22 July 2025
The Bank of England has significantly expanded its investment in information technology hardware, allocating an additional £7.7 million over the past three years to purchase laptops, tablets, and mobile phones as part of its broader digital transformation strategy. This initiative aligns with the increasing demands for enhanced cybersecurity, remote working capabilities, and operational efficiency within the central bank.
Between June 2022 and May 2025, the Bank acquired more than 7,200 devices, demonstrating a strategic commitment to modernising its technological infrastructure amidst evolving digital and security challenges. The most substantial procurement occurred between June 2023 and May 2024, when device purchases surged from 1,140 in the previous year to 4,271, with mobile phone acquisitions increasing by 80 per cent to 1,350 units at a cost of £5.2 million for the period.
This movement reflects a broader trend within the public sector, where hardware procurement, data governance, and responsible AI deployment are increasingly viewed as interconnected pillars of a resilient digital ecosystem.
Arakadiy Ukolov, Co-Founder and CEO of Ulla Technology, emphasised that these figures highlight the importance of investing in secure digital foundations. He argued that as sectors like law, government, and finance become more reliant on AI, establishing a secure infrastructure — ranging from devices to data governance — is crucial. Ukolov warned that organisations often rush to adopt AI without adequately addressing operational and cybersecurity risks posed by outdated systems, which can jeopardise sensitive data and operational integrity.
Ukolov stressed that safeguarding data in this environment requires privacy-first infrastructure that allows users to maintain control over their information. He added that operational success in AI depends on secure, enclosed IT environments, staff awareness, and responsible technology strategies that prioritise security throughout digital transformation efforts.
As the UK’s financial sector continues to adapt to global digital disruption, the Bank of England’s approach to device procurement underscores a vital insight: in the race towards AI, solid digital governance and robust infrastructure are indispensable.
Sachin Agrawal, Managing Director of Zoho UK, commented that it is encouraging to see public institutions like the Bank of England adopting a long-term, strategic approach to investing in digital infrastructure. He highlighted that with rising cyber threats and increasing regulatory scrutiny, equipping staff with secure, modern devices is essential, not optional. Agrawal noted that other organisations should follow the government’s lead by prioritising tools that support both security and productivity. He concluded that as the UK deepens its leadership in AI, fintech, and research, reliable and resilient infrastructure will form the foundation for secure data sharing, smarter public services, and cross-sector innovation, reinforcing the country’s position as a global hub for science and technological development.
