HiQ is strengthening its focus on business-oriented artificial intelligence, prioritizing AI solutions that directly support and enhance customers' core operations. AI expert Sofie Perslow, with a solid background in tech-driven business development and leadership roles at Aller Media and ICA, has been hired to lead this strategic initiative.

HiQ aims to be a leading partner in AI, with a special emphasis on advanced, tailored AI solutions that meet customers’ business needs in an ever-changing digital world. With Sofie Perslow at the helm, HiQ is enhancing its capabilities in the field.

“We work with many clients facing the challenge of transforming AI’s potential into tangible execution that delivers real value. Sofie’s deep understanding of both technology and business makes her the perfect leader for our business-focused AI offering, and we’re excited to strengthen our support for clients even further with her onboard,” says Samuel Skott, CEO of HiQ.

Sofie Perslow brings extensive experience in turning complex technical concepts into concrete business advantages, building data-driven organizations, and implementing AI solutions to optimize operations and drive business value.

“Leading HiQ’s focus on business-oriented AI is an opportunity to set a new standard. It’s time for companies of all sizes and forms to stop hesitating, start building long-term strategies, and look beyond the risks. AI is about opportunities. We aim to transform ideas into business value, not just in projects but as part of ongoing success. AI is not the future – it’s now. Together with our team, we’re creating solutions that unlock real potential,” says Sofie Perslow, the new Head of AI at HiQ.

In her new role, she will focus on strengthening and accelerating HiQ’s team of AI experts and its business offering based in Stockholm, and she will also lead the overarching initiative to build HiQ’s capabilities in AI, data science, and machine learning engineering across Sweden.

Bankgirot has been a central part of Sweden's financial ecosystem for over 60 years. Now, the organization is embarking on a major transformation journey that will impact both payment flows and the infrastructure of tomorrow. Anna Maria Nyström, Chief Product Officer at Bankgirot, discusses the challenges and opportunities Bankgirot faces as it shapes the future of payments, in collaboration with HiQ.

A Historic Foundation to Build Upon

“Bankgirot has been a cornerstone of the Swedish payments landscape for decades,” says Anna Maria Nyström, Chief Product Officer at Bankgirot. “We are proud to have enabled everything from mass payments in the 1960s to today’s modern solutions.”

On average, around 9 million transactions, equivalent to 84 billion SEK, flow through Bankgirot’s payment systems every day. These systems handle a wide range of societal payments. Many people are familiar with key services like Autogiro (direct debit) and e-invoicing, which impact almost every company and individual in the country.

Bankgirot’s customers are banks and financial institutions operating in Sweden. To ensure the stability of Sweden’s payment market, Bankgirot is regulated and authorized by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.

Transforming for the Future

The company is now facing one of its biggest transformations to date. Increased security requirements, stricter regulations, and global standards are driving the need for a modernization of Bankgirot’s platform and services—at a time when society is more dependent on payment systems than ever before.

“Our goal is to continue providing a secure infrastructure while adapting to new market demands,” explains Anna Maria. “The payments landscape is evolving, and we need to be prepared for the future.”

Collaboration with HiQ

At the heart of this modernization effort is the development of a new payment system that will offer greater flexibility. The system is being designed with scalability in mind and built on a modern architecture based on microservices and API-first principles. To achieve this, Bankgirot has chosen HiQ as its technical partner.

“HiQ is a key partner in this work. Their consultants bring deep technical expertise and an innovative mindset that is essential for building the infrastructure of the future,” says Anna Maria.

The goal is to create a platform that is faster, more secure, and fully compliant with regulatory requirements.

Challenges and Opportunities

However, the path to the new system is not without its challenges. Bankgirot must develop the new infrastructure while ensuring the existing system continues to operate seamlessly—a balancing act that requires meticulous precision.

“This is no small task. We are undergoing a major transition where we must decommission old systems while building an entirely new payment infrastructure—all without compromising the daily operations of millions of transactions,” says Anna Maria.

Regulatory requirements have also added complexity. Adapting to new standards, such as ISO 20022, requires significant changes in how payment information is processed and transferred.

Bankgirot is now focused on delivering a state-of-the-art system that will serve Sweden for decades to come.

Want to know how HiQ can support your business in banking, finance and payments? Read more and get in touch here.

The program kicks off in August 2025 and is aimed at newly graduated and junior talents in technology and programming. It’s a modern take on traditional trainee programs, offering participants a fast and practical path into working life. The goal is to provide real hands-on experience from day one while fostering a strong sense of community through social activities in true HiQ spirit.

A Smooth Transition from Studies to Work

Unlike classical trainee programs, which often focus on internal training, HiQ participants jump straight into real assignments or projects that mirror actual customer tasks. From the second day, candidates work in teams at clients or participate in internal projects with a focus on Java and C++ – all to provide genuine work experience.

During the program’s ten weeks, participants also receive support in the form of courses and certifications tailored to individual needs. This is complemented by social activities such as dinners, internal events, and evening courses to create an inspiring and cohesive experience.

Who Can Apply?

HiQ is looking for candidates who:

• Have a background in fields like computer science, engineering physics, information systems, or mechatronics.
• Are students, recent graduates, or have up to one year of work experience.
• Are highly driven to start working practically and want to grow in a team-oriented work environment.

Merits that can strengthen an application include:

• Experience programming in C++, Java, or frontend frameworks like React and Angular.
• Project or extracurricular work in programming.
• Previous summer jobs in the tech industry.
• Knowledge of cloud technologies, such as AWS.

Focus on Community and Support

HiQ’s program is designed to be cost-effective and flexible, with the ambition that all participants will have a role from the start. With support from experienced colleagues and shared activities, a safe and inspiring environment is created where participants are never sent out alone on assignments.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted until February 28, 2025. Read more and apply here

OmaIntti, a digital service developed in collaboration between the Finnish Defence Forces and HiQ, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Service Management Act of the Year by the global organisation IT Service Management Forum, ItSMF Finland. The award celebrates the service’s innovative efforts to enhance interaction between conscripts and the Defence Forces through a customer-focused digital platform.

OmaIntti is a digital service developed by the Finnish Defence Forces and HiQ to facilitate case management for conscripts and reservists. The service consolidates the Defence Forces’ web content and services into a single user interface, enabling seamless access to personal information and updates.

The service is available to all conscripts aged 18–60 (excluding Defence Forces and Border Guard employees) and women aged 18–29 interested in voluntary military service.

OmaIntti represents a significant step toward modern and digital case management within the Defence Forces, improving interaction with conscripts and ensuring that information is current and easily accessible.

Simplified Services for Conscripts

OmaIntti integrates the Defence Forces’ digital content and tools into a user-friendly interface tailored to conscripts. A unique feature of the service is its ability to customize information based on the user’s current stage of service. New recruits receive personalized instructions, while those already in service access content relevant to their current needs.

The service is available to all conscripts aged 18–60 (excluding Defence Forces and Border Guard employees) and women aged 18–29 interested in voluntary military service.

OmaIntti represents a significant step toward modern and digital case management within the Defence Forces, improving interaction with conscripts and ensuring that information is current and easily accessible.

Continuous Development

In 2024, a new feature, Personal Information, was launched in OmaIntti. It allows conscripts to review and update their personal data. Reservists can also now access important information, such as their latest promotion and wartime placement status, ensuring that the Defence Forces maintain up-to-date information.

Recognition for Excellence

ItSMF Finland’s jury highlighted OmaIntti for its high standards of user-friendliness, accessibility, and reliability while improving communication with conscripts. The award was presented during ItSMF Finland’s 20th-anniversary conference in Helsinki on November 27, 2024.

OmaIntti is an excellent example of how technology and software can revolutionize public services, making them more efficient, user-friendly, and responsive to their target groups.