In the first Tech Talks Business series event of 2025, Dean Anuj Mehrotra hosted Tim Oliver, CEO of NCR Atleos.
The conversation began with Oliver describing what NCR Atleos does. At its core, he said, they provide comprehensive ATM technology and services to financial institutions and retailers of all sizes. They deliver a full spectrum of solutions, from traditional hardware and software to managing ATM operations, including hardware, software, maintenance, and network access for clients.
With operations in approximately 140 countries, the company is actively reshaping the future of self-service banking.
Oliver discussed how the company can help retailers optimize how they distribute cash. For example, NCR Atleos offers retailers the opportunity to recycle cash within their stores, eliminating the need for traditional armored car services. This approach lets businesses receive credit for cash deposits overnight while reusing the physical currency for the next day's transactions, creating a more efficient cash ecosystem.
While NCR Atleos is changing how retailers handle cash, he noted that cash remains a crucial part of the economy despite the rise of digital payments. He said approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population remains unbanked or underbanked, and cash transactions play a vital role in the global economy. He said NCR Atleos is positioning itself to serve this population while bridging the gap between traditional and digital banking services.
The company is also adapting to changing payment landscapes. Oliver discussed using cryptocurrencies and stated that NCR Atleos is exploring various digital currency solutions. They're seeing potential in facilitating smaller cryptocurrency transactions, providing an example of users making withdrawals of $40 to $60 against their crypto holdings, though this remains a developing market.
At the forefront of their innovation strategy is integrating AI-powered solutions, not just in analyzing financial data and ATM servicing requirements but in developing more interactive and personalized banking experiences through enhanced digital interfaces and avatar-based customer experiences.
He believes these modern solutions create a more engaging customer experience while maintaining the reliability and security that banks and their customers expect.
Oliver discussed how a fundamental shift in NCR Atleos' strategy was transitioning from primarily a hardware provider to a service-focused organization. About half of their revenue comes from services, reflecting their commitment to providing comprehensive solutions rather than just physical ATM hardware.
Oliver also described his career changes and how he transitioned from a career as a CFO to CEO with support from colleagues who knew he could do the job. He also noted that the company has hired numerous Scheller graduates, stating that they bring a skill set that makes them more appealing partly because of their understanding of business systems and ability to see the bigger picture.
Looking ahead, Oliver envisions a future where banks increasingly outsource their cash operations. And he's positioning the company to manage entire cash ecosystems for financial institutions, allowing banks to focus on their core banking services. At the same time, he said the company can handle the physical cash infrastructure and related technologies.
For financial institutions and retailers, these innovations translate into more efficient operations, reduced costs, and enhanced customer experiences. As the banking industry continues to evolve, Oliver believes that NCR Atleos' focus on service-oriented solutions and innovative cash management positions them at the forefront of banking technology transformation.
Watch the full event in the video below.
