A new interactive tracker provides more timely, and surprising, answers about trade ‘connectedness’ around the world. Is globalization reversing? Will US tariffs derail global trade? Is the world splintering into geopolitical trade blocs? Answers to these questions will now come faster—if not in real time, then at least quarterly—due to the new DHL Global Connectedness Tracker. Unveiled on Tuesday by global logistics and shipping company DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business, this web-based platform features interactive charts that track globalization levels and trends worldwide. Some recent findings may come as a surprise: Global “connectedness,” measured across trade,…

Being financially independent means having enough passive income to cover your essential or desired living expenses. A common guideline is to aim for a net worth equal to 25 times your annual expenses, often used as a baseline for achieving financial independence. However, this approach is overly simplistic because it depends on the composition and liquidity of one’s net worth. If your net worth consists entirely of liquid, income-producing assets, 25 times your expenses should suffice. But if much of it is tied up in a primary residence or illiquid private investments, you may not be able to generate enough…

Home Media Expert Perspectives In Conversation with Farid Huseynov, Chief Executive Officer, Kapital Bank Kapital Bank CEO Farid Huseynov spoke about the bank’s leadership in digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability. From AI-powered solutions to fostering a global financial ecosystem, Huseynov shared insights on Kapital Bank’s customer-centric strategies and commitment to environmental and social responsibility. During Sibos 2024, Kapital Bank CEO Farid Huseynov shared insights with Transaction Banking Editor Gilly Wright on the bank’s journey to becoming a leader in digital transformation and innovation. Kapital Bank’s focus on customer-centricity drives its adoption of technologies like AI and big data analytics to…

Being the first-ever financial institution in Azerbaijan is not enough on its own to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Kapital Bank has also become increasingly agile in response to what customers want and need. “It’s about being the first choice for our customers,” said Farid Huseynov, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “We earn their trust by striving for excellence in everything we do.” Put simply, the bank’s competitive advantage comes from its ability to combine tradition through a 150-year history with innovation. “We have a deep understanding of the Azerbaijani market, and we’ve made significant investments…

I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Bengen, creator of the “4% Rule” for retirement planning. Bill has been a reader of Financial Samurai for many years and has always been courteous in the comments section when I write about safe withdrawal rates. So, I figured it was time we had a chat to clear up some misconceptions. For those unfamiliar, the 4% Rule, developed by Bill in the 1990s, suggests that traditional retirees (around age 65) can safely withdraw 4% of their retirement portfolio in the first year—adjusted for inflation in subsequent years—without running out of money over…