Santander is closing 95 branches across the UK, putting 750 jobs at risk, as the bank adapts to the growing popularity of digital banking. This decision reflects a significant shift in customer behavior, with online transactions surging by 63% since 2019, while in-branch financial transactions have fallen by 61% over the same period.
Polaron, a spin-out from Imperial College London, has developed a groundbreaking AI solution that reduces the time needed to create advanced materials, potentially transforming the production of materials used in wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries, and infrastructure. This innovation aligns with the government's new AI blueprint and could support the UK's push for economic growth and net-zero targets.
The stock market ended the week on a mixed note, with the Nasdaq eking out a slight gain while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated. Investors grappled with the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates and revised economic projections indicating slower GDP growth and elevated inflation for 2024.
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal's "accidental" $250,000 investment in Google during its early days has grown exponentially, contributing significantly to his current net worth of $500 million. This highlights the potential of tech investments and the importance of diversification for athletes beyond their playing careers.
Warren Buffett has made his annual March Madness bracket challenge for Berkshire Hathaway employees easier to win this year, offering a $1 million grand prize for accurately predicting the winners of 30 out of the 32 first-round games. Despite the eased conditions, winning the challenge remains a daunting task with estimated odds of 1 in 9.2 quintillion.