Sri Lanka’s Union Bank Upgrades Legacy Credit Card System With BPC

Union Bank's decision to bring its credit card system in-house, replacing an externally hosted legacy platform, reflects a strategic shift towards greater operational autonomy. This move is intended to reduce the bank's dependence on external vendors, which can otherwise limit its ability to quickly adapt to market demands and introduce new products. Taking direct ownership of the technology stack suggests the bank believes this control is essential for its future growth in the credit card sector.

The bank's Vice President, Malinda Perera, stated that building a stronger credit card business necessitated taking greater ownership of the underlying technology and data. This implies that the previous arrangement hindered their ability to innovate and expand their portfolio. The new system’s capacity for personalized card products, enhanced transaction security, and integrated fraud protection are presented as key features supporting this growth objective.

Nisala Kodippili, Union Bank's CTO, highlighted the platform's adaptability and its open APIs, which are designed to simplify integration with existing systems. This technical flexibility is crucial for a bank undergoing digital transformation, as it allows for smoother incorporation into broader IT infrastructure and supports the potential for future enhancements without extensive custom development or vendor lock-in.