-the-line manufacturers/wholesalers of Gems & Jewellery retailers and stockists as well as dealers from all over the industry. GJS will assemble the best retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, traders, and delegates from across India. GJS endeavours to be the ultimate sourcing platform for doing business and a must-attend for every jeweller interested in the Indian market. GJS will include the participation of a large number of exhibitors from India.

The show will create a productive atmosphere for the Retailers to explore exclusive and trendsetting precious ornaments and encourage strong business relationships across the country. The India Gem & Jewellery Show (GJS) is being organised less than two-week ahead of the Akshaya Tritiya (which falls this year on April 22, 2023), the most important occasion for buying gold and silver jewellery in India, and hence the event gains prominence. After a lukewarm customer response on the Gudi Padwa due to record high gold prices, sentiment across jewellery sales is likely to remain robust after an encouraging response at India Gem & Jewellery Show.

Mr Saiyam Mehra, Chairman, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council is the Convenor of India Gem & Jewellery Show (GJS), along with Mr Rajesh Rokde, Vice Chairman – All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council, and other members of All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council.

Mr Saiyam Mehra, Chairman, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council, said, “First 2 editions of the India Gem and Jewellery Show (GJS) were a massive success and the whole credit for the success goes to the industry who supported them wholeheartedly. As we all are set to present the 3rd edition – we are getting positive responses from the industry with our door-to-door promotion activities and road shows in multiple cities. We are confident that we will achieve the desired number and make it a grand success.”

So far, more than 450 exhibitors have booked their stalls for the industry show – India Gem & Jewellery Show, a Grand Business-to-Business Expo, which is scheduled to take place between 7th to 10th April 2023, at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Nesco, Goregaon, Mumbai.

The significance of this expo will be ‘Celebrating a 5,000-year Old Industry and creating a Brand New Legacy’. With the venue spreading over 20,000 sq metres, over 500 manufacturers/whole-sellers/ dealers comprising gold, diamond, platinum, silver jewellery, couture jewellery, loose diamond and colour stones, machinery, technology, packing materials and allied products are set to display over 11 lakhs latest and trendsetting designs across around 850 plus booths in the show.

Over 15,000 visitors are expected to make their presence felt at the show. Additionally, a series of seminars have been organised daily for the participants to share their knowledge and drive value to the industry. For the easy convenience of participants, the organisers have tied up with leading five-star and basic hotels and offer complimentary lunches for visitors and exhibitors at the venue.

India Gem and Jewellery Show offers a golden opportunity to connect with industry stakeholders, network with the entire trade channel partners and grow your own business. Hence, this mega business-to-business expo is an important event which offers an opportunity for Indian gems and jewellery businesses to grow in the millennial circle with old jewellery which is rare.

There will be participants from jewellery manufacturers, designers, wholesalers and retailers among other value chain participants including service providers, financiers etc.

“There are over 450 exhibitors who have already registered for this Indian Gems and Jewellery Show. We have got an overwhelming response from all segments of India’s gems and jewellery industry. With robust economic growth witnessed in India in the last few quarters, we are confident of the jewellery business coming back on track,” said Mr Rajesh Rokde the Vice Chairman – All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council.

About GJC: All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) represents lakhs of trade constituents comprising manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, laboratories, gemologists, designers and allied services to the domestic gems & jewellery industry. The Council functions with the objective to address the industry, it’s functioning, and its cause with a 360° approach to promote and progress its growth while protecting the industry’s interests. GJC, for the last 17 years, has been serving as a bridge between the government and the trade by undertaking various initiatives on behalf of and for the industry.

For further information, please feel free to contact All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC): Mr. Mitesh Dhorda- GM; Mobile: 9820410448; Email: mitesh@gjc.org.in

ᐧ

Mumbai, March 25, 2023 – Amadeus, the largest technology provider for the travel industry worldwide has introduced its Travel4Impact initiative in India – a social innovation network for the tourism industry. The Travel4Impact network aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the travel and tourism sectors in India by providing them with a platform to collaborate, innovate and develop sustainable solutions. The initiative seeks to promote digitalization and sustainability in tourism operations while fostering economic growth.

Travel4Impact is an initiative run by Amadeus alongside IE University, a leading international higher education institution, recognized as one of the first carbon-neutral universities in Europe. The program is designed to improve the competitiveness and social and environmental impact of SMEs in the travel sector. This is done through the creation of a network to support enterprises that see digitalization, collaboration, and sustainability as key elements of their value proposition.

“Introducing Amadeus’ Travel4Impact initiative in India is part of Amadeus’ global commitment to supporting SMEs in the travel and tourism sectors to collaborate, innovate and develop sustainable solutions in India,” said Shalini Nair, Head of People and Culture, India, and APAC at Amadeus Labs. “At Amadeus, we are constantly looking for ways to collaborate with stakeholders to promote sustainability in the travel industry. Our collaboration with IE University to extend the Travel4Impact initiative in the APAC regions is our commitment towards consistently making a positive impact on the world through responsible tourism.”

Travel4Impact Network first launched in Spain and then expanded to Europe over the first two iterations. This year, it will have a more global scope, welcoming organizations from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Applications for the third edition opened on March 1st with more than 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expected to participate in 2023.

The program is open to SMEs with more than two years of activity within the tourism ecosystem and two or more full-time employees. Entrants must have a proven interest in sustainability and digitalization and be actively looking to maximize the positive impact of their work. Central to this is demonstrating that the SME has a business footprint in its specific market or region (EMEA or APAC).

Concepción Galdón, Director of IE Center for Social Innovation & Sustainability, IE University, said, “Travel4Impact is a network of SMEs in the travel and tourism industry that spearhead travel’s immense value for environmental and social value creation. They understand and exchange best practices to generate the kind of transformational experiences that only great and responsible travel provides.”

Successful applications will receive support in the development of their digital strategies, the social and environmental impact of their value proposition and the sustainability of their business. There are opportunities to take part in an innovation community, co-create, share knowledge and experiences, access training as well as collaborate with other participants.

The initiative has already been launched in several other countries, including Spain, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, and has been well-received by SMEs in those markets. This year, it has broadened its reach to include organizations from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific for the first time. Applications for the third edition opened on March 1st with more than 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expected to participate in 2023.

Mumbai, 25 March 2023: Campus Activewear, India’s largest sports, and athleisure footwear brand, unveils a new brand campaign to announce the launch of its latest collection – Motomania. The new collection is designed to meet the needs of the modern-day biker, who not only demands high performance but also wants to make a statement with their style. The collection features a range of shoes that are not only functional but also fashion-forward, making them a must-have for any biker’s wardrobe and adding a touch of style to speed, with their sleek and trendy design.

To celebrate the launch of the collection, Campus Activewear has released a digital film that showcases the shoes’ unique aerodynamic design appropriate for a comfortable yet stylish ride. The film highlights the shoes’ durability, grip, and design, making them the perfect choice for any biker looking for a blend of style and functionality with the theme “Style your Speed”.

Speaking about the Motomania collection, Prerna Aggarwal, CMO, of Campus Activewear Ltd. said, “We are delighted to launch our exclusive Motomania shoe collection, which is specially designed to cater to the comfort and stylish needs of the modern-day biker. We understand that biking is not just a mode of transportation for our customers but an expression of thrill and rush that the ride gives them, and our new collection is designed to reflect this spirit. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a range of shoes that not only enhances your riding experience but also is fashion-forward, affordable and comfortable for longer usage. We are confident that it will appeal to biking enthusiasts across the country.”

“We believe that every biker deserves footwear that is as reliable as their bike, and our new collection is a testament to this belief.” added Ms. Aggarwal.

The Campus Motomania range of shoes takes its inspiration from racing motors. They’re sleek and comfortable, with a rubber outsole that offers high traction and styles modeled after the aerodynamic form of racing motors. The Motomania range perfectly captures the action-packed, thrilling world of motorsport. The shoes are designed to have an anti-skid non-marking sole with toe protection to be long-lasting and offer excellent value for money. Ranged at a price of Rs. 1899, the exclusive range comes in four colors: red, white, black, and navy blue. The designs have several elements e.g. racing tracks, checkered flags, etc. which add to the riding experience in the most stylish yet comfortable shoes.

The new motor shoe collection range is now available for purchase on the Campus Shoes website along with Myntra. For more information about the collection or to purchase a pair of shoes, visit Campus shoes’ website at campusshoes.com.

“Effective communication is essential to build human connections and successful relationships,” says Meghna Trivedy. She carries this belief into her new role as the Director of Public Relations and Communications for Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru. With its vibrant restaurants, tranquil gardens, and central location in the landmark Embassy ONE development, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is the place to be.

As Director of PR and Communications for Four Seasons Bengaluru, Meghna will be responsible for driving sustainable financial gains through leveraging corporate potential, innovative branding strategies and ideations to build a solid corporate brand. She looks forward to employing her experience and creativity to bring profitable solutions and incentives to Four Seasons and drive business growth while enhancing the hotel’s reputation
as a leading luxury destination in Bengaluru.

An industry veteran, Meghna has worked with renowned brands and companies such as Marriott, Movenpick, The Park, and The Leela. She brings with her over 14 years of rich experience in luxury hospitality sales and marketing and a history of achieving significant milestones and strengthening brand positioning.

“Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is a dynamic experience that reflects the city’s innovative and cosmopolitan spirit. We are confident that Meghna’s expertise and experience will help the hotel enhance connections with our community of internal and external stakeholders and further strengthen this beautiful brand. We wish her the very best in her new role”, says Reuben Kataria, General Manager.

Meghna looks forward to beginning her new role and leading her team at the award- winning Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru.

As summer approaches, women prepare themselves to stay comfortable in the warmer weather. Therefore, there is a growing demand for efficient hair removal methods. KAI India, the Indian arm of Japan’s iconic brand KAI has introduced its latest offering – the new K4 soft Razor for women, featuring superior Japanese technology and innovative features.

The K4 Soft Razor is a disposable razor that provides a comfortable and effortless hair removal experience for the legs, underarms, and bikini area. Its four high-quality blades ensure that your skin is left feeling exceptionally smooth and silky. The ultra-thin blades of the KAI K4 Soft Razor glide effortlessly over the skin, making shaving a breeze. After use, the blades are easy to rinse, ensuring that the razor remains hygienic and long-lasting.

Experience the ultimate in hair removal with the KAI K4 Soft Razor, designed to make hair removal very simple and leave you with a perfect shave.

KAI India’s K4 Soft Razor for women is available at https://kaiindiaonline.com and on all leading e-commerce platforms for INR 160 only.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajesh U. Pandya, Managing Director of KAI India, said, “Our new K4 Soft razor is an excellent solution for women looking for a high-quality razor for their hair removal needs. The razor’s innovative design and superior Japanese technology make hair removal effortless, and it is capable of delivering a perfect, close shave with ease. We are confident that our customers in India will love the K4 Soft Razor.”

Founded in Seki in 1908, KAI group products have cult status in Japan. The brand is known for its high-quality beauty care and personal grooming products integrating practical aesthetics with refined craftsmanship providing well-designed, innovative houseware, and beauty care products that are used widely in day-to-day lives.

Japan-based KAI Group made a foray into the Indian market by setting up a manufacturing facility spanning over 30,000 sq mt in Neemrana, Rajasthan. KAI brings over 800 years of Japanese legacy of forging blades, directly to Indian households with its kitchenware range. KAI Also offers high-precision beauty and personal care products to Indian consumers adding value to their daily life. Hey are determined to provide products prepared with detailed R&D and superior Japanese technology. With its clear vision and mission, KAI is marching forward towards becoming a household name in India.

Bangalore, 24 March 2023: TECNO, the premium technology brand operating in 70 global markets, launched its brand new and futuristic SPARK 10 universe in India today. The series is the successor to SPARK 9 series, which was launched last year under the ‘All-rounder SPARK portfolio’. The SPARK 10 universe is based on the philosophy of ‘Make It Big’ and the introduction of the SPARK 10 universe marks a new era in selfie phones in its segment by combining superior performance with sleek and trendy design. The universe comprises of four vivid smartphones, SPARK 10 Pro, SPARK 10 5G, SPARK 10 C, and SPARK 10 – to unleash a cosmos of new possibilities.

The maiden product of the series, SPARK 10 Pro, priced at INR12,499, is a flag-bearer in its own aggressive capacity. TECNO SPARK 10 Pro is the first & only smartphone in the sub-15K segment that offers the unique combination of 16GB RAM via Memory Fusion Technology 2.1 with 128GB ROM and the category-defining 32MP Ultra-Clear Front Camera. The smartphone synthesizes the small pixel size of 0.8um into a bigger pixel size of 1.6um.

Commenting on the introduction of the latest SPARK 10 universe and the launch of the SPARK 10 Pro, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India, said, “Consumer demands are ever-evolving, and smartphone players need to be agile enough to meet the customer’s expectations and provide them with the best, always. Our latest SPARK 10 universe offering is designed for the discerning youth of India, for whom smartphones are their primary screen and they consume various kinds of content, including pictures, videos, and OTT streaming. For undertaking such tasks, consumers require a smartphone with higher RAM capacity. With the introduction of SPARK 10 Pro, we address the same gap in the sub-15K segment by providing 16GB RAM coupled with pleasing aesthetics and a great in-hand feel. We are persistently focused on offering customers premium products backed by advanced technological advancements and industry-first features at the most competitive and disruptive price points.”

The SPARK 10 Pro offers an advanced 50MP AI camera supported by ASD mode and 3D LUT technology, resulting in natural shots that are fully adapted to skin tones. Together with the Intelligent Beauty Mode, the smartphones deliver flawless and simply stunning portrait photos.

Furthermore, with smart Super Night Filters and the Super Night Algorithm, as well as the dual flashlight, SPARK 10 Pro improves night photography by several notches, making every frame and picture clearer than ever before. The smartphone is available in three enticing colors namely Lunar Eclipse, Pearl White, and Starry Black.

TECNO SPARK 10 Pro will go on sale from 24th March 2023 in your nearby retail touchpoints – priced at INR12,499.

Key USPs of TECNO SPARK 10 Pro:

· Make it Big with Segment-first 16GB RAM for an ultra-fast smartphone experience

With the Memory Fusion technology, the SPARK 10 Pro even boasts up to 128GB ROM and 16GB RAM (8GB extended RAM). For creators and gamers, the desire to push boundaries requires top-notch technology that surpasses expectations. Enjoy snappier app response, smoother gameplay, and faster scrolling with large 16GB RAM. Its 8GB LPDDR4x RAM with up to 8GB Virtual RAM makes 16GB Large RAM for the smooth operation of any kind of robust task. 128GB Internal Storage provides a seamless and fast data experience at every moment. SPARK 10 Pro optimized the performance with MediaTek Helio G88, which is an octa-core processor that features two Arm Cortex-A75 CPUs operating up to 2GHz, enabling quick responsive reactions. Clubbed with MediaTek HyperEngine 2.0 and supercharged by the GameTurbo Algorithm from TECNO, the SPARK 10 Pro estimates lags and intelligently improves operational smoothness, providing an unmatched gaming and entertainment experience.

• · 32MP Bigger Selfie: Capture the Best

Created for selfie fanatics, the SPARK 10 Pro has an impressive 32MP Ultra-Clear Front Camera. Additionally, SPARK 10 Pro is equipped with dual soft lights on both the front and rear cameras. The built-in 10 Lux soft light provides just the right amount of flash that does not glare, and the intensity of the soft light is adjustable in three levels for different lighting conditions. To ensure users will always get the perfect selfie, any overexposure is immediately corrected by the Super Flashlight Algorithm to achieve a balance of brightness between the background and the subject, while concealing users’ blemishes and accentuating their beauty. All of this makes SPARK 10 Prothe lighting pro in your pocket

• · 50MP High-Resolution Photography System, Delivering More Detailed Shots

SPARK 10 Pro offers an advanced 50MP AI-enabled camera powered by ASD mode and 3D LUT technology, bringing natural shots that are fully adapted to skin tones. Together with the Intelligent Beauty Mode, SPARK 10 Pro delivers flawless and stunning portrait shots. Furthermore, with smart Super Night Filters and the Super Night Algorithm, as well as the dual flashlight, SPARK 10 Pro improves the performance of night photography, making every frame and picture clearer. SPARK 10 Pro is also supported by smart focus, so users will never miss a wonderful moment, even if it comes unexpectedly

• · Bigger Display, Elevating Your Visual Experience to New Heights

Additionally, the 6.8″ FHD optimally-sized large screen expands the user experience, and combined with the ultra-high resolution display and DCI-P3 color, these gamuts together build an immersive theatrical visual experience on the phone. Enjoy the next unbelievable level of smoothness with a 90Hz refresh rate and 270Hz touch Sampling Rate of Spark 10 Pro. SPARK 10 Pro is supported by a 5000mAh battery and 18W fast-charging capability, promising a long-lasting battery life that keeps the device powered up even under heavy use. Last but not least, TECNO SPARK 10 Pro uplifts user experience in software with the impeccable HiOS 12.6 based on Android 13

• · Sleek and Youthful Design for Trendsetters

These standard-setting innovations are housed within a striking, unprecedented design featuring a starry glass back panel that is glossy, smooth, comfortable to hold, and natural to the skin. Dual cameras and a smart flashlight form a flagship triple ring, while the edges of the phone are flat, showing a premium and minimalist look. Users will be proud to show off their devices that come in an array of colors: Starry Black, Lunar Eclipse, and Pearl White for the SPARK 10 Pro

Bangalore, March 24, 2023: Axis Bank, India’s third largest private sector bank has launched the revolutionary PIN on a Mobile solution for accepting digital payments, in the Indian market, along with Ezetap by Razorpay & MyPinpad as the technical solution partners. ‘MicroPay’ is a revolutionary ‘PIN on Mobile’ solution that converts a merchant’s smartphone into a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, thereby simplifying digital payments and delivering a unique customer experience. It will be a true game-changer for businesses across India, especially for the retail and kirana shops in Tier-2 and 3 cities that operate on limited working capital and would prefer cost-effective payment solutions

While the adoption rate of digital Point of Sale (POS) systems has increased in India, the device cost sometimes acts as a deterrent for MSMEs. The PIN on Mobile technology converts a merchant’s smartphone into a POS and offers them a cost-effective means to accept payments through card, UPI, BQR-code etc. while maintaining the highest security standards.

This pocket-sized device is a small low-cost card reader which supports “insert” and “tap” options for debit and credit cards. This secure card reader is connected to the merchant’s smartphone through Bluetooth and allows customers to punch in their PIN directly on the merchant’s smartphone. The security of the PIN is ensured by being compliant with PCI standards for Software-based PIN Entry on COTS (SPoC) phones.

Commenting on the announcement, Sanjeev Moghe, President & Head – Cards & Payments, Axis Bank, said, “We have been working on innovative & affordable POS solutions for the merchant community to help them adopt digital payments at scale, by providing a lower cost but secure payment acceptance device. The merchant community in rural India is adapting to the digital payments infrastructure and we believe that this MicroPay solution will contribute immensely towards improving their experience and introducing them to a new & modern method of accepting digital payments. With its compact design, robust features & lower costs, we believe that MicroPay will transform the POS ecosystem and pave the way for adoption of digital payments in scale. This will also help drive growth and penetration in our Bharat banking initiative, leading to more merchants coming under the financial inclusion and digital payments framework.”

Talking about the first-in-the-country move, Byas Nambisan, Chief Executive Officer, Ezetap by Razorpay, said, “We have always strived to bring innovative solutions in digital payments for the benefit of Indian retailers and consumers. We are thrilled to bring the ‘PIN on Mobile’ technology to our Indian customers for the first time and believe that this will help make access to digital payments easier, secure and cost-effective. Of late, the adoption of digital payments has increased significantly, and we believe this technology will provide a further push to it. By transforming the merchant’s smartphone into a payment POS, we hope to reduce the overall POS cost by 30 percent. We will continue to bring the latest payment technologies in India to simplify digital payment acceptance for all our merchants.”

Commenting on the partnership,Hervé Alfieri, Chief Revenue Officer at MYPINPAD, said, “We are delighted to partner with Ezetap by Razorpay to introduce our PCI-certified mobile payments solution to Indian businesses. Our focus has been to build gateway agnostic, cloud-based platforms that harness the power of mobile devices to enable merchants of all sizes to accept payments securely. Our technology will help businesses elevate their customer experience while providing enhanced security, reduced risk, and significant cost savings.”

India, March 24, 2023 – Qualtrics, the leader and creator of the experience management category, and Merkle, a leading technology-enabled, data-driven customer experience management (CXM) company, announced a new integration today from the Qualtrics XM Summit. The combination of Merkury™, Merkle’s identity resolution platform, with Qualtrics platform solutions, such as Experience iD (XiD), a connected, intelligent system for all customer experience data, gives brands a powerful new way to optimize experiences, improve customer retention, and ultimately increase revenue.

Merkury’s advanced identity resolution capabilities combined with the Qualtrics XMOS™ will provide, enrich, and connect unified customer profiles based on first-party data, enabling brands to more deeply understand their customer’s expectations and take action to create truly personal, cross-channel experiences.

“Merkury’s suite of advanced identity resolution and enablement capabilities are essential in a world where consumer privacy is paramount and customer profiles are based on first-party data,” said Fabrice Martin, Chief Product Officer of Qualtrics XM for Customer Frontlines. “Our partnership will break down data silos across channels and provide the insights that brands need to deliver elevated experiences.”

The digital era provides new opportunities for brands to more deeply understand their customers’ motivations and needs and provide tailored experiences, but the data required to execute a high level of personalization is often siloed across multiple channels and teams. Qualtrics research found that 39 percent of digital leaders have faced challenges creating and updating customer profiles in real time, and 41 percent said balancing personalization with customer privacy is challenging.

The seamless integration of Merkle’s identity solution with Qualtrics’ experience management software provides customers with an end-to-end solution to design, execute, generate, and operationalize the consumption of actionable insights within their organization. Merkle’s Mercury will enable brands to identify anonymous customers across mobile, social, web, and other channels; enrich each customer profile with thousands of behavioral, financial, demographic, and other attributes; and connect those IDs to platforms for targeting and analysis.

Qualtrics’ XM Platform™ allows brands to collect in-the-moment feedback from customers from both structured sources, such as surveys, and unstructured data, such as customer service calls, online reviews, and chat and social posts. This 360-degree view uncovers trends and insights hidden deep in open text and enables brands to predict what matters most to their customers.

When brands combine Merkle’s person-based ID and experience data from the Qualtrics Experience iD with their own operational data, including average spend, time spent on a page, and purchase history, they can tap into solutions like Qualtrics’ new Customer Journey Optimizer to drive targeted actions that orchestrate customer experiences, improve customer retention, and increase revenue.

“We are excited to deepen our partnership with Qualtrics to further enable brands to activate insights, through the power of Mercury and Experience iD,” said Shirli Zelcer, global analytics and technology lead at Merkle. “Using identity and experience data in real-time, we’ll be able to deliver seamless experiences across every interaction a consumer has with a brand. That is an inspiring combination.”

Availability This integration is available as a private preview for select customers in the US. For more information about the partnership between Qualtrics and Merkle,

Mumbai, 24 March 2023: CRIF Connect Private Limited, a subsidiary of CRIF S.p.A has received the approval to commence operations as an NBFC Account Aggregator (AA) from the Reserve Bank of India. With CRIF’s legacy, knowledge, and experience, CRIF Connect is uniquely positioned to benefit both consumers and financial institutions.

CRIF Connect is an end-to-end encrypted platform that securely fetches and transfers a consumer’s financial data based on their explicit consent between financial institutions. Thus, making data sharing extremely safe based on RBI-approved guidelines.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Wilfred Sigler, Senior Director – CRIF India and South Asia, said “We are pleased to receive the operating license to work as an NBFC Account Aggregator (AA). The Account Aggregator (AA) framework puts the customer at the center of the ecosystem, giving them control of secured and hassle-free data sharing. It is a game-changer for increasing digital adoption, financial inclusion, and providing financial services with higher operational efficiencies.”

CRIF Connect will be available through a web application and a mobile application. Through the CRIF Connect App, users can view all their financial information in one place. They can choose what information to share with the financial institution in real-time and make changes to their consent which they can give, deny, or revoke at any time.