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Articles by Mark Aldred
What's an ATM's total cost of ownership?
Software There's many more costs associated with owning an ATM than just the initial machine purchase itself. New tools are helping drive that overall cost down through smarter supply chain management. September 11, 2026 by Mark Aldred — Head of Sales, Auriga Summarize withChatGPTGrokPerplexityClaude There's a lot more costs to consider than just the ATM itself. One also has to consider the cash itself, peripherals, repairs, maintenance and cash management.
How will EU's AI Act impact banks?
Software To be compliant with EU AI regulations, financial institutions should identify where AI is used, classify systems according to risk, implement appropriate governance controls, and align AI management with existing requirements. September 2, 2026 by Mark Aldred — Head of Sales, Auriga Summarize withChatGPTGrokPerplexityClaude First passed in 2024, the EU AI Act has now reached a critical deadline for banks. Aug. 2 marks the next major compliance milestone of the EU AI Act.
How banks can improve accessibility
Innovation True accessibility in banking is no longer just about compliance or isolated digital interfaces; it is about creating connected, user-centric ecosystems that deliver consistent, inclusive experiences wherever and however customers choose to engage.
Why ATMs still matter
Innovation The ATM that survives and remains relevant in this environment is not the one that is merely kept operational; it is the one that becomes more capable, more connected and more consistent with the experience the customer arrives expecting.
How banks can win back customers
Bank / Credit Union In banking, the honeymoon phase is often brief. How can banks rekindle the love? March 20, 2026 by Mark Aldred — Head of Sales, Auriga Summarize withChatGPTGrokPerplexityClaude Lasting partnerships are built through reliability, shared objectives, and continuous value creation, including the relationships organizations cultivate with their customers. In both cases, early momentum can be strong, but long-term trust is earned through consistency and tangible value.
How banks can embrace data-driven decisioning
Software To succeed, banks must move from simply collecting data to actively using it to shape data-driven marketing strategies, improve customer services and boost profitability. September 16, 2025 by Mark Aldred — Head of Sales, Auriga Banks have more data than ever before. Every transaction, customer interaction and channel leaves behind a trail of information.
Banking in 2025: How to meet customer expectations
Digital Banking To stay competitive in this fast-moving landscape, banks need to understand what their customers really want and invest in the right technology and strategies to deliver it. August 15, 2025 by Mark Aldred — Head of Sales, Auriga Banking isn't what it used to be. Consumers have grown accustomed to a world of instant gratification, whether it's shopping online or streaming entertainment, they expect access 24/7, and banking is no different.
The future of the branch is hybrid
Branch Transformation By blending digital capabilities with human interaction, the hybrid branch offers the best of both banking worlds to fit the needs of every customer, no matter their preference. June 27, 2025 by Mark Aldred — Head of Sales, Auriga As consumer banking habits evolve, financial services institutions are rethinking the traditional branch model. The number of bank branches has dropped a lot in recent years, with nearly 2,000 bank branches having closed in the U.K. alone.
End-to-end cash management meets modern banking needs
Even though customers have moved towards cashless payments in recent years, more people are starting to rely on cash again as cost of living pressures increase. So, access to cash is more important now than ever before. But, accessing cash is becoming increasingly difficult as bank branches are disappearing on high streets across the UK.
Improving banking security
Even though it is heavily spelt out by regulators and others, the digitalization of financial services comes with increased security risks, even as it improves services and operating efficiencies. This year, the 2024 Global Financial Stability Report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said the financial services sector is highly exposed to cyber-attacks, with nearly one-fifth of all incidents affecting the industry, and the market seeing $0.5 million lost from cyberattacks.
What's pulling banks down on customer satisfaction?
A recent survey for UK’s Institute for Customer Service found that banks didn't make the cut for good customer service. How can they improve? In June 2024, the UK's Institute for Customer Service produced its UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) for the first six months of 2024. This is the most authoritative study of how well or not major organizations serve their customers.
Can we get a vote for protecting cash?
The date for the U.K. General Election is set for July 4. One often ignored issue by politicians is the loss of in-person banking services. Politicians should address voters' concerns about the decline in in-person access to cash and financial services. There are bigger issues being debated in the U.K. election but access to cash and financial services within local communities is a major issue that is being promoted by well-organized campaigners.
Analysis of Earnings Reports from June 3 to June 7, 2024
In the financial landscape, the period from June 3 to June 7, 2024, was marked by the release of earnings reports from a diverse array of companies across various sectors. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the performance and financial disclosures of key players during this period, offering insights into their economic health and market implications.
From Legacy to Leadership: How Financial Executives Can Transform in the Digital Age
Many products around us appear to be highly successful. However, sometimes this success is just an illusion. Iconic brands such as Kodak, Nokia, and Blockbuster serve as stark reminders that past success does not guarantee future relevance. These companies, once leaders in their industries, failed to adapt to the evolving digital landscape and customer expectations. In today’s digital age, where customer expectations are constantly growing, financial services are no exception.
Is there a vote for improving access to cash and services with smarter fintech?
2024 is a year of multiple elections . Now the UK has been added to the list with its general election called for July 4th. This led me to think how much the loss of in-person banking services and the demand for better alternative solutions using new technology should be an election issue. Of course, there are bigger election issues but access to cash and financial services within local communities is a major issue that is being promoted by well-organized campaigners.
What's the future of ATMs, ITMs?
As banks continue to digitally transform their operations, the question is how ATMs fit into this strategy. Could it be a case of ATMs disappearing off high streets, like bank branches have, or can financial services institutions look at ways to evolve these devices and adapt them to the changing tides? Even though 2023 saw a 3% decline in the number of ATMs from 2022, according to the European Association for Secure Transactions, they still hold significant value for customers.
How to make ATMs green-friendly
Banks need to focus on making cash, ATMs and electronic payments more sustainable as they work towards their green goals. Cashless payments and digital money have a growing carbon footprint that financial institutions must take into account. Deploying sustainable ATMs Managing ATMs well and handling cash responsibly can make using cash eco-friendly. A few years ago, the IFoA discovered that ATMs use a lot of energy.
AI will transform banking
More often than not, Artificial intelligence (AI)is seen as a doomsday topic by some, but others believe AI has the potential to change the world. We cannot hide away from AI and machine learning in banking; the technologies are a part of our everyday lives. From facial or touch recognition when unlocking your phone to virtual assistant technology in our homes to autocorrect, smart technology is everywhere, so it only makes sense that banks leverage this.
How have neobanks changed banking?
As our lives continue to become more digital, consumers are fueling the omnichannel revolution and expect a frictionless experience in every aspect of their life, including banking. To stay relevant, sustain growth, and compete, financial institutions must overcome fragmented channels and close the online/offline divide, but how?
Retail banking in 2024: What to expect
2024 will be another major year of change and challenge for retail banks. Our hope is that we see some retail banks take a more ambitious approach to digital self-service banking and not simply mark the year by more branch and ATM network cuts that harm customers. Will the brakes be applied on retail bank branches and ATM cuts? In many markets like the U.K. regulatory pressure to slow, if not stop, branch closure programs have increased, according to a report by Reuters.
Mark Aldred | Kiosk Marketplace
How to improve self-service cybersecurity Cybersecurity needs to be at the top of the agenda for every industry. This is especially the case for the financial institutions, which are always in the cross hairs of cyber criminals and fraudsters. Jan. 1, 2024 | by Mark Aldred — Head of Sales, Auriga
How to improve self-service cybersecurity
(Editor's note: An earlier version of this article ran on ATM Marketplace, a sister publication of Kiosk Marketplace, Vending Times and Automation & Self-Service.) Cybersecurity needs to be at the top of the agenda for every industry. This is especially the case for the financial institutions which are always in the cross hairs of cyber criminals and fraudsters.
Improving self-service cybersecurity
Cybersecurity needs to be at the top of the agenda for every industry. This is especially the case for the financial institutions which are always in the cross hairs of cyber criminals and fraudsters. The importance of avoiding cybersecurity complacency was underlined in 2023 for the sector when not just one but two new different kinds of ATM jackpotting scams emerged. We wrote about the FiXs ATM malware attack in April. But there was another new jackpotting attack on ATMs reported in May.
Improving self-service cyber security
Cybersecurity needs to be at the top of the agenda for every industry. This is especially the case for the financial institutions which are always in the cross hairs of cyber criminals and fraudsters. The importance of avoiding cybersecurity complacency was underlined in 2023 for the sector when not just one but two new different kinds of ATM jackpotting scams emerged. We wrote about the FiXs ATM malware attack in April. But there was another new jackpotting attack on ATMs reported in May.
Embracing New Management Models & Agile Tech Architectures
By Mark Aldred, banking tech expert at Auriga “From a mere cash dispensing machine, ATMs have evolved into critical self-service financial channels, offering a multitude of services including deposits. However, as the landscape of banking shifts towards a more digital, customer-centric model, the architecture and software powering these machines need to be re-evaluated to provide customers with a more engaging, omnichannel digital experience.
Examining FIXS ATM attack
Security A new ATM jackpotting variant is on the rise in Mexico. How can operators stop it? A recent report from the MetabaseQ cybersecurity company reveals a new ATM jackpotting malware variant, dubbed FIXS, infecting ATMs in Mexico. ATM Jackpotting attacks use malware to steal large amounts of cash from an ATM without having to use a credit or debit card.
Do banks really know their customers anymore?
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The Trends Driving Real Change in Europe Right Now
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Accelerated Cloud Migration (ACM) Framework for BFSI
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How data insights can help businesses understand their customers during the cost of living crisis
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What is Fintech as a service & the Impact of APIs on Fintech? — IDcentral
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A Magnificent Seven Retail Banking and Fintech Trends to Spy in 2023
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Could automation stem UK branch & ATM closures?
On July 26, 2022, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) closed its consultation on how banks should manage branch and ATM closures and conversion, and whether its guidance on these matters should be changed. This consultation was significant because the FCA suggested that previously agreed best practices on how banks plan and communicate the change of in-person banking services were not working well. This should not surprise us.
The emergence of niche banking
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Could the FCA and Fintech Rewrite the Rules for Branch and ATM Cuts?
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Collaborate To Innovate - But Who Owns The IP? - Trademark - UK
The adoption of technology within the agriculture sector is playing a key role in the development of more sustainable, efficient and safe food production. One of the more interesting developments in this area is the way in which technologies from industries that might not have been traditionally associated with agriculture are being adopted within the sector. Take, for example, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
What’s The Future Of Banking?
Mark Aldred, VP of International Sales at Auriga, a leading omnichannel bank software provider; explores the future of banking including contactless payments, NextGen branches, and virtual banking. The financial services sector underwent significant changes last year including cases of banks modernizing their infrastructures, the adoption of ATM pooling initiatives, and an ongoing emphasis on access to cash by governments and consumers alike.
Benefits and Advantages of the Virtual Assistant of #NextGenBranch
In our digital age, banks need to constantly improve user experience by adopting innovations within IT budget allowance to remain competitive. Up for consideration are chatbots and virtual assistants, which can provide real-time customer assistance and support, while reducing costs for banks. They come in different shapes and sizes – including different voices – and are predicted to be widely used in the future.
Re-thinking the e-savings experience for retail and business customers
As Britons continue to save more in the wake of COVID-19, and more savers do their banking digitally, building societies and banks must re-think how they service their e-savings accounts to increase share of wallet. COVID-19 lockdowns triggered a huge increase in savings in the UK. In June 2021 alone, households deposited an additional £9.8 billion with banks and building societies. In 2020, the household savings ratio - the percentage of disposable income households put away, soared to 16.3%.
Storage Solutions for NFTs to retrieve assets from the crypto pool | NFT Storage Solution
The recent explosion in the decentralized universe due to blockchain has invited a lot more than just opportunities. It has introduced a way of living for the next generation, which can genuinely mend the ways of Public and Private dealing according to the user’s needs. Blockchain leverages the vacant Hard Disk Drive (HDD) spaces to store the data all across the network nodes. Decentralized Storage exploited the loopholes left by the centralized cloud platform.
Benefits and Advantages of the Virtual Assistant of #NextGenBranch
In our digital age, banks need to constantly improve user experience by adopting innovations within IT budget allowance to remain competitive. Up for consideration are chatbots and virtual assistants, which can provide real-time customer assistance and support, while reducing costs for banks. They come in different shapes and sizes – including different voices – and are predicted to be widely used in the future.
Increase The Range Of Your IP
UK: Increase The Range Of Your IP 12 April 2021 Gill Jennings & Every To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. In January this year, Penn State University caused a stir in the electric vehicle (EV) field by announcing a battery for mass market EVs that has a range of 250 miles and an ability to charge in 10 minutes.
The real opportunity WallStreetBets is missing beyond the Robinhood saga
The dust has settled on the GameStop saga, and so has the stock price. Noise about Robinhood's questionable trading restrictions is calling into question the feasibility of current market infrastructure in our new, digitally connected world. The redditors came and saw, but they didn't conquer in their valiant mission to "beat the hedge funds." A significant blow, however, was dealt to the GameStop (GME) short seller Melvin Capital, who was blindsided by the socially-driven price rally.
Open Finance - Reducing the complexity of insurance
One of the biggest challenges when purchasing insurance is the complex nature of the product. Many customers are put off by the sheer volume of data they must enter, only to receive lengthy policy documents filled with jargon. In fact, less than 50% of customers understand what factors determine the price of their insurance policies.
How banks can take advantage of Open Banking to increase customer retention
Open Banking now has three million active users in the UK as of January 2021 according to the Open Banking Implementation Entity. However, since PDS2 came into force, the big transformation that was expected has not come to fruition. The directive paved the way for data sharing from multiple accounts from different providers, helping people with financial tasks such as budgeting by having a complete overview of their spending in one place.
A new impulse. Why may Bitcoin cost USD 100K already this year?
Over the past three months, the main cryptocurrency has tripled in price. Experts have named the conditions under which it would grow twice more this year. On the night of March 18, the Bitcoin price again approached the $60K mark. The first cryptocurrency began to actively grow in price after it had broken the $20K mark in December last year. The value of the cryptocurrency has tripled in three months.
Let’s Use Digital Technology to Transform Not Break Branch Banking
Three months into 2021 and we are seeing more bank branch closures on the cards with HSBC unveiling their plan to close branches. Of course, this isn’t unusual news. Legacy banks are suffering a perfect storm; massive reductions in customers utilising traditional banking channels and new entrants seizing market share with innovative digital only solutions.
Rethinking ATM infrastructure
Mark Aldred, head of international sales for Auriga, shares his insight and thoughts on ways the ATM industry should be considering in order to move forward in a post-pandemic future. There has been an increase in campaigns to protect access to cash. In the U.K. alone, cash machine withdrawals dropped by over a third. To stay relevant and competitive, banks must find innovative ways to guarantee ATM availability. COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation strategy across all industries.
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