London-based AI company expands to Belfast, creating over 100 jobs.
A London-based artificial intelligence (AI) company is set to create over 100 jobs at its newly established office in Belfast.
Napier AI, which specializes in technology to help financial institutions detect and prevent crimes like money laundering, has expanded into Northern Ireland. The firm, founded in 2015 and employing 250 people, recently moved into its new office at Pearl Assurance in Belfast city centre.
Of the 106 planned roles, 25 have already been filled, with the rest expected to be in place by 2027. These positions offer an average salary exceeding £46,000. Once fully staffed, Napier AI estimates it will inject nearly £5 million in additional salaries into the Northern Ireland economy.
Tackling Financial Crime with AI
Greg Watson, Napier AI’s CEO, emphasized the company’s mission to combat money laundering, which he described as a “blight in society.”
“Unfortunately, money laundering remains incredibly successful, with an estimated $3.2 trillion laundered annually,” Watson said. “We are leveraging AI automation to address this issue, and we believe we are making a significant impact.”
Choosing Belfast After a Global Search
The decision to expand into Belfast followed an extensive global search, with locations like Warsaw, Porto, and Lisbon under consideration.
“We assessed talent pools, infrastructure, and strategic benefits across about 12 different countries,” Watson explained. “Ultimately, we found that Northern Ireland offers the right combination of talent, location, and language, and we are excited to establish a strong presence here.”
The new roles will focus on high-end research and development, including AI and software development. Watson praised the local talent emerging from universities and the wider region, expressing confidence in the company’s future in Belfast.
A Boost for Northern Ireland’s Economy
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald described Napier AI’s £10 million investment as a “vote of confidence” in Northern Ireland’s tech sector.
“These high-tech jobs align with our economic priorities and vision,” she said. “Belfast was chosen not only for its strategic location but also for its highly skilled workforce, making this a very positive development.”
Invest NI’s chief executive Kieran Donoghue also welcomed the announcement, highlighting how the creation of high-quality roles in data science, software engineering, and professional services would help elevate Northern Ireland’s reputation as a tech hub.
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