James Sharp implement Aveni’s AI technology

Broker James Sharp has chosen cutting-edge technology from Scottish fintech Aveni.ai to ensure Consumer Duty compliance.

The company has seamlessly integrated Aveni Detect, an advanced platform rooted in AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP). This strategic move guarantees that James Sharp’s brokers and investment advisors deliver precise advice, oversee customer interactions meticulously, and promptly identify potential vulnerabilities.

The integration of Aveni Detect’s demonstrative monitoring technology ensures a high standard of service, enabling real-time identification and resolution of vulnerabilities, grievances, or inquiries. Furthermore, it aligns seamlessly with the imperative of complying with the substantiated Consumer Duty regulations.

Sheriden Davy, Chief Risk Officer at James Sharp, said,

“Our commitment to providing a personalized client experience is integral to our core values. Leveraging Aveni Detect empowers us to vigilantly oversee client interactions, ensuring effective communication and support for our valued customers.”

Jamie Hunter, Chief Operating Officer at Aveni, said,

“James Sharp’s sterling reputation and historical achievements are rooted in exceptional client service and facilitating prudent investment choices. To perpetuate this ethos, especially within a consumer-centric regulatory landscape, the company has astutely acknowledged the pivotal role of technology. Aveni Detect serves as the cornerstone of this technology-driven approach, fostering optimal customer service and assuring compliance with the exacting standards set by the business and regulatory authorities.”

Aveni Detect stands as a “Machine Line of Defence,” scrutinising every customer interaction to preempt an array of risks ranging from conduct issues and grievances to customer vulnerability. This robust solution meticulously adheres to the data-centric mandates introduced with the new Consumer Duty regulation, effective as of the close of July 2023.

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

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.

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.