Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

1) The Rise of Digital Currencies
I found my topic through a google search, and the main site that I used was a New York Times article.  The information in this article states that digital currencies have risen in value and popularity exponentially over the past few months. Thus, because of its increased sphere of influence, the prototypical customer is someone that is of investing age, which ranges from late teens through the working years. This opportunity would be relatively hard to exploit. The opportunity in mind was to start a website or app that allows for the purchase of every different type of coin, with each purchase taking off an interest fee for the company. I saw this opportunity because the world is moving more and more digital, and thus I believe it has sticking power, whereas older generations might believe it is simply a fad.

2) The Rise of Money Transfer Apps
I once again found my topic through a google search, and used a Los Angeles Times article as my background research. This is yet another growing trend, especially for many millennials. The information stated that these sort of apps that send money directly to and from bank accounts, no matter if they're different banks or not, will only grow in popularity through the years. It stated that it is only a matter of time until each bank has its own sort of app for this. The prototypical customer is anyone that has a bank account. This opportunity would be relatively hard to exploit, as it would require the making of an app or site that can transfer funds, with yet again either a fee for each transfer or a delayed transfer that lets interest build briefly, as Venmo itself does. Once again, many in the older generations struggle with technology as it is, so this is an opportunity that I saw because I am of the group that already uses the few apps for this that there are.

3) New Tax Reforms
I found my information on a businessdaily.com article, and this was an article that stated that this reform will have massive effects. There are many opportunities because this law will effect all levels of business. The most likely customer would be anyone planning to open a business that needs advice. The opportunity is relatively easy to exploit, as there are hundreds of ways to go that would be profitable, such as opening an advising firm. I saw this opportunity because it has been in the news a lot recently, whereas others might have missed this if they do not watch the news or get alerts to their phones.

4) Raises of Minimum Wages in Many Cities Across the Country
I found this information on another businessdaily.com article. This source of information stated that there could be even more raises in cities coming within the next year. Many opportunities exist because thousands of people will be making more money. The customer with the unmet needs would be all of the minimum wage workers that will get raises, but will not know where to spend it or how to save it. This opportunity is easy to exploit because there are many directions that one could take with this, such as an advising firm or other businesses that cater towards people with money but need help. I saw this opportunity because I believe the wages will continue to rise with the times, whereas other may think they'll stay the same.