Openbank opens new technological development hub in Valencia with plans to hire more than 200 employees

Openbank, the 100% digital bank of Grupo Santander, is opening its doors to a new technological development centre. The company has chosen Valencia as the ideal spot to open its first technology hub, where it plans to take on 200 staff over the next few years.

With one of the most advanced technological platforms in European banking, the bank is in the midst of an international expansion programme with the aim of rolling out its business model in countries such as Argentina and the United States in the coming months. With this centre, Openbank aims to expand its capabilities by taking on talent to strengthen these projects.

The most sought-after roles include software engineering and architecture for creating web and mobile applications, as well as experts in big data environments. The Valencia-based team will work hand in hand with the staff in Madrid and will combine a hybrid remote working and face-to-face model, in line with the dynamics implemented in Openbank over the last few years.

Following an exhaustive analysis of different European cities, the bank has found that Valencia offers vast academic potential in the specific areas it will focus on as well as significant outreach to the rest of Europe. The city is highly valued by candidates as a city to live and work in, thanks to its infrastructure, services, quality of life and pleasant climate, among other factors.

The project will be set up in the former Wayco Abastos factory, where they used to make gold and silver threads for textiles, in the historic centre of the city. Located in the Arrancapins neighbourhood, the building is a benchmark in flexible workspaces, with a total surface area of 800 square metres, 110 of which are exclusively for Openbank’s new team. This is a completely private floor with a capacity for 20 people. It has meeting rooms, a lounge, and a terrace, and is equipped with the latest technology.

The Mayor of Valencia, Joan Ribó, said: "We’re thrilled to welcome this world-class technological project that makes us a benchmark and a focal point to attract the best talent. Our city is offering its potential at the service of innovation, placing a focus on new technologies, greater connectivity between people, and a sustainable present and future that generates opportunities and encourages entrepreneurship."

Cristóbal Miralles, the Chief Technology and Operations Officer of Openbank, pointed out that: “Spain has great academic potential in STEM careers that is highly valued and necessary when it comes to promoting the technological projects that Openbank is carrying out. We want to be a benchmark company for professionals who wish to work in one of the most advanced banks in the world and this new technology centre is a first step towards identifying, fostering, and retaining this talent over the long term.”

About Openbank

Openbank is the 100% digital bank belonging to Grupo Santander with more than 1.5 million customers in Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal and €11 billion in deposits. The company offers a wide 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 through the website or app. It has managed to hold on to its position as the most highly recommended Spanish bank among its customers thanks to its simplicity, agility, and security. At present, the bank is immersed in its internationalisation plan and is finalising its entry into the Argentinian market.

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