Ikano Bank invites prospective candidates to create an avatar to represent them and record themselves answering its killer questions as part of the initial screening process.

The UK branch of the Swedish bank in Nottingham is currently leading a global digital programme using new technology to revolutionise the way in which it provides credit solutions to its customers.

Founded in Almhult, Sweden, Ikano Bank was set up in the UK in 1994 with an ambition to share its promise of delivering finance on fair terms.

The “on fair terms” principle also extends to the way the bank treats staff and communicates with them. Ikano introduced weekly Skype Get Togethers which all staff attend to help everyone stay connected and create a sense of unity, and it also established routines of team managers “checking in” on home workers and teams.

During the pandemic some teams chose to have a daily meeting to start the day together over a coffee while others incorporated quizzes into their day to recreate some of the social elements of working together in the office.

The bank has continued to support The Children's Bereavement Centre and Operation Orphan, its two local charities, with cash donations. Additionally, the Ikano Group committed to providing 1.5 million Euros, across the business to support the global health crisis, including £40,000 for four local charitable initiatives. The bank wants staff to enjoy their job and used its end of year call to ask staff how it could improve their experience working for Ikano.