A banking tech company plans to open its innovation hub in Central Florida, eventually bringing with it 200 workers.
Temenos announced this week that it would expand its U.S. footprint with the new facility, which does not yet have an opening date or location.
The majority of the recruits will be tech and product developers. They will fuel cutting-edge research and development for banking solutions powered by emerging tech like AI.
CEO Jean-Pierre Brulard said the region’s tech talent led to the site selection, which helps push its U.S. market forward.
“By bringing our technology development closer to our American clients, we’re accelerating customer-centric innovation tailored for the US market,” said Brulard, whose company is based just outside of Geneva, Switzerland.
Orlando: a reputation in fintech
Central Florida has seen its reputation in financial technology startups grow in the last decade.
However, for decades previous, the city’s skyline has been dotted with branded buildings.
Names like Bank of America, BB&T, Wells Fargo and Nations Bank have towered over downtown for years.
About 11 years ago, a small startup called Fattmerchant took the city’s startup scene by storm, as well. That company ended up employing nearly 200 in the region and changing its name to Stax Payments.
Now, Temenos hopes the launch of a formal innovation hub here can help the company build and grow the community.
It’s not just about showcasing our market-leading solutions,” said Barb Morgan, Temenos chief product and technology officer. “It’s about collaborating with our clients and partners to solve real challenges and drive the next wave of banking technology with our US clients and partners.”
Morgan said the plan was to build “a powerhouse for building the future of banking” through the hub.
In addition, she said jumping into Orlando’s community as it emerges as an emerging tech hub was appealing.
A collaborative fintech space
The hub will be a collaborative space designed for hands-on R&D, while also welcoming clients and partners to develop real-world banking tech there.
Orlando Economic Partnership CEO Tim Giuliani said Temenos had connected with CBRE’s Sandy Chace about a month ago about Temenos’ interest in the region.
Ever since, economic leaders have introduced company officials to potential partners here, highlighting Orlando’s tech talent.
“Central Florida is a prime location for tech companies looking to grow and innovate,” Partnership CEO and President Tim Giuliani said in a press release.
Temenos’ selection of the region will strengthen “our reputation as the destination for innovation in financial services,” he added.
