Kaupthing has been rebranded

It‘s official, the Bank formerly known as Kaupthing is reading my blog. A few months ago I wrote that Kaupthing was in need of a new brand. I also wrote about their internal branding. You might say I am obsessed with the bank but in my defence, it is the bank where I conduct all my banking. The bank took “my” advice and changed its name and is now called Arion Bank. The name is controversial; some people like it while others hate it. The new name comes from Greek mythology and it symbolizes persistency, cooperation and comeback.

Finnur Sveinbjörnsson the CEO of Arion Bank, says that it was about time to make these changes:

“New name, policy and value marks the new beginning with the bank, we are in a certain way saying goodbye to the old and are determined to face the challenges that our community is facing with force. Our goal is to create a solid and trustworthy bank that works with and for the people.”

The cost of the rebranding is said to be very little, they will even use the remainder of the old stationary and use the old debit and credit cards labeled Kaupthing.

This is a huge step towards the future of the bank. Whether you like the name or not, it isn’t connected to Iceland and its’ failed banking system. In a few years we might have a functional banking system once again!

F-Secure: Sauna for your software

Apparently, the people of Finland are great believers in the healing powers of the Sauna. According to a Finnish proverb; if liquor, tar or sauna doesn’t cure you, it’s probably fatal.

When your computer catches a virus however, no amount of liquor, tar or even sauna will help (not the computer at least). That’s where Finnish computer security firm F-Secure comes in.

F-Secure is one of the most respected names in the field of computer security, Twitter being an example of one high profile client.

So we were intrigued when we learned from one of our favorite blogs, Brand New, that F-Secure had overhauled their brand. Those who share our interest in brand guidelines should check out the F-Secure guidelines (pdf).

What sold us the new identity was seeing the new logo on software boxes, below.

We were not averse to the old “super-hero” logo, but the new version makes the product feel very professional and, well, secure.