Hampshire Trust Bank accelerates software launch with Alfa Start

Hampshire Trust Bank’s specialist business finance division has gone live with Alfa Systems after introducing the new Alfa Start solution to accelerate implementation. The rapid launch of the preconfigured Alfa Start solution meant the Alfa Systems platform was introduced in four months.

Hampshire Trust Bank accelerates software launch with Alfa Start

Mar 18, 2020

Hampshire Trust Bank’s specialist business finance division has gone live with Alfa Systems after introducing the new Alfa Start solution to accelerate implementation. The rapid launch of the preconfigured Alfa Start solution meant the Alfa Systems platform was introduced in four months.

Alfa reveals new preconfigured software platform for equipment finance as HTB becomes first customer

Global software giant Alfa has launched a new preconfigured solution that enables equipment finance companies to rapidly implement its award-winning software. The new offering, called Alfa Start, comes predesigned and ready to use, which largely removes the in-depth consultation process that the software company carries out with customers who are supplied with its full Alfa Systems solution. Sarah Taylor, senior project manager at Alfa, said: “We see it as a project accelerator. It is faster to implement, but Alfa Start still has the full power of Alfa Systems’ technology. “It is simplified to reflect the fact that some businesses, whether they are start-ups or major organisations, don’t require the complexity of the full system implementation. “It represents the best of both worlds for our customers. You get all the futureproof power of Alfa Systems and the benefits that brings, without incurring the costs of a bespoke implementation.”

Alfa reveals new preconfigured software platform for equipment finance as HTB becomes first customer

Mar 06, 2020

Global software giant Alfa has launched a new preconfigured solution that enables equipment finance companies to rapidly implement its award-winning software. The new offering, called Alfa Start, comes predesigned and ready to use, which largely removes the in-depth consultation process that the software company carries out with customers who are supplied with its full Alfa Systems solution. Sarah Taylor, senior project manager at Alfa, said: “We see it as a project accelerator. It is faster to implement, but Alfa Start still has the full power of Alfa Systems’ technology. “It is simplified to reflect the fact that some businesses, whether they are start-ups or major organisations, don’t require the complexity of the full system implementation. “It represents the best of both worlds for our customers. You get all the futureproof power of Alfa Systems and the benefits that brings, without incurring the costs of a bespoke implementation.”

Bank of America’s AI-driven assistant Erica adds new skills as it attracts 10m users

Bank of America’s artificial intelligence-driven virtual financial assistant Erica has reached 10 million users since its launch and completed 100 million client requests. In response to growing adoption, the smartphone-based service will offer new personalised, proactive guidance to help customers with finance. Enhancements include a new refund confirmation service, so clients are proactively notified when a merchant refund is posted and available to use.

Bank of America’s AI-driven assistant Erica adds new skills as it attracts 10m users

Feb 14, 2020

Bank of America’s artificial intelligence-driven virtual financial assistant Erica has reached 10 million users since its launch and completed 100 million client requests. In response to growing adoption, the smartphone-based service will offer new personalised, proactive guidance to help customers with finance. Enhancements include a new refund confirmation service, so clients are proactively notified when a merchant refund is posted and available to use.

Global growth beckons for Intrador as it builds on major award wins

Data specialist Intrador is planning global growth for its technology solutions for the equipment finance industry after securing two major industry awards for its work. The company won the PowerUp London Overall Innovation Award at the International Asset Finance Network Conference and Awards in London last year, along with the PowerUp London Techstar of the Year Award. Intrador analyses the data of more than 2.5 million machines for sale and has built up a wealth of data on more than 900 brands and 80,000 asset types. It has used this data to develop a range of products to support customers, covering audits, remarketing, market data and sales, including smartphone apps.

Global growth beckons for Intrador as it builds on major award wins

Feb 12, 2020

Data specialist Intrador is planning global growth for its technology solutions for the equipment finance industry after securing two major industry awards for its work. The company won the PowerUp London Overall Innovation Award at the International Asset Finance Network Conference and Awards in London last year, along with the PowerUp London Techstar of the Year Award. Intrador analyses the data of more than 2.5 million machines for sale and has built up a wealth of data on more than 900 brands and 80,000 asset types. It has used this data to develop a range of products to support customers, covering audits, remarketing, market data and sales, including smartphone apps.

Why the challenge of legacy systems must be addressed in 2020

The finance sector needs to embrace partnerships to cost effectively update its legacy systems and infrastructures to meet the future demands of consumers and businesses, industry experts warn. The comments follow industry analysis from GlobalData, which asked a range of experts about key finance trends for 2020.

Why the challenge of legacy systems must be addressed in 2020

Jan 20, 2020

The finance sector needs to embrace partnerships to cost effectively update its legacy systems and infrastructures to meet the future demands of consumers and businesses, industry experts warn. The comments follow industry analysis from GlobalData, which asked a range of experts about key finance trends for 2020.

Asia leads the way as fintech disruption changes finance markets

Fintech disruption in the services sector - ranging from pizza ordering through to car and computer equipment leasing - is not only likely to continue, it is also expected to accelerate over the coming years in response to the rapid digitalisation of the global economy, says Martin Morris.

Asia leads the way as fintech disruption changes finance markets

Jan 09, 2020

Fintech disruption in the services sector - ranging from pizza ordering through to car and computer equipment leasing - is not only likely to continue, it is also expected to accelerate over the coming years in response to the rapid digitalisation of the global economy, says Martin Morris.

Societe Generale Equipment Finance plans growth in 2020 as a leading provider of innovative and flexible asset finance solutions

Societe Generale Equipment Finance (SGEF) has confirmed its leadership position as the largest company in the annual Asset Finance Europe 50. Jochen Jehmlich, the company’s chief executive officer, explains how this position has been achieved through a focus on the customer experience, embracing technological transformation and financing the ‘real economy’.

Societe Generale Equipment Finance plans growth in 2020 as a leading provider of innovative and flexible asset finance solutions

Jan 06, 2020

Societe Generale Equipment Finance (SGEF) has confirmed its leadership position as the largest company in the annual Asset Finance Europe 50. Jochen Jehmlich, the company’s chief executive officer, explains how this position has been achieved through a focus on the customer experience, embracing technological transformation and financing the ‘real economy’.

PayPal Credit reaches £2 billion lending in UK

UK retailers incorporating PayPal Credit into their online checkout have seen an average 15% incremental increase in sales, the company says. PayPal Credit launched in the UK in 2014 to offer online credit that links to a customer’s PayPal account. It recently surpassed £2 billion in UK lending and 1.5 million PayPal Credit accounts. It also allows businesses to offer customers instalment payments on larger purchases. Retailers that offer PayPal Credit as a purchase option to allow payment by instalments include Dell, Voxi, Box, Watches of Switzerland, Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb.

PayPal Credit reaches £2 billion lending in UK

Dec 23, 2019

UK retailers incorporating PayPal Credit into their online checkout have seen an average 15% incremental increase in sales, the company says. PayPal Credit launched in the UK in 2014 to offer online credit that links to a customer’s PayPal account. It recently surpassed £2 billion in UK lending and 1.5 million PayPal Credit accounts. It also allows businesses to offer customers instalment payments on larger purchases. Retailers that offer PayPal Credit as a purchase option to allow payment by instalments include Dell, Voxi, Box, Watches of Switzerland, Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb.

Societe Generale leads exclusive AFE50 2019 rankings as it champions growth and innovation

Societe Generale has been named as the largest European asset finance company in the 2019 Asset Finance Europe 50 (AFE 50). The 2019 AFE50, sponsored by Alfa, provides insights into the European business equipment and car leasing industry, whose 50 largest members make up a community with lease receivables of nearly €300 billion. Societe Generale topped the annual tables as it saw its portfolio grow by 15.1%. The finance company, including its automotive leasing arm ALD, accounted for 28% of AFE50 growth in this year’s report.

Societe Generale leads exclusive AFE50 2019 rankings as it champions growth and innovation

Dec 20, 2019

Societe Generale has been named as the largest European asset finance company in the 2019 Asset Finance Europe 50 (AFE 50). The 2019 AFE50, sponsored by Alfa, provides insights into the European business equipment and car leasing industry, whose 50 largest members make up a community with lease receivables of nearly €300 billion. Societe Generale topped the annual tables as it saw its portfolio grow by 15.1%. The finance company, including its automotive leasing arm ALD, accounted for 28% of AFE50 growth in this year’s report.

Asset Finance Europe 50 reveals key drivers of growth in €300bn industry

The third edition of the annual Asset Finance Europe 50 (AFE50) ranking survey has revealed strong growth for leading companies in the region. The unique European annual ranking survey, sponsored by Alfa, shows total business equipment and vehicle lease receivables in 2018 were €299 billion, up 5.4% compared to 2017. The previous year showed an increase of around 2.8%. Companies profiled in the top 50 account for around 85% of the wider industry, suggesting total business equipment and vehicle lease receivables of around £351 billion. The survey is based on the latest published financial accounts of listed companies, usually with December 2018 year-ends.

Asset Finance Europe 50 reveals key drivers of growth in €300bn industry

Dec 18, 2019

The third edition of the annual Asset Finance Europe 50 (AFE50) ranking survey has revealed strong growth for leading companies in the region. The unique European annual ranking survey, sponsored by Alfa, shows total business equipment and vehicle lease receivables in 2018 were €299 billion, up 5.4% compared to 2017. The previous year showed an increase of around 2.8%. Companies profiled in the top 50 account for around 85% of the wider industry, suggesting total business equipment and vehicle lease receivables of around £351 billion. The survey is based on the latest published financial accounts of listed companies, usually with December 2018 year-ends.

How to integrate data-powered software into fleet management operations to boost performance and cut costs

Companies are integrating data-powered software into their fleet operations to drive better management processes. Chris Black, commercial director at LeasePlan UK, looks at how software is making a difference for fleets by boosting performance and cutting costs.

How to integrate data-powered software into fleet management operations to boost performance and cut costs

Dec 11, 2019

Companies are integrating data-powered software into their fleet operations to drive better management processes. Chris Black, commercial director at LeasePlan UK, looks at how software is making a difference for fleets by boosting performance and cutting costs.

Senior management in finance companies blamed for slow adoption of artificial intelligence

One quarter of finance technology professionals believe resistance from senior managers is preventing their company from adopting data analytics, including artificial intelligence-based services. Executives at MHR Analytics, the company that commissioned the research, warn that a cultural shift in attitudes to analytics will be essential for businesses to compete in the age of digital transformation. The company questioned 500 professionals and discovered that 23% felt their company’s traditional reliance on manual spreadsheets was holding them back from taking advantage of widely available technology.

Senior management in finance companies blamed for slow adoption of artificial intelligence

Nov 22, 2019

One quarter of finance technology professionals believe resistance from senior managers is preventing their company from adopting data analytics, including artificial intelligence-based services. Executives at MHR Analytics, the company that commissioned the research, warn that a cultural shift in attitudes to analytics will be essential for businesses to compete in the age of digital transformation. The company questioned 500 professionals and discovered that 23% felt their company’s traditional reliance on manual spreadsheets was holding them back from taking advantage of widely available technology.

Tradeshift and SiS-id launch new app to combat payments fraud

Fraud protection specialist SiS-id has partnered with supply chain payments provider Tradeshift to launch a new app to combat payments fraud. The app, available in the Tradshift app store, is intended to deter thieves who trick companies into diverting funds into their own accounts instead of the supplier’s bank when paying invoices. In 2018, UK businesses alone transferred £93 million into the accounts of criminals who were posing as legitimate payees, according to industry body UK Finance.

Tradeshift and SiS-id launch new app to combat payments fraud

Nov 20, 2019

Fraud protection specialist SiS-id has partnered with supply chain payments provider Tradeshift to launch a new app to combat payments fraud. The app, available in the Tradshift app store, is intended to deter thieves who trick companies into diverting funds into their own accounts instead of the supplier’s bank when paying invoices. In 2018, UK businesses alone transferred £93 million into the accounts of criminals who were posing as legitimate payees, according to industry body UK Finance.

Alfa secures major German contract

Global asset finance software specialist Alfa has secured a new contract with the German subsidiary of a major international bank. The bank is one of the largest automotive finance providers in Germany and implementation work has been carried out throughout 2019.

Alfa secures major German contract

Nov 19, 2019

Global asset finance software specialist Alfa has secured a new contract with the German subsidiary of a major international bank. The bank is one of the largest automotive finance providers in Germany and implementation work has been carried out throughout 2019.