FEI Weekly

January 9, 2018

Gadgets that will improve your next work trip, SEC halts trading of Chinese blockchain firm, and FASB proposes lease accounting transition relief.

CES 2018 Reveals Gadgets to Solve Your Travel Pains

USA Today

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is going on in Las Vegas this week, and there are a ton of gadgets being revealed. A suitcase that rolls automatically, an LED sleep mask, a rechargeable lock that uses fingerprint technology, and hybrid smartwatches could all one day vastly improve your travel. 

Being a CFO in 2018: It's All About the Data

Accounting Today

CFOs will spend less time on data consolidation and more time on analysis this year. By using a broad range of tools, finance is leading the charge in analyzing data more effectively. With more tools and technology at its disposal, finance is able to get answers to questions the C-suite may not even be asking today, particularly around revenue performance.

SEC Halts Trading of Chinese Blockchain Firm's Stock

The Hill

The SEC halted trading of shares of Chinese blockchain technology company UBI Blockchain Internet yesterday. The SEC said it froze trading of shares because of potentially inaccurate information the company filed in its disclosures to the agency and “recent, unusual and unexplained market activity” around UBI stock since November. U.S. regulators have boosted their oversight and regulation of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology companies as the mainstream finance world has begun to jump into those industries.

FASB's ASU: Targeted Improvements

CCH Daily

The proposed Accounting Standards Update (ASU) seeks to allow companies to apply the new accounting to existing contracts on a go-forward basis rather than restating two years of financial statements. FASB says preparers have reported they are facing unanticipated costs and complexities in transitioning to the new accounting for leases. FASB Chairman Russell Golden said, “It’s part of our ongoing effort to proactively address implementation issues raised by our stakeholders to ensure a successful transition to the new standard.”

Public Speaking Tips to Take From Oprah's Golden Globes Speech

Inc.

Oprah Winfrey won the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes on Sunday, and used her acceptance speech to raise awareness of sexual harassment and assault. She knew her audience and shared personal stories to emphasize her message. By sharing the story of Recy Taylor, an African American woman who was abducted and raped by six white men in 1944, Winfrey evoked anger and, at the same time, the motivation to fight for change.