Your IndustryApr 25 2017

Atom Bank appoints will.i.am as 'strategic adviser'

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Atom Bank appoints will.i.am as 'strategic adviser'

Atom Bank has recruited pop star will.i.am as a “strategic adviser” to provide an “external perspective” on culture, philanthropy and technology.

The Black Eyed Peas member will advise Atom Bank’s board but no other details have been provided on his role.

Anthony Thomson, Atom’s founder and chairman, said: “Like us, will.i.am believes that technology can better and simplify our lives, which is at the heart of all that we are passionate about at Atom.

“As we develop the range of products and services on offer to customers, will.i.am’s unique view on the world and knowledge of future trends will be a great asset for us.”

This is not the first time will.i.am has become involved in the technology industry.

In 2011 Intel Corp named him as director of creative innovation to help develop smart phones, tablets and laptops.

He has also launched i.am+, a company which aimed to create wearable products which combine fashion and technology.

will.i.am said: “Our lives are faster than ever before, but the banking industry hasn’t kept up.

“The scale of Atom’s ambition to help people understand and manage their money better, and it’s clever use of technology to give people an entire bank on their phones is awesome.

“I’m looking forward to working with Atom to achieve success in everything we will do together.”

No information has been provided on whether will.i.am will be paid for his time advising Atom Bank.

Atom, which has no branches, launched its app in 2016 and entered the mortgage market earlier this year.

damian.fantato@ft.com