Angola's BAI Embraces Finastra Core Platform for Digital Transformation
Torre BAI (Banco Angolano de Investimentos Headquarters), License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Banco Angolano de Investimentos (BAI) has selected Finastra's Essence core banking platform to upgrade its core banking system.

The Luanda-based lender, a Finastra client for more than 15 years, is upgrading to Essence, with Innovation Makers leading implementation and adding its Multi-Payments Processing System and card management capabilities.

WHY FINASTRA

“We selected Finastra due to its market-leading offering, strong consulting and advisory support, and proven track record in this space,” said Luís Martins, Executive Director at BAI.

BAI has the largest branch network in Angola and has expanded into Portugal and Cape Verde.

THE PLATFORM

Finastra describes Essence as a cloud-first core banking platform with an open microservices architecture and APIs. Finastra says the platform lets institutions deploy new products rapidly, using AI and machine learning.

IMPLEMENTATION

Innovation Makers will also set up a local Centre of Excellence in Angola to support knowledge transfer and long-term operational continuity.

ESSENCE ROLLOUTS

Finastra said 15 institutions worldwide deployed Essence in 2025.