Bankdata reaches strategic milestone: DKK 200 million moved from operations to development

Since its launch in 2019, Bend the Curve has been a key strategic initiative for Bankdata. The goal has been to curb rising operating costs and redirect funds toward the development of shared IT solutions for the eight member banks. 

“When we launched Bend the Curve, we were facing a clear challenge. Operating costs were rising sharply year after year, and we risked eventually lacking the funds needed for new development,” says CEO Esben Kolind Laustrup. “Today, we’re in a completely different position. We’ve bent the curve and redirected 200 million DKK annually from operations to development. This means we’ve significantly curbed the increase in operating costs while being able to deliver more and better digital products to our member banks.” 

Over the years, the programme has encompassed a wide range of initiatives – from optimising infrastructure and software licences to phasing out legacy systems and modernising code and databases. The result has been achieved through close cross-organisational collaboration and a continuous focus on creating lasting improvements. 

“This has never been about just cutting costs,” Esben Kolind Laustrup emphasizes. “It’s about building a culture that continuously focuses on efficiency, transparency and accountability. We now have an organisation that understands the cost of the solutions we deliver and actively works to optimise them.” 

Bend the Curve has also strengthened Bankdata’s technological foundation. Through the programme, the company’s infrastructure has been modernised, and its platforms have become more stable, scalable and future-proof. 

“We have proven that we can deliver more IT for the same amount of money,” says Esben Kolind Laustrup. “That’s a strong starting point for the next phase of our journey as a technology company. I’m immensely proud of what the organisation has achieved and grateful for the persistence so many colleagues have shown along the way.” 

With the goal now reached, the experiences and methods from Bend the Curve will be integrated into Bankdata’s ongoing operations and strategic priorities. 

“Even though we’ve reached our goal, the work doesn’t stop here. Efficiency and value creation must continue to be part of everything we do. Bend the Curve has shown what’s possible when we work long-term, data-driven and with a shared direction,” says Esben Kolind Laustrup.