News from the Wire

Efma launches major fintech portal initiative with Microsoft, Avanade

Tuesday, February 09, 2016 — 13:00:07 (EST)

Paris, Feb. 9, 2016 -- Efma, Microsoft and Avanade are working together with some of the world’s largest financial institutions to launch a new Fintech portal, www.efma.com/fintech, to connect the rapidly expanding fintech community with retail banks and insurance firms globally.

For the very first time, the portal will create a worldwide platform to bridge the gap between fintechs, banks and insurance companies. “The aim is to provide a unique portal that enables the fintech offer to meet the financial institutions’ demands,” said Vincent Bastid, Efma CEO.

As of today, fintech companies can use a free form (www.efma.com/SubmitYourFintech ) to create an account on the portal and submit their solutions, to boost their profile, showcase their capabilities, and network with more than 3,300 Efma member financial institutions in 130 countries.

“Avanade are delighted to partner with Efma and Microsoft on this new initiative designed to help banks and insurers discover the best fintech partners to support them on their journeys to become true digital businesses,” said Violetta Senda, Avanade Europe digital strategy lead. “This unique forum for networking and collaboration will enable financial services institutions to adopt best-in-class fintech solutions to transform their business, strengthen customer relationships, and empower employees.”

“The connected economy, global digitization, and unprecedented changes to the financial services business model are transforming the way businesses innovate. Microsoft and its partners are empowering financial institutions to thrive in the digital age, and we are proud to be working with Efma and Avanade to support this initiative and connect the rapidly expanding fintech community with retail banks and insurance firms globally.” Said Patrice Amann, EMEA Financial Services Director, Microsoft Corp.

London, 14 April 2016: A jury comprised of 50 banking and insurance executives will select nine of the best-in-class fintech solutions from across the world to receive the Efma Fintech Award. The winners in each category will receive awards from Santander, BNP Paribas, Intesa Sanpaolo, Caixa Bank and other world leading financial institutions that are active in the fintech space. This ceremony will take place during the Efma Distribution Summit Gala on 14 April 2016.

Efma, Microsoft and Avanade will also introduce the Fintech Portal to the financial services industry at the Distribution Summit Gala, highlighting how it offers a huge repository of fintech data profiles, solutions and capabilities. For the very first time, the 3,300 Efma members, including the world’s largest financial institutions, will be able to submit their technology solution requirements and be presented with fintech recommendations directly from the portal.

Contact: Florence Chatelet, Efma, 8 rue Bayen, 75017 Paris fintech@efma.com Mobile: +33 6 77 43 02 32

About Efma A global non-profit organisation, established in 1971 by banks and insurance companies, Efma facilitates networking between decision-makers. It provides quality insights to help banks and insurance companies make the right decisions to foster innovation and drive their transformation. Over 3,300 brands in 130 countries are Efma members.

Headquarters in Paris. Offices in London, Brussels, Barcelona, Stockholm, Bratislava, Dubai, Mumbai and Singapore.

Learn more at www.efma.com .

About Avanade Avanade leads in providing innovative digital services, business solutions and design-led experiences for its clients, delivered through the power of people and the Microsoft ecosystem. Our professionals combine technology, business and industry expertise to build and deploy solutions to realize results for clients and their customers. Avanade has 27,000 digitally connected people across 23 countries, bringing clients the best thinking through a collaborative culture that honors diversity and reflects the communities in which we operate. Majority owned by Accenture, Avanade was founded in 2000 by Accenture LLP and Microsoft Corporation.

Learn more at www.avanade.com .

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Source: Company press release.