Today, with the booming of digital technologies, the need for banks to revamp legacy systems and create frictionless customer experiences is well documented. As part of its digital transformation strategy, SGBL Group has taken on this challenge with the support of Backbase by renewing their front end information systems to deliver excellence to its end customers.

The bank’s mission is to engage its customers -from retail to professional and corporate- with a range of new services and self-service capabilities across all channels. As part of this, an ambitious program was launched to revamp the old legacy systems with new, best in class digital solutions. In line with the change of its core banking system, SGBL partnered with Backbase to replace its legacy internet and mobile banking solutions with Backbase omni-channel digital banking platform relying on a range of new technologies

Change is happening fast; rollout has already begun in Lebanon. The close collaboration has allowed SGBL to quickly implement innovative, cutting-edge technology. In Lebanon, go-live was already achieved in December 2017 for internet and mobile banking with a further regional roll-out planned for subsidiaries in Jordan, Cyprus and UAE. The success of the project in Lebanon is unprecedented and will serve as a model for the other regions.

SGBL believes its customers will benefit from these new implementations, which bring them all the digital capabilities expectations. These include easy-to-use environments, real time transactions, enhanced user experience (bespoke, autonomy, anytime-anywhere-any device), faster time to market, increased security with multi-factor authentication, online client origination, 24/7 banking services, and consistent service quality and scope across branches and digital channels.

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Antoun Sehnaoui, Chairman and CEO of Societe Generale de Banque au Liban, said:

“We are delighted to partner with Backbase to bring our customers the best digital banking experience on the market. Backbase’s solutions will enhance agility in our suite of distribution channels as we adapt to a dynamic retail and corporate client base. This partnership reflects our commitment to empowering our customers with the most secure, innovative financial technology to help keep them moving forward with confidence.”

Jouk Pleiter, CEO of Backbase, comments:
“We are delighted to have been chosen by SGBL and to play a role in the transformation of their digital banking landscape. This expansive, customer-focused transformation brings SGBL into the same playing field as the FinTechs, or even beyond. As an organization that embraces change SGBL has, in partnership with Backbase met developments in its industry, transformed its digital capabilities and driven change within its organization and beyond.”

SGBL sees a range of trends emerging in the region for banking products, where the sector faces several challenges; Local regulators impose tight constraints, market conditions can be difficult, and FinTechs have introduced a new level of disruption. To overcome these challenges, SGBL is leveraging Backbase’s capabilities to become pioneers in the region. The Group is breaking new ground with true digital paperless banking. Backbase platform will enable SGBL to be the first to offer PSD2 (Second Payment Services Directive) to clients and comply with international Open Banking regulations and standards.