Caribbean bank

One of the leading banks in the Caribbean

See how Computools helped Caribbean Bank connect to the VISA system for core business, enabling it to enter into retail banking segment.

Solution:

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION SERVICES

Industry:

Regional Banks

Business size:

Enterprise

Problem and Solution Summary

The Caribbean Bank experienced severe issues with connection to VISA in reasonable timelines for general banking application release. The client was burdened by the lasting search for high-profile field experts able to address all of the set requirements with desired timelines. Computools's tech team worked cross-functionally and hold Scrum meetings with a fully built-out agenda to realize and execute payment solutions. As a result, Computools's team successfully built from scratch financial infrastructure, which led to improved performance of the client.

About the Client

The Caribbean Bank is the largest regionally listed financial services institution with over 500K clients, offering a full range of financial services. It is located in 17 countries around the Caribbean, with 2,700 employees in 54 branches and offices worth US$13 billion in assets and a market capitalization of US$1 billion. The bank arranges over US$900 million in transactions during the year. The client required holistic planning, improved systems, processes, and new technology adoption when looking for a business scale and transformation.

Outcome

After the implementation of Computools's solution, the Caribbean Bank successfully increased performance rates by 12% while reaching a younger audience, thereby expanding the number of their users.

Working side by side with the client’s IT department, the Computools team implemented critical upgrades to the outdated online banking mobile application and implemented three VISA API-integrated microservices. Card processes are a core component of the bank's entire business. The client has gained an implemented fund exchange interface due to our cooperation. With our solutions, the organisation:

  • avoided paperwork
  • became attractive in marketing terms
  • increased customer loyalty
  • improved the effectiveness of its corporate culture
  • updated its development approach

Business challenge

weaknesses

  • Insufficient time for internal IT department scaling
  • Insufficient availability of sufficiently experienced in-house engineers
  • Demanding development schedule

strengths

  • Market leader with strong demand across the Caribbean
  • Full range of financial services tailored to regional markets
  • Customer-centric business processes for increased satisfaction rate
  • Culture of corporate social responsibility and contributions to important local causes

Business challenge

Project completion details and current arrangements

Due to the exponential success of the implemented solution, Computools continue to work with the client by maintaining existing systems and infrastructure as per the actual VISA integration service. The implemented systems and financial infrastructure remain stable and up to date according to all VISA requirements. Computools also provides consulting from the management perspective of the development, as well as performs as a technical advisor within the implemented products and services.

Business challenge

Why Computools?

During the vendor selection process, the client contacted references, determined service requirements, and matched them with possible vendor capabilities by conducting deep-market research and multiple workshop sessions. After obtaining quotes with competitive bids, showing architectural preparation, the deal was contracted.

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Story in depth

The Caribbean Bank looked for top-rated experts to build in financial infrastructure, including VISA connection for general banking applications. When the contract was agreed upon, Computools efficiently implemented financial solutions, which resulted in improved performance and revenue generation.

Project Description

Caribbean Bank is the largest regional bank across the Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean. It offers a full range of financial services in retail, corporate and investment banking, as well as wealth management and credit financing. With millions of private and business customers across 17 Caribbean countries, Caribbean Bank puts clients at the centre of business processes to ensure a satisfying customer experience with the aim of becoming the first-choice financial services provider in the region.

To fulfil the corporate vision and increase the development pace, the client turned to the Computools team for an overhaul of an outdated online banking mobile application. Upon analysing the client’s requirements, Computools selected experienced software engineers to assist the in-house IT department with updating the mobile app features, developing new microservices and integrating them with VISA API.

Digital Platform & Technology

Communication Framework

Open and efficient two-way communication is crucial to the success of a digital transformation project. Following consultation with the client, we agreed upon a clear and unambiguous communication framework with scheduled regular face-to-face and online meetings and regular reports by email.Our communication ecosystem also incorporated a structured documents environment and client access to Computools' internal task-managing platform. This made the general project roadmap as well as specific processes transparent and clear for all parties.
Skype
Jira
Slack

Team

To complement the client’s in-house team, Computools screened the pool of software engineers. The most experienced developers with backend Java and Microservices architecture expertise were chosen to accelerate the mobile app development.

Business Analyst

Nikita Abelmasov

Started working on commercial IT projects in 2009, focusing on Web Development, then switched to Management & BA in 2015. Has extensive experience in requirements gathering, startups and ongoing business solutions consulting, development preparations, and organizing business processes for a wide range of mixed teams. Passionate for Urban Exploration, New Technologies, Photography, and Sci-Fi Universes.

Team Lead

Oleg Svet

Began to code in middle school, obtained an MBA degree in Computer Science, worked on commercial IT projects in 2011, and worked as Mobile Developer, Startup, Enterprise & Full-Stack Developer. Joined Computools in 2013 as a co-founder and CTO, next CDO position. Interested in Airsoft, Cybernetics, Fantasy & MMO Computer Games.

Project Manager

Andrey Melnichenko

Started working in IT in 2003, focusing on C and C++ development, switched to Java in 2007. Recognized for extensive expertise in application servers, software development life cycle, and database architecture. Enjoys pop music, as well as political and Java ecosystem podcasts.

Software Engineer

Igor Ryadinsky

Successfully substituted Team Lead by demonstrating strong leadership. Goes into football, adores Formula 1, and always looks for ways for improvement at work and in daily life.

Software Engineer

Mykhailo Bobrovskyi

Proficient in transfer data integrations, Azure-deployed systems, and Error Handling strategies. Passionate about training other developers. Enjoys home studio recording, volleyball, and theology.

Software Engineer

Denis Bogatirov

DENIS BOHATYROV
Previously, a Full Stack Developer. Currently, Head of Mobile Development. Enjoys computer games and wood making, learns to play the piano.
DENIS BOHATYROV

Java Developer

Roman Tskalo

Experienced with all stages of the development cycle for complex web projects. Interested in computer games, reading, and playing football.

Quality Assurance Engineer

Maria Grekova

With over 5 years of experience, expertly monitors every phase of the software development process to secure product quality and standards. Enjoys dancing and travelling.

Quality Assurance Engineer

Gleb Kovalenko

Gleb Kovalenko
With more than 3 years of experience as a manual QA, proficient in web applications, mobile, and desktop testing. Plays the guitar and enjoys reading.
Gleb Kovalenko

UX Designer

Valeriy Panchenko

Demonstrates excellent results in the field of user experience, design, and research. Enjoys swimming, hiking, and cooking.

UI Designer

Sergei Shmatov

Competent at creating new design systems and improving existing ones. Goes into sports, especially long-distance running.

Story of a team decision

Computools's software engineers have successfully applied their field knowledge and expertise to adapt the required technologies and opt for necessary microservices. In the course of work on the project, it was decided to establish custom high-tech solutions to secure stable financial integrations and create new data-driven models built around digital client engagement. Java was chosen to take advantage of the existing tooling.

Backstage

The efficiency of the Computools team is contingent on an established development flow and seamless communication between in-house engineers and client-side specialists. A routine of regular planning sessions and review meetings promotes successful cooperation among the distributed team members.

Sprint Retrospective

Retrospectives rounded up every sprint. Development team members analysed the strongest and weakest aspects of their processes. Each session was concluded by a plan of operational improvements to be implemented in the course of the following sprint.

Planning Session

Besides the initial planning meeting, the Computools team assembled at the beginning of sprints to discuss the features to be implemented, breaking down large tasks to assess and assign them to individual developers. Regular planning sessions enabled the team to keep to the development schedule and deliver the product within the deadline set by the client.

Sprint Demo

To ensure cohesive development efforts, the team lead finalised every sprint with a review and demo session. The whole team could assess the implemented features and the overall progress of the project as well as identify future sprint priorities.

Communication Flow

Computools engineers complemented an international development team that ensured timely implementation of the updated mobile application. Team members used email, Slack and Skype for daily communication. The client introduced technical requirements through Confluence, while Jira was the chosen task-tracking tool that ensured each assignment was completed on time.

Project Management Methodology

To manage a globally distributed international team, the Scrum agile framework was implemented. Sprint-based project management methodology with daily scrums allowed the team to follow the development plan and stay flexible in the face of unexpected roadblocks. The client-side scrum master provided access to Jira and used it to distribute the roles, manage resources and track the tasks. This cohesive approach enabled the team to successfully address the challenges of the project.

Project timeline

project timeline
01

CONSULTING

First Sight
  • Client's business processes analysis
  • Identifying strengths & weaknesses
  • Setting development goals with the client
  • Deriving Specification, Tasks & Deadlines
02

Product DESIGN

Planning
  • Business process modelling
  • Technology selection
Project Management Flow
  • Expertise-based talent evaluation and 1 week team forming
  • Internal communication flow establishment
  • Project Management Methodology
Development Flow
  • Development methodology
03

Product Engineering

System Implementation
  • System requirements’ analysis
  • Role assignment
  • Tasks assignment
Software Development
  • Code creation & refactoring
  • Testing & fixing
04

Launch

  • The team made sure that the integration test base was implemented and the service was integrated
  • Launched the integration test pipeline for any changes within our or the core banking service changes
  • Made the system ready to launch alpha testing
  • We ensured 100% compliance with our interfaces and other core banking interfaces

Design

The design team had the task of designing a dashboard interface that would be concise, easy to understand for port staff, and without distracting elements. At the same time, however, the design had to include all the essential operational elements. The focus was on achieving that; the work was carried out dynamically, with ongoing communication with the client, taking into account all individual features of the project.

User persona → Site map → Wireframes → user interface

User persona

Designing a product based on semi-fictional personas of those who are going to use a product or interact with a brand.

Site map

Logically structuring pages and their content within a domain.

Wireframes

Creating a prototype for a product presenting future layout of different interface elements and their interaction: navigational systems, search forms, newsfeeds and other components.

user interface

Designing a product’s interface and accomplishing final steps to move a product to the development stage.

Design

Production Release

Computools ran Visa service integration as an essential part of the core banking middleware in tight cooperation with the internal bank maintenance team. As a result, during the closed alpha test period, the team achieved close to zero error cases and responsivity fully covered by SLA policy.

Design

Ongoing Support

Computools’s team provided a third level of support for 8 hours daily, 5 days a week. The engineers took part in challenging and even critical cases on behalf of the team (visa service). Sometimes it involved resolving critical issues of other core banking services teams and tight cooperation with the internal banking maintenance team (first and second level of support). As a result, Computools achieved and even outperformed (in some parameters like the count for critical errors) the SLA policy.

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