Bravura: Celebrating Success in Brand Management and Diversity in Finance Awards
Bravura and Delta Financial System’s pensions dashboards project team have yet another reason to celebrate! They received the prestigious Best Product/Service award at Citywealth’s Brand Management & Reputation Awards 2023. The award recognises their exceptional ISP solution, Dashboards Connect, and the impactful Pensions Dashboards Week, which garnered significant industry attention and participation.
The joint initiative brought together over 1,500 industry professionals, offering enlightening webinars, myth-busting sessions, and Q&As. It showcased the potential of dashboards and the significance of cutting-edge technology in transforming the pensions sector. Chris Spencer, Bravura’s EMEA Managing Director, expressed pride in their innovative microservice technology, highlighting its security and scalability.
Jonathan Hawkins, the leader of Bravura’s pensions dashboards project team and Pension Age’s Pensions Personality of the Year 2023, commended the industry recognition. The initiative served as a catalyst for progress in uncertain times, and with recent clarifications from the Pension Dashboards Programme, they look forward to future advancements and benefits for the industry and savers.
In addition to their groundbreaking ISP, Bravura received accolades at FT Adviser’s Diversity in Finance Awards 2023. The company was named Large Employer of the Year for its commendable Diversity & Inclusiveness (D&I) program. Launched in 2020, the D&I program promotes awareness and fosters a supportive environment through various initiatives and events.
Nigel Liddell, General Counsel and Founder of Bravura’s D&I program, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising the importance of diversity and inclusivity in attracting top talent and cultivating a caring workplace. Bravura’s D&I program covers six key pillars, each with dedicated leaders working to drive engagement and awareness globally.
The awards serve as a testament to Bravura’s commitment to excellence in brand management, diversity, and inclusion. As they continue their journey towards becoming a more diverse and inclusive employer, they look forward to making an even greater impact in the financial services sector.
Bravura’s success extends beyond these awards, with their affiliates, Delta Financial Systems, and FinoComp, securing gold at Goodacre’s Systems in the City Awards 2023 for Best Pensions Administration Technology and Best Performance Measurement System, respectively.
With these remarkable achievements, Bravura reaffirms its position as a trailblazer in the financial industry, delivering cutting-edge solutions and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Encompass boosts expertise around pKYC
Encompass Corporation has released a new whitepaper that offers unique insights and expertise to assist banks in their journey towards implementing perpetual KYC (pKYC) operating models, thus accelerating their digital transformation.
pKYC represents a strategic imperative for organisations seeking to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving financial landscape. By leveraging automation, pKYC enables banks to enhance risk detection accuracy, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
Recognising the significance of executive-level support in the pursuit of pKYC, the whitepaper titled “Securing Executive Sponsorship for pKYC Transformation” addresses key challenges and provides best practices for engaging stakeholders. This guidance is crucial for banks seeking to revolutionise their processes through technology adoption.
Expanding upon Encompass’ groundbreaking pKYC maturity model introduced earlier this year, the whitepaper also presents additional insights on maximising the benefits of digital transformation, irrespective of whether pKYC is the ultimate goal. It explores how banks can effectively articulate the advantages of leveraging advanced technology solutions, encompassing risk mitigation and cost reduction, while ensuring proper stakeholder alignment to drive successful outcomes.
Authored by Encompass’ KYC Transformation Director, Howard Wimpory, and Dr. Henry Balani, the Global Head of Industry and Regulatory Affairs, the paper emphasises the value of digital KYC profiles. These profiles utilise real-time data and document analysis through KYC process automation, enabling informed KYC decision-making and yielding positive impacts such as enhanced risk management, accuracy, and scalability.
Howard Wimpory, KYC Transformation Director at Encompass Corporation, emphasised the need for banks to optimise operational efficiency in today’s competitive market. He stated that traditional manual processes are no longer sufficient and emphasised the imperative of implementing technology-driven solutions like pKYC for long-term success.
Dr. Henry Balani, Global Head of Industry and Regulatory Affairs at Encompass Corporation, stressed the importance of prioritising compliance and enhancing processes using technology-led solutions in response to evolving regulatory landscapes and the persistent threat of financial crime. Balani explained that manual KYC processes are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and struggle to keep up with regulatory changes, thereby increasing risks for institutions. He also highlighted the expectations of regulators, who encourage banks to adopt available technologies and integrate them into their operations.
Encompass’ whitepaper aims to elevate the pKYC discourse in the industry by sharing the perspectives and experiences of its pKYC Advisory Board. Chaired by Dr. Henry Balani, the board includes representatives from leading global banks as well as trusted partners specialising in data, technology, and consulting services. This collaborative effort supports Encompass’ goal of promoting meaningful dialogue and driving effective solutions to address the critical global issue of financial crime.
By presenting real-world insights and leveraging expert knowledge, Encompass aims to empower banks to embark confidently on transformative digital projects, be it towards pKYC or other strategic objectives, with the expectation of reaping immediate and long-term rewards.
Read the white paper here
AutoRek secures Best CASS Solution for the fourth consecutive year
Scottish fintech AutoRek achieved outstanding recognition at the Systems in the City Fintech Awards 2023.
Demonstrating unrivaled excellence, Autorek clinched the highly coveted title of Best CASS Solution for a fourth consecutive year. Organised by specialist business and technology consultancy Goodacre, those awards celebrate the finest achievements in the industry.
Leahn Parry, Head of Governance, Risk, and Compliance at AutoRek, claimed the individual award for Compliance Specialist.
In addition to securing the crown for Best CASS Solution, AutoRek was also recognised as a contender for Best Wealth Management Solution.
Lyn Canavan, Vice President of Marketing at AutoRek, stated,
“The recognition of winning this prestigious award, along with reaffirming AutoRek’s standing as the indisputable Best CASS Solution, fills us with immeasurable joy. Over the years, we have meticulously refined and perfected our CASS solution in close collaboration with our esteemed clientele. This victory serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts exhibited by the entire AutoRek team behind the scenes.”
Leahn Parry added,
“It is with immense honor that I receive this prestigious award. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Goodacre, the distinguished panel of judges, and the individual who nominated me.”
The Systems in the City Fintech Awards serve as a resounding endorsement for suppliers of services and systems within the regulated financial services sector.
Guided by an independent and fact-based annual accreditation process, the selection procedure is meticulously overseen by a panel of three independent judges.
These awards serve as a pivotal reference point for enterprises evaluating the suitability of their operational infrastructure, cementing their crucial role within the industry.
Smardaten Technologies Secures Technology Pioneer Title from World Economic Forum
Scotland-based Smardaten Technologies, a cutting-edge provider of big data and no-code software technology and services was one of the select few “Technology Pioneers” recognised by the World Economic Forum.
In its quest to identify the most promising Technology Pioneers worldwide, the World Economic Forum has unveiled a list featuring 100 companies actively addressing critical issues such as revolutionary technologies, sustainability, climate change, and healthcare. Among the winners is Smardaten Technologies, leading the charge with its fourth-generation big data-powered NoCode platform.
Established by a team of data technology experts from prominent conglomerates in China, Smardaten Technologies introduces a groundbreaking no-code technology, fuelled by intelligent data, that expedites traditional software development timelines from 1-2 years to an impressive 3-6 weeks. Furthermore, the company plays a pivotal role in carbon reduction by significantly decreasing the hours of computer resource consumption.
The World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers represent early-stage companies spearheading novel technologies and innovations poised to make a substantial impact on both business and society. Verena Kuhn, the Head of Innovator Communities at the World Economic Forum, enthusiastically welcomed Smardaten and fellow pioneers, acknowledging their instrumental role in driving innovation and disruptive solutions to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Their contributions to the Forum’s collaborative efforts, uniting public and private sectors, are eagerly anticipated.
Dr. Yadong (Adam) Cao, co-founder and COO of Smardaten, as a distinguished Technology Pioneer, has been invited to actively engage with the World Economic Forum. Collaborating with global leaders, Dr. Cao will help address key industry and societal issues. Additionally, Technology Pioneers will receive exclusive invitations to participate in Forum events and discussions throughout the year, fostering meaningful exchanges among influential stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
DirectID and Zinia AI partner to assist with regulatory compliance in lending
The collaboration between DirectID and Zinia AI propels lenders towards an unprecedented realm, where flawless compliance and unrivaled personalisation coexist seamlessly.
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape of today, discerning customers yearn for bespoke financial encounters tailored precisely to their distinct requirements. Through DirectID’s cutting-edge open banking service, lenders gain direct access to real-time financial data, emboldening them to truly apprehend their customers’ financial patterns, inclinations, and capabilities. This wealth of information serves as the bedrock for lending decisions that transcend boundaries, ushering in an era of hyper-personalized experiences that foster unparalleled satisfaction and unwavering loyalty.
Armed with Zinia’s visionary decisioning algorithms, lenders can automate, refine, and imbue hyper-personalised journeys within the lending process, birthing superlative outcomes that captivate customers. Zinia’s formidable technology empowers lenders to make precise, consistent, and equitable lending determinations, taking into account an expansive array of factors, encompassing affordability, risk tolerance, and suitability.
In an era of transformative shifts in consumer obligations within the lending industry, the alliance between DirectID and Zinia emerges as a paradigm-shifting game-changer. Together, we embrace the opportunity to shape the future of lending, equipping lenders with the ability to deliver unparalleled personalisation on a grand scale, surpassing even the loftiest of regulatory benchmarks.
If you are a lender driven to carve your own distinct identity in the market and surge ahead of the competition, we implore you to embark upon an exploration of the profound possibilities that lie within the DirectID-Zinia AI partnership. Connect with us today to unlock a treasure trove of insights into how we can empower you to drive hyper-personalised outcomes that will leave an indelible mark.
Nikola Kelly joins Scotcoin’s Advisory Panel.
The Scotcoin Project (TSP) is excited to announce the addition of Nikola Kelly from the Be-It Group to its Advisory Panel.
Nik has a vast background in the Scottish Technology sector, leading highly skilled teams for 16 years. Recently, she completed an MBO of Be-IT Group, which includes Be-IT Resourcing, the largest independently owned IT Recruitment Specialist firm in Scotland, and BE-IT Projects, a growing IT consultancy. Nik’s primary focus remains on the growth of Be-IT Group. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Career Ready, a national social mobility charity, and actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the Scottish technology market. Nik frequently speaks at events on topics such as Women in Technology and Inclusion within Neurodiverse Communities. Alongside her impressive professional achievements, Nik is a mother of four and has received recognition as the Scottish Women in Business Young Star and for her outstanding contributions as a young business leader.
Starting from 1st July, Nik will join the TSP advisory panel to assist in the search for a CEO who will lead the management team. This team’s primary objective will be to develop a preferred partner base centered around TSP’s core values of providing food, clothing, and accommodation for those in greatest need.
Temple Melville, CEO of TSP, expressed his delight at Nik’s inclusion in the Advisory Panel, emphasising her extensive knowledge and expertise in both IT and business. He believes that she will play a significant role in implementing the business plan as it unfolds.
Nikola Kelly shared her excitement about joining the TSP Advisory Panel during this momentous period. Having supported numerous fintech companies in their growth journeys, she finds it incredible to be involved with Scotland’s digital currency and the world’s first ethical cryptocurrency. Nik is thrilled to embark on this amasing journey and contribute to making a positive social and ethical impact.
Encompass Corporation Appoints Cheri Burns as PR & Corporate Communications Director
Scotland based Encompass Corporation, has named industry veteran Cheri Burns as the Director of PR & Corporate Communications. In her new role, Burns will oversee media relations for the company.
Burns will be responsible for developing and executing Encompass’ global PR and communications strategy, including managing relationships with analysts and influencers in collaboration with leading trade bodies and industry experts.
Before joining Encompass, Burns held significant editorial positions at national newspapers such as The Daily Record and The Herald, as well as BBC Sport Scotland. She later managed the publications stream for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.
Cheri Burns, the PR & Corporate Communications Director at Encompass Corporation, expressed her enthusiasm, stating,
“I am thrilled to assume the role of PR & Corporate Communications Director at Encompass, leading media relations for such an innovative organisation.”
“Encompass plays a vital role in addressing global issues like combating financial crime and driving workplace diversity, inclusion, and development. I am excited to continue sharing our values and insights with the media.”
“Effective communication is essential in the technology and financial services industries, fostering awareness and dialogue on important topics, while showcasing innovative solutions that support businesses and encourage collaboration.”
Magalie Pimentel, VP of Marketing at Encompass Corporation, commented,
“Cheri’s extensive and diverse background in public relations, coupled with her profound understanding of the RegTech landscape, makes her an invaluable asset to our organisation.”
“With Cheri’s passion and expertise in shaping brand narratives that resonate with our target audiences, we are confident in our ability to effectively communicate our global vision, values, and innovation.”
Leading global banks and financial institutions, including members of the Wolfsberg Group, rely on Encompass’ award-winning platform to automate the KYC search process and generate real-time digital KYC profiles of their customers within minutes, rather than hours or days.
By streamlining complex manual processes, Encompass enables regulated firms to expedite revenue generation, enhance operational efficiency, and demonstrate consistent compliance.
Zumo pushes to decarbonise digital assets at Money20/20 Europe
Scottish fintech Zumo is just back from Money20/20 where it announced the introduction of Oxygen, an innovative solution aimed at decarbonising digital assets for financial institutions that prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
This groundbreaking launch took place at Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam, marking a significant milestone just one year after Zumo and its partner, Zero Labs received a grant from Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency. The grant was awarded to support their joint research on decarbonising digital assets, with a particular emphasis on finding practical approaches for scaling the utilisation of renewable energy in wallets and platforms.
Oxygen empowers Zumo’s clients, including banks and asset managers, to offer ESG-aligned digital asset solutions that are future-proof. This targeted solution combines crypto electricity consumption forecasting and calculation with standard industry data. By leveraging Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for renewable energy procurement, Zumo ensures transparency and verifiability in powering crypto or blockchain activities with renewables. As a result, Zumo’s clients can effectively reduce the Scope 3 emissions associated with their digital asset offerings and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
The introduction of Oxygen follows the successful completion of Zumo’s Zero Hero pilot project, a live trial that involved purchasing RECs to offset the electricity consumption of Bitcoin transactions conducted through a direct-to-consumer crypto app powered by Zumo’s infrastructure. Through this initiative, Zero Hero REC purchases covered £1.5 million worth of Bitcoin, compensating for a total of 850 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity””an amount equivalent to driving an electric vehicle for over 2.6 million miles. Furthermore, Zumo procured an additional 126.36 MWh to decarbonise Ethereum’s historical emissions and the company’s ETH holdings, actively participating in the Blocks.garden initiative.
Nick Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of Zumo, expressed his enthusiasm, stating,
“The carbon footprint associated with digital asset products is often a significant concern. With Oxygen, our pioneering solution, we provide businesses with practical methods to meet customer demands for digital assets while simultaneously addressing environmental challenges and demonstrating positive ESG-aligned actions.”
“Oxygen empowers banks, asset managers, and financial institutions to align their digital asset offerings with their broader net-zero strategies, enabling them to make verifiable decarbonisation claims. Today’s launch is a testament to the tireless efforts of our team and our partners at Zero Labs. We hope it sets a positive example for the market, showcasing what is truly achievable.”
The decarbonisation of digital assets stands as one of the most critical challenges faced by the emerging digital assets sector. Zumo has emerged as a leader in addressing this challenge and has published a series of influential reports that are shaping the industry’s trajectory (accessible at zumo.tech/crypto-knowledge-hub). Zumo’s efforts have been recognised through several accolades, including the prestigious “Best Application of ESG” award at City AM’s
Photo by Worldspectrum: https://www.pexels.com/photo/ripple-etehereum-and-bitcoin-and-micro-sdhc-card-844124/
EDF joins forces with Scottish fintech Snugg
Scottish fintech Snugg is joining forces with EDF, the leading provider of zero-carbon electricity in the UK. Their partnership is geared towards assisting homeowners throughout England and Wales in reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency in their residences by leveraging EDF’s extensive network of certified installers.
Starting from April 2023, Snugg users gain exclusive access to EDF’s pool of skilled installers, enabling them to install air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, as well as various insulation solutions like loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation. This groundbreaking collaboration empowers users not only to design their personalised home efficiency plans using Snugg but also find reputable installers through the platform to bring those plans to fruition.
To request a quote from an EDF-approved installer, Snugg users can follow these simple steps:
- Utilise Snugg’s platform to create a comprehensive efficiency plan, identifying areas for improvement in their homes.
- Provide relevant details about their residence, answering a few concise questions, to receive accurate quotes from EDF-certified installers.
- Schedule the installation with their chosen EDF installer and reap the benefits of an energy-efficient home.
By teaming up with EDF, Snugg expands its installer network coverage, streamlining the process of transforming homes into energy-efficient spaces. This collaboration saves customers valuable time and effort, particularly during the pivotal phase of the UK’s journey towards achieving Net-Zero.
An insightful analysis conducted by Snugg on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings in Bristol has revealed that a staggering 59% of homes in the area possess an EPC rating below C, underscoring the critical need for homeowners to take immediate action. By implementing energy efficiency improvements, Snugg estimates that Bristol residents could collectively save an impressive £91 million annually while concurrently reducing the city’s yearly carbon emissions by 250,000 tonnes.
Enhancing home energy efficiency stands as a crucial element in the UK’s pursuit of Net-Zero targets, and the collaboration between Snugg and EDF serves as a significant stride towards making this aspiration a tangible reality. Together, they are dedicated to making energy-efficient homes accessible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly for homeowners across the entire UK.
Expressing excitement about the partnership, Snugg CEO Robin Peters stated,
“We are thrilled to join forces with EDF in facilitating easier energy efficiency improvements for our customers’ homes. As the awareness of the need for future-proofing homes grows and the UK diligently strives to meet its Net-Zero targets, it becomes paramount that we expedite the transition towards a carbon-neutral world. Our collaboration with EDF represents a significant leap forward in achieving that objective, empowering homeowners to embrace greener and more sustainable living.”
Katharine Baker, EDF’s Senior Manager of Propositions & Sales, also shared her enthusiasm, saying,
“This marks an exciting new chapter for us as we partner with Snugg to bring energy efficiency measures to our customers. Our extensive installer network offers a diverse range of solutions, from heat pumps to solar panels, enabling customers to take full control of their home’s energy efficiency.”
Encompass selected for Austrade trade mission
Encompass Corporation, a trailblazing provider of dynamic automation for the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, has been chosen to participate in a significant international trade mission led by Austrade. This mission is dedicated to showcasing the burgeoning FinTech enterprises and forging stronger global connections.
Austrade, the esteemed Australian Government entity responsible for international trade and investment, has joined forces with Investment NSW, Invest Victoria, and Global Victoria. Together, they aim to foster collaboration and shed light on the rapid worldwide growth of the FinTech industry by connecting Australian-born FinTechs with businesses across the United Kingdom and Europe.
The immersive 10-day FinTech Program for 2023 entails informative sessions with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), UK regulators, prominent banks, and representatives from the esteemed London Stock Exchange. Notably, Encompass and other industry leaders will also participate in key events, including the highly anticipated Money 20/20, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam from June 6th to 8th, as part of Austrade’s delegation.
Encompass’s selection for this opportunity is further reinforced by their recent involvement as a founding member of the Data & Technology for Compliance Alliance (DT4C).
Expressing enthusiasm for international collaboration, Wayne Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Encompass Corporation, stated
“Programs like these play a vital role in fueling innovation and sustaining the remarkable growth witnessed not only in FinTech but also across the technology sector as a whole.”
“As an Australian-born enterprise that has rapidly expanded its global presence over the past decade, we comprehend the power of collaboration. It unlocks new avenues of growth for organisations focused on developing and adopting novel technologies and expanding partnerships.”
Anastasia Nishnianidze, Austrade’s Trade and Investment Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, expressed excitement about hosting a delegation of prominent Australian FinTechs in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in the upcoming month.
“Australia currently holds the 6th position worldwide in FinTech, boasting one of the most dynamic and innovative FinTech ecosystems globally. Our FinTechs offer world-class solutions to global markets,” Nishnianidze noted.
“Austrade’s FinTech Program will provide invaluable opportunities for our Australian FinTech innovators to engage with major European players in the industry, ranging from banks and regulators to investors. We eagerly anticipate facilitating productive collaborations for our innovative Australian FinTechs within the European market.”
Photo by Brett Stone: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-gathering-outside-sydney-opera-house-2845013/