RESEARCH PAPERS / ARTICLES

Very few companies are prepared for an expected surge in automation over the next few years, with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics set to almost double by 2021. A worldwide survey of businesses by Willis Towers Watson (WLTW) found that automation is expected to account for 22% of work in the next three years on average, compared with 12% today and 7% three years ago. However, less than 7% of firms believe their HR functions are fully prepared for the chang

Six out of 10 investors with no current exposure to digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum would consider including them in their investment portfolios. That is according to a worldwide survey of investors by the deVere Group, which finds that seven in ten people who do hold cryptocurrencies plan to increase their exposure in the next 12 months. The survey respondents included investors residing in the US, UK, UAE, Australia, Qatar, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Spain, France

Average mortality improvements between 2011 and 2017 were significantly lower than for any other recent six-year period, according to data from the Continuous Mortality Investigation (CMI). At a glance Mortality improvements continue to decline after handbrake turn in 2011 Change likely due to long-term influences not short-term events Bulk annuity pricing unlikely to see big jump this year as trend sets The reduction to the rate at which life expectancy is increased is drive

Amazon is showing signs of its fintech and insurance strategy in India and Mexico by acquiring startups, offering alternative payment services in cash-heavy countries. In India, Amazon has a doorstep cash-pickup service that lets customers load money into a digital wallet. It has also acquired or invested in several startups there, including Emvantage Payments and BankBazaar. In Mexico, Amazon has a cash payment service meant to be an alternative to a credit or debit card. Am

Around two-thirds of the world’s largest companies face high levels of industry disruption, with almost half already showing severe signs of future susceptibility. That is according to new research from consultancy firm Accenture, which studied the presence and market penetration of disruptor companies in various different sectors. It was found that the insurance and healthcare industries are in a ‘vulnerability stage’ of disruption, with structural weaknesses exposing them t

Investment in financial technology ventures increased by 18% to hit a record high of $27.4bn (£19.9bn) in 2017, according to research by consultancy firm Accenture. This was mostly thanks to a sharp increase in investments across the US, UK and India, while the number of deals worldwide rose significantly from 1,800 in 2016 to 2,700. Deal value jumped by around a third in the US, nearly quadrupled in the UK, and increase almost fivefold in India, underscoring the continued ap