The bank, which Israel’s banking regulator approved last year, has 140 staff and has begun opening accounts and providing all banking services for a closed group of customers. First Digital Bank was founded by Amnon Shashua, co-founder of Intel’s autonomous car business Mobileye. Shashua has invested $60 million into the venture and the bank said it would raise additional funds to expand its operations. Shashua said the bank will use artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies to meet customer needs. The bank will have no branches and will focus on retail services, including extending credit to households and accepting deposits. Opening accounts will be done online.

https://www.reuters.com/article/israel-banking-firstdigital/first-digital-goes-live-as-israels-first-new-bank-since-1978-idUSL8N2LC0A0