In our latest edition of Digital Talks, we addressed a topic that is as fascinating as it is complex: emerging technologies. In an environment where innovation progresses at exponential speed, identifying which technological trends can become real opportunities for the financial sector is an essential part of our commitment to digital transformation.

 

An exploratory approach with a business focus

At Sabadell Digital, we understand that it is not about experimenting for the sake of it. We have a specialised and agile team, well connected to the innovation ecosystem, from universities to technology centres and consultancies, dedicated to tracking the most cutting-edge developments in technology.

We analyse use cases from other sectors, explore early-stage applications and ask ourselves: how can this bring value to our clients or to the bank’s operations? Some initiatives remain in the research phase; others evolve and become part of our technological infrastructure, as was the case with cloud computing a few years ago.

 

From lab to business: testing with purpose

When we identify a technology with potential, we carry out proof-of-concept initiatives or prototypes in a secure environment, separate from our production systems. To enable this, we rely on our technology centre in Alicante, which allows us to collaborate with technology partners and validate ideas without compromising the bank’s security or operational processes.

This experimentation model gives us the flexibility to test quickly and cost-effectively, and only if the solution demonstrates real value do we consider its adoption as a strategic project.

 

Which technologies are we closely monitoring?

Although artificial intelligence dominates many conversations (and rightly so), we are also closely monitoring other areas such as:

  • Blockchain: we have conducted interesting trials with blockchain platforms, although it is still difficult to find use cases with direct impact on our operations.

  • Internet of Things (IoT): its relevance is limited within the banking environment, but we do not rule it out for very specific applications.

  • Quantum computing: this represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Although it has not yet reached maturity, we are already anticipating its impact on cryptography and have begun studying quantum-safe algorithms to prepare for future scenarios.

 

Technology with discernment

Our philosophy is clear: observe, understand, validate and act when it makes sense. We do not seek to be the first to adopt every new trend, but rather to do so responsibly, in alignment with the bank’s objectives and the real needs of the business.

As was highlighted during the session: “Of course we are paying close attention to what is happening out there, but we do not get carried away with every new technology.” At Sabadell Digital, we are committed to purposeful, conscious innovation that serves our clients.