10 top core banking solutions in 2023

In the rapidly evolving landscape of banking technology, core banking software serves as the foundation for financial institutions' operations. It is the engine that powers banks, credit unions, and other financial organizations, allowing them to manage customer accounts, process transactions, and provide a wide range of financial services. As of 2023, several core banking software providers stand out, each offering unique features and benefits. In this article, we will explore what core banking software is, its key characteristics, the advantages it offers to clients, and a detailed look at the top providers in 2023.

Understanding core banking software

Core banking software is the central nervous system of any financial institution. It is a comprehensive and integrated software solution that manages all of a bank's essential functions, from customer accounts and deposits to loans and transactions. This software ensures that a bank's operations run efficiently, securely, and in compliance with regulatory standards. In recent years, the core banking software market has seen significant growth, as banks and financial institutions look to modernize their systems and improve efficiency.

Key characteristics of core banking software

Centralization:
Core banking systems consolidate all banking operations into a single platform, eliminating the need for disparate, disconnected systems.

Real-time Processing:
They support real-time transaction processing, ensuring that customer transactions are updated instantly.

Scalability:
Core banking software is designed to scale with a bank's growth, accommodating increased customer volumes and new products and services.

Security:
These systems prioritize data security and compliance with regulatory standards to protect customer information.

Integration:
They seamlessly integrate with various channels, such as mobile apps, online banking, ATMs, and more, offering customers a unified experience.

Benefits of core banking systems for clients

Financial institutions that adopt core banking systems can enjoy a multitude of benefits, ultimately leading to improved services for their clients:

Enhanced Customer Experience:
Core banking software empowers banks to offer innovative services such as mobile banking, online account management, and personalized financial products. This results in an enriched customer experience.

Operational Efficiency:
Automation of processes within core banking systems reduces manual work, leading to operational efficiency and cost savings. These savings can be passed on to customers in the form of better rates and lower fees.

Real-time Transactions:
Clients can perform real-time transactions, check balances, and receive immediate updates on their accounts, providing them with greater control over their finances.

Comprehensive Services:
Core banking systems enable banks to offer a wide range of services, including loans, deposits, wealth management, and more, all from a single platform.

Data Security: Enhanced security measures protect customer data, reducing the risk of fraud and data breaches, which can be reassuring to clients.

Now, let's delve into the top core banking software providers in 2023, highlighting their unique features, advantages, and drawbacks.

Core banking software list for 2023

1. Mambu

Mambu is a cloud-based banking platform that enables banks to launch and manage digital banking products and services. It was founded in 2011. Mambu offers a range of features, including account opening, payments, lending, and risk management.


Features of Mambu Core Banking System:

composable banking platform,

loan origination and deposit management capabilities,

customer relationship management tools.


Pros:

flexible and customizable,

enables quick product launches,

scalable for institutions of all sizes.

Cons:

customization may require high technical expertise,

costs can vary depending on the level of customization and usage,

customization can lead to higher costs.

2. Thought Machine

Vault by Thought Machine is a cloud-native core banking system that helps banks to modernize their IT infrastructure. It was founded in 2014. Vault offers a modular architecture that can be tailored to the specific needs of a bank.


Features of Thought Machine Vault:

scalable core banking platform,

focus on scalability and security,

advanced principles of modern engineering.

Pros:

high scalability to accommodate growth,

secure and modern architecture.


Cons:

implementation may require a learning curve,

costs can increase with extensive customization,

customization can lead to higher costs.

3. BOS by INCAT– pioneering the future of core banking

Founded in 2015 BOS is a leading core banking software for small and medium financial institutions. BOS stands out as a trailblazer, setting new standards for the industry. This all-in-one core system has emerged as one of the most significant and influential platforms for financial institutions in 2023.
BOS empowers leading European and international fintechs and digital banks (such as ZEN.com or Payman Group) and it is the main IT engine for global financial institutions from e.g. Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria or Hungary. INCAT, the system provider, was awarded with Forbes Diamond 2023, Fintech Insurtech Awards 2021, Technology Leader 2021 and was also on the short list of the Banking Tech Awards by the Fintech Futures publishing house.

 

BOS' competitive advantages: 

cloud native and cloud-agnostic nature (can be embedded on any cloud)

event-driven architecture (every customer's action in the system is an event)

based on 40+ microservices,

open-sources technologies,

high standards of security,

zero downtime deployment.


Pros:

tailored for fintechs and digital banks,

affordable pricing (available as a SaaS or a license),

fully scalable (grows with your organization thanks to the concept of business lines),

easily integrated (thanks to Open API),

high customer satisfaction ratings.

 

Cons:

dedicated to small and medium-sized financial institutions,

limited possibilities (e.g. no solutions for building mortgage products)

Contact us to learn more about BOS >>

4. Advapay

Advapay is a cloud-based payments platform that enables banks to process payments. It was founded in 2015 and offers a variety of payment processing options, including credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets.


Features of Advapay:

modular solutions for digital banking,

compliance and risk management tools,

tailored for payment institutions.


Pros:

modular approach for tailored solutions,

focus on compliance and risk management,


Cons:

may not be suitable for traditional banking institutions,

customization can lead to higher costs,

may not be suitable for large financial institutions.

5. Finastra

Finastra is a financial technology company that provides software and services to banks and other financial institutions. It was founded in 2015 through the merger of Misys and D+H.

 

Features of Finastra:

wide range of banking software, including retail and corporate banking,

solutions for banks of all sizes,

focus on modernizing banking operations.


Pros:

comprehensive suite of banking software,

tailored solutions for various banking segments,

assistance in the modernization of operations.


Cons:

costs may vary based on the extent of customization.

integration challenges in complex IT environments.

Other providers:

6. Infosys Finacle

Infosys Finacle is a cloud-based core banking system that is designed to be scalable and flexible. It is offered by Infosys, a global technology company that was founded in 1981. Infosys Finacle has over 2,000 customers worldwide, including banks in emerging markets. Infosys Finacle is a popular choice for banks in emerging markets because it is scalable and flexible, and it offers a wide range of features and functionality. It is also a good choice for banks that are looking to adopt new technologies, such as cloud computing or artificial intelligence.

7. Oracle Flexcube

FLEXCUBE is an automated universal core banking software developed and introduced by Oracle Financial Services. This solution is designed for financial organizations and banks. It offers customer-centric core banking functionalities. It ensures a holistic view of all customers and enhanced communication between bank employees and consumers.

 

8. nCino

Launched in 2012, nCino offers a cloud-based bank operating system created by bankers for bankers. The system helps increase profitability, productivity gains, regulatory compliance, and operational transparency at all organizational levels as well as across all lines of business. Following a process structure similar to a bank’s loan accounting system, this bank operating system offers combined services through its business process management, loan lifecycle, business intelligence, and document management solutions.

9. Backbase

Backbase was founded in 2003 and provides all the building blocks banks need to fast- track the implementation of their next-generation digital banking vision. The platform enables banks to create and manage seamless customer experiences across any device that's directly integrated with any back-end system. Superior digital experiences are essential to staying relevant to consumers, and Backbase enables financial companies to rapidly grow their digital business.

10. Temenos T24 

Temenos T24 is a modular core banking system that is designed to meet the needs of banks of all sizes. Founded in 1993, Temenos T24 has over 2,500 customers worldwide, including banks in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.


13 must-see movies and series about banking and finance you cannot miss

Movies and television series have the incredible power to not only entertain but also educate and inform. When it comes to banking and finance, there are several captivating films and TV shows that delve into the high-stakes world of money, investments, and financial intrigue. Whether you're a finance enthusiast or just looking for some gripping entertainment, here are 10 must-see movies and series about banking and finance. The list was prepared as part of our new series "BOS4Friday"

1. Wolf from Wall Street

We couldn't open our list with a movie other than this one. The Wolf of Wall Street was hard not to hear without even having a chance to watch it. The 2013 biographical film about the life of a stockbroker - Jordan Belfort - is a crazy story of big money, the road to the top and risky balancing on the verge of legality.

The director, Martin Scorsese, tells the true story of one of Wall Street's most controversial heroes. Jordan Belfort was a golden child of the financial world who achieved a stunning financial success thanks to the sale of bogus stocks on the American stock exchange. Quick and tremendous success brought him fortune, power and a sense of impunity, which consequently led Belfort to a spectacular fall. The Wolf of Wall Street is a must-see for anyone who wants to see the American dream in the tough financial world.

Trailer:

2. Billions (2016-)

A series about the district attorney's fight with the boss of a hedge fund, dealing with not entirely legal financial practices. Billions is a great story about a clash of two strong personalities, tremendous cunning and an even greater ego. The background to this clash is the world of hedge funds, big money, complicated relationships and impressive manipulations.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_raEUMLL-ZI

3. Wall Street (1987)

Even though Wall Street is a 1987 movie, it is still an excellent movie to watch. It is a story about a young and ambitious stockbroker who falls under the wing of a ruthless and calculating financier, Gordon Gekko. The fascination with the rich financial shark makes the hero ready to push the boundaries of morality and do everything to achieve success comparable to that of his mentor.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b4BcbhGggM

4. The Big Short (2015)

A star cast, a true story and an original script - this is a recipe for success that the creators of The Big Short used. The film tells about the causes of the financial crisis of 2007-2008, caused by the bursting of the so-called credit bubble. The story is known as the "Economy for Newbies", because it explains the meanders and intricacies of the global financial market in a simple and interesting way. Well-drawn characters, pictures that you cannot take your eyes off of and original dialogues are the greatest strength of this film.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgqG3ITMv1Q

5. Chasing Madoff

A movie presenting the story of Bernard Madoff, an American stock market investor, owner of one of the largest financial companies on Wall Street in New York, who was arrested on December 11, 2008 and sentenced to 150 years in prison six months later, for extorting $ 65 billion from clients of investment funds linked to his business. Madoff tempted investors with huge profits that were not really there.

Bernard Madoff, recognized as the creator of the largest financial pyramid in history, died in early 2021.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpH_NNjModY&t=69s

6. Inside Job (2010)

Another story of the world crisis of 2018, this time through the eyes of documentary filmmakers. The Oscar-winning film is a film material documenting the shocking truth behind the scenes of the economic crisis in 2008. Through extensive in-depth research and interviews with major financial market players, politicians and journalists, the film shows the development of speculative financial operations and the financial industry behind them.

Trailer:

7. Bad Banks (2018-2020)

Bad Banks is a German series created in cooperation with HBO, presenting the fierce rivalry of the banking and financial segment, which, six months after the Great Depression, faces the challenge of tightening regulations in the financial industry. The story is told from the perspective of the main character, an ambitious employee who starts working in a prestigious position in one of Frankfurt's banks and has to face the dark side of the financial world.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3uLkyboKTk

8. Margin Call

A story about the first 24 hours of the financial crisis on Wall Street and the backstage of events that changed the world. The great role of Kevin Spacey, as an analyst working for a powerful investment company based on the famous Wall Street. The action of the film takes place over 24 hours and focuses on the actions taken by key employees of a large investment bank in the face of financial collapse.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjZ-ke1kJrA

9. Inside the Federal Reserve

Another document you can watch on Youtube. The film reveals the backstage of the world's largest "bank" - the US Federal Reserve Bank. Each of his sneezes has an immediate impact on the condition of other financial institutions, which is fascinating in itself. The film shows just how powerful the US dollar is and how America's largest financial institution impacts the rest of the world.

Full document:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq9ENxdLgVc

10. Too Big to Fail

HBO's fact-based production drama tells the story of the causes of the 2008 economic crisis and the background behind the introduction of the Paulson Plan, the US financial rescue program. The video shows in detail the actions taken by the team of the US Treasury Secretary to rescue failing investment banks. The film focuses on the changing strategies of Paulson's team and on negotiations with the CEOs of the largest US banks.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIOLWBD_g1o

11. Startup (2016-2018)

This TV series explores the intersection of finance and technology in the world of cryptocurrency startups. It follows a group of entrepreneurs, a corrupt FBI agent, and a gang lord, all interconnected through the pursuit of wealth and power.

Trailer: 

12. "The Accountant" (2016)

"The Accountant" is a thriller starring Ben Affleck as a math savant who works as a freelance accountant for some of the world's most dangerous criminal organizations. The film combines elements of finance, action, and intrigue.

Trailer:

... and last but not least ....

13. "Money Heist" (La Casa de Papel) (2017-present)

While not a traditional finance series, "Money Heist" has gained international acclaim for its intricate heists and the manipulation of the Spanish Mint's money supply. It's a thrilling and suspenseful series that combines action with elements of economic strategy.

Trailer: 

These movies and series offer a captivating look into the world of banking, finance, and the dynamics of money. Whether you're interested in financial crises, the stock market, or the pursuit of wealth, there's something on this list for everyone. So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be both entertained and enlightened by these must-see titles. Enjoy!


INCAT joins the Bulgarian Fintech Association

Sofia, Bulgaria – August 31, 2023 – INCAT Ltd. - the provider of a cloud-native and fully flexible BOS core banking system, has joined the Bulgarian Fintech Association (BFA). The association is the leading voice for the fintech industry in Bulgaria, and INCAT’s membership is a testament to the company’s commitment to the Bulgarian market.

We are excited to join the BFA and become a part of the growing fintech community in Bulgaria. 

- said Piotr Hanusiak, CEO of INCAT.

We believe that the BFA is a valuable resource for our company, and we look forward to working with other members to advance the fintech industry in Bulgaria.

Piotr Hanusiak emphasizes the importance of the Bulgarian market for the growth of the company. INCAT is in the process of the first implementations of its system for clients from Bulgaria, and it also works for clients from the entire region. BOS drives leading fintech projects in Lithuania and Hungary as well.

We are pleased to welcome INCAT to the BFA. 

- said Valeri Valtchev, Co-founder and Chairman of the BFA.

INCAT is a fast-growing provider of core banking solutions for modern fintechs and digital banks, and its membership is a valuable addition to our association.
We look forward to working with INCAT to promote innovation and growth in the Bulgarian fintech industry. 

INCAT’s core banking system, BOS, is a comprehensive solution that provides modern financial organizations such as fintechs and neo banks with the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital age. The company's solutions help to create unrivaled financial products, as well as improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better customer service. More: www.incat.eu

The BFA is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of the fintech industry in Bulgaria. The association promotes the development of fintech, provides education and training, and advocates for public policy that supports the industry. More: www.fintechbulgaria.org


16 women who changed IT history

Although women are increasingly choosing to work in IT, the statistics are still inexorable. According to a report by the 'Carrots Foundation', women account for only 30% of the IT industry, and it does not look like this trend will change any time soon.
Yet it was women who laid the foundations for the current shape of technology and made the discoveries that still influence the IT world today. For this reason, we have compiled a list of women who have had a significant impact on the development of the IT industry and who, through their stories, inspire and show that technology is not an exclusively male domain.

Women in IT - the most famous names and their achievements

Computer science is a scientific discipline that is probably associated by most of us as one that has basically always been dominated by men. There is nothing surprising in such a perception, as this is indeed the case, as confirmed by cyclical studies conducted all over the world. Women in IT, although relatively few in number, nevertheless play very important roles in some cases. There is no shortage of female software authors, engineers or game developers among them, although the popularity of their names certainly remains incomparably lower than that of Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. In order to change this, today we have decided to remind you of the most important - in our opinion - women who, thanks to their achievements, have made a name for themselves in the world of IT, in some cases significantly influencing its development. At the same time, we hope that, as a result, in some time we will be able to present again other well-known women in IT and their achievements, confirming the thesis that gender does not matter much when it comes to the ability to perform complex operations using computers and increasingly advanced technologies. So, if you are a woman and have so far wondered whether you should tie your career and future to IT, having an aptitude for it, the profiles below should allow you to effectively dispel your doubts.

Women have played an important role in the field of computing and information technology, developing some of the most important elements of modern IT.
Meet 16 exceptional women who changed the history of the IT industry once and for all.

  Ada Lovelace - pioneer of programming

London-born Lady Ada Lovelace (1815-1852), although the daughter of the poet Lord George Byron, had a passion and gift for mathematics from an early age.
She is recognized as the world's first computer programmer because she developed a way in which a machine called an analytical engine could perform calculations. This machine, invented by her friend, mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage, is considered the first universal computer.
Lovelace created an algorithm that was soon recognized as the world's first computer program, and it is still used in the creation of today's applications.

 

Edith Clarke - the first female engineer
"I always wanted to be an engineer, but I thought women shouldn't go into things like engineering studies." - claimed Edith Clarke and...she was sorely mistaken, for a dozen years after that statement she became the world's first ever female electrical engineer.

Edith Clarke received a small inheritance at the age of 18, which put her through Vassar College, then a sister institution of Yale; she graduated in 1908. She soon began working full-time as manager of the all-female 'human computers' team at AT&T.

Determined to further her career by doing what 'women should not do', she then enrolled at MIT and became the first woman of that institution to earn a master's degree in electrical engineering. But even with her achievements to date, no technology company wanted to hire her as a female engineer. As a result, Clarke left the US to teach physics at the Women's College in Istanbul. However, she did not give up on her dream of a career in engineering and returned to the US after a few years to work for General Electric, which allowed her to achieve her desired goal. At General Electric, Clarke created and patented The Clarke Calculator, a graphical device that solves equations used to transmit electricity over transmission lines longer than 250 meters. Her huge contribution to intercontinental telephone communications silenced the skeptics; in 1922, at the age of 38, Edith Clarke became the first professional electrical engineer.

The ENIAC women: pioneers of computing

In 1946, on the eve of its debut, the world's first general purpose computer failed. As a result, seven women engineers were delegated to rescue the project and had one night to fix the device called ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer), which was the ancestor of today's computers. These women included:

Betty Jean Jennings Bartik,
Kathleen McNulty,
Mauchly Antonelli,
Ruth Lichterman Teitelbaum,
Frances Bilas Spence,
Marlyn Wescoff Meltzer,
Frances Snyder Holberton.

The system was neither small nor simple, weighing 30 tonnes and covering 140 square metres. It was equipped with 18,000 vacuum tubes, 70,000 resistors, 10,000 capacitors and 5 million hand-soldered connectors. Given its ability to calculate ballistic trajectories, the need for it to work was great - the US was then plunged deep into World War II.

Unfortunately, although the project succeeded, the ENIAC heroines, did not receive the recognition they deserved for quite some time. It was only in 1997 that they were inducted into the Women in Technology International (WITI) Hall of Fame. In 2014, Walter Isaacson, in his book Innovators, juxtaposed the ENIAC Seven with the likes of Steve Jobs and Nikola Tesla, and a few years ago, a documentary film entitled The Eniac Programmers Project was released, detailing how women came up with the way to program the machine.

Grace Hooper - bug expert

American Grace Hopper (1906-1992) was an admiral in the US Navy and one of the first programmers of the Mark 1 mechatronic calculator, the prototype of today's computers, used in World War II operations. She also created a 500-page textbook detailing the basic principles of computer machines. But this is not the end of her contribution to the IT industry.

Hopper and her team created the first ever computer compiler, which became the precursor to the COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) programming language. It was not long before COBOL was to prove to be one of the most widely used languages in the world of IT, and although today some experts consider it to be obsolete, it is still being used.

Grace Hopper was the first to introduce the term 'bug', for bugs in code. It is related to an anecdote that a moth once flew into the hardware on which Hooper was working and caused a short circuit. Since then, Hopper has popularised the term 'computer bug' (bug in English is a bug), which refers to a computer program error.

Margaret Hamilton - programming for NASA

Margaret Hamilton is an American programmer, systems engineer and founder of two technology companies who spent years designing NASA systems.
She was director of software engineering at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, which created the onboard flight software that enabled Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's Apollo missions. On 22 November 2016, Hamilton received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama for her work on NASA's Apollo moon missions.

 

 

Sister Mary Kenneth Keller - the first woman with a PhD in computer science

The first woman to receive a PhD in computer science was a nun: Mary Kenneth Keller entered the 'Sisters of Charity' in 1932, taking her vows in 1940. Keller earned a master's degree in mathematics from DePaul University in Chicago and studied briefly at Dartmouth. There she was instrumental in developing a key computer language: a universal symbolic instruction code for beginners called BASIC.

With BASIC, writing software was no longer restricted to mathematicians and scientists. Her contributions made computer use much more accessible to the wider population. Keller returned to the Midwest and earned a PhD from the University of Wisconsin in 1965, and then headed the computer science department at Clarke College in Iowa, where she worked for the next 20 years.

Susan Kare - the Steve Jobs discovery

Although Susan Kare worked for Microsoft early in her career, her greatest achievements came when she worked with Steve Jobs at Apple.

Kare dreamt of a career as an artist and, after finishing school, came to San Francisco to find her opportunity. A chance meeting with an old high school friend led to an interview for a job at Apple. Steve Jobs, inspired by Xerox's graphical user interface (GUI), was looking for an artist to design Macintosh icons. Kare's designs appealed to Jobs enough that he decided to work with her.

Using a block of millimetre paper, Kare therefore designed icons for the Mac that met three principles: they were simple, elegant and understandable. As part of her work at Apple, Susan also created the Chicago typeface, used on the first four generations of the iPod. Kare's designs were even executed with Jobs' obsessive and characteristic attention to detail, which incidentally still defines Apple today.

Carol Shaw - Atari developer

Carol Shaw was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. Although she excelled in mathematics from the start, it wasn't until she inherited a model electric train from her brothers that Shaw started tinkering with electronics.

After graduating from Berkeley's computer science graduate program, Shaw accepted a position at the Atari game company in the late 1970s. Wearing thick-rimmed glasses and an immortal flannel shirt, she began designing and programming video games. Shaw programmed one of Atari's most famous shooters, River Raid, which was voted the best wargame of 1984, and Shaw's work as a pioneering game designer made her a legend for two generations of gamers.

Adele Goldberg - pioneer of the UI 

Without Adele Goldberg, the Apple desktop would look very different today. Working at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), Adele was the only woman in the group that created Smalltalk-80, one of the most popular and influential early programming languages.
She also introduced Smalltalk to Steve Jobs, who implemented a lot of the language's concepts in Apple's first products.
Beyond Apple, many modern graphical user interfaces (GUIs) have design standards that relate directly to Goldberg's original work.

 

 

 

Radia Perlman - "Don't call me the mother of the internet".

Radia Perlman is considered by many to be the founder of the Internet, although she strongly denies this, insisting that "the Internet was not invented by one person". What is certain, however, is that it was Perlman who created the algorithm behind the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which is a vital part of the foundations of the Internet.

Perlman was one of only a handful of women who began her research career at MIT, where she published her textbook Interconnection in 2000, greatly simplifying network routing and bridging. "My book created order," she later said.

Despite her individual successes, notably the creation of the STP protocol, Perlman emphasises the importance of teamwork in technology development and does not want to focus solely on her achievements.

There are, of course, many more women who have made significant contributions to the development of technology, but we have selected profiles of these ten who, over the years, have proven that they can blaze trails in various areas of IT and are not afraid of the challenges of creating modern IT solutions. We wish all women who have aspirations to enter the IT industry not to hesitate and try their hand at it, following the example of the heroines of our article.


Cybersecurity in core banking systems: ensuring digital transformation with BOS

In today's digital era, where financial services are increasingly moving towards online platforms, cybersecurity plays a critical role in safeguarding sensitive customer data and ensuring the integrity of core banking systems. As organizations embrace digital transformation, it is imperative to adopt robust cybersecurity measures to protect against evolving cyber threats.

Importance of cyberse2curity in core banking systems

Core banking systems serve as the backbone of financial institutions, managing critical operations such as account management, transactions, and customer information.
With the rise in cyber-attacks targeting financial institutions, robust cybersecurity measures are essential to safeguard against data breaches, financial fraud, and reputational damage. A comprehensive cybersecurity framework is necessary to protect core banking systems from both external and internal threats, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data.

Key Cybersecurity Challenges in Core Banking Systems

Today's banking systems, especially core banking systems, face a range of risks and challenges in the area of cybersecurity, including:

Data breaches
Cybercriminals continuously target financial institutions to gain unauthorized access to customer data, leading to identity theft, financial loss, and legal implications.

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
APTs are sophisticated attacks that aim to breach security defenses and gain prolonged access to the core banking systems, potentially causing significant damage.

Insider threats
Internal employees with privileged access can pose a significant risk to core banking systems by intentionally or inadvertently compromising sensitive data.

Regulatory compliance
Financial institutions must adhere to stringent regulatory requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain customer trust.


BOS approach to cybersecurity

A fully flexible and scalable BOS system lives as much as the best financial safety standards. It’s additionally compliant with the maximum crucial enterprise requirements, as tested and confident through an outside certification body. Here’s how BOS makes it:

Certified practices:

As a BOS provider, INCAT maintains an Information Security Management System (ISMS) in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001 to proactively manage information security risks and verify the effectiveness of technical and organizational controls through internal and external audits.

Vulnerability Management

As part of Vulnerability management, we run activities such as vulnerability scanning or security patch management, which we perform not only at the BOS level, but also at the level of supporting services. Thanks to this, we are aware of the existence of vulnerabilities not only in our product but in the entire system where BOS operates. This in turn enables us to implement the entire process in accordance with the principles of continuous risk management.

Secure Infrastructure
BOS core banking systems are built on a secure cloud infrastructure, leveraging industry-leading security protocols and encryption standards to protect customer data. Cloud infrastructure facilitates the use of security against cyberattacks - DDOS attacks, detection of intruders, or behavioral anomalies. The cloud makes it easier to resist such attacks.

Continuous Monitoring
BOS employs real-time monitoring and threat intelligence to detect and respond to potential cyber threats promptly. Monitoring solution leverages advanced analytics and machine learning to identify anomalies and proactively mitigate risks. We use the SIEM Security Information and Event Management system for monitoring.

Access Controls
BOS implements strong access controls, including multi-factor authentication and Role - Based Access Control (RBAC), to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data and functionalities within the core banking systems.

In the realm of core banking systems, cybersecurity is of paramount importance to protect sensitive data, maintain operational continuity, and uphold customer trust.

BOS's approach to cybersecurity encompasses a range of measures aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to cyber threats. By adopting a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, organizations can leverage the benefits of digital transformation while safeguarding their core banking systems against evolving security risks.


Smooth Transitions: Zero Downtime Deployment for Next-Generation Core Banking Systems


In today's fast-paced banking industry, the ability to implement new versions of core banking systems without any disruptions is crucial. Financial institutions need to keep up with customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements while ensuring continuous service availability. This challenge has led to the concept of zero downtime deployment, where upgrades, improvements, and new features are seamlessly integrated into the core banking system without causing any interruptions.

ZDD– what’s it? 

Zero downtime deployment (ZDD) refers to the process of deploying new versions of a core banking system without causing any disruption to its ongoing operations. It allows financial institutions to introduce updates, improvements, and new features seamlessly while maintaining continuous service availability for customers.

In our company, we offer various capabilities and features that support zero downtime deployment. BOS's architecture is designed to ensure high availability and scalability, enabling financial institutions to implement new versions of their core banking systems smoothly. They leverage cloud-native technologies, microservices, and containerization to achieve this objective.

Rolling deployment

One of the key approaches used to implement zero downtime deployment is the concept of rolling updates (or rolling deployments) With this technique, new versions of BOS system are deployed incrementally, in small batches or segments, rather than all at once. By deploying updates in this manner, the risk of system failures or disruptions is minimized. If any issues are encountered during the deployment of a particular segment, it can be rolled back while ensuring the rest of the system remains operational.

"Despite the increasing demand for core banking system transformations, only around 30% of such transformations have successfully migrated ledgers and products to new systems, indicating the complexity involved”.
Source: McKinsey Digital

At INCAT, we provide comprehensive documentation and resources that guide financial institutions on how to achieve zero downtime deployment. By following these guidelines, financial institutions can mitigate risks and ensure a smooth transition to new versions of their core banking systems.

We also attach great importance to proper testing and monitoring during the implementation process. Thorough testing, including unit testing, integration testing, and performance testing, helps identify potential issues before they affect the live system. Continuous monitoring of the system during and after the deployment ensures early detection of any anomalies and allows for immediate remediation.

Benefits of Zero Downtime Deployment

Uninterrupted Banking Services
With ZDD, banks can update their systems, introduce new features, and fix bugs without causing disruptions to customer access or transaction processing. This ensures uninterrupted banking services, preventing any inconvenience or financial loss to customers.

Seamless User Experience
ZDD ensures a seamless user experience by eliminating any service disruptions or downtime during the deployment process. Customers can continue using the banking applications without any interruptions, accessing their accounts, making transactions, and utilizing various financial services offered by the bank.

Continuous Availability
Core banking systems need to be available 24/7, as customers expect round-the-clock access to their financial services. ZDD enables continuous availability by allowing updates and changes to be deployed without affecting system uptime.

"Banks worldwide spend millions of dollars each year maintaining their core banking systems, which handle high transaction volumes and are expected to function without interruptions."

By following best practices and leveraging the resources provided by platforms like BOS financial institutions can successfully implement new versions of their core banking systems while ensuring continuous service availability for their customers.

 


BOS' provider with "Forbes Diamonds 2023 Award". INCAT joins the fastest growing companies in Poland.


On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the "Forbes Diamonds 2023" Gala was held at the Haston City Hotel in Wrocław (Poland), organized by the Polish editorial office of Forbes. During the event, the fastest-growing Polish companies were awarded. One of the statuettes went to our company.

“Forbes Diamonds 2023” is an annual ranking of companies that have most effectively increased their value in the last three years. It is a confirmation of strength, as well as the ability to build brand value and quality on the market.

What is important, the accolade is not awarded by a subjective jury on the basis of unspecified criteria, but the list is compiled by analysts from Dun&Bradstreet on the basis of the Swiss method of company valuation, taking into account financial results and the value of assets of enterprises. Finally, the award is given to companies with the highest dynamics of value growth.

Our company received a statuette in the category “Small companies with sales revenues from PLN 5 to 50 million”. On behalf of the organization, the award was received by Piotr Hanusiak – the leader of the company.

The award from Forbes Polska is a accolade for the entire team, so we congratulate all our employees and wish them further success, which will be confirmed by similar titles. 🏆

A few photos from the gala can be seen below, and the full photo report can be found at the link.

 


Unlocking agility and scalability: exploring BOS’ microservices architecture


Microservices architecture has become a popular approach for developing complex software systems. The use of microservices enables organizations to create software systems that are scalable, resilient, and easy to maintain. Does microservice architecture also work in financial institutions? And how microservices can prove themselves in IT solutions for fintechs and neo-banks?

This is another article from the BOS Inside series, in which we present the architecture of our flexible core banking software.

What is MSA?

The microservices architecture, also known as microservices, involves developing computer applications as a collection of loosely coupled services that operate independently of each other. Each service performs a specific function and communicates with other services using lightweight communication protocols. Microservices are autonomous in their development, deployment and maintenance, meaning that they can be developed independently of the rest of the system.

Microservices in core banking

One of the examples of IT systems based on microservices is BOS – a transactional system dedicated for modern fintechs and digital banks. The BOS system consists of tens of product microservices. The product microservice allows you to handle all phases of the product, starting from initiation, through product processing in the system, and ending with product closure. The rationale behind the choice of such an architecture for BOS was primarily business scalability (selection of expected business lines with the possibility of future expansion) and technological (performance).

The product microservice allows you to handle all phases of the product, starting from initiation, through product processing in the system, ending with product closure.


How does the idea of microservices relate to the banking system in practice?

Let's imagine a transaction. What is most important, apart from the security of its implementation, is the processing time. Many things are checked as the banking system processes transactions. Financial conditions ranging from available funds through various types of limits to exchange rates. The client is also important. Do we need detailed customer data to process transactions in the context of high performance requirements? No, basic identification and descriptive information is usually sufficient. Taking this into account, from the point of view of transactional processing, a well-prepared customer database containing only the necessary information, such as identification data or residence qualifier, is sufficient. Everything is done quickly and efficiently. But from the point of view of the marketing department, things look different. It is necessary to have extensive knowledge about the client, its history, documents, connections, etc. Other types of information are necessary from the point of view of the credit assessment department.

In practice, the scenarios given here involve several independent and completely different scaled databases and supporting applications. From a transaction engine focused on instant transaction processing, to a limits database, to replicated customer knowledge placed in another database containing hundreds of customer information, to an independent database storing data on interpenetrating relationships between individual customer records. This is what microservices provide.

Not only technically, completely differently tuned environments, but by separating individual applications from each other, the possibility of independent development on the CIS (Customer Information System), CRS (Customer Relationships System) or Core (Transactional engine) modules.

This loosely coupled architecture allows to easily introduce adapters with very narrow functionality, such as SEPA adapter or SWIFT adapter which are used to connect to payment networks, meeting their standards, MT and ISO 20022 respectively.

Microservices in finance

Other example... Financial institutions generally recognize the advantages of developing more contemporary systems, but what if they wish to explore a novel functionality that customers are beginning to request? How can they conduct real-world testing without the risk of disrupting a well-functioning system? This is where the concept of microservices comes into play. By conceptualizing each fundamental element as an independent microservice, institutions can effectively evaluate and incorporate new features. For instance, if there is a new feature related to payment processing, they can integrate a dedicated payment service capable of seamlessly exchanging data with existing applications. If the new feature necessitates Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, they can introduce the corresponding service gradually, gradually constructing a novel feature, application, or even an entire organization, while ensuring seamless communication between all components.

What if the customers wish to explore a novel functionality that customers are beginning to request? How can they conduct real-world testing without the risk of disrupting a well-functioning system? This is where the concept of microservices comes into play.

Now let's see in which areas of financial activity, microservice architecture is particularly applicable.

Fraud Detection:
Financial institutions heavily rely on fraud detection systems to protect their customers and mitigate risks. Microservices architecture allows for the development of specialized microservices dedicated to fraud detection algorithms, anomaly detection, and pattern recognition. These microservices can work in tandem to analyze large volumes of data and identify potential fraudulent activities in real-time.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM):
Microservices architecture can enhance CRM systems in the financial sector. Each microservice can handle specific aspects of customer interactions, such as customer onboarding, personalized offers, transaction history, and customer support. This modular approach enables banks to deliver tailored services and experiences to their customers while maintaining a high level of scalability and flexibility.

Risk Management:
Microservices architecture can be utilized to develop risk management systems for financial institutions. Different microservices can be responsible for data collection, risk assessment, compliance monitoring, and reporting. This distributed architecture allows for better risk analysis, faster response times, and easier integration with external data sources or regulatory systems.

Payment Processing:

Microservices architecture enables financial institutions to build robust and scalable payment processing systems. Each microservice can handle a specific aspect of the payment process, such as authentication, transaction validation, fraud detection, and settlement. This modular approach allows for flexibility and easier maintenance of the system.

Of course, microservices are not a cure-all. So far, there is no architecture that would be free of defects, and at the same time would be suitable for any type of application. It is no different with microservices.

If you are considering implementing a microservices architecture, the key question you should ask yourself is not "Do?", but "How?", because incorrect development of technical requirements and structure, or lack of thoughtful handling of traffic between servers, can ultimately do more harm than good. good. Neglecting these issues at the planning stage may result in throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and as a result, it will most likely turn out that the architecture, which was supposed to make many things easier, in fact gives sleepless nights to all interested parties. Then it is worth considering the support of a technical partner who has experience in creating solutions based on microservices. Thanks to this, you will avoid many difficulties related to implementation and at the same time you will be sure that you will have an efficient release and a system that can be modified flexibly to adapt to rapidly changing business requirements on an ongoing basis.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 


Michał Mazur is the Chief Analyst at INCAT Sp. z o.o. - the provider of BOS Core banking system.
In his over 20-year career, he has been involved in financial and IT sector projects. He has extensive experience in project management, analysis, business development, system architecture, and quality assurance. Michał  is a graduate of AGH University of Science and Technology.

Contact an author: michal.mazur@incat.com.pl


4 cutting-edge business models of fintech companies


The fintech sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. The global fintech market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.58% between 2023 and 2026, with the market size expected to reach $305.7 billion by 2026. The fintech industry attracted $105 billion in investment in 2020, which is an increase of 31% from 2019. In comparison, the overall venture capital industry saw a decline of 9% in the same year No wonder many people starting their adventure with a business look at the fintech sector as a kind of promised land. In the article below, we analyze the 4 most popular business models that are worth exploring when taking your first steps in the fintech industry. 

Nr 1 Payment App 

In the payments sector, fintech companies have disrupted traditional payment methods by offering faster, cheaper, and more convenient payment solutions. One business model that has emerged in this sector is the mobile payment app. Mobile payment apps allow users to transfer funds, pay bills, and make purchases from their smartphones. These apps allow users to make payments quickly and easily, often using just their mobile device. Payment apps have disrupted the traditional payment industry, which has long been dominated by banks and credit card companies.  Payment apps are expected to continue to grow in popularity as more people move towards cashless transactions and digital payments.

To build a successful payment app, there are several key components that need to be considered. These include: 

User experience: The user experience is critical to the success of a payment app. Customers should be able to easily navigate the app, and complete transactions quickly and securely. The design and functionality of the app should be intuitive and user-friendly. 

Security: Security is also a key consideration when building a payment app. Customers need to feel confident that their personal and financial information is secure. This requires robust security measures, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and fraud detection. 

Payment options: A payment app should offer a variety of payment options, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and mobile wallets. This allows customers to choose the payment method that best suits their needs. 

Integration with other services: To provide a seamless experience for customers, a payment app should integrate with other financial services, such as budgeting apps and investment platforms. This allows customers to access all of their financial information and services in one place. 

Building a successful payment app requires a focus on user experience, security, payment options, integration with other services, and loyalty programs. By prioritizing these components, fintech companies can create payment apps that meet the needs and expectations of today's consumers.

 

 Payment apps have disrupted the traditional payment industry, which has long been dominated by banks and credit card companies.


The payment app that is gaining more and more popularity in Europe is operating under the license of a Lithuanian bank ZEN. The main engine on which ZEN is based is BOS Core banking system.  ZEN is a mobile application that offers a seamless and secure way for users to manage their digital assets. The app allows users to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies, as well as traditional currencies, all in one place. What sets ZEN apart is its user-friendly interface, fast and reliable execution of trades, and top-notch security features such as two-factor authentication and biometric login. With its global reach and innovative features, ZEN is poised to be a major player in the rapidly evolving world of digital finance.

Nr 2 - P2P lending platform

Another business model that has emerged in fintech is the peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform. P2P lending allows borrowers to access loans directly from individual investors, bypassing traditional financial institutions. This model has disrupted the traditional lending industry, which has long been dominated by banks and other financial institutions. 

P2P lending platforms have gained traction over the last decade due to their ability to offer lower interest rates to borrowers and higher returns to investors than traditional banks. They achieve this by cutting out the middleman, i.e., banks, and connecting borrowers directly with investors. This results in lower operational costs and higher profits for investors, which in turn translates into lower interest rates for borrowers.

 

P2P lending allows borrowers to access loans directly from individual investors, bypassing traditional financial institutions. This model has disrupted the traditional lending industry, which has long been dominated by banks and other financial institutions.


Moreover, P2P lending platforms use technology to streamline the lending process, making it faster and more efficient. Borrowers can apply for loans online, and investors can browse through loan applications and choose which ones to invest in. This approach provides greater transparency and control to both parties, which is a significant advantage over traditional lending models. 

P2P lending platforms are not only disrupting the lending industry but are also attracting significant investments from venture capitalists and private equity firms. According to a report by PwC, the P2P lending market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.5% between 2020 and 2027, reaching a market size of $1,291.2 billion by 2027.

The popularity of these platforms can be attributed to several factors, including: 

Lower interest rates - P2P lending platforms offer borrowers lower interest rates compared to traditional banks, making loans more affordable and accessible. 

Faster loan approvals - P2P lending platforms use technology to streamline the loan application process, providing faster loan approvals and disbursements. 

Diversified loan portfolios - P2P lending platforms offer investors a range of investment opportunities, allowing them to diversify their portfolios and reduce their overall risk. 

High returns on investment - P2P lending platforms offer investors higher returns on their investments compared to traditional investment options like savings accounts or bonds. 

Transparency - P2P lending platforms provide greater transparency to both borrowers and investors, with easy-to-use online platforms and detailed loan and investment information. 

One of the best known P2P platform is, founded in 2010 in the UK, Funding Circle. Funding Circle is one of the largest P2P lending platforms in the world, with over £11 billion in loans facilitated. The platform's popularity is due to its easy-to-use online application process, fast loan approvals, and competitive interest rates. 

Despite the significant growth potential of P2P lending platforms, they also face challenges. One of the most significant challenges is managing credit risk. P2P lending platforms have to ensure that borrowers are creditworthy and can repay the loans. To manage this risk, P2P lending platforms use various credit assessment tools, including credit scores and other data analytics. 

Another challenge for P2P lending platforms is regulatory compliance. As P2P lending platforms are relatively new, regulators are still developing the regulatory framework to govern them. This has resulted in a lack of clarity in some areas, which can make it challenging for P2P lending platforms to operate in a compliant manner.

Nr 3 - Digital banking 

One of the most significant areas where fintech has been applied is in banking. Traditional banking has been challenged by fintech companies that offer innovative and customer-centric solutions. One example of such a business model is the digital-only bank.  With the development of technology, consumers now expect seamless and convenient banking experiences that can be accessed from anywhere, at any time. Digital banks, also known as neobanks, are financial institutions that operate entirely online, without any physical branches. They offer a range of banking services, such as checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards, all accessible through their mobile apps or websites.
Digital banks also tend to have lower overhead costs than traditional banks, which can translate into lower fees and more competitive interest rates for customers. Users usually choose such banks because of a few reasons: 

Convenience - Digital banks offer 24/7 access to banking services, making it easy for customers to manage their finances on-the-go. 

Lower fees - Digital banks often have lower overhead costs than traditional banks, allowing them to offer lower fees and more competitive interest rates. 

User-friendly interfaces - Digital banks typically offer sleek and user-friendly mobile apps, making it easy for customers to navigate their banking services. 

Personalization - Digital banks use data analytics to offer personalized banking services and recommendations to customers, allowing them to better manage their finances. 

P2P lending allows borrowers to access loans directly from individual investors, bypassing traditional financial institutions. This model has disrupted the traditional lending industry, which has long been dominated by banks and other financial institutions.
 

 If you want to seriously think about setting up a digital bank, consider in particular: 

User experience: The user experience is critical to the success of a digital bank. Customers should be able to easily navigate the bank's website and mobile app, and find the information they need quickly and easily. The design and functionality of the digital platform should be intuitive and user-friendly. 

Security: Security is also a key consideration when building a digital bank. Customers need to feel confident that their personal and financial information is secure. This requires robust security measures, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and fraud detection. 

Customer support: Despite the convenience of digital banking, customers still need to be able to get help when they have questions or issues. A digital bank should have a customer support team that is easily accessible through multiple channels, such as phone, email, and chat. 

Integration with other services: To provide a seamless experience for customers, a digital bank should integrate with other financial services, such as payment platforms and investment apps. This allows customers to access all of their financial information and services in one place. 

Innovative features: Finally, a digital bank should offer innovative features that set it apart from traditional banks. This could include features such as real-time alerts, personalized financial advice, and gamification elements to encourage customers to save money.

One example of such a digital bank is based on the core banking system BOS - D360 bank. D360 is a new digital bank that has been approved by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and has become the third digital bank in Saudi Arabia to be licensed. The bank is being built by Derayah Financial Company, a leader in digital retail investments in Saudi Arabia. The main investor in D360 is the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund known for its spectacular investments made in partnership with Softbank, such as in the shares of Uber.

Nr 4 UBI 

In the insurance sector, fintech companies have introduced innovative solutions to simplify the insurance process and offer personalized policies to customers. One example of such a business model is the usage-based insurance (UBI) model. The usage-based insurance (UBI) model is a type of auto insurance that allows policyholders to pay premiums based on their driving behavior. With the rise of telematics technology and IoT devices, UBI has become an increasingly popular business model for fintech companies looking to disrupt the traditional auto insurance industry.

And why is this model so popular among users in the market? there are at least a few reasons 

Personalization - UBI allows insurance providers to offer personalized insurance rates based on a customer's driving habits, which can lead to lower premiums for safe drivers. 

Cost savings - By offering lower rates to safe drivers, UBI can help customers save money on their auto insurance premiums. 

Improved safety - UBI can incentivize safe driving practices and encourage drivers to be more aware of their driving behavior, ultimately leading to fewer accidents and safer roads. 

Transparency - UBI provides customers with detailed information about their driving behavior, allowing them to better understand their risk level and make informed decisions about their insurance coverage. 

To build a successful UBI business, there are several key components that need to be considered. These include: 

Telematics technology: UBI relies on telematics technology to collect data on driver behavior. Telematics devices can be installed in vehicles to track factors such as speed, acceleration, braking, and distance traveled. Alternatively, data can be collected through mobile apps or connected car services. 

Data analytics: UBI companies use data analytics to gain insights into driver behavior and risk profiles. This data can be used to personalize insurance policies, set premiums, and incentivize safe driving. 

Personalization: UBI policies are tailored to each individual policyholder based on their driving behavior. This can lead to lower premiums for safe drivers and higher premiums for high-risk drivers. 

Customer engagement: UBI companies need to engage with customers to promote safe driving behavior and incentivize policyholder retention. This can be done through gamification, rewards programs, and personalized coaching. 

Regulatory compliance: UBI companies need to comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards. This includes obtaining appropriate licenses and registrations, and ensuring that customer data is protected and secure. 

The UBI model offers a promising business model for fintech companies looking to enter the auto insurance industry. By leveraging telematics technology, data analytics, personalization, customer engagement, and regulatory compliance, UBI companies can create innovative new products and services that disrupt the traditional auto insurance industry and provide greater value to customers. 

Fintech has disrupted various sectors by introducing innovative business models that offer more personalized and customer-centric solutions. Digital-only banks, P2P lending platforms, mobile payment apps, and UBI models are just a few examples of the many business models that have emerged within fintech. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more disruptive business models emerge in the future.
 


Breaking free from Cloud Lock-In: The Benefits of Cloud-Agnostic Core Banking Systems


The banking industry has evolved significantly in recent years, with the introduction of cloud-based systems enabling banks to improve their services, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of cloud-agnosticism, which is a key feature of BOS core banking system.

Cloud-agnosticism - what does it mean?
Many of the cloud-native or cloud-ready solutions are fully linked to the particular cloud technology suite. It brings a lot of advantages in a solution implementation, its installation and maintenance but in other hand such approach limit potential use of the solution to the chosen cloud and their tools. A cloud-agnostic system is a type of system that is designed to work on any (or almost any) cloud platform. In other words, it is a system that can run on multiple cloud platforms without requiring any crucial modifications to the system and the tools required for its installation, operation and monitoring. This contrasts with non-cloud-agnostic systems, which are designed and implemented to run on a specific cloud platform.

BOS equals flexibility

One of the main advantages of a cloud-agnostic system's nature is flexibility. This flexibility allows for greater resilience and avoids vendor lock-in. Users can easily switch between cloud platforms if they find a better fit for their business needs, without migrating their entire system. This can save time and resources and allow for greater agility in responding to business and technological requirements. It also allows financial institutions to integrate new technologies and services into their existing systems quickly, without requiring significant changes to their infrastructure or architecture.

Cloud-agnostic systems are also cost-effective compared to non-cloud-agnostic systems since they eliminate the need for banks to maintain their own infrastructure and hardware or paid public cloud tools. This results in significant cost savings for institutions, which they can pass on to their customers in the form of lower fees and better rates.


Users can easily switch between cloud platforms if they find a better fit for their business needs, without migrating their entire system.

Security matters

Cloud-agnostic systems can improve security for financial institutions, as they can choose the cloud platform that provides the best security features. This can help institutions protect their customers' data and prevent security breaches.

Cloud-agnostic systems can increase innovation for banks, as they can take advantage of the latest cloud technologies and features. This can help financial institutions stay ahead of the competition and provide better services to their customers.

Comparison of cloud- agnostic and non-cloud agnostic core systems

Comparison Cloud Agnostic System Non-Cloud Agnostic System
Definition A system that is designed to run on any cloud platform or infrastructure without being tied to any specific cloud provider. A system that is designed to run on a specific cloud platform or infrastructure, making it difficult to switch to another platform.
Flexibility Highly flexible and adaptable, allowing the system to run on any cloud infrastructure, including public, private, or hybrid clouds. Less flexible as it is designed to run on a specific cloud platform or infrastructure.
Vendor Lock-in No vendor lock-in as it is designed to be platform-agnostic and can be easily migrated to another cloud platform or infrastructure. High risk of vendor lock-in as the system is designed to run on a specific cloud platform or infrastructure, making it difficult to switch to another platform.
Cost-Effectiveness More cost-effective as the system can be easily implemented or migrated to a cloud platform or infrastructure that offers the best pricing and performance. Less cost-effective as the system is tied to a specific cloud platform or infrastructure, limiting the options for pricing and performance optimization.
Scalability Highly scalable as it can be easily scaled up or down depending on the changing business needs and workload demands. Limited scalability as it is tied to a specific cloud platform or infrastructure, making it difficult to scale up or down to meet changing business needs and workload demands.
Resilience Highly resilient as it can be easily replicated across multiple cloud platforms or infrastructures, ensuring high availability and disaster recovery. Less resilient as it is tied to a specific cloud platform or infrastructure, increasing the risk of service disruption and downtime in case of a cloud outage or disaster.
Maintenance The ability to choose tools supporting the operation of cloud systems that allow for their optimal use in the organization of financial institutions or the capabilities of the provider of technical operations services Limited to the possibilities offered by native solutions of a specific cloud

Cloud-agnostic banking systems provide several advantages over non-cloud-agnostic systems, including increased flexibility and scalability, reduced costs, improved security, and unlimited innovation.
BOS is a perfect example of a cloud-agnostic banking system that provides these advantages, making it an attractive option for banks looking to improve their digital capabilities. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that more banks will move towards cloud-agnostic systems in order to stay competitive in the market.

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If you want to transform your business idea into a financial masterpiece and need help in implementing a core system for your activity, contact us.