Samlink Expands Internationally
The continuous and rapid changes in the banking industry present challenges for banks not only within Finland but also beyond. Some of the competitors in the banking sector now come from different industries (such as Apple), aiming to position themselves between the bank and the consumer. This creates the need for banks to modernize systems to meet new demands.
Samlink, in collaboration with its parent company Kyndryl, aims to assist by creating and offering modern banking services both domestically and internationally. Kyndryl excels in IT infrastructure, while Samlink brings strong industry expertise ranging from consulting to application development, integrations, and ongoing services.
Consultancy Services and Project Teams Abroad
The Nordic countries serve as Samlink’s domestic market. In collaboration with Kyndryl Nordic, discussions about expanding services from IT services to consulting and application services are ongoing with Kyndryl’s Nordic clients. Currently, similar client projects are underway with Kyndryl in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Central and Southern Europe.
Samlink’s Advisory Services consult both new and existing clients. Consultants guide clients on where to focus and invest to achieve impactful results with minimal risks. We have developed 11 “accelerators,” packaged consulting solutions addressing the hottest trends and needs in the banking industry.
Our project teams are ready to share their expertise globally through projects initiated worldwide.
International operations often begin with consultancy, and Samlink’s core team initiates projects worldwide. During the projects, the local team is trained, and as the work/project progresses, the team either returns to Finland or moves on to the next project.
– With Samlink’s team of 500 people, it’s not possible to do everything ourselves. Our idea is to plant the seed, meaning to send a small core group from Samlink to the target country, and either the local Kyndryl organization or one of our global application development centers executes the project. Our project teams are ready to share their expertise globally through projects initiated worldwide, says Kari Huoponen, Sales Director at Samlink.
Comprehensive Package under One Roof
The combination of Samlink and Kyndryl holds a unique position compared to other players.
– We are the only entity capable of delivering industry consulting, application development and integrations, as well as running continuous services at the application and IT infrastructure levels, Huoponen explains.
Through internationally executed projects, economies of scale and efficiency increase. The experience and insights of Samlink employees working globally also bring definite advantages to domestic clients.
These projects also contribute to the development of a new ecosystem-based banking platform. Through a progressive modernization strategy, new components can be continually developed, benefiting all our clients. Based on BIAN architecture, we ensure compatibility between these components.
It is foreseeable that by the end of the year, Samlink will have several international projects underway worldwide
Internationalization also enhances the employer brand. Samlink is continually recruiting professionals as consultants and various other roles. The internationalization strategy provides Finnish banking and IT professionals with the opportunity to work both locally and in international projects, enhancing their own expertise.
– It is foreseeable that by the end of the year, Samlink will have several international projects underway worldwide, summarizes Huoponen.