Backbase names Adrian McPhee CTO to lead global AI banking push
McPhee brings over 20 years of experience in technology transformation across sectors including fintech, retail, mobility, and digital marketplaces. His appointment comes after the recent launch of Backbase's AI-powered Banking Platform, which the company says is designed to put banks at the forefront of the sector's technological shift.
Prior to his new role, McPhee served as Global CTO at LeasePlan. There, he led a technology organisation of more than 1,000 employees and drove the company's digital transformation initiatives. LeasePlan operates in 28 countries and its banking division is regulated by the European Central Bank.
While at LeasePlan, McPhee oversaw the modernisation of its digital architecture, expanding engineering teams from 25 to more than 500 professionals. He also played a key role in establishing data, AI and analytics platforms, leading to notable business outcomes and recognition, most prominently through the 2022 IDC Award for Data Management Excellence.
His broader career includes extensive experience in building engineering cultures, updating legacy systems, and launching new digital business areas at scale. This background is seen as aligning with Backbase's current strategy as it seeks to scale AI solutions in the banking industry.
AI-first technology agenda
The company's leadership has stated that McPhee's expertise is expected to support its mission to help banks achieve growth through AI. Backbase is focused on delivering its AI Banking Platform to new markets, aiming to enable banks to optimise processes and customer interactions at a time of ongoing industry transformation. Jouk Pleiter, CEO & Founder of Backbase, said, "Adrian's track record in scaling technology organisations and delivering transformative digital platforms makes him the ideal CTO for Backbase as we lead the industry into the AI-powered future of banking. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and help banks unlock growth."
As Chief Technology Officer, McPhee will be responsible for the company's international technology and data operations, overseeing product engineering and managing the development of new capabilities for Backbase's Intelligence Fabric and Agentic AI. His brief also includes driving the adoption of Backbase's AI-powered Banking Platform across global markets.
McPhee explained his perspective on taking on the new role at Backbase, stating, "Joining Backbase at such a transformative time for the banking industry is a challenge I'm looking forward to taking on. Looking at Backbase's technology, combined with its industry-wide adoption, we're uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of AI-driven transformation for financial institutions. I look forward to working with the leadership team and exceptional Backbase talent around the world to deliver breakthrough value for our customers and help banks realize the full potential of AI."
Supporting digital transformation
Backbase has established a presence in the global financial technology market with its platform, which offers services covering Retail, SME, Commercial, Private Banking, and Wealth Management. The company's stated goal is to equip banks to modernise operations by unifying sales and servicing functions through a digital suite.
The appointment of a CTO with experience in large-scale data, AI, and analytics implementation, alongside the recent platform developments, signals Backbase's intent to deliver technological capability to its client banks internationally.
Backbase has regional headquarters in Atlanta and Singapore and operates in several major cities worldwide, including London, Sydney, Toronto, Dubai, Kraków, Cardiff, Hyderabad, and Mexico City. The company reports that its technology supports digital and AI transformations for more than 150 financial institutions globally.
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