Critical Banking Systems Modernisation

The transformation of banking systems is not just a challenge. It’s an opportunity.

Modernisation levels up an organisation's capabilities by improving efficiency, increasing system flexibility and enabling tailored solutions that align with specific business needs. However, upgrading banking technology is often put off due to the legacy concern that modernisation always leads to disruption.


Today, systems can be modernised without causing organisational upheaval.


With deep experience in building mission-critical systems in complex, demanding industries such as aviation, defence and financial services, Critical Software reduces risk during modernisation and turns transformative ambitions into reality. We specialise in delivering robust solutions designed to withstand extreme conditions, from strict regulatory landscapes to harsh environments like the vacuum of space.  


We not only understand risk - we thrive on it.  



A legacy of modernisation 


Legacy systems are the backbone of financial institutions. Over many decades, they have become tangled webs of outdated technology, fragmented documentation, and undocumented processes. This ageing tech is an obstacle to innovation and poses a significant risk to operational security and compliance.


We help banks of all sizes cut through the complexity and open black boxes to modernise systems for the demands of today and tomorrow.


Our technology empowers banking leaders to confidently modernise their trusted legacy technologies, from COBOL-based applications to mainframe platforms, transforming them into agile, future-ready solutions. We support every aspect of modernisation process, including the development of new ways of working, in addition to the delivery of new technology.


We understand your legacy systems - even if no one else does. 

Why modernise now?


55%
Of banks say the limitations of their existing core solutions is the biggest roadblock to achieving their business goals.
>33%
Of annual IT budgets spent maintaining legacy systems.
$4.6
Billion in fines for non-compliance in 2024 alone.
~10%
Increase in potential revenue with more flexible products.
~30%
Increase in operational efficiency through modernisation.
~20%
Reduction in cost per account.

Overcoming modernisation pain points 


Every financial institution is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all modernisation approach for projects of this nature, as each journey is shaped by the leaders steering it and the organisation's specific needs.


However, it is not uncommon for decision-makers to lack a full understanding of the legacy environments they're managing. That’s why we offer our specialised Banking System Modernisation Assessment, where our clients gain a clear picture of their current systems and, in collaboration with our team of experts, craft a tailored modernisation program that fits your needs. 


Throughout the journey, we support our clients through common modernisation pain points: 

  • Complexity & Dependencies: Disentangle highly interconnected systems with undocumented dependencies.
  • Business Continuity: Ensure uninterrupted real-time transaction processing by adopting a phased migration strategy. This approach allows for gradual transitions, minimising downtime and reducing the risks associated with big system upgrades.
  • Compliance & Security Risks: Comply with strict financial regulations, data security standards, and audit requirements.
  • Integration With Modern Technologies: Seamlessly transition to cloud, APIs, microservices, and digital ecosystems without disrupting existing services.
  • Unmapped Systems: Our assessment service helps clients navigate system dependencies and define a tailored modernisation plan for your future-proof banking systems.

Critical Software has been a trusted partner on many modernisation projects. We have the skills and experience you will need throughout the process, combining functional and architectural competencies with established best practices, powered by our AI-based accelerator. 



CoBot: Critical Software’s AI Modernisation Accelerator 


Our revolutionary AI tool speeds up the modernisation journey and makes transformation safer than ever before by converting decades-old legacy code into a modern language. CoBot analyses and interprets legacy applications, offering clear explanations and visualisations of complex systems to streamline modernisation processes.


Powered by advanced AI, CoBot streamlines legacy code analysis by delivering deep, actionable insights and automatically detecting inefficiencies, vulnerabilities, and redundancies, significantly speeding up modernisation and minimising reliance on specialised legacy expertise. 


CoBot is a powerful ally for your bank that’s just one part of our modernisation infrastructure.  

Our Banking Modernisation Approach


Critical Software's banking modernisation methodology is designed to tackle the high-risk, challenging journey of transformation without disrupting your business.


Our approach is built on four key business drivers that form the foundation for continuous optimisation, balancing short-term gains with long-term goals. This creates a strong basis for our modernisation methodology, designed to ensure a smooth, low-risk transformation that delivers continuous value and adapts to changing business needs. 

If you're looking to modernise but are unsure where to begin, or if you need a strategic technology partner to help you move forward, let's talk.  


We're here to help you, every step of the way. 

Pedro
Leite
Pedro is a Business Development Director at Critical Software, bringing over 17 years of experience in digital transformation across the financial and public sectors. Passionate about innovation, he works to strengthen the company’s network of customers and partners. In his free time, Pedro enjoys reading, music, cinema, art, traveling, and exploring new cultures.
Get in touch with Pedro:
José
Cerqueira
José has over 25 years’ experience in business consultancy, software development and architecture design, putting him in the perfect position to empower digital transformation, modernise core banking architectures and create bespoke data solutions. When he’s not working hard to build the future of finance, José can be found down by the sea, capturing the moment with his camera.
Get in touch with José:
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