Bank computers start learning our language

Article Abstract:

Voice recognition systems are being developed by United Kingdom banks that can understand a wider range of English, including slang. Automatic systems are cheaper to run than are systems where customers speak to people. Some banks are waiting to see how well the new systems perform before introducing them. Customers tend to be polite when contacting their bank, and may even say goodbye to a machine. Research has been carried out on regional accents, with 19 UK accent types defined, the most difficult being that of the west of Scotland.

Commercial Banks, Banking industry, Investments, Home banking, Voice communications software, Voice recognition, Speech recognition, Home banking services

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Not ready to beat the bug

Article Abstract:

Some observers have expressed concern about efforts in the UK financial services industry to address the year 2000 computer date change problem. In particular, they are worried about the way in which the Financial Services Authority is monitoring the industry's Year 2000 compliance programme. Robin Guenier, executive director of independent year 2000 computer date change advisory firm Taskforce 2000, believes that many financial services companies have fallen behind schedule with year 2000 compliance work.

Software Publishers, Strategy & planning, Systems Software Pkgs (Micro), Financial Services, Finance and Insurance, Financial services industry, Operating systems (Software), Year 2000 transition (Computers)

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Are you saving comfortably?

Article Abstract:

Many mortgage lenders in the UK are not passing on to borrowers the full benefits of interest rate cuts. This is because reducing rates for borrowers would mean reducing rates for savers, who are already suffering extremely low rates. Savers are now earning less on their deposits than since the mid-1970s, with returns under 1% now common on some High Street accounts. Some observers feel that the bottom of the savings rate cycle has now been reached, but that rates will remain low for some time.

Financial management, Interest Rates, Consumer Savings, Analysis, Savings accounts

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