Financial Services stories - Page 16

AI will upend UK software testing by 2026, Tricentis warns, forcing a shift to risk-led quality, autonomous checks and stricter guardrails.

Global fintech funding jumped 21% to USD $53 billion in 2025, as the UK secured second place worldwide with USD $3.6 billion.

The Isle of Man will host the 2026 Interceltic Business Forum, uniting Celtic regions to deepen economic ties and showcase innovation.

IRIS launches AI anomaly-checking tool for UK personal tax returns, promising to cut prep time to 90 minutes and slash errors by up to 95%.

BGF has exited Optima Partners with a 4x return as Growth Capital Partners invests to boost the AI consultancy's growth and services expansion.

Pytilia has tripled its Belfast HQ space to support growth, boosting its 50-strong team and exporting 90% of its tech services worldwide.

Chancellor's Budget sparks industry fears over pension caps, LISA reforms, and urges UK firms to tackle digital and AI readiness amid £16bn productivity cost.

Visa has completed the UK's first commercial variable recurring payment using its A2A account-to-account solution with Kroo, Tink, and Utilita.

Irish exports to Canada hit a record EUR €585 million (CAD $954 million) in 2024, soaring 32% since 2021 as technology and services firms boost trade ties.

Ecommpay teams up with humm to offer flexible finance up to GBP £3,000 for UK merchants, boosting sales in travel and high-value retail sectors.

Org Group has taken a minority stake in Irish start-up HappyPath Labs to expand its reach in AI-driven customer experience technology for contact centres.

Nearly three-quarters of UK and Ireland consumers now trust AI assistants, with 79% confident chatbots provide reliable help, says IBM study.

Irish fintech has secured nearly EUR €1bn in five years, as new data show strong 2023 deal activity despite weaker European VC flows.

TCS has completed the digital migration of over 3.8 million Scottish Widows life and pension policies onto its BaNCS platform, modernising customer service.

HSBC Innovation Banking has launched in Australia to support venture-backed tech scale-ups with tailored finance and global network access.

CubeMatch has acquired a stake in UK consultancy DVCP as part of a phased full takeover, aiming to expand its UK reach in financial services consultancy by 2026.

AI use nears 94% in UK and Ireland firms, yet full business transformation lags; IT outsourcing shifts as offshore activity and client demands grow.

Aryza has acquired conversational AI firm Webio to enhance its financial software with AI-driven features, aiming to lead in AI-powered credit and debt solutions.

CT: Evolve and AccountsIQ partner to transform UK finance teams through strategic consultancy and cloud-based automation, boosting efficiency and insight.

In 2024, AI innovations are set to revolutionise sectors like finance and public services, predicting substantial changes and savings of up to GBP £200 billion by 2025.