Pan-European banking group UniCredit has formed a multi-year strategic agreement with Accenture and IBM to develop a new technology operating model across its 13 European markets.
The collaboration aims to combine core mainframe stability with cloud architecture, data management and artificial intelligence tools. Under the terms of the agreement, Accenture will buy the majority stake previously held by IBM in the joint venture that manages a large portion of UniCredit’s IT infrastructure.
In tandem, IBM will supply updated technology systems to the bank, including IBM Z hardware, specialised software and consulting support. The agreement forms the foundation of a long-term strategy designed to give UniCredit increased control over its IT infrastructure while improving system agility.
The project forms part of UniCredit’s core expansion plans and aims to create an operational reference model for European financial institutions, supporting faster scaling of artificial intelligence deployment across the organisation.
“Technology is a strategic enabler of UniCredit’s growth and transformation,” said Ali Khan, Group Digital & Information Officer, UniCredit. “Our partnership with Accenture and IBM marks an important milestone in building the next generation of our banking platform—combining the resilience our customers expect with the agility to innovate faster and scale artificial intelligence responsibly across the Group. Together, we are creating the technology foundations that will strengthen our competitiveness, support sustainable growth and deliver lasting value for our customers, colleagues and shareholders”
The partnership will focus on modernising underlying banking operations to streamline digital services across all active territories.
“This partnership demonstrates how technology can become a strategic growth engine,” said Mauro Macchi, Chief Executive Officer of Accenture EMEA. “By bringing together a pan-European footprint, strong execution capabilities and mission-critical technology, we are creating a reinvention model built to scale across markets. Together with UniCredit, we aim to accelerate the adoption of cloud, data and artificial intelligence to unlock new sources of value, create greater value for customers, people and communities.”
“Our enhanced collaboration with UniCredit, including both our technology and consulting capabilities, reflects a shared commitment to innovation and transformation” said Ana Paula Assis, Senior Vice President and Chair IBM EMEA & APAC. “By combining modern infrastructure with UniCredit’s hybrid cloud architecture, we are helping to establish a technology foundation that can support UniCredit’s long-term growth while delivering better experiences for its customers.”
Final completion of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, necessary regulatory approvals and formal consultation processes with relevant parties.
