UniCredit Bank

Increasing efficiency and improving customer service: implementation of the TOPAS system at UniCredit Bank 

Task: 

Following the CNB inspection in 2021, UniCredit Bank decided to start the process of modernizing its systems, especially in the area of the depository. Once an internal feasibility study was completed, suppliers were selected, with ARBES Technologies emerging as the winner with its ARBES TOPAS system. The reasons for the selection were ARBES' extensive experience in capital markets and expertise. 

Course of implementation: 

In the first quarter of 2023, intensive implementation analysis was underway. Together with experts from the UniCredit Bank depository, ARBES Technologies worked on a detailed description of the functionalities of the new system. Compared to the original version of the TOPAS system, UniCredit proposed more modifications, ensuring that the new solution met the specific requirements. 

In October 2023, the full version of the system was deployed on the testbed. Testing included verifying functionality, process setup and accuracy of calculations, including fee calculations and class allocations according to fund status. 

Testing:

In March 2024, a pilot operation was launched on one client. The testing phase resulted in several change requests that ARBES resolved with priority, allowing testing to continue. To minimize operational risk, the migration of funds was divided into 4 phases. 

Full deployment and results: 

As of 12 August 2024, the transition to the new system has been completed for all funds. No significant issues with the calculations or NAV checks have been noted since this point. 

Advantages for UniCredit Bank: 

The ARBES TOPAS system has allowed the bank to make a major shift in digitalization and process efficiency: 

• Automatic matching of payments with open fund transactions.
• Fast entry of dividend claims into portfolios.
• Accelerated detection of differences between UniCredit and the client. 

Another advantage is the flexibility to import diverse client data into the system, which speeds up processing and reduces errors. Instead of working manually in excel spreadsheets, employees now use functions directly in the application. 

Conclusion: 

The implementation of the ARBES TOPAS system marked a major step in the modernization of UniCredit Bank's operations. Thanks to the ARBES solution, it was possible to increase efficiency and provide better services to clients. 

„We chose Arbes Technologies for their expertise and extensive experience, which proved to be crucial for the success of our project.“ 

Jan Ryšlink, UniCredit Bank, 2024