Digital Banking Software Provider Back Base has opened its first global center of excellence (COE) on artificial intelligence (AI) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Led by Chris Shayan, Head of AI at Backbase, the COE will focus on developing AI solutions that improve customer engagement and business outcomes in the banking sector.
Located near Saigon Centre in District 1, the COE will be staffed by a team of engineers specialising in web, mobile, backend, AI, machine learning and large language models (LLMs).
The initiative reflects Backbase’s focus on Asia, capitalizing on Vietnam’s growing digital environment and skilled workforce.
Under Shayan’s leadership, COE will focus on rapid development cycles and plan to launch its first product within six months.
With over 10 years of experience in Vietnam, Siayang previously held senior roles at Techcombank and HDBank, where he led significant digital transformations.
The COE will integrate AI capabilities into Backbase’s existing architecture with the aim of increasing customer lifetime value and engagement.
The move is in line with broader industry trends, with McKinsey predicting that generative AI could create up to $340 billion in value for banks.
Backbase is its flagship conference EngageTaking place in Ho Chi Minh City on September 11-12, the event will feature insights from global leaders and showcase innovations in digital banking.
The event will focus on the role of AI and the new COE in shaping the future of banking.
Through its investment in Vietnam, Backbase aims to drive AI innovation and enhance customer engagement in the banking industry globally.
“At this stage, the focus of the COE is to leverage this talent pool, leveraging the wealth of knowledge and experience available from Backbase’s portfolio of banking and technology experts to create world-leading AI capabilities that help banks solve business problems on a global scale.
The Center of Excellence will deepen the value our clients derive from the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform by leveraging AI to improve customer usage and service experience, and provide access to analytics for informed decision-making.”
Shayan said.
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