In a recent interview, Pere Nebot, the Chief Information Officer of CaixaBank, shared insights on the bank’s journey of digital transformation and its commitment to sustainability. As a leading financial group in Spain, CaixaBank has prioritized innovation, digital transformation, customer experience, and sustainable banking. One of the bank’s key technology partners in this journey has been IBM, with whom they have collaborated for over a decade.

CaixaBank has been leveraging IBM Cloud for Financial Services to enhance customer services and create personalized financial products tailored to individual needs. With a customer base of 20 million, including 11 million digital banking customers, CaixaBank recognizes the importance of scaling securely, improving operational efficiency, and accelerating time to market, all while safeguarding customer data. As part of its initiative to increase cloud absorption, CaixaBank has embraced IBM’s Multi Zone Region (MZR) in Madrid, Spain to enhance resiliency, performance, and security for its hybrid cloud and AI solutions.

Nebot highlighted the challenges financial institutions face in integrating new platforms and applications quickly and seamlessly, especially with evolving security complexities and regulatory requirements. He emphasized the importance of flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in IT infrastructure to improve cost efficiency, reduce time-to-market, and enhance resilience. Nebot cited the successful completion of the largest technological integration in the history of the Spanish banking system, involving the merger of CaixaBank with Bankia, as an example of their approach.

To build trusted digital brands and deliver exceptional customer experiences, Nebot emphasized the need for the right ecosystem of partners who can navigate the cybersecurity challenges and comply with regulatory laws. Leveraging IBM Cloud for Financial Services provides CaixaBank with built-in security, compliance controls, and operational efficiencies.

Regarding the integration of hybrid cloud and AI technologies, Nebot discussed the collaboration between CaixaBank and IBM in driving new solutions for the banking industry. One of the notable achievements is the development of a virtual banking assistant powered by IBM Watson, which handles millions of client conversations and assists with day-to-day queries. Nebot emphasized the importance of simplicity in decision-making for customers, leading to increased engagement.

CaixaBank’s sustainability efforts were also highlighted in the interview. The bank has a Sustainable Banking Plan that aims to mobilize €64 billion in sustainable finance by 2024 and reduce electricity holdings in its portfolio by 30% and emissions financed by the oil and gas sector by 23% by 2030. Nebot acknowledged the role of cloud technology in accelerating sustainability transformation, improving energy efficiency, and reducing operating costs.

FAQs

1. How many customers does CaixaBank serve?

CaixaBank serves 20 million customers and is a country leader in digital banking with more than 11 million customers.

2. What is IBM Cloud for Financial Services?

IBM Cloud for Financial Services is a platform that provides secure and compliant cloud solutions specifically designed for financial institutions.

3. How has CaixaBank leveraged IBM Cloud for Financial Services?

CaixaBank has been using IBM Cloud for Financial Services to improve customer services, create personalized financial products, and enhance operational efficiency.

4. What is the Sustainable Banking Plan of CaixaBank?

The Sustainable Banking Plan of CaixaBank aims to mobilize €64 billion in sustainable finance by 2024 and reduce electricity holdings and emissions financed by the oil and gas sector.

Summary

Pere Nebot, Chief Information Officer of CaixaBank, discussed the bank’s digital transformation journey and sustainability efforts in an interview. CaixaBank has been leveraging IBM Cloud for Financial Services to enhance customer services and create personalized financial products. The bank focuses on improving the flexibility, scalability, and efficiency of its IT infrastructure to improve cost efficiency and reduce time-to-market. Nebot emphasized the importance of building trusted digital brands and simplifying decision-making for customers. CaixaBank also has a Sustainable Banking Plan that aims to mobilize sustainable finance and reduce emissions. Nebot acknowledged the role of cloud technology in accelerating sustainability transformation and energy efficiency.