SINGER Will.i.am is the unexpected new face of Atom, a start-up bank that launched last April.

The Voice judge will take on the role of “strategic adviser”, and will provide “an external perspective on culture, philanthropy and technology,” the Durham-based bank said.

Atom’s founder Anthony Thompson said that Will.i.am’s “keen interest in technology” would be a “great asset” to the company, which was the UK’s first mobile-only bank when it launched last year.

Sky News first reported the possibility of Will.i.am joining Atom back in February, but at the time the bank refused to confirm the rumours.

It reported that under the deal, Will.i.am would have an option to acquire up to 3.55million shares in Atom Bank at a price of £1.15-per-share during a three-year period.

A spokesperson for Atom confirmed that the deal gives Will.i.am a share option package, but declined to give any more detail.

Thomson said: “Like us, Will.i.am believes that technology can better and simplify our lives, which is at the heart of all that we are passionate about at Atom.

“As we develop the range of products and services on offer to customers, Will.i.am’s unique view on the world and knowledge of future trends will be a great asset for us.”

Commenting on the relationship, Will.i.am said, “Our lives are faster than ever before, but the banking industry hasn’t kept up.

“The scale of Atom’s ambition to help people understand and manage their money better, and it’s clever use of technology to give people an entire bank on their phones is awesome.

“I’m looking forward to working with Atom to achieve success in everything we will do together.”

Atom is part of a new breed of digital-only banks that are growing in popularity with Brits.

Thanks to their attractive products, they are luring in new customers everyday, and are becoming a threat to traditional high street banks.

Atom currently only offers savings accounts but hopes to launch a full suite of banking products this year, including current accounts, debit cards and instant access savings, all of which will be managed via the app.