- Accenture will acquire IBM's majority stake in a joint venture that manages a significant portion of UniCredit's technology infrastructure as part of a long-term strategic partnership aimed at modernising the European banking group's technology platform.
- IBM will continue to support UniCredit by providing modernised technology platforms, including IBM Z systems, software, and consulting services.
- IBM's hybrid cloud and AI shift is reshaping its 2026 growth outlook, with expectations for software revenues to grow 6%-8% in 2026.
- IBM's hybrid cloud strategy relies on Red Hat, OpenShift, and a broader set of software assets that help enterprises manage applications, data, and workloads across complex environments.
- UniCredit, Accenture, and IBM announced the collaboration to establish a technology foundation to support the bank's operations across its 13 European markets while accelerating the adoption of cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
- The partnership aims to create a new banking technology model that gives UniCredit greater control over its technology roadmap while combining the resilience of mission-critical systems with the flexibility of modern digital platforms.
Accenture's acquisition of IBM's stake in the UniCredit tech joint venture marks a significant shift in the banking technology landscape. This partnership aims to modernize UniCredit's technology infrastructure, enhancing its cloud and AI capabilities across 13 European markets.126
The collaboration, announced on Friday, is part of a multi-year program to establish a new banking technology model that combines the resilience of mission-critical systems with the flexibility of modern digital platforms. Ali Khan, Group Digital & Information Officer at UniCredit, emphasized that technology is a key pillar of the bank's long-term growth strategy, stating, "Our partnership with Accenture and IBM marks an important milestone in building the next generation of our banking platform—combining the resilience our customers expect with the agility to innovate faster and scale artificial intelligence responsibly across the Group."
Mauro Macchi, CEO of Accenture EMEA, highlighted the strategic importance of technology in driving growth, saying, "Together with UniCredit, we aim to accelerate the adoption of cloud, data and artificial intelligence to unlock new sources of value and create greater value for customers, people and communities."
Despite divesting its stake, IBM will continue to play a crucial role in the transformation, providing modernized technology platforms and consulting services. Ana Paula Assis, Senior Vice President at IBM EMEA & APAC, noted, "By combining modern infrastructure with UniCredit's hybrid cloud architecture, we are helping to establish a technology foundation that can support UniCredit's long-term growth while delivering better experiences for its customers."
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and employee consultations, and is part of UniCredit's broader strategy to build a next-generation banking technology platform.
“The multi-year programme will modernise UniCredit's core technology infrastructure across its 13 European markets and remains subject to regulatory approvals and employee consultation. UniCredit Group Digital & Information Officer Ali Khan called the collaboration 'an important milestone' in building the next generation of its banking platform.”
