Business First

05/12/2025

Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance has evolved from a regulatory checkbox into a strategic imperative for financial institutions worldwide. As regulatory frameworks tighten and financial crime becomes increasingly sophisticated, organizations need robust solutions that balance compliance rigor with operational efficiency. Manual KYC processes are no longer viable—they're slow, error-prone, and unable to keep pace with the volume and complexity of modern customer onboarding. The right technology platform transforms KYC from a costly burden into a streamlined process that protects your institution whilst enhancing customer experience. This guide examines the leading KYC software solutions, helping you navigate the market and select the platform that best aligns with your organization's specific needs, regulatory environment, and growth ambitions.
What Makes Effective KYC Software?

Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance has evolved from a regulatory checkbox into a strategic imperative for financial institutions worldwide

05/12/2025

Construction and fit-out contractor Gilbert-Ash Ireland has officially unveiled its new headquarters in the heart of Dublin.

The company opened its doors and invited clients and stakeholders to see their new premises, located on the city’s Dawson Street on Wednesday evening.

It follows Gilbert-Ash Ireland’s recent completion of the 245-bedroom citizenM Hotel on Dublin’s Bride Street, marking the global hospitality brand’s entry into the Irish market.

The company is also progressing work on the construction of two major hotels, a 215-bedroom Premier Inn at Twilfit House on Jervis Street and a 229-bedroom Premier Inn forming part of the redevelopment of the former Clerys department store site.

Elsewhere on the island, Gilbert-Ash has completed several landmark projects including the Giant’s Causeway Visitors Centre and the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, both of which were shortlisted for the Stirling Prize.

Construction and fit-out contractor Gilbert-Ash Ireland has officially unveiled its new headquarters in the heart of Dublin.

05/12/2025

The deadline for Net Zero is no longer a distant dot on the horizon; for the commercial real estate (CRE) sector, it is staring us directly in the face. With tightening regulations—such as the increasingly strict MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) in the UK and similar ESG mandates globally—asset owners are under immense pressure. The threat is real: buildings that fail to decarbonise risk becoming "stranded assets," unrentable and unsellable in a green-focused market.

For years, the industry’s response to energy inefficiency has been reactive. We rely on retrospective data, generic benchmarks, and "rule of thumb" retrofits. But in an era where energy is a major variable cost and carbon is a currency, guesswork is no longer a strategy.

The future of sustainable real estate isn’t just about solar panels or heat pumps; it’s about data. Specifically, the physics-based intelligence provided by Digital Twins.

The future of sustainable real estate isn’t just about solar panels; it’s about data. Specifically, the physics-based intelligence provided by Digital Twins.

05/12/2025

Dan Sten Olsson, Chief Executive of Stena Sphere has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Queen’s University Belfast in recognition of his impact across industry and commerce through his global leadership as well as Stena Line’s long-term contribution to Northern Ireland’s economy.

The honorary degree was formally conferred during the University’s winter graduation ceremonies on Tuesday 2nd December.

Dan Stena Olsson joined Stena Sphere, the family-owned global business in 1972 and under his leadership, it has grown into one of Sweden’s largest privately owned companies. It has business interests across Europe including Stena Line ferry operations, offshore drilling, real estate and metal recycling. This year Stena Line, the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea marked the 30th anniversary of operations in Belfast Harbour.

Mr Olsson commented: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition from Queen’s University Belfast.

Dan Sten Olsson, Chief Executive of Stena Sphere has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Queen’s University Belfast

05/12/2025

Drinks distributor United Wines has expanded its popular Designated Driver campaign to include the Belfast Giants’ Elite League match against Guildford Flames at the SSE Arena on Friday December 12.
United Wines
Any fan offering to stay sober and drive their friends to and from the big match will receive a FREE can of leading non-alcoholic beer Heineken® 0.0 by making themselves known and showing their car keys to United Wines promotional staff inside the Arena.

Fans will also have a chance to take part in a ‘puck drop’ competition to win merchandise or a free Heineken® 0.0.

Launching the Designated Driver promotion ahead of the big match are United Wines Brand Manager David Greenlees with Belfast Giants players Josh Roach (left) and Sam Jones. Offer available while stocks last.

04/12/2025

Jet2CityBreaks is Jet2holidays’ dedicated city breaks product launched in May 2015. Jet2CityBreaks provides Jet2.com flights and handpicked hotels in more than 30 of Europe’s most popular cities, all secured with a low £60pp booking deposit.
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Jet2Villas is Jet2holidays’ dedicated villa holiday offering launched in May 2017. Jet2Villas offers the freedom of a villa holiday with the full package – a £60pp booking deposit, as well as 22kg baggage, 10kg hand luggage and great flight times with Jet2.com, as well as car hire included as standard.
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Jet2holidays is the UK’s leading tour operator to many leisure destinations across the Mediterranean and Canary Islands and provides great value package holidays you can trust to more than 600 resorts, all secured with a low £60pp booking deposit.

Jet2CityBreaks is Jet2holidays’ dedicated city breaks product launched in May 2015