  Thanks to self-service and digitalised services, Nordic banks and insurance companies have become some of the most advanced and efficient in the world. TietoEnator provides consulting, developing and hosting services for the digital businesses of these companies, helping to build a more efficient information society. ‘Modern innovated industry needs deep vertical expertise and strong IT skills,’ says Matti Viljo, TietoEnator’s president of banking and insurance.
Three industry verticals make up the strategy with which TietoEnator intends to become a leading global player in carefully chosen businesses, and Viljo has no doubt about the company’s focus. ‘As a forerunner, we must provide our customers with state-of-the-art solutions and services,’ he says. ‘This has led us into aa true partnership with the leading Nordic banks and insurance companies, in some cases even into joint ventures. In the latter, we share not only the gains, but also eventual risks.’
 TietoEnator has developed an infrastructure with all major banks in the Nordic countries. At the same time it has become one of the biggest IT solutions and service companies in Europe. ‘By combining our deep industry expertise and strong IT skills, we are able to provide our customers with the most advanced solutions,’ says Viljo. Banking and insurance is one of TietoEnator’s three selected business areas that are expected to provide a major contribution to the company’s annual 20 per cent growth target. According to Viljo, this calls for internationalisation and deliberately chosen models for entering a variety of markets. ‘There are no similar markets, but we must enter each market with a customised model,’ he says.
‘We must do our homework in advance. Once we have fulfilled our task in some markets, the grapevine will be of huge assistance for us almost everywhere.’ Viljo knows what he’s talking about. He has been at the very heart of the IT industry for more than 25 years, having worked with the likes of IBM and Oracle.
Business strengths
The Nordic countries are the most advanced region in the banking and insurance business, says Viljo, and as far as solution development is concerned, TietoEnator is the partner of choice.
 ‘We are not just another IT vendor,’ he explains. ‘We are working closely with the EU on electronic payment and the Single Euro Payments Area, to mention just one example. Our strengths are based on the current position, deep expertise and a very competitive solution portfolio.’ Although the banking and insurance industry is on the top of digitalisation, there is a lot of potential for further development. ‘We must understand that the rapidly growing trend puts a lot of pressure on the back-office core banking systems,’ he adds. ‘And they are a real challenge for us.’ Good references make a great competitive tool. TietoEnator already has experience in core banking and cash management solutions with the leading Nordic banks, such as Nordea, Swedbank, Handelsbanken, as well as with some European banks, such as Rabobank and Banco Português de Negócios. The key words are flexible solution platforms and service-oriented approach. Despite TietoEnator’s strong position, Viljo has a humble attitude. ‘We want to grow with our partners,’ he says. ‘Partnerships must always be win-win cases.
 Providing customers with world-class solutions must bring revenues to both parties. This is the only way we can keep our position as a forerunner in this highly competitive market. ‘ fBA
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