New Director of Banking for Sword Apak’s Next Generation Core Banking System

To support the continued expansion of Sword Apak’s state-of-the-art core banking system, Aurius, we are delighted to announce that our Senior Business Manager, Mark Elliott, has been appointed as Director (Banking Division).

Mark brings many years’ experience in the banking technology sector to his new role along with a real passion for the industry and a commitment to a genuine partnership with clients. He is enthusiastic about the prospects for Aurius as the business climate improves and is confident that Aurius can significantly increase its share of the market over the coming years. Sword Apak’s latest contract signing is with Cardiff-based Julian Hodge Bank (JHB), and is the fourth license sale in the last 18 months.

Mark comments, "With the long-awaited upturn in the economy, banking organisations are taking a strategic look at investing in robust and flexible financial systems that address the demands of a growing and increasingly competitive market. The Aurius core banking solution is designed to meet these demands. It provides banks with the agility to respond swiftly to changes - whether in the market, in regulation or in technology - with an efficiency which is simply not possible on more traditional legacy platforms. I am excited by the opportunity to lead such a skilled and dedicated team in the development and expansion of this product.”

Tony Allen, CEO, Sword Apak adds, "As our flagship core banking product, Aurius represents a key element in the Sword Apak business offering. We are committed to build on its success as a powerful integrated financial system solution for our clients. Mark has been with Apak for 18 years and his appointment as Director of Banking is a natural progression and a reflection of the dedication and commitment he has shown to the Aurius product. Mark’s appointment ensures we are in a strong position as we expand and move forward.”

Sword Apak’s capability as a specialist financial systems provider comes from more than 35 years’ experience of developing and implementing enterprise-wide banking applications for clients such as United Trust Bank, Unity Trust, Cater Allen, Coutts and American Express Bank. We also provide integrated software and services for major financial institutions such as Lloyds Banking Group, Santander and RBS Group.

Sword Apak is also pleased to announce that our Senior Business Consultant, Karen Cooper, has joined the Aurius team from Sword Apak’s commercial finance division and will be providing support for the JHB account.

Notes to editor:

About Sword Apak

Sword Apak (part of the Sword Group) has over 30 years’ experience of providing specialist financial systems to the global asset finance and banking sectors. Our products have been designed by in-house financial software specialists, utilising their extensive knowledge and long-term experience of working within the financial services industry. Our specialist teams work with business and IT leaders to help translate their strategic business agendas into IT initiatives and solutions that measurably improve performance.

Please visit www.sword-apak.com for more information.

About Sword Group

SWORD GROUP (NYSE Euronext: FR0004180578 SWP) delivers high value business applications to the world’s largest companies globally. With operations in 50 countries, Sword today employs over 1,200 people and generates more than €126m in pro forma revenue.

An international leader in the delivery of Business Process Improvement solutions, Sword’s skills, infrastructure and experience help our customers across regulated industries optimise performance, increase efficiencies and maximise return on investment.

With flexible delivery options, including On Demand and On Premises, combined with our extensive industry expertise, Sword provides comprehensive support to customers across insurance and healthcare, energy, banking and finance, telecoms, utilities, engineering and construction and the public sector.

For more information, please visit www.sword-group.com