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IndustryUpdate

Sift finalizes funding, launches app

Sift Inc., creator of the free app Sift designed to maxi-
mize credit card benefits for consumers, heralded
a $1.5 million seed round and the public release of
its app. Investments were received from Liquid 2
Ventures and Plug and Play, as well as other early
stage funders, the company said. Sift analyzes poli-
cies and files claims on behalf of U.S. cardholders to
leverage hidden benefits, including price adjustment
refunds, extended warranties and return protection.

Signifyd recognized by Finance Monthly

Signifyd reported it was selected as the Fraud
Innovation Firm of the Year 2017 by Finance Monthly.
Other Fintech Awards honorees, selected from
around the world, included Barclays Africa, Finova
and Manulife. Finance Monthly's Fintech Awards
acknowledge and reward the individuals, firms,
startups and banks that are recognized as leaders in
their areas of expertise, Signifyd noted.
Smart Card Alliance expands focus, rebrands

The Smart Card Alliance expanded its charter to
include a broader range of security and privacy-
enhancing technologies. To reflect this expanded
mission, the organization rebranded to the Secure
Technology Alliance. Smart card technology will
remain a priority for the STA, while the scope of tech-
nologies the organization focuses on will broaden
to include embedded chip technology and related
hardware and software that enable privacy and data
protection for end-users and industry stakeholders.

"As the world becomes increasingly interconnected
and mobile, the technology used in smart cards is
being used more widely in mobile devices, wear-
ables and Internet-connected devices," said Randy
Vanderhoof, STA Executive Director. "The clear next
step for this organization is to expand and engage
in activities across the full spectrum of these new
applications."
TMG leader named award finalist

TMG reported that its Chief Executive Officer, Shazia
Manus, was named a finalist for the Inspiring Women
of Iowa event's Confidence Award. The event cel-
ebrates influential women in Iowa, with proceeds
going to the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. The awards
of Confidence, Courage and Character honor women
of every age, background and career level that dem-
onstrate the particular characteristics many girls
develop while in Girl Scouts.

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