Breaking New Grounds: How Sumerge Redefined Corporate Banking in Saudi Arabia

About the Project

As digital transformation accelerates worldwide, banks that fail to innovate risk losing relevance and competitiveness. Alinma Bank, committed to innovation, recognized a pivotal opportunity to elevate its Corporate Internet Banking (CIB) platform to meet the needs of modern banking and to future-proof its infrastructure.

This vision aimed to go beyond functionality. Alinma aspired to provide an adaptable and customer-centric experience in line with its values and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Challenges

While the existing system worked well, Alinma set out to enhance its system for faster innovation, seamless compliance, improved performance, and effortless banking experiences. Rather than waiting for challenges to arise, Alinma took a proactive approach, choosing to modernize early to stay ahead in the future.

This transformation wasn’t just about upgrading technology; it was about creating a better, smarter, and more seamless banking experience for all customers.

The opportunity was clear, but the path forward was complex. Upgrading the technology was one thing, but transforming the entire banking journey required a partner who could turn vision into reality.

“We set out to deliver more than just features. We aimed to craft a digital journey that drives growth, enhances customer engagement, and sets new standards in the banking industry.”
— Mohamed Nour, CTO

Solution and Architecture

With a shared vision and a history of successful collaboration, Alinma entrusted Sumerge to lead its digital transformation. Leveraging deep expertise in microservices, we designed a fully customized CIB platform tailored to Alinma’s ambitious goals. By making this move, Alinma reinforced its commitment to innovation and supported Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of a strong digital economy.

From the outset, Sumerge approached Alinma Bank’s transformation with an open and collaborative mindset, conducting a comprehensive assessment of the existing platform to uncover pain points and inefficiencies. These insights became the foundation for designing a new, fully customized corporate internet banking solution, built on a microservices architecture aligned with Alinma’s current needs and future ambitions.

Key Highlights

• Introduced 1,200 new features across a redesigned website and mobile app, built with usability and intuitive design.
• Developed Business Central, empowering Alinma’s employees to better manage CIB client needs.
• Built the Company Admin feature, giving clients self-service capabilities.
• Introduced Trade Finance Management, allowing companies to manage letters of guarantee, letters of credit, and other trade services fully online.
• Executed a complex data migration from Sybase Fusion to MCR with zero data loss.
• Coordinated across seven international teams, ensuring alignment, clear communication, and successful delivery.

Underlying Technology

The new Corporate Internet Banking platform was built on a modern, scalable, and modular technology stack designed to support Alinma’s long-term digital vision:

• Database: Oracle – reliable and secure data management.
• Caching: Redis – high-speed performance and efficient data retrieval.
• Backend Framework: Spring Boot – robust microservices-based backend foundation.
• Web Channel: Angular – responsive, dynamic, and user-friendly web interfaces.
• Mobile Application: React Native – cross-platform mobile development for seamless experiences.
• Container Orchestration: OpenShift – scalable deployment and efficient resource management.
• DevOps Tools: Azure DevOps, GitLab, Tekton, SonarQube, Nexus – ensuring continuous integration, delivery, code quality, and secure artifact management.
• Testing Frameworks: JUnit, JMeter, Selenium – automated, reliable performance and quality assurance.

Business Outcomes

• Enhanced customer experience: simplified navigation, consistent design, and user-friendly digital journey.
• 1,200 new features launched across web and mobile.
• Increased efficiency: corporate clients empowered with self-service capabilities.
• Faster trade operations: eliminated the need for in-branch visits.
• Zero data loss during migration.
• Global collaboration success: seven international teams delivering a seamless platform.
• Soft launch tested by 200,000+ users, gathering feedback before full rollout.
• Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, strengthening Alinma’s leadership in digital banking.
• Stronger competitive positioning in the region, especially for international corporate clients.