Customer service stories
AI is pushing women in small businesses into technology leadership roles, as Thryv says customer and operations experience now counts more.
Banks can query payment data via AI without risking unauthorised transfers, as Form3's new layer keeps agents on read-only access.
Widespread use of chatbots and drafting tools may leave workers less able to verify outputs or think independently, Walsh said.
Supervisors can now target call reviews and coaching more quickly as the 110-agent unit adds transcripts, scorecards and compliance tools.
European customer service teams trail global AI uptake, but those already using it say it is helping them handle more enquiries with existing staff.
Distributed offices can now standardise document capture with scanners that protect records, reduce rework and support audits across multiple sites.
Insurers in Australia and New Zealand may gain tools for fraud checks, customer communication and injury recovery after DXC picked three startups.
Dealer networks remain central to GENERAL New Zealand's market as Absolute Air Conditioning & Refrigeration and Ace Heat Pumps top the 2026 awards.
Budget-conscious households are embracing AI for practical holiday tasks, with confidence rising fastest among the eight markets surveyed by Sinch.
More than 800 staff will spend less time juggling systems as the bank shifts consumer and business account opening onto one platform.
Only 21.1% of workers have been trained, leaving organisations exposed to errors and weak oversight as AI writing spreads.
Financial pressure is pushing households to favour flexible due dates and hardship pauses, even as most still want a live agent for billing disputes.
More than three in five bill payers want control over payment timing, as 59% lack enough savings to cover a USD $1,000 emergency.
Utilities face mounting scrutiny and investment pressures, as Klarus brings in Stephen Haw to steer advice on technology, data and AI.
Only 15% of New Zealand businesses have an AI strategy, leaving most unable to measure returns or prepare for the next wave of tools.
The bank's AI push aims to improve staff productivity and client service as it tests secure tools with Cohere and its Layer 6 unit.
The telecoms group's annual revenue climbed 5.5% to USD $1.46 billion as integration costs eased and enterprise wins lifted growth.
More than half of UK contact centre managers have found compliance breaches outside routine checks, heightening FCA scrutiny risks for firms.
Users can now place trades and raise support requests in one chat, as the exchange rolls out a separate AI sub-account for safer automation.
Businesses in Irish parks could gain faster, more reliable links as SIRO says poor connectivity is slowing productivity and cloud use.