Atom bank invites will.i.am to join the conversation on future banking

The UK’s most trusted bank* has joined creative innovator & tech entrepreneur, will.i.am, to explore the future of banking in a takeover of leading financial podcast, Fintech Insider by 11:FS.

will.i.am, who, under his I.AM+ company umbrella, is on a mission to fuse the world of enterprise artificial intelligence with smarter consumer products, joined Atom’s CEO and co-founder, Mark Mullen, Simon Brown, Head of Business Banking and Clare Framrose, Head of Personal Banking. Also in attendance were the podcast’s expert hosts, David Brear, 11:FS CEO and Leda Glyptis, 11:FS Chief of Staff and CEO of 11:FS Foundry.

The collection of experts discussed all things AI, how algorithmic bias technology may influence the way banks operate and why customers should harness technology to enjoy a better service.

The podcast, which was recorded at the National Theatre, provides a fascinating insight into what the banking industry could look like, and covers everything from industry issues to the story behind will.i.am’s connection with Atom.

Banking regulation is a recurring theme, as is customer trust and technology now and in the future. Should banks be safeguarding customer data, whilst helping them transact with and monetise it? Will AI strip out human bias and combat prejudice in decision making? Are free bank accounts really free? These are just some of the questions, amongst many more, that was debated, discussed and mulled over by the team.

Mark Mullen, Atom bank CEO and co-founder, comments: “We’re constantly developing new technology and exploring new ways to enhance our customers’ experience. To do this, it’s important to look at other industries and the world beyond traditional banking to really understand consumer behaviour and technological trends; for example, during the podcast will.i.am drew some fascinating parallels between the banking and music industries.

“This podcast provides an unscripted, balanced insight into our mindset when planning for the future, whilst allowing us to set the scene for our future and signalling to our customers and investors that we’re committed to providing the best possible banking experience.”

David M. Brear, Group CEO at 11:FS, adds: “We’ve kept a close eye on how Atom has developed its proposition as one of the first of a new breed of banks in the UK. Fintech Insider prides itself on unlocking the interesting and important narratives for the banking industry and really get under the skin of a topic. The opportunity to sit down with them, and will.i.am, to discuss its approach, what financial inclusion actually means and the impact of AI on consumers produced an eye-opening, and highly entertaining episode. Will’s passion and positivity, in particular guarding against and removing bias from AI, shone through. It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with him and the Atom leadership team.”

Discover more and listen to the podcast here:

https://11fs.com/blog/no-ordinary-matter-atom-will-i-am-and-the-currency-of-trust