An expert in automation has moved from the Southern tip of Africa to the island, from where he is introducing artificial intelligence and robotics to the international division of Standard Bank in the island.

John Gaydon is head of robotics at Standard Bank Wealth International (WIN) and is based in the heart of Standard Bank’s building on Circular Road in Douglas.

He is clear about the benefits of this work.

He said: ’We all benefit from technology.

’Banking lends itself to today’s digital revolution, with many opportunities to improve the customer experience by being smarter.

’To be clear, automation is not about replacing people with robots; it’s about technology allowing people to focus on areas they can add value.

’At Standard Bank, for instance, we have introduced ’’Assisted Automation’’ to help with high volume, mundane tasks.

’Software robots are programmed to imitate the physical work required to move data between systems, or from spreadsheets into systems, freeing up teams to concentrate on the more interesting parts of their jobs.

’Rather than replacing people with robots, it allows our teams to grow in their roles and spend more time speaking to clients.

’Take the important issue of client identification and verification as another example.

’With identity theft and fraud on the increase, we must be sure the person calling the bank is who they say they are. Not all this information is stored in one place; but a robot can, upon the customer providing their customer or account number, simultaneously access multiple systems to query the data required, which is displayed on the screen as soon as it is available.

’The whole process is faster, clearer and more secure.’

John previously worked on artificial intelligence and robotics for Standard Bank Group in Johannesburg but he has now brought his expertise to the Isle of Man.

He added: ’When my wife and I were offered the opportunity to move to the Isle of Man, it didn’t take long to convince ourselves to make the move. It wasn’t that we were wanting to leave South Africa, but the chance to live in a new country was something we both wanted to experience.

’The added advantage of being so much closer to Europe from a travel perspective was also very attractive.’

John and his wife, Irene, have embraced life in the Isle of Man. ’If we had to pick one thing about the island that we love, it would be that there are very few things to stress you out. People are friendly and greet you in the street, even if you don’t know them, and drivers are courteous.

’Bus drivers will wait if they sees you running for the bus. It’s also a very beautiful island; sure, the weather can be a little miserable in winter but experiencing snow for the first time was something special.’

Getting involved in island life outside of work is also extremely important.

John plays hockey for the current island hockey league and cup champions, Cronkborne Bacchanalians, while Irene is a keen yogi working towards her instructor’s qualification.

Both are active Geocachers, and help at a local Scout Troop when they have time.

Chris Till, chief executive officer of Standard Bank Isle of Man, said: ’To have someone of John’s experience and expertise here is a real coup for the Isle of Man and not only demonstrates Standard Bank’s commitment to the island but also its reputation as a centre for technology and innovation.’