World's most relaxing ATM opens, with visitors serenaded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

In repsonse to recent research exploring the fraught relationship between Brits and their bank balances, Atom, the UK’s first digital bank creates a uniquely relaxing space for people to come face to face with their finances.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

• 29% of adults have felt nervous or physically sick when checking their account balance
• 85% of people don’t know how much money is in their bank account
• More than 3 million Brits admit lying to their partner about the state of their finances
• 7 out of 10 people tested using HeartMath technology found it difficult to engage with physical money

Opening on Wednesday 16th November, visitors to the super soothing Atom ATM will be serenaded by the string section of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as they check their balance and withdraw their money.

The unique all white room in central London has been carefully designed to help visitors feel completely at ease as they confront their finances, with soft lighting, feather fans and a soothing live soundtrack delivered by the delicate combination of violas, harps, violins and cellos.

Chief Executive of Atom bank, Mark Mullen, said:

“The UK keeps its finances at arm’s length because money causes people such enormous stress and anxiety. Atom was created to redefine the everyday relationship between customers and their money and we thought we might take some of the pain away from confronting the brutal facts when you go to the nearest hole in the wall, with live serenading courtesy of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.”

Research carried out by YouGov (2,000+ respondents), and charity The Stress Management Society, who tested participants using HeartMath technology.

-ends-

Notes For Editors:

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,157 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24th-25th October 2016. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About Atom bank

Atom is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the PRA. Atom is the only UK business in the Fintech100 2016. Savings accounts are currently available to customers. A full range of banking products will be available widely later in the year and into 2017.

Founded in 2014 and based in the City of Durham, Atom has a growing team of over 250 people drawn from across the country, working with partners to bring pioneering technology to Europe for the first time. Atom is building the UK’s first bank designed specifically for digital, offering easy and convenient banking, along with unique and engaging ways to manage money.

About The Stress Management Society

The Stress Management Society is the UK’s leading authority on stress in the workplace. It is a non-profit organisation that offers practical help and advice on managing stress both for individuals and organisations. For more information please visit www.stress.org.uk