Artificial Intelligence
New Finextra and Volante Technologies survey reveals almost four-fold increase in bank adoption of Payments as a Service

Annual survey shows 364% increase in the number of institutions planning to deploy PaaS, with 72% of all respondents planning to increase funding for payments modernisation
LONDON, Sept. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Volante Technologies, the global leader in cloud payments modernisation, today published key findings from its annual research collaboration with Finextra, ‘Payments Modernisation: The Big Survey 2023’. The global survey of 300 senior bankers reveals a seismic shift towards cloud-based Payments as a Service (PaaS), with an almost four-fold (364%) year-on-year increase in the number of institutions planning to outsource their payments processing to a PaaS provider.
This rapid shift towards PaaS is occurring within an industry context of ever greater reliance on cloud. A full 90% of all respondents indicated that they currently use, or plan to implement, a cloud-based payments infrastructure, whether provided by a PaaS supplier or their own private cloud. Only a minority (9%) maintain a preference for traditional data centers.
Survey data also indicates that despite a turbulent macro-economic environment, banking leaders see payments as a high-priority area for technology investment, with 72% of respondents expecting to increase their budget for payments modernisation in the coming year.
Other findings include:
While all geographies showed an increase in PaaS interest, the shift was even more pronounced in North America, where more than half of respondents now favor PaaSThe pace of modernisation is accelerating, with two-thirds of new payments solution implementations expected to take place within the next twelve monthsISO 20022 compliance for domestic clearing remains a challenge, with less than a third of financial institutions able to deliver sophisticated products and manage compliance in a cost-effective mannerThe survey also provides important insights into bank customer satisfaction. The greatest pain point for bank customers (79%) is access to real-time or intraday liquidity management, with the cost of service a close second. A bright spot is cross-border payments, with 37% citing higher customer satisfaction with the efficiency of cross-border payments, up from 28% last year.
Deepak Gupta, EVP Product, Engineering, and Services, Volante Technologies, said, “We expect this survey to spark animated discussions about strategic priorities for banks and their customers. The data clearly shows an overwhelming preference for cloud, and within that a rapidly growing movement towards working with Payments as a Service partners.”
Gupta continued, “The results are consistent with our experience working with over 150 customers worldwide. Banks are facing rapid change on multiple fronts with new payments rails, the rise of real-time and instant payment schemes, ISO 20022 compliance, API banking, and regulatory mandates. Cloud and Payments as a Service can provide a fast-track path to payments modernisation for institutions of all sizes.”
Anna Milne, Senior Research Editor, Finextra, said, “The urgency for the clear benefits of cloud-based payments services, and specifically for the outsourcing of these, is evident in the staggering increases year-on-year in implementations, as stated by respondents.”
Finextra and Volante conducted the survey in early 2023. Of the respondents, 40% were C-level or equivalent, with the rest senior management, director, or VP. By geography, 30% were from North America, 20% from Europe and the UK, and the remainder from the rest of the world. The largest cohort of respondents (41%) work in corporate transaction banking, with the remainder in SME banking, retail banking, and banking technology.
Download a complimentary copy of the survey, ‘Payments Modernisation: The Big Survey 2023’.
Media Contacts: On behalf of Volante Technologies:
EMEAHolly Finn or Damien FletcherStreets Consulting Tel: +44 (0)20 8187 8324Holly[email protected]@Streetsconsulting.com
Americas Tinne TeugelsRISE-Tel: +1 (866) 797-8701 [email protected]
About Volante Technologies Volante Technologies is the trusted cloud payments modernization partner to financial businesses worldwide, giving them the freedom to evolve and innovate at record speed. Volante’s Payments as a Service and underlying low-code platform process millions of mission-critical transactions and trillions in value daily, so customers can focus on growing their business, not managing their technology. Real-time ready, API enabled, and ISO 20022 fluent, Volante’s solutions power four of the top five global corporate banks, two of the world’s largest card networks, and 66% of U.S. commercial deposits. Learn more at www.volantetech.com and linkedin.com/company/volante-technologies.
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Artificial Intelligence
ComplyCube Unveils No-ID Age Estimation to Address Growing Global Age-Restriction Regulations

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — ComplyCube, the global Identity Verification (IDV) platform, has launched a new Age Estimation feature to safeguard minors online and protect the vulnerable. The new capability complements its existing IDV-based Age Verification solution, offering an alternative to businesses that require a lower level of identity assurance.
The AI company says the new solution leverages advanced biometric technology to derive dependable age estimations from a single selfie in seconds. The bias-tested algorithm also examines the selfie for liveness signals to prevent presentation attacks, including screen replays, 3D masks, and deepfakes.
Furthermore, the new service boasts privacy-by-design capabilities, such as configurable automatic redaction for selfies customizable per jurisdictional regulations or use cases. This makes the service ideal for seamless age-gating across the globe while adding an extra layer of protection against spoofing.
“Our multi-step pipeline and data-centric approach have enabled us to tackle ethnic, genetic, age, and gender variance to provide our clients with a fair and robust age estimation,” explains Harry Varatharasan, Chief Data Scientist of ComplyCube.
The introduction of the new features comes as concerns mount over the ease with which minors can access inappropriate digital content. While some age-verification measures have been put in place, they are disturbingly simple to evade, especially when they are based solely on entering a birth date or are vulnerable to Virtual Private Network (VPN) manipulation. A UK-based study reports that 23% of minors say they can easily sidestep such VPN limitations, while another study highlights that a staggering 56% of children aged 11 to 16 have encountered explicit material online.
In response to these growing concerns, various jurisdictions are introducing robust regulatory frameworks aimed at mandating more rigorous age-verification procedures to enhance the safety of minors online. Key legislative efforts include the UK’s Online Safety Bill, the European Union’s Digital Services Act, and California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code Act. These laws aim to establish stricter guidelines and obligations for digital platforms, thereby creating a safer online environment for younger users.
Dr. Tarek Nechma, CEO of ComplyCube, adds that “the launch of our Age Estimation feature emphasizes our pledge to ensure that minors are shielded from content beyond their years while streamlining user experience for all and building trust at scale.”
Beyond its primary goal of safeguarding children online, the feature provides additional benefits to companies operating in regulated industries that fall under a lower level of scrutiny than financial institutions. Dating apps, e-commerce, gambling, gaming, and similar businesses can now:
Enhance User Experience: Age estimation streamlines age checks, promoting faster onboarding and better retention.Simplify Regulatory Adherence: Industries can effortlessly meet age-specific regulations, safeguarding their reputation and reducing legal risks.Ensure Data Minimization and Privacy: Estimating age masks or limits sensitive data collection, aligning with top-tier data protection standards.ComplyCube’s new Age Estimation solution offers a more streamlined approach to age verification. By reducing obstacles for users and enhancing conversion rates, it brings a balance of efficiency and trust. The one-stop-shop IDV platform also underscores its commitment to responsible digital interactions, especially when it comes to safeguarding minors.
About ComplyCube
ComplyCube is a top-tier SaaS platform specializing in Identity Verification (IDV), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. It serves a diverse client range spanning financial services, telecommunications, transport, healthcare, e-commerce, cryptocurrency, FinTech, and more.
ComplyCube’s platform, which is ISO-certified and has received multiple awards, prides itself on offering the quickest omnichannel integration available in the market. Its Low/No-Code solutions, API, Mobile SDKs, Client Libraries, and CRM Integrations make this possible.
Visit www.complycube.com to learn more.
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Artificial Intelligence
UNLEASH World Returns to Showcase Fortune 500 Companies Transforming the Future of Work

From startups to the Fortune 500, the event will showcase the leaders and technologies changing the world of workSpeakers include senior HR and business leaders such as L’Oréal Deputy CEO, Barbara Lavernos, JB Academy Founder, Josh Bersin, Spotify CHRO, Katarina Berg, and Sodexo CHRO, Annick de Vanssay, as well as England Rugby legend, Jonny Wilkinson CBEImagine a future where the boundaries of HR are redefined, and business is transformed. That future becomes a reality this year at UNLEASH World 2023, as 5000+ HR leaders from 100+ countries will arrive for the industry gathering of the yearLONDON, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — UNLEASH, the fastest-growing HR events across Europe and the US, returns to Paris for its 11th year on 17-18 October, 2023. Organised by UNLEASH, a global digital media and events business dedicated to HR, technology, learning and recruitment leaders, the flagship UNLEASH World conference has been the epicentre for HR, recruitment, learning expertise and tech influence for the last decade. This year, it returns to explore the transformative power of technologies such as AI in shaping the future of work.
Set across 12 theaters, UNLEASH World attendees will hear from visionary keynote speakers including CEOs from L’Oréal, Aliaxis and Roullier Group, CHROs from Airbus, Spotify and Sodexo, and Rugby legends, Jonny Wilkinson, CBE and Serge Betsen. With a diverse range of keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, UNLEASH World provides cutting-edge insights and best practices for everyone – from CEOs to HR leaders and executives.
“UNLEASH is the most influential HR event in the world, where attendees are given the opportunity to meet the who’s who of the industry from some of the most exciting brands and employers in the world – under one roof, over two days of face-to-face meetings,” said Marc Coleman, CEO and Founder at UNLEASH. “Massive thanks too to our Headline Sponsors who are the heartbeat of the HR Industry and help ensure UNLEASH is the go-to global event for HR Leaders, including: AWS, Bob, Deloitte, Eightfold, Phenom, Qualtrics, SAP SuccessFactors, Visier, Workday, and Workhuman”.
Through keynotes on the main stage and further breakout stages, attendees will gain on some of the most pressing topics including:
Creating an Exponential Organization in the Modern EraThe Adaptive Enterprise – HR Technology in the Age of AITech & Human Harmony in a Hyper-Connected WorldHarnessing the Power of Resilience and ReinventionMastering Employee Connection and the Social Contract in Today’s Talent LandscapeThe speaker roster itself is star-studded with 200+ of the best in the HR industry with speakers including:
Jean-Claude Le Grand, CHRO, L’OréalKatarina Berg, CHRO, SpotifyJosh Bersin, Founder & CEO, The Josh Bersin CompanyNatalia Wallenberg, CHRO, Ahold DelhaizeSalim Ismail, Founder, OpenExOAnika Grant, CPO, UbisoftThierry Baril, CHRO, AirbusBeatriz Rodriguez, Chief Talent and DEIB Officer, BayerReza Moussavian, VP of People Products, ZalandoMaud Alvarez-Pereyre, Chief People & Transformation Officer, LVMHAndrew Elston, Global Head, Workforce Strategy Enablement, HSBCLaura Hingel, Global Head of Talent & Employer Branding, Christian DiorHenrik Hansen, VP Global Head of Integrated People Services, PhilipsDenise King, Vice President, Global Benefits and Payroll, MedtronicArtur Nejmark, Head of HRIS Operations, Volvo GroupIntroducing the UNLEASH World Startup Program: A veritable launchpad for trailblazing entrepreneurs in the HR and Future of Work. UNLEASH has been the launchpad for the future of HR Tech, this high-impact platform has already seen its network of startups raise an astounding €10 billion in funding. 2023 UNLEASH World Startup Award offers an unparalleled opportunity for early-stage companies to break through. Established in 2011, this accolade has proven to be more than just a trophy; it’s a gateway to funding and exponential growth. Our last four champions and runner-up’s secured game-changing funding within months. Those interested in entering the award can find out more here.
For more information, including the agenda and how to register for the event, visit https://www.unleash.ai/unleashworld.
About UNLEASH
UNLEASH is the go-to marketplace for human resources and breakthrough technologies that shape the future of work, and is an essential source of news, analysis and market trends that inspire and empower organisational leaders worldwide. UNLEASH is a platform to share ideas that work, network and do business, and its mission is to be the world’s number one destination and marketplace for human resources, recruitment and learning leaders globally. UNLEASH is headquartered in London, UK with operations across Europe and the United States.
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Artificial Intelligence
BACARDÍ® RUM TO LAUNCH THE FIRST A.I. POWERED ALBUM PRODUCED BY GRAMMY WINNER BOI-1DA

The latest evolution of the iconic rum brand’s Music Liberates Music programme will use cutting-edge generative A.I. software to give a global collective of artists including UK singer/songwriter Bellah access to Boi-1da’s best-in-class production talent.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Continuing its mission to support emerging talent, BACARDÍ and Grammy Award-winning producer Boi-1da are once again partnering to launch this year’s evolution of the longstanding ‘Music Liberates Music’ programme: The A.I. Powered Album. Dropping this November, The A.I. Powered Album will champion works by five global up-and-coming artists in a one-of-a-kind project exploring how A.I. can be positively leveraged to provide emerging talent unprecedented opportunities. For the first time since the campaign’s inception, each artist will have the opportunity to try out multiple demos with Boi-1da’s star-powered beats, using a generative A.I. trained on the award-winning producer’s sound, to ultimately finalise one incredible track. Together, the tracks will be offered to fans as the first-ever A.I. powered EP produced by Boi-1da.
The A.I. Powered Album will feature tracks from UK-based singer Bellah as well as Ghanian-raised rapper Blackway, American R&B singers Floyd Fuji and Kyle Dion, and Canadian R&B artist Savannah Ré. Over several weeks, each artist will feed their tracks into a state-of-the-art generative A.I. tool, which has been trained on a selection of beats from Boi-1da’s unreleased catalogue and will learn the sounds and cadence of his unique musical style. After submitting their demos to Boi-1da, each artist will work alongside him to refine their works, resulting in the EP’s final set of songs to be released this November.
Bellah, from North London, has a special knack for gliding over classic R&B instrumentals and captivating audiences. With a handful of EPs under her belt, the burgeoning British/Nigerian singer/songwriter has proven why she is at the forefront of the UK R&B industry. In her third and most recent piece, Adultsville, Bellah explores what it means to evolve into a woman in the modern world. It’s the inner page of a journal that, in looking back on her life and work as a whole, she describes as the “most transforming, traumatic, eye-opening, beautiful, and awful chapter of my life.”
With a style that combines traditional R&B with an Afro influence, Bellah’s very likable and sincere lyricism shines just as brightly as her voice. Her British-Nigerian ancestry lends an Afro influence to that unfiltered R&B, a sound that has been praised by Complex and BBC 1Xtra, which named her first hit their Track Of The Week. As a rising star in the music and entertainment industry, she’s already garnered a MOBO nomination, cementing her status as one of the most promising talents in the UK music scene. With over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Bellah has captivated a wide audience with her music.
As with each Music Liberates Music programme, all proceeds from the project will directly benefit the participating artists. All copyright and subsequent revenue from the tracks will remain with the artists and Boi-1da. Fans can enjoy The A.I. Powered Album available for purchase as a limited-edition vinyl as well as for free on streaming platforms, such as Spotify, this November.
“This is the fifth year we’re bringing Music Liberates Music back for artists and fans alike. We’re proud to continually support emerging talent with new resources that fuel creativity and collaboration,” said Laila Mignoni, Global Head of Brand Marketing Communications for BACARDÍ rum. “Ultimately, our goal is to provide opportunity and access to rising artists in the industry, so it’s been exciting to broaden Boi-1da’s capabilities, allowing him to work with multiple artists on multiple tracks, simultaneously as one producer. We know the conversation around AI has been a challenging one, so approaching this project with the utmost respect and protection for the artist was key in developing this new tool. The technology is, and always should be, complementary to each artist’s work and protective of all the creatives involved.”
“I’m thrilled to work with BACARDÍ on this ground-breaking new iteration of Music Liberates Music exploring AI as a tool to enrich human creativity,” says Boi-1da. “One of the most fulfilling responsibilities I have as a producer is to work with up-and-coming talent. Through the A.I. Powered Album, we’ve provided unprecedented access to my personal production style. I’m able to work with an international collective of artists simultaneously, while still honouring their creative autonomy. Music as an art has continually grown thanks to innovative technology, and with AI, I believe we can revolutionise the music industry for good if we view it as a way to provide opportunities that enhance music’s human element, rather than replace it.”
For more information and updates on the launch of The A.I. Powered Album follow @bacardi_uk on all social channels or visit Bacardi.com.
About BACARDÍ® Rum – The World’s Most Awarded Rum In 1862, in the city of Santiago de Cuba, founder Don Facundo Bacardi Massó revolutionized the spirits industry when he created a light-bodied rum with a particularly smooth taste – BACARDÍ. The unique taste of BACARDÍ rum inspired cocktail pioneers to invent some of the world’s most famous recipes including the BACARDÍ Mojito, the BACARDÍ Daiquiri, the BACARDÍ Cuba Libre, the BACARDÍ Piña Colada and the BACARDÍ El Presidente. BACARDÍ rum is the world’s most awarded spirit, with more than 1,000 awards for quality, taste and innovation. Today, BACARDÍ rum is made mainly in Puerto Rico where it is crafted to ensure the taste remains the same today as it did when it was first blended in 1862. http://www.BACARDÍ.com/
The BACARDÍ brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.
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SOURCE BACARDÍ® Rum©2023. BACARDÍ AND THE BAT DEVICE ARE TRADEMARKS.
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