Pop star will.i.am appointed to the board of Atom Bank

The Durham-based bank has hired the Black Eyed Peas frontman as its first Strategic Board Advisor.

In this new role, will.i.am - who has a keen interest in technology - will provide the bank with “an external perspective on culture, philanthropy and technology”.

Anthony Thomson, Atom Founder and Chairman said: “Like us, will.i.am believes that technology can better and simplify our lives, which is at the heart of all that we are passionate about at Atom. As we develop the range of products and services on offer to customers, will.i.am’s unique view on the world and knowledge of future trends will be a great asset for us.”

In a stament will.i.am said: “Our lives are faster than ever before, but the banking industry hasn’t kept up. The scale of Atom’s ambition to help people understand and manage their money better, and it’s clever use of technology to give people an entire bank on their phones is awesome. I’m looking forward to working with Atom to achieve success in everything we will do together.”

As well as being the frontman of US hiphop act the Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am - real name William Adams has enjoyed a successful solo career and produced dozens of artists including Michael Jackson and U2. He has appeared as a judge on the popular talent show The Voice and has a number of business interests, mainly focused on technology.

Atom launched its banking app in 2016, offering fixed savings accounts, secured business lending and retail mortgages offered through intermediaries.