Despite fears that the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into the workforce will usurp jobs, 85 percent of tech experts believe they will have a positive effect on the UK economy within the next five years, according to research from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the bank of the world’s most innovative businesses, enterprises and their investors.

The British Bankers’ Association released their The Way We Bank annual report last Thursday. It was interesting. Here are the key highlights:

An African record has been set for the FICA process which used to take anywhere from two days to two weeks. 

Ingenico Group, the global leader in seamless payment, today announced the appointment of Nicolas Huss as Executive Vice President, Strategy & Performance. Nicolas is joining the company today, he reports to Philippe Lazare, Chairman & CEO.

Connect Managed Services (Connect) today announced the acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, of PC-1, a specialist contact centre solutions provider with specific expertise in Genesys and Cisco technologies. PC-1 brings an impressive customer base which includes companies such as Vodafone, NSPCC and Northumbrian Water. The newly combined entity creates a £26 million multi-platform global technology powerhouse, supporting well over 100 blue chip organisations across the globe. The business will trade as Connect Managed Services.

SSP is delighted to have launched its next generation broking solution, SSP Broking, at a highly successful event at the Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham.

Bringing together SSP’s 30 plus years’ experience in specialist broking technology with components from best-of-breed third party providers, SSP Broking has been developed and honed to meet the needs of the evolving intermediated market, enabling brokers to compete more effectively.

Oromia International Bank (OIB) will be implementing ICSFS’ universal Islamic flagship, ICS BANKS ISLAMIC in its head quarter and its 200+ branches;  this mile stone project will  provide Oromia International Bank with world-class fully integrated banking solutions which are designed and developed following the principles of Shari’a of which; ICS BANKS ISLAMIC Core Banking, Murabaha, Musharaka, Ijara, Istisna’a Tawaruq, Mudaraba, Salam, Qard Hasan, Salam Islamic,  Deposit, Profit Distribution, Investment and Treasury, Trade Finance, Credit Facilities & Risk Groups, Remittances, Internet

Safaricom will over the next three weeks conduct a major upgrade of the M-Pesa platform.