FinTech


Microsoft Ventures seeks AI-merican Idol

Microsoft Ventures has partnered with Madrona Venture Group to launch their Innovate.AI global start-up competition as they seek out machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) firms. Madrona says the convergence of cloud computing, specialised chips for machine learning and new advances in algorithms has created a “unique opportunity for start-ups to build high value intelligent […]

IBM combining data science and AI for analytics advance

IBM is looking to offer big data number crunchers and data scientists a way to add more machine learning and deep learning technology into the analytics process by combining two of the company’s platforms developed specifically for artificial intelligence (AI) and scientific research. Enterprise Cloud News (Banking Technology’s sister publication) reports that two IBM executives, […]

Payments round-up: 10 October 2017

Payment services are all the rage this week, here’s a rundown with this week’s round-up. Featuring Paynear, GoSwiff, BBVA, Omnia Pay and Huawei.

Around Fintech in 8 Hours – new online course launched by CFTE

Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE) has launched a fintech foundation course – Around Fintech in 8 Hours – “designed to give professionals working in the finance industry a solid understanding of how technology is redefining the provision of financial services”.

Q&A with Michael Parlotto, InComm

Michael Parlotto, VP, Emerging Technologies, InComm, gives the lowdown to Paybefore on the evolution of prepaid and what the future might hold for the industry.

Payments: I spy gpi

Much of the focus for correspondent bankers at this year’s Sibos will again be Swift’s global payments innovation (gpi) initiative. More than 110 transactions banks from Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Americas have signed up to the initiative, which opened for live payments in January 2017.

Innovate Finance contest calls for fintech start-ups

Innovate Finance, a UK-based fintech membership association, is seeking start-ups for its latest Pitch360 competition. The contest is open to any start-up in the following sectors: Distributed ledger technology (DLT) Financial inclusion Cybersecurity Cross-border payments Peer-to-peer and alternative funding Regtech Personal finance management and robo-advice Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning Sandboxes The winner will […]

BNP Paribas is a Smart Chaser for AI-powered trade

BNP Paribas Securities Services is implementing Smart Chaser, a trade matching tool using artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analysis, to further automate trade processing services it provides to investment managers. According to BNP Paribas Securities Services, trade matching – the comparison of trade details between the client and its broker – must be performed in […]

It’s official – Siri is a simpleton

It is true, but might be a bit mean to single out the iLeader, as researchers have put various artificial intelligence (AI) programmes to the test, figuring out what the IQ of each one is. Telecoms.com (Banking Technology’s sister publication) reports that Liu Feng of Beijing Jiaotong University, Yong Shi from the Chinese Academy of […]

Tascet teams with Secured2 to launch Algo5 data security offering

Identification technology company Tascet is partnering with Secured2 to launch a new data security offering. The product, Algo5, aims to protect data against both internal and external breaches, hacks, and disasters, reports Julie Muhn at Finovate (Banking Technology‘s sister company). The new data storage solution combines Tascet’s SuperToken, which verifies a user’s identity, with Secured2’s Beyond Encryption, […]

Blockchain and Bitcoin round-up: 6 October 2017

Blockchain funding, Pubcoin blockchain rewards programme, network and technology sharing and platform test launching. Our latest blockchain and Bitcoin round-up features Anryze, Leanpub, MicroMoney, Karma and Zilliqa.

Bank of England fintech accelerator feels the fourth for innovation

The Bank of England’s (BoE) fintech accelerator has unleashed four new initiatives in the fields of distributed ledger technology (DLT), data storage and analysis, machine learning and cybersecurity. As reported in July, BoE revealed the third stage – such as its work with machine learning Mindbridge AI, DLT darling Ripple, and regtech bouncer Enforcd. Now […]

Infographic: how businesses submit invoices to customers

Everyone’s heard the proverbial drill that the cheque is invariably in the mail. But even as we head toward the end of 2017, it’s becoming clear just how true this statement is. In fact, many industries are still processing their customers’ payments using postal mail and paper cheques! This despite the array of accounts payable […]

The tech is there so why aren’t we doing better?

New technology has been billed as a means to make us more efficient in the work place, but we are actually becoming less productive. So what’s missing from the equation? Telecoms.com (Banking Technology’s sister publication) reports. The point was made by Joshua Meltzer from the Brookings Institute at the “Nordic Digital Business Summit” in Helsinki. […]

Just because it can be connected, that doesn’t mean it should be

Technology breakthroughs are great things; they present the opportunity for ideas, creativity and innovation. But there is always the risk of enthusiasm running away with itself, reports Telecoms.com (Banking Technology’s sister publication). That was certainly evident at this year’s “Nordic Digital Business Summit”, where internet of things (IoT) was at the top of the agenda. […]

Tibco acquires Cisco’s data virtualisation business

Integration, analytics, and event-processing software company Tibco has agreed to acquire Cisco Data Virtualization (formerly Composite Software), reports Julie Muhn at Finovate (Banking Technology‘s sister company). The solution powers enterprise-scale data virtualisation and offers associated consulting and support services. Tibco will leverage the new solution to “enhance its portfolio of analytics products and will help clients onboard analytics […]

Temenos teams with MuleSoft to accelerate open banking

Banking software provider Temenos has teamed up with Mulesoft, a platform provider for building application networks. The move is intended to break down barriers to the open banking initiative by facilitating API connections, reports Julie Muhn at Finovate (Banking Technology’s sister publication). As a part of the partnership, Temenos will develop a core banking adaptor […]

Central banking and fintech: a brave new world?

This is a moment to celebrate 20 years of independence during which the Bank of England has been a stabilising force for the UK economy, inspiring others in the world of central banking.

Google bids for AI leadership with new Pixel 2 smartphone

Internet giant Google’s big gadget unveil is all about positioning itself for the artificial intelligence (AI) era, not becoming an iPhone killer, reports Telecoms.com (Banking Technology’s sister publication). The flagship product is the Pixel 2 – a product so important for Google that it blew a billion bucks on beefing up its R&D team. As […]

The United Nations of Data – an interesting idea

One of the big problems of the digital economy is unity. Everyone is out for themselves which could mean no one wins, reports Telecoms.com (Banking Technology’s sister publication). What we’re talking about here are the rules – the legislation and regulation which defines how a company can operate in the connected economy. There sure are […]

Hey big lender! Finastra, R3 and seven banks have blockchain plan

Finastra, R3 and seven banks – including BNP Paribas, BNY Mellon, HSBC, ING and State Street – are working together to create a blockchain-fuelled online marketplace for the syndicated loan market. Underpinned by Corda, R3’s distributed ledger technology (DLT) based platform, Fusion LenderComm exposes real-time credit agreement, accrual balances, position information and transaction data to […]

Standard Chartered takes TradeIX and Infor route for digital trade finance drive

Standard Chartered is using TradeIX’s TIX blockchain platform and Infor’s GT Nexus Commerce Network for two separate digitalisation efforts in trade finance. The TradeIX platform enabled Standard Chartered’s unnamed client to “help its customers increase their payment terms whilst maintaining the company’s receivables at current terms”. The financing was offered by Standard Chartered with credit […]

Google’s Deepmind sets out to tackle AI ethics

If you ask the world of technology to slow down a bit, you’re instantly branded as a technophobe. But perhaps a bit of reflection is needed in the artificial intelligence (AI) arena, reports Telecoms.com (Banking Technology’s sister publication). Google’s Deepmind is one of those which is starting to think a bit deeper about the big, […]

Interview: Vijay Oddiraju, Volante Technologies

In an exclusive interview with Vijay Oddiraju, co-founder and CEO of payments processing software provider Volante Technologies, speaks on the topics of agility, automation and how the ambitious company intends to prosper in the fast moving and competitive world of payments.

IBM teams with big banks for blockchain-powered trade finance platform

Tech giant IBM has partnered with five banks – UBS, Bank of Montreal, CaixaBank, Commerzbank and Erste Group – to launch a blockchain-based trade finance platform. The new platform, called Batavia, is built to be accessed by organisations of all sizes anywhere in the world.

Use the Salesforce Luke… for your retail banking

Salesforce has unleashed “Financial Services Cloud for Retail Banking”, a new application that lets bank employees have a “complete view” of their customers and work collaboratively. New features in the application comprise a retail banking data model and console. This includes all customer data – such as bank accounts and personal identification documents – which […]

Truphone raises $339m to fuel global expansion

What would you do with $339 million? London-based mobile operator Truphone gets to answer that question today as it closes its $339 million (£255 million) private equity round.

What does the new iPhone X mean for mobile banking?

Mobile banking is nothing without mobiles, and as Apple leads the way in innovation it provides opportunities for banks to do things differently too. So, with the launch of the iPhone X, what is next for mobile banking in a world that can’t get enough of phone upgrades?

Blockchain and Bitcoin round-up: 2 October 2017

Blockchain-based commercial bonds on the Russian market, Bitcoin recognition in Japan and new digital currency in Dubai. Our latest blockchain and Bitcoin round-up features National Settlement Depository, bitFlyer and Dubai Economy. Starting off in Russia, the National Settlement Depository (NSD) has unveiled the first blockchain-based commercial bonds on the Russian market based on Hyperledger Fabric […]

Why financial services should be terrified of dispensing wealth management robo-advice

Robo-advisors are software programmes that provide financial advice with minimal human intervention. Software has been providing advice for half a century, from portfolio management to trading strategies to currency management, and more. The novelty is providing robo-advice direct to consumers. Robo-advice costs less than “bricks & mortar & human” services, hopefully harvesting a bigger market. […]

Wealthtech is coming to the High Street

For those in employed in financial services, technology has always been important – integrated systems for operations and execution have been with us for decades. But to the banking customer at a High Street branch the advances in technology may not be obvious. However, slowly and surely innovations from the fintech sector are filtering down to the mass-market.

Timex and Barclaycard collaborate to create contactless payment watch

Timex and Barclaycard have partnered in true style to produce a new range of contactless payment watches. The Fairfield Contactless promises to be a perfect fusion of style and smart functionality. Coming in at a retail price of £159, it’s all about the leather bPay embedded strap, which brings wearable technology to the wrist. bPay […]