Bahrain, May 28th - DiXiO is proud to announce a major achievement: Ahli United Bank’s successful migration to Swift in the Cloud using DiXiO’s Smart Messaging Platform! This milestone reflects our commitment to empowering financial institutions with innovative, cloud-based messaging solutions.
Ahli United Bank (AUB) recently migrated to a fully cloud Swift connectivity with zero local footprint using DiXiO’s Smart Messaging Platform (SMP), a strategic move to enhance security, efficiency, and scalability and fasten adoption of Swift innovative services.
SMP is the most simple and secure way to connect to Swift in the cloud while leveraging the latest Swift innovations. It allows institutions to have a direct connectivity to Swift without any local footprint, benefitting from increased resilience thanks to a full cloud deployment. Additionally, DiXiO’s SMP also embeds plug & play enablers that allow seamless integration between the bank’s back-office solutions and Swift API’s (such as GPI or payment pre-validation), a powerful orchestration layer, a format conversion engine for CBPR+ / ISO20022 compliance, an archiving module, automated monitoring, and real-time failover, and much more.
This transition at AUB marks a significant milestone in the bank’s digital transformation journey.
Before SMP - Challenges faced in Legacy Infrastructure
AUB’s previous on-site infrastructure was seeking a seamless, highly efficient and effective solution to reduce operational overheads, increased security, and highly reliable disaster recovery solutions. Replicating systems across data centers required substantial resources, diverting attention from business innovation – which did not align with the bank’s objectives to provide its end-customers with an innovative and seamless experience for their cross-border transactions.
In this context, the migration to Swift Alliance Cloud via DiXiO’s Smart Messaging Platform was a logical choice: it simplified operations, increased resilience, while also reducing efforts & costs. But most importantly, DiXiO’s SMP allows AUB to leverage on Swift innovative services to reduce transaction delays and bring transparency to cross-border flows.
“At AUB, our focus is on continuously delivering simplified banking solutions, and fast delivery of services to clients, managing IT infrastructure in the traditional way would add operational burdens that we are pleased to shift away from.” - AUB IT Management.
Why DiXiO?
AUB followed a structured procurement process with an RFP to select a solution. While Swift provided insights on available partners, AUB conducted independent evaluations.
DiXiO, (an accredited Swift VAS & Business Connect enabler), was selected for its leading market position, high-quality platform, and innovative features that aligned perfectly with AUB’s goals and ambitions.
In addition, to make this project a success, DiXiO allocated significant resources such as Swift certified consultants, IT experts, as well as a project management team. All these contributions played a key role in the success of the project. “I was eager to collaborate and support AUB in this strategic move, confident that our solution would make a difference. This partnership has proven to be a great success, and I’m proud of what we have achieved together.” Rosa Haddad – Senior BD Executive Bahrain at DiXiO
Migration Journey & Key Learnings
While the transition came with challenges—such as AWS configuration for cross-region disaster recovery and strict security policies—DiXiO demonstrated flexibility and efficiency in overcoming them.
“Aligning the security access and internal policies to the new cloud operating module was indeed a challenge, but it was the internal and partner great efforts that made the transition a success. DiXiO worked patiently with our security teams to navigate these complexities.” Added AUB IT Management
For future implementations, a key takeaway was the importance of documentation. “Since we were working with tight timelines, It is was key that we resolve issues with the first thought solution.”, AUB IT added. “Documenting these solutions will make future implementations much smoother”.
Post-Migration Benefits
- Cost Reduction: Moving from CAPEX to an OPEX model lowered operational costs.
- Enhanced Security: A smaller infrastructure footprint improved security management and made it easier to ensure compliance with Swift security frameworks (CSP)
- Operational Efficiency: AUB can now leverage on services such as GPI or payment pre-validation, that offer significant benefit to the bank’s customers such as improved transaction speed and increase transparency over cross-border flows. Overall, IT teams can now focus on innovations rather than infrastructure maintenance.
AUB also strategically placed its production environment and disaster recovery on two different AWS regions in two different continents, ensuring global resilience and minimizing disruptions.
A word from Leo Vincke, CEO of DiXiO
"This collaboration with AUB showcases how banks can rival advanced fintechs with modern technology & innovative solutions. By leveraging DiXiO’s Smart Messaging Platform, AUB has set a benchmark for financial institutions looking to modernize their payments infrastructure and improve their customer’s experience when it comes to cross-border transactions."
Looking Ahead
AUB is further enhancing automation and Straight-Through Processing, with APIs at the core of its digital strategy. “This migration is just the beginning”, said AUB IT. “We are now in a stronger position to scale, automate, and innovate!”
The success of this project demonstrates the impact of strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, setting a new standard for the banking industry.
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