Solaris, a Berlin-based pioneer of Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS), has announced a comprehensive transformation of its business model. Led by new CEO Steffen Jentsch and backed by majority shareholder SBI Group, the firm aims to become AI-native, moving beyond simple API connectivity to a fully automated operating model.
From cloud-based to AI-native infrastructure
Ten years after proving the viability of cloud-based banking via APIs, Solaris is redesigning its end-to-end processes from the ground up. The new strategy leverages Solaris’ German full banking license and its proprietary modular tech stack to create a platform where AI agents handle core operational tasks, while human teams focus on governance and regulatory control.
Key pillars of the transformation include:
- Regulatory compliance: Utilizing the EU AI Act and DORA frameworks to ensure all automated processes meet stringent European banking standards.
- Standardized modules: Moving toward highly reusable financial modules that allow partners to deploy data-driven services faster.
- Strategic partnerships: Redesigning financial services for major existing partners, including ADAC and Boerse Stuttgart Group, using AI-driven insights.
Global vision with SBI Group
The transformation is heavily supported by Tokyo-based SBI Group, which views Solaris as its central building block for European financial infrastructure. By aligning with SBI’s vision of a digital-first financial ecosystem, Solaris aims to provide seamless, scalable access to the entire European Economic Area.
Steffen Jentsch, CEO of Solaris SE, stated:
“We are developing a platform that combines our API infrastructure with AI and rebuilds banking processes from the ground up. We are creating new growth through the broad use of artificial intelligence in banking in close dialogue with regulatory authorities.”
Yoshitaka Kitao, CEO of SBI Holdings, added:
“The shift to an AI-native bank makes Solaris the platform through which we can realize our vision of a digital financial infrastructure in Europe.”
