The hub's HQ is in Istanbul, while most innovations come from its Research and Development (R&D) office at Zafer Technopark in Usak. There, the tbi tech team works closely with experts and academics in technology to leverage their expertise, knowledge and skills. The tech hub is focused on developing advanced data platforms and analytical solutions that improve the bank's digital products, making them more user-friendly and efficient for its customers in Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. A notable example is the tbi bank app in Bulgaria, where several of these advancements have already been implemented.
Currently, the tbi tech team consists of 17 professionals with extensive experience in data analytics, engineering, software development, and others. As the team's projects grow, the bank plans to gradually attract new talent to meet the increasing needs of its business and customers.
“With tbi tech, we're not just investing in technology and people; we're improving how we provide financial services to better meet our customers' needs. Türkiye was the ideal choice for our tech hub because of the opportunities in its strong banking and IT sectors. Its strategic location in our region, along with access to talented professionals and an active startup community, will help us achieve our tech development plans,” said Gurkan Papila, SVP Technology at tbi bank.
tbi bank is a challenger bank in South-East Europe and a regional leader in alternative payment solutions, combining financing and shopping services to meet customers' current needs and future consumer trends. Active in Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Germany, and Lithuania, tbi bank supports merchants in increasing their sales and consumers to access innovative financial services in a simple and fast digital experience. Through various digital channels and trusted partnerships with more than 26,000 merchants, tbi bank has a customer base of more than 2 million customers and granted almost 750,000 loans in 2023. In Romania, over 200,000 users are constantly using the shopping app created by tbi bank to offer quick and advantageous access to the best deals in 4 interest-free installments or up to 60 fixed installments. tbi bank's business model and customer-focused approach have made it the most profitable and efficient bank in the region.
