UniCredit partners with Accenture and IBM to modernize banking tech infrastructure across Europe

Accenture acquires IBM's stake in technology JV with UniCredit

This content has been selected, created and edited by the Finextra editorial team based upon its relevance and interest to our community. The joint venture was first established by UniCredit and IBM in 2013 in a ten-year outsourcing deal to manage the Italian bank's IT backbone. The transfer of responsibilities to Accenture is intended to give the bank more control over its future technology direction, covering the adoption of cloud, data and artificial intelligence. Despite the agreement, IBM will continue to provide technology platforms to UniCredit, including IBM Z, software, and consulting services. "Technology is a strategic enabler of UniCredit's growth and transformation," says Ali Khan, group digital & information officer, UniCredit. "Our partnership with Accenture and IBM marks an important milestone in building the next generation of our banking platform -- combining the resilience our customers expect with the agility to innovate faster and scale artificial intelligence responsibly across the Group."

UniCredit partners with Accenture and IBM on tech overhaul By Investing.com

NEW YORK - UniCredit announced a long-term strategic collaboration with Accenture (NYSE:ACN) and IBM to establish a technology foundation supporting the bank's operations across thirteen European markets, according to a press release statement. Under the agreement, Accenture will acquire the majority stake in a joint venture currently held by IBM that manages a portion of UniCredit's technology infrastructure. IBM will provide modernized technology platforms to UniCredit, including IBM Z, software and consulting services. The consulting giant brings substantial scale to the partnership, with a market capitalization of $202 billion and annual revenue of $65 billion. InvestingPro data shows Accenture maintains a gross profit margin of 33% and an operating margin of 16%, reflecting the company's efficiency in delivering technology services across its global operations. The partnership aims to create an operating model that combines mission-critical systems with cloud, data and artificial intelligence capabilities. The initiative is part of a multi-year program to enhance the bank's underlying systems. "Technology is a strategic enabler of UniCredit's growth and transformation," said Ali Khan, Group Digital & Information Officer at UniCredit. "Our partnership with Accenture and IBM marks an important milestone in building the next generation of our banking platform." Mauro Macchi, Chief Executive Officer of Accenture EMEA, said the partnership brings together a pan-European footprint with mission-critical technology to accelerate adoption of cloud, data and artificial intelligence. Ana Paula Assis, Senior Vice President and Chair IBM EMEA & APAC, stated the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation and transformation by combining modern infrastructure with UniCredit's hybrid cloud architecture. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and applicable information and consultation procedures. UniCredit operates as a pan-European commercial bank serving over 20 million clients across Italy, Germany, Austria and Central and Eastern Europe. Accenture employs approximately 799,000 people and generated approximately $70 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025. This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Accenture, IBM Strike Long-Term Technology Partnership With UniCredit

Accenture and IBM said Friday they have entered into a long-term strategic collaboration with UniCredit to modernize the Italian bank's technology infrastructure and support its artificial-intelligence ambitions across Europe. As part of the agreement, Accenture will acquire IBM's majority stake in a joint venture that manages a significant portion of UniCredit's technology infrastructure. IBM will continue to provide the bank with technology platforms, including IBM Z systems, software and consulting services. The companies said the partnership will establish a new operating model for UniCredit's banking technology, combining cloud, data and AI capabilities with mission-critical infrastructure. They said the program is intended to support the bank's operations across its 13 European markets. The transaction is expected to close after regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions are satisfied. Financial terms weren't disclosed.