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WhatsApp Launches New AI Tools for Businesses

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Meta’s WhatsApp app has announced the launch of AI tools to help businesses. 

KEY FACTS 

  • Meta launches its first targeted ad program for businesses on WhatsApp. 
  • CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the new tools in a video that was shown during a conference in Brazil.
  • The innovation marks a change for WhatsApp, the encrypted messaging service that excels in the privacy of communication between users and avoids the use of targeted advertising tools that are part of other Meta products such as Facebook and Instagram.
  • During the conference, Meta also unveiled a new AI chatbot that answers business inquiries directly in chat. The chatbot will help users with common queries, such as finding catalogues or consulting about opening hours.
  • With the innovation, Meta aims to monetize its popular chat service. 
  • The social network has been rolling out in-app commerce and payment features for several years, including “business messaging” options that companies can use to serve customers and send promotional materials to people who have shared their phone numbers with them.
  • New AI tools will analyze behaviour on Facebook and Instagram to send targeted messages to those users who would receive them, provided customers use the same phone number on their accounts.

THE BIG NUMBER

Approximately $22 billion. This is the amount for which the WhatsApp app was acquired by Meta in 2014. Globally, the app has over 2 billion users and is Meta’s largest app in that regard. However, despite the service’s popularity, WhatsApp has so far contributed only a small fraction of Meta’s total revenue.

HSBC Restructures Banking Divisions and Appoints First Female CFO

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

HSBC is undergoing significant changes as part of a strategic restructuring led by new CEO Georges Elhedery. The bank is merging its commercial and investment banking units in a bid to streamline its operations, cut costs, and enhance efficiency. This transformation includes consolidating its business into four divisions: UK, Hong Kong, corporate and institutional banking, and wealth banking. The newly formed corporate and institutional banking division will integrate commercial banking with its global banking and markets business, along with its Western wholesale operations.

A notable aspect of this overhaul is the appointment of Pam Kaur, HSBC’s first female Chief Financial Officer, marking a historic moment for the bank. Kaur, who has been with HSBC since 2013 and currently serves as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, will step into this leadership role at a time when the bank is under pressure to reduce expenses and optimize its business structure.

Other leadership shifts include Greg Guyett assuming a new role as Chair of the Strategic Clients Group and the departure of Colin Bell, CEO of HSBC Bank and Europe, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities. HSBC has been gradually reducing its presence in Western markets like the U.S., France, and Canada to focus on its stronger foothold in Asia.

These changes are part of HSBC’s broader efforts to simplify operations and position itself for future success in an increasingly competitive and cost-sensitive environment.

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