tbi bank opens its own technology hub in Türkiye

Business Forum
tbi bank is taking a key step in its technological development by opening its own technology hub, tbi tech, in Türkiye. With this strategic move, the bank aims to not only accelerate the development and integration of innovative services into its products, but also expand its access to international talent.

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.

RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Industry

Sphera Franchise Group posts sales growth in Q1 2026

Sphera Franchise Group, Romania's largest food service group, reported consolidated sales of €75.6 million in Q1 2026, up 4.2% compared to the same period last year. Growth was driven by the return to positive performance of KFC Romania and the strong evolution of Taco Bell.

Finance

BT posts 30% profit jump in Q1 2026

Banca Transilvania (BT) said its consolidated net profit reached RON 1.14 billion lei (€228 million) in Q1, representing a 30.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Total assets for the group expanded to RON 227 billion lei (€45.4 billion) as the institution neared the milestone of five million active customers.

Real estate

Arcadis signs major lease at Business Garden Bucharest

Vastint Romania has announced a new leasing contract with Arcadis Romania, which will occupy 1,183 sqm in building A of Business Garden Bucharest. The global design, engineering and consultancy company joins a growing community of international tenants at the development.

READ MORE
Business Forum  |  22 May, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Business Forum  |  22 May, 2026 at 1:20 PM