NAB-owned UBank launches robot to sell home loans
In a first for an Australian bank, NAB-owned UBank has launched an artificial intelligence “chatbot” for home loans. Using IBM Watson’s supercomputer technology, it aims to reduce the time it takes to complete an application for a home loan, by providing real-time answers to questions that is available 24/7. Called RoboChat, it has been trained using data collected from customer questions and will continue to learn as more customers engage with it, becoming smarter and more user-friendly over time. Users ask it questions such as “what term do you offer on home loans” and “do you offer redraws and how do they work”, with RoboChat offering on-the-spot help. A handful […]
National brokerage announces fintech partnership
A national mortgage broking franchise has harnessed the technology of local fintech Proviso to streamline the flow of customer data. MoneyQuest has entered into an agreement with Proviso to use its product BankStatements, enabling customers to seamlessly send their bank transaction data to brokers. The technology is also expected to boost conversion rates for brokers. “MoneyQuest is very proud of its reputation for providing a superior customer experience and our new partnership with Proviso utilising their product BankStatements is sure to take this customer experience to even greater heights,” MoneyQuest managing director Michael Russell said. “One of the biggest frustrations for both our customers and franchise owners is having to […]
Aussies getting ‘fleeced’ by major banks, says HashChing
A recent analysis conducted by the online mortgage marketplace has claimed that borrowers with the big four are paying up to $90,000 more than they need to for their home loans. By comparing the fixed and variable rates offered by the big four banks with those available through the HashChing platform, the analysis revealed it was possible to save up to $90,000 over the life of a home loan. HashChing pointed out that according to the RBA, one-third of borrowers have less than a month’s worth of breathing room around their mortgage, with millions of Australians at risk of falling behind on their payments. Commenting on the findings, HashChing CEO […]
Moneysoft enters new partnership with Mortgage Choice
Moneysoft’s advice technology will power a new Mortgage Choice Financial Planning tool aimed at bolstering clients’ money management skills and helping them reach their financial goals. Mortgage Choice Financial Planning will offer the tool under the name of MoneyTrack as a part of their cash flow coaching service. Tania Milnes, general manager of Mortgage Choice Financial Planning, said the new tool will help its national network of advisers to enhance the affordable and transparent advice they provide to clients. “The introduction of MoneyTrack will provide a robust basis for the advice we currently provide to help manage their cash flow,” she said. “It gives clients an easy to understand tool […]
Fintechs like Hashching cash in on bank lending limits to curb property boom
As regulators weigh new limits on bank lending to cool the housing boom, their impact may be muted as tech-savvy borrowers turn to fintechs to access cheaper rates offered by non-bank lenders. Hashching is raising $6 million of fresh equity on the Neu Capital fundraising platform in a deal valuing the Sydney-based start-up – which gives borrowers access to the best interest rates negotiated by mortgage brokers – at $40 million. Since it was set up in August 2015, Hashching has received applications for $5 billion of home loans, which has doubled in the last five months. Around 20 per cent of loans are made to property investors. On the platform, borrowers are […]
Banks need to contend with YOLO and FOMO for market share
The attitudes and expectations of Millennials are shaping up as a key hurdle for banks, as younger customers experiment with new financial service providers and defer major investment decisions such as property purchases. Consultants at KPMG say the results mean that banks will have to learn the meaning of YOLO (you only live once) and the importance of FOMO (fear of missing out) in order to adapt their strategies and capture this valuable demographic. The findings are contained in the consultant’s third annual survey of the banking habits of Generation Y titled “Banking on the Future” which surveyed 1400 professionals aged between 18 and 30 years old. In what amounts […]
Regtech player e4 introduces Australia’s first-ever Virtual ID solution
South African regulation technology company e4 has arrived in Australia with the promise of enhanced corporate regulatory compliance and superior customer convenience, thanks to its introduction of Australia’s first real-time, ‘virtual’ alternative to face-to-face ID verification. e4’s new Virtual VOI (Verification of Identity) platform delivers Australian businesses the first ever digital opportunity to ensure compliance with global and local anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing (AML/CTF) standards, increased customer and workforce convenience and a substantial saving against other ID verification services in operation across the country. Founded in 2000, the e4 Group has already become a dominant and trusted software and technology services provider to the banking, legal and […]
The Benzinga Global Fintech Awards – entries closing soon
The Benzinga Global Fintech Awards May 11, 2017 in New York, is the premier event in Fintech, celebrating financial innovation from around the world. The Benzinga Awards is a competition to showcase the companies with the most impressive technology, who are paving the future in financial services and capital markets! Applications are still open, so apply now before the March 17 deadline. At the event, you’ll get a first look at groundbreaking technology, innovative platforms, and the chance to network freely with top industry professionals. Over 550 FinTech CEOs, C-suite executives of financial institutions, VCs, press, and others attended the 2016 Benzinga Fintech Awards. 45 exclusive exhibitor spots on the show floor […]
