LUANDA, Angola — April 1, 2026
Executive Summary
Finastra has announced that Banco Angolano de Investimentos (BAI) has selected its Finastra Essence platform to upgrade its core banking infrastructure. The implementation is designed to support the bank’s evolving operational requirements, enabling improved adaptability to customer expectations, industry developments, and regulatory changes.
The deployment introduces a next-generation, open-API enabled core banking system that enhances operational resilience and supports faster product development cycles. Through this transformation, BAI aims to reduce time-to-market while expanding its ability to deliver personalized digital banking services. The solution will be delivered using a model bank approach, incorporating features specifically tailored for the Angolan market. The initiative forms part of BAI’s broader digital transformation strategy and builds upon its long-standing relationship with Finastra.
Announcement Overview
Finastra has confirmed that Banco Angolano de Investimentos has formally selected Finastra Essence as the foundation for upgrading its core banking system. The decision reflects the bank’s focus on modernizing its infrastructure to better align with current and future demands across the financial services ecosystem.
The selected platform introduces cloud-first architecture, open APIs, and microservices-based design, enabling BAI to scale operations and deploy new financial products more efficiently. The initiative is expected to support the bank’s ability to respond to rapidly changing regulatory frameworks, as well as evolving customer expectations in digital banking.
The transformation will be executed in collaboration with Innovation Makers, a strategic partner specializing in financial software development and implementation. The implementation will include advanced payment processing capabilities, card management solutions, and localized operational support structures.
This initiative represents a continuation of BAI’s strategic efforts to strengthen its position within the Angolan financial services sector while enhancing service delivery across retail, corporate, and institutional segments.
Key Announcement Details
Core Announcement Identification
- Announcement Type: Core banking transformation and technology partnership
- Announcement Date: April 1, 2026
- Dateline: Luanda, Angola
- Primary Action: Selection and deployment of a next-generation core banking platform
- Announcing Organization: Finastra
- Client Institution: Banco Angolano de Investimentos (BAI – Banco Angolano de Investimentos, S.A., Sociedade Aberta)
- Implementation Partner: Innovation Makers
Core Banking Platform Selection
- Selected Platform: Finastra Essence
- Platform Classification: Cloud-first, next-generation core banking solution
- Architecture Type: Open API-enabled and microservices-based architecture
- Deployment Methodology: Model bank approach
- Localization: Dedicated features tailored specifically for the Angolan market
Transformation Objectives and Strategic Intent
- Primary Objective: Upgrade BAI’s core banking system
- Strategic Purpose: Enable scalability aligned with customer and industry demands
- Operational Goal: Strengthen operational resilience
- Adaptability Goal: Enable rapid response to customer, industry, and regulatory changes
- Innovation Goal: Increase capacity for continuous product innovation
- Speed Goal: Decrease time-to-market for new banking products and services
Customer and Service Impact
- Customer Benefit Focus: Enhanced and personalized digital banking services
- Service Delivery Improvement: Faster rollout of financial products
- Experience Enhancement: Improved responsiveness to customer expectations
- Digital Capability Expansion: Broader digital banking functionality
Implementation Leadership and Delivery Structure
- Lead Implementation Entity: Innovation Makers
- Implementation Scope: Research, development, and execution of financial software solutions
- Delivery Model: Integration of core banking platform with payment and card systems
- Strategic Role: Long-standing partner in financial software implementation
Payments and Card Infrastructure Enhancements
- Payments System Delivered: Multi-Payments Processing System (MPPS)
- Card Infrastructure: Card Management solutions
- Payments Capability Impact: Advanced transaction processing capabilities
- Card Operations Impact: Enhanced card lifecycle management
- Digital Payments Enablement: Strengthened digital payment ecosystem
Local Ecosystem and Operational Support
- Local Support Structure: Establishment of a Centre of Excellence
- Localization Capability: Translation support for local operations
- Knowledge Transfer: Skill and knowledge development within the Angolan ecosystem
- Operational Continuity: Long-term operational resilience support
- Ecosystem Integration: Strengthening local financial technology capabilities
Finastra Essence Platform Capabilities
- Technology Foundation: Advanced, cloud-first banking infrastructure
- Functional Coverage: Rich, broad, and deep banking functionality
- Operational Benefits: Increased agility and reduced operational costs
- Efficiency Gains: Improved operational efficiency across banking functions
Technology Architecture and Enablement
- Core Architecture: Microservices-based system design
- Integration Framework: Open APIs for interoperability
- Technology Enablement:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Deployment Capability: Rapid deployment of market-leading products and services
Global Platform Adoption and Validation
- Global Adoption Metric: 15 institutions went live with Essence in 2025
- Scalability Validation: Demonstrated implementation across multiple global institutions
- Platform Maturity: Proven deployment capability in diverse banking environments
Existing Relationship and Platform Integration
- Partnership Duration: More than 15 years of collaboration between Finastra and BAI
- Relationship Type: Long-term strategic partnership
- Additional Solutions in Use: Finastra Corporate Channels
- Integration Scope: Alignment of multiple Finastra solutions within BAI’s ecosystem
Leadership Perspective and Strategic Alignment
- BAI Leadership Position: Executive Director (Luís Martins)
- Transformation Characterization: Next phase of digital transformation journey
- Platform Requirement Criteria:
- Flexibility
- Scalability
- Future-proof capabilities
- Selection Rationale:
- Market-leading offering
- Strong consulting and advisory support
- Proven track record
Finastra Strategic Positioning
- Industry Position: Global leader in financial services software
- Customer Base: 7,000+ customers
- Global Reach: Presence in over 110 countries
- Top-Tier Client Base: 40 of the world’s top 50 banks
Finastra Product Portfolio
- Core Solutions:
- Loan IQ
- LaserPro
- Trade Innovation
- Essence
- Global PAYplus
- Payments To Go
- Financial Messaging
- Functional Coverage Areas:
- Lending
- Payments
- Universal Banking
Ownership and Innovation Model
- Ownership Structure: Backed by Vista Equity Partners
- Innovation Approach: Co-innovation with customers
- Technology Objective: Build modern, scalable, mission-critical banking technology
Banco Angolano de Investimentos Profile
- Legal Structure: Publicly listed company (Sociedade Aberta)
- Market Position: One of Angola’s largest and leading banks
- Performance Indicator: Recognized for strong performance
BAI Customer and Market Coverage
- Government Support: Provides structured financial solutions to government and public entities
- Business Banking: Serves businesses of all sizes
- Retail Banking: Extensive service coverage for retail customers
BAI Operational Infrastructure
- Branch Network: Largest branch network in Angola
- Distribution Strength: Nationwide retail banking reach
- Service Accessibility: Strong physical and digital presence
Geographic Presence
- Primary Market: Angola
- International Presence:
- Portugal
- Cape Verde
Economic Role and Market Contribution
- Economic Positioning: Pillar of Angola’s national economic growth
- Service Model: Delivery of tailored financial solutions
- Customer-Centric Approach: Solutions aligned with individual customer needs
Strategic Outcomes of the Partnership
- Operational Outcome: Enhanced efficiency and resilience
- Market Outcome: Strengthened leadership position in Angola
- Growth Outcome: Improved scalability and expansion capability
- Innovation Outcome: Increased ability to deliver innovative banking services
Regulatory and Industry Adaptation
- Regulatory Adaptability: Ability to keep pace with frequent regulatory changes
- Industry Alignment: Alignment with evolving financial services landscape
- Compliance Support: Infrastructure supporting regulatory requirements
Infrastructure and System Transformation Scope
- Legacy System Replacement: Transition from legacy infrastructure to modern platform
- Customization Reduction: Reduction of excessive customizations
- Cost Efficiency: Lower costs associated with legacy systems
- Reliability Enhancement: Improved system reliability and trust
Operational Efficiency and Performance Gains
- Efficiency Improvement: Streamlined operational processes
- Product Uniformity: Greater consistency across banking products
- Performance Optimization: Improved operational effectiveness
Competitive Positioning Enablement
- Competitive Advantage: Maintenance of market competitiveness
- Reliability Factor: High level of system reliability and trust
- Service Differentiation: Ability to deliver customer-centric services
Future Readiness and Scalability
- Future-Proofing Objective: Ensure long-term technological relevance
- Scalability Capability: Support for rapid growth and expansion
- Innovation Continuity: Continuous delivery of new services and capabilities
Core Banking Transformation with Finastra Essence
Platform Selection and Capabilities
BAI has selected Finastra Essence, a cloud-first, next-generation core banking platform, to modernize its banking operations. The platform is designed to provide:
- Rich, broad, and deep banking functionality
- Advanced technological infrastructure
- Enhanced operational efficiency
- Improved agility in product deployment
The system is powered by:
- Open APIs
- Microservices architecture
- Scalable cloud-based infrastructure
These capabilities enable financial institutions to:
- Rapidly introduce new financial products
- Integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Maintain flexibility across operational processes
Model Bank Approach
The solution will be delivered through a model bank approach, ensuring:
- Pre-configured banking functionalities
- Localized adaptations for the Angolan market
- Faster deployment timelines
- Reduced implementation complexity
This approach allows BAI to align its operational model with industry standards while maintaining customization specific to regional requirements.
Strategic Implementation by Innovation Makers
Role and Responsibilities
Innovation Makers will lead the implementation of the Finastra Essence platform. As a long-standing strategic partner, the company brings expertise in:
- Research and development of financial software
- Implementation of digital banking solutions
- Payments infrastructure modernization
Technology Contributions
Innovation Makers will deliver advanced capabilities including:
- Multi-Payments Processing System (MPPS)
- Card Management solutions
These systems are designed to:
- Enhance transaction processing efficiency
- Support digital payment ecosystems
- Enable scalable card operations
Local Centre of Excellence
As part of the implementation, Innovation Makers will establish a local Centre of Excellence, which will provide:
- Translation support for localized operations
- Knowledge transfer within the Angolan ecosystem
- Long-term operational resilience frameworks
This localized infrastructure supports sustainable deployment and ensures ongoing system optimization.
Operational and Customer Experience Enhancements
Improved Time-to-Market
The adoption of Finastra Essence enables BAI to:
- Accelerate product development cycles
- Reduce delays in launching new financial services
- Respond more quickly to market opportunities
Enhanced Customer Experience
The platform supports the delivery of:
- Personalized digital banking services
- Improved customer engagement tools
- Flexible product offerings tailored to customer needs
Operational Resilience
By upgrading its core banking system, BAI strengthens:
- System reliability
- Operational continuity
- Adaptability to regulatory changes
Scalability and Growth Enablement
The new infrastructure supports:
- Expansion into new markets
- Increased transaction volumes
- Broader product portfolios
Leadership Statements
Statement from Banco Angolano de Investimentos
Luís Martins, Executive Director at Banco Angolano de Investimentos, stated:
“The adoption of Essence marks the beginning of the next phase in our digital transformation journey. To successfully deliver innovative and responsive banking services to our customers, while keeping pace with frequent regulatory changes, we need a core banking platform that is highly flexible, scalable, and future proof. We selected Finastra due to its market-leading offering, strong consulting and advisory support, and proven track record in this space. We have collaborated with the company for more than 15 years – this extension of our partnership demonstrates BAI’s commitment to driving innovation and resilience in the Angolan banking sector.”
Statement from Finastra
Siobhan Byron, EVP of Universal Banking at Finastra, stated:
“Legacy banking infrastructure and lots of customizations can hinder flexibility and operational effectiveness, often with high costs attached. By transforming its core banking system, BAI can scale quickly and adapt to new demands with much greater efficiency and success. Our state-of-the-art solution – uniquely combining future-proof technology with comprehensive banking functionality – enables the bank to maintain its competitive advantage with a high level of reliability and trust. We’re empowering BAI to reimagine banking in Angola by delivering timely, innovative, and customer-centric services.”
Technology Architecture and Innovation Capabilities
Cloud-First Infrastructure
Finastra Essence is built on a cloud-first architecture, enabling:
- Flexible deployment models
- Reduced infrastructure costs
- Improved scalability
Microservices and API Integration
The platform’s architecture includes:
- Microservices-based design
- Open API frameworks
These features allow:
- Seamless integration with third-party systems
- Modular deployment of banking functionalities
- Continuous system updates without disruption
Support for Emerging Technologies
The platform enables the use of:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
These technologies support:
- Data-driven decision-making
- Enhanced risk management
- Personalized customer services
Global Adoption
In 2025, 15 financial institutions worldwide successfully implemented Finastra Essence, demonstrating its scalability and applicability across diverse markets.
Existing Relationship and Ecosystem Integration
BAI has an established relationship with Finastra, having collaborated with the company for more than 15 years. In addition to adopting Essence, BAI also utilizes Finastra Corporate Channels, further integrating its banking operations within Finastra’s ecosystem.
This long-standing partnership supports:
- Continuity in technology deployment
- Alignment of strategic objectives
- Consistent system integration across platforms
Market Positioning and Strategic Alignment
The implementation supports BAI’s positioning as:
- One of Angola’s leading financial institutions
- A provider of structured financial solutions to government and public entities
- A partner to businesses of all sizes
- A bank with the largest branch network in Angola
The transformation aligns with:
- National financial sector development
- Digital banking evolution
- Customer-centric service delivery models
Comprehensive Implementation Scope and Long-Term Outlook
The adoption of Finastra Essence, combined with the implementation capabilities of Innovation Makers, establishes a framework for:
- Sustained digital transformation
- Operational modernization
- Expanded service delivery capabilities
The inclusion of localized support structures, advanced payment systems, and scalable infrastructure ensures that BAI can maintain alignment with:
- Regulatory developments
- Technological advancements
- Customer expectations
This initiative reflects a structured approach to enhancing banking capabilities through integrated technology solutions and strategic partnerships.
About Finastra
Finastra is a global provider of financial services software, serving over 7,000 customers across more than 110 countries, including 40 of the world’s top 50 banks.
The company specializes in:
- Lending solutions
- Payments infrastructure
- Universal banking platforms
Its portfolio includes:
- Loan IQ
- LaserPro
- Trade Innovation
- Essence
- Global PAYplus
- Payments To Go
- Financial Messaging
Finastra is backed by Vista Equity Partners and focuses on co-innovation with financial institutions to deliver scalable and reliable solutions that support growth and operational efficiency.
About Banco Angolano de Investimentos (BAI)
Banco Angolano de Investimentos (BAI) is a publicly listed financial institution and one of Angola’s leading banks, recognized for its strong performance and extensive market presence.
The bank:
- Provides structured financial solutions to government and public entities
- Serves businesses of all sizes
- Maintains the largest branch network in Angola
- Offers services to retail customers nationwide
BAI also operates internationally, with a presence in:
- Portugal
- Cape Verde
The institution plays a significant role in supporting Angola’s economic growth, delivering financial solutions tailored to the needs of diverse customer segments.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit finastra.com.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement