"Most organisations tend to run IT as a function, not a business, but if you look at IT as a business, would you make the same decisions?"
David Issa, former head of technology at Westpac, commenting on understanding technology as a business driver.

Corporate Developments

Western Union has established Western Union Ventures, which will focus on developing new products and services for customers. The new division will concentrate on three growth areas, namely consumer money transfer, business-to-business payments and new products and services. It will be headed by Dianne Scott.

Fiserv, a provider of financial services technology solutions, has completed the purchase of CashEdge, a provider of payment solutions. Sanjeev Dheer, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and President of CashEdge, will serve as president of this new Fiserv division.

Core Banking

Netherlands’ Argenta Bank has deployed Callataÿ & Wouters’ Thaler core banking solution, helping the bank to strengthen its back office operations and enhance its internet banking services.

Fiserv, a provider of financial applications, has upgraded Signature, its core banking system. The solution now contains new features including enhanced commercial lending and a new price module.

E-Channels

Ria Financial Services, a provider of money transfer services, has signed a deal with Pakistan’s Meezan Bank, enabling customers to send money transfers without having a bank account to any of the bank’s branches across the globe.

Path Solutions, a provider of Islamic and investment software services has signed an agreement with Apliman Technolog...