KBC Group - Enterprise Tech Ecosystem Series

KBC Group NV (KBC) is a financial holding company that offers banking and insurance solutions. Its banking offerings comprise current accounts, savings accounts, pension savings accounts, term deposits, payment solutions, discretionary investments, and non-discretionary investments. It provides payment guaranty; financing and mortgages including savings, home, and vehicle financing; market research; hedging services; working capital; and online banking and self-banking. KBC also offers life insurance, non-life insurance, and health-related insurance services. It primarily serves retailers, private banking, SMEs, and mid-cap clients in its core markets of Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, and Slovakia.

In 2015, KBC launched a startup accelerator called ‘Start it @KBC', to provide startups with mentorship support from industry experts, helping them build internal skills, enter strategic collaborations with leading players in the market, and gain investor support in order to grow their business.

In 2016, KBC Securities launched the KBC Start it Fund, a venture capital fund that provides seed and growth capital to startups participating in the Start it @KBC accelerator program. The fund supports startups from the idea stage to initial public offering, leveraging its M&A, Corporate Finance, and Research & Sales departments.

In 2017, KBC Innovation Hub was established as part of the group's EUR1.5 billion ($1.5 billion) investment program for digital transformation.

This report provides insight into KBC's fintech activities, including its digital transformation strategies, innovation programs, technology initiatives, estimated ICT budget, and major ICT contracts.

Scope

• KBC is embracing artificial intelligence-based digital tools and data analysis technologies to simplify banking transactions; design digital-first banking services, products, and processes; and offer simple and personalized banking services and products to customers.
• KBC has applied AI/machine-learning technologies for better management of compliance risk. The group has invested significant number of resources and time to meet the constantly changing regulations and laws.
• KBC has extended the functionalities of its existing mobile banking apps and introduced contactless payment options such as payments through wearables such as Fitbit and cell phones to offer a wider range of contactless payment options to customers.

Reasons to Buy

• Gain insights into KBC's tech operations.
• Gain insights into its tech strategies and innovation initiatives.
• Gain insights into its technology themes under focus.
• Gain insights into its various product launches and partnership strategies.