Webank

WeBank is an innovative digital bank, primarily focused on providing online banking services. Its main activity is offering digital financial solutions, notably current accounts, personal loans, payment services, as well as investment products. WeBank primarily targets individuals and small businesses, emphasizing accessibility, speed, and simplicity through the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data. Its main market consists of users seeking fully online banking services, without physical branches, with an optimized user experience and automated processes.

WeBank was founded in 2014 in Shenzhen, China, as the country’s first independent digital bank. Created with the support of Tencent, it quickly established itself as a major player in fintech thanks to a technology- and innovation-driven approach. From the outset, WeBank focused on artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, and cloud computing to offer fully online banking services without physical branches.

Key milestones in its development include:

• 2014: Creation of WeBank, the first independent digital bank in China.
• 2015: Launch of its first online credit and savings products, accessible via mobile applications and partner platforms.
• 2017: Deployment of solutions based on blockchain and artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and risk management.
• Strategic partnerships: Collaboration with Tencent and other technology players to integrate banking services into popular digital ecosystems such as WeChat.
• Acquisitions and expansion: Development of partnerships with financial and technology institutions to expand its offering and market presence.
• Strategic changes: Shift towards “open banking,” providing technological solutions to other financial institutions and promoting financial inclusion through services accessible to all.

Today, WeBank is recognized for its innovative model, rapid growth, and pioneering role in the digitalization of banking services.

The founder of Webank is the Italian banking group Banco BPM. Webank was created in 1999 as the group's online bank. The main members of the management team include:

• Roberto Ferrari – General Manager
• Alessandro Viviani – Head of Operations
• Andrea Bianchi – Head of Business Development

Webank is an integral part of Banco BPM, which means that governance and management are closely linked to the leadership structure of the Banco BPM group.