IBM and Finanz Informatik Strengthen Partnership with AI, Automation, and Hybrid Cloud Technologies
In an era where digital transformation is pivotal for the success of financial institutions, Finanz Informatik (FI) has taken a significant step forward by renewing and expanding its partnership with IBM. This move underscores FI’s commitment to modernizing its IT infrastructure by leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and hybrid cloud systems. The collaboration between these two industry leaders aims to bolster the capabilities of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, a prominent financial group in Germany, by enhancing digital services and ensuring long-term resilience in a rapidly evolving landscape.
A New Agreement for Continued Growth
On May 14, 2025, in Böblingen, Germany, Finanz Informatik and IBM announced the signing of a new contract that builds upon their already successful collaboration. FI, serving as a central IT service provider for over 340 savings banks and other network partners, is tasked with ensuring efficient, secure, and regulatory-compliant solutions. These solutions are delivered through FI’s own data centers, which are now set to undergo significant modernization with IBM’s cutting-edge technology.
The latest agreement will enable FI to enhance its banking services by utilizing IBM’s latest generation of computer systems. This will significantly improve FI’s data center operations by harnessing the full potential of cloud computing, automation, and AI, all while maintaining platform independence. This strategic move comes at a time when the need for robust and adaptable digital infrastructure has never been more apparent.
Enhancing Cyber Resilience and Compliance
One of the key aspects of the new contract is its focus on strengthening cyber resilience. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, financial institutions require advanced measures to safeguard critical data. The agreement with IBM includes the deployment of state-of-the-art mainframe, Power, and storage systems, alongside modern system software components supported by the watsonx AI product suite. These enhancements are designed to align with the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), ensuring that FI remains at the forefront of cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.
Strategic Advantages for Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe
The collaboration between FI and IBM is set to provide several strategic advantages for the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe:
- Accelerated Digital Transformation: By utilizing technologies such as the Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform, FI aims to create a consistent hybrid cloud foundation. This will facilitate the modernization of core IT systems and applications, leading to more efficient operations and improved service delivery across the financial network.
- Improved Cyber Resilience: IBM’s proven solutions will offer robust backup and recovery capabilities, ensuring that critical financial data remains protected. This positions FI as a pioneer in the implementation of resilient solutions across Europe.
- Innovation Powered by AI: With IBM’s AI offerings, specifically the watsonx portfolio, FI will deliver privacy-focused AI solutions that provide real-time insights, automation, and enhanced security services for the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe.
- Sustainability and Future-Proofing: The agreement underscores a shared commitment to sustainability. By utilizing energy-efficient IBM mainframe and high-end Power servers, FI ensures that its IT infrastructure evolves in an environmentally friendly manner.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Martin Waldmann, Executive Director for Human Resources, Finance, Internal Services, and Risk Management at Finanz Informatik, highlights the strategic importance of the contract with IBM. He emphasizes that the partnership will drive the digital transformation of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, while also ensuring long-term planning security and economic advantages during challenging times.
Detlev Klage, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of Finanz Informatik, acknowledges the value of the long-standing cooperation with IBM. He notes that the continuous development of FI’s IT platform guarantees high levels of security, availability, and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the introduction of new, innovative products for the OSPlus financial platform will enhance FI’s platform independence and operational sovereignty.
Rob Thomas, Senior Vice President of Software and Chief Commercial Officer at IBM, provides a broader industry perspective, noting that financial institutions globally are embracing exponential technologies to improve customer experience, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation. The new agreement with FI positions the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe to continue offering exceptional value and innovation to its stakeholders.
About Finanz Informatik
Based in Frankfurt am Main, Finanz Informatik serves as the digitalization partner for the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe. Its extensive customer base includes 348 savings banks, six state banks, DekaBank, five state building societies, public insurers, and other entities within the financial sector. The core banking solution, OSPlus, is the central digital platform for the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, supporting around 50 million customers with its sales and service channels.
Finanz Informatik offers a comprehensive range of IT services, including application development, infrastructure and data center operations, consulting, training, and support. Its subsidiaries and shareholdings, such as Finanz Informatik Solutions Plus and Finanz Informatik Technologie Service, complement the IT portfolio with a wide array of services.
In 2023, Finanz Informatik processed over 205 billion technical transactions annually and managed services for approximately 114 million bank accounts. The company employed around 4,650 people and generated sales of 2.44 billion euros, underscoring its significant role in the financial sector.
About IBM
IBM is a global leader in hybrid cloud and AI technologies, providing consulting expertise to clients in over 175 countries. The company helps organizations leverage insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive advantage. IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift are trusted by numerous governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure sectors, facilitating rapid, efficient, and secure digital transformations.
IBM’s innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting services offer open and flexible options for clients. The company is committed to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service, consistently driving the advancement of technology in the financial services industry.
For more information about IBM and its offerings, please visit IBM’s official website.
In conclusion, the renewed partnership between Finanz Informatik and IBM represents a strategic alignment that will significantly advance the digital capabilities of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe. By leveraging IBM’s cutting-edge technologies, FI is poised to deliver innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, security, and sustainability. This collaboration not only strengthens FI’s position as a leader in the European financial services sector but also sets a benchmark for digital transformation initiatives across the industry.
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