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The bank will create over 200 jobs for highly qualified software engineers and cloud, cybersecurity and big data experts.
The centre will be based at Wayco Abastos, a co-working venue that was once a gold and silver thread factory in Valencia’s historic quarter.
1 July 2021
Openbank, Grupo Santander’s fully digital bank, has opened a new technology development centre. It chose Valencia as the home of its first ‘hub’, where it plans to create 200 jobs in the coming years.
With one of Europe’s most advanced banking platforms, Openbank is expanding internationally and plans to launch soon in Argentina and the US. With this new centre, it aims to hire talented people who can further its initiatives and enhance its capabilities.
Software architects and engineers, as well as experts in big data, are among the professionals the bank is looking for to create web and mobile apps. In line with its model in recent years, its Valencia-based team will work hand in hand with its Madrid counterparts both remotely and on-site.
Following a detailed assessment of several European cities, the bank found that Valencia had a wealth of academic potential in the desired fields and significant influence on the rest of Europe. It is also considered an attractive city to live and work in thanks to its infrastructure, services, quality of life and ideal climate.
The centre will be housed in Wayco Abastos, a co-working venue that was once a gold and silver thread factory on the Calle Historiador Diago street in Valencia’s historic quarter. The building, which is a top flexible workspace in the city's Arrancapins area, has a surface area of 800m2, of which 110 will be set aside for Openbank’s new recruits. The bank’s private floor will have space for 20 people, as well as meeting rooms, a lounge and a terrace - all equipped with the latest technology.
Valencia's mayor, Joan Ribó, asserted: "We welcome this first-class tech initiative that will turn us into a beacon and magnet for the best talent. Our city has the potential to innovate and is committed to new technology, greater connectivity between people and sustainability to create opportunity now and in the future while driving entrepreneurship.”
According to Cristóbal Miralles, chief technology and operations officer at Openbank: “Spain has an abundance of potential in STEM subjects, which are highly valued and necessary to drive through the technology-based projects Openbank is running. Our aim is to be a shining example for people who want to work at one of the world’s most advanced banks. The new tech centre is the first step in unearthing, developing and keeping hold of such talented people in the long term”.
About Openbank
Openbank is Grupo Santander’s fully digital bank, with over 1.5 million customers in Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal and EUR 11 billion in deposits. It has a vast range of products from loans and mortgages to a fully automated and digital investment platform that customers can sign up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the website or app. Its simplicity, speed and security are why its remains the most recommended bank in Spain by its customers. It is undergoing ambitious international expansion and will soon begin operating in Argentina.