Project Manager

Backbase: why banks must fix the back office. At SIBOS Frankfurt 2025, Ahmad from Backbase addressed one of the industry's hardest truths - that banks can't do it all alone. While some institutions still believe they can build everything internally, Ahmad argued that sustainable innovation demands specialist partners. "You need those who test, measure, and deploy across institutions like yours," he said. "Because the question isn't whether you can answer today's needs - it's whether you'll be ready for tomorrow's." He sees smaller financial institutions leading the way in AI adoption precisely because they understand their limits. These banks are forming agile partnerships and adopting composable, plug-in solutions that accelerate transformation without the weight of legacy infrastructure. But for any of it to work, Ahmad insists, the focus must start with the back office. "If you don't fix the back office, the front office won't work - and the middle office will be confused," he explained. Incomplete data, weak governance, and outdated fraud systems can derail even the best customer-facing initiatives. Fraud and risk management, though less glamorous, form the foundation of digital trust - and without trust, innovation collapses. Still, Ahmad recognises the other side of the equation. While back-office reform ensures resilience, front-office modernisation drives revenue. Customer-centric, AI-driven experiences generate engagement, satisfaction, and the financial returns that justify continuous reinvestment. "The truth is, there's no single right answer," he said. "It's about readiness - how strong your back office is to support the front, or how much your front can generate to invest in the back." For Backbase, this balance defines the next chapter of banking transformation: composable, connected, and customer-first.

Backbase, a global provider of AI-driven banking technology, has announced the launch of Banque Saudi Fransi's (BSF) new digital banking platform.

Backbase, the global leader in AI-powered banking technology, today announced the successful launch of BSF’s next-generation digital banking platform. The new solution delivers enhanced omnichannel services via BSF mobile and BSF online, marking a key step in the bank’s digital transformation.Accelerating BSF’s digital banking ambitionsThe platform supports BSF’s ambition to become a leading bank in digital innovation, BSF’s new digital banking ecosystem includes retail mobile and web banking platforms, delivering seamless account management, advanced payment solutions, and enhanced security features – all unified through Backbase’s AI-powered Banking Platform.Key innovations include:Seamless money movement : Customers can conduct domestic and international transfers, SADAD bill payments, and access Western Union services effortlessly.Advanced card management: Apple Pay integration and lifestyle rewards, allowing customers to enjoy greater flexibility and convenience.Digital sales capabilities : Customers can benefit from a smooth onboarding process and complete their credit card applications in no time.Setting new standards in banking security and customer experienceBSF’s implementation includes cutting-edge security features, such as panic mode enablement, device management rules, and GPS consent capture, ensuring customer safety while maintaining ease of use. The platform’s multi-factor authentication system, including biometric verification and OTP validation, is destined to set new standards for secure banking in Saudi Arabia.Led by Backbase in collaboration with Hexaware for middleware integration, the implementation fulfills BSF’s vision of providing a truly seamless, omnichannel customer experience. This partnership enables BSF to tap into new market segments through expanded digital channels, enhance engagement with a mobile-first approach, and shift to self-service for routine transactions, while optimizing human interaction for complex services.“BSF’s successful transformation exemplifies how forward-thinking financial institutions in the Middle East are embracing digital platforms to better serve their customers. This implementation sets a new standard for digital banking excellence in Saudi Arabia and demonstrates our platform’s ability to deliver truly transformative banking experiences. It aligns perfectly with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of creating a digital-first economy, where innovative financial services play a crucial role in the Kingdom’s transformation.” Matthijs Eijpe Regional Vice President – EMEA at Backbase.“The results of this initiative reflect the seamless and efficient efforts from the Backbase team in building a truly integrated and enhanced digital experience for our customers