TD LAB LAUNCHES ACCESSIBILITY TOOL
TD Bank Group (TSX: TD) has conducted a Canadian and American launch of its accessibility browser plug-in, TD Accessibility Adapter, to the public at no cost.
The tool, which enables users to personalize their online experience tied to individual accessibility preferences, includes accessibility features such as reading guides, adjustable font size, dark mode, a dyslexia-friendly font and monochrome mode. It is also designed without using overlays and to co-exist with other assistive technologies, such as standalone screen magnification software.
“At TD, inclusion is part of our DNA — it’s infused in how we work, how we support our customers and it’s fundamental in how we innovate, “ said Rizwan Khalfan, chief digital and payments officer, TD Bank Group. “We hope that by offering this tool in the public domain, we can support communities and organizations outside of the Bank to drive further inclusion in their online experiences.”
When the TD Accessibility Adapter was initially developed by TD Lab, an innovation group at TD that collaborates with businesses across the bank, it was designed to help increase the accessibility options available to TD colleagues, whether they identify as having a disability or not.
Its initial pilot started with over 6,000 retail colleagues from TD Bank, the tool launched to more than 95,000 TD colleagues around the world.
Samantha Estoesta, product manager, social innovation specialization at TD and product owner of the TD Accessibility Adapter tool, said, “Our goal with the Adapter was to be able to provide an accessible online experience designed with inclusion in mind. We’ve seen a resoundingly positive response from teams across the Bank — even from those without a diagnosed disability — and I’m thrilled that by opening access to the tool beyond TD, we can help to further drive inclusion.”
NH SECRETARY OF STATE’S SECURITIES BUREAU SUSPENDS NEW LONDON ADVISORY FIRM
The NH Secretary of State, Bureau of Securities Regulation, has suspended the registrations of investment advisory firm Merryfield Investment Management, Inc. and its principal Peter Field of New London, NH.
The bureau determined that Merryfield has a negative net worth resulting from Field’s stock repurchase agreements and borrowing from 2010 onwards. Merryfield cannot stay in business under state law. The bureau determined that Merryfield and Field are over $1 million in debt.
Starting in 2010, Field solicited clients to buy stock in Merryfield and loan him money, in part to pay for Merryfield’s operating expenses. The bureau began an investigation into these violations in September 2021 and determined that Field engaged in this misconduct through his position as an investment adviser.
The bureau’s case alleges that Field breached his fiduciary duty by acting in his own interest and without full disclosure of some of the consequences of investing in Merryfield stock. For example, Field would offer a reduced management fee to his clients that bought Merryfield stock. That same fee reduction, however, was not offered to clients who didn’t buy stock, and Field was the one that set the terms of the fee reduction amount.
As a result, Merryfield and Field may request a hearing, when the registration suspensions may be upheld, modified or vacated. The bureau has also requested that Merryfield and Field cease and desist the misconduct, pay a fine and investigation costs, and pay back the money they received from their stock sales and lending.
DECCO INC. JOINS COMFORT SYSTEMS USA
DECCO recently joined the Comfort Systems USA network, a building and service provider for mechanical, electrical and plumbing building systems. Through this partnership, DECCO will be able to grow and expand its reach across all business platforms, including DECCO Construction, DECCOServ, DECCOFab, and Critical Equipment Handling.
Additionally, DECCO will be able to provide more custom fabrication solutions by broadening its projects in the New England region, aided by the recent opening of its new High Purity Processing Facility and launched its Clean Utility Service Program.
“We have worked hard to position our company to do bigger and better things for years to come, and joining forces with Comfort Systems USA was the perfect partner for DECCO’s growth,” said Kyle Reagan, DECCO’s CEO.
“Our search began in finding a partner that shared our core values: partnership, excellence, ethics, commitment and servant leadership. We are excited for the future and for what we can offer our clients, as we look to create opportunities for our partners and expanded services for our clients.”
