Organic Growth, Strategic Acquisitions, and a Clear Goal
Dutch fintech company Akkuro is entering the Croatian and Bosnian markets with an agent-based banking model that pushes the boundaries of traditional software. As part of the Topicus group and backed by global player Constellation Software, Akkuro brings intelligent digital platforms to the region that automate processes, anticipate customer needs, and actively participate in financial decision-making.
In an interview with Bloomberg Adria, Eric Euwes, Director of Commercial Operations at Akkuro, discusses ambitions in the Adria region, differences in approach, and how they plan to build trust and partnerships in markets that are both challenging and full of potential.
At the beginning of 2025, Topicus acquired nearly 25% of Asseco Poland, one of the largest IT integrators in Central and Eastern Europe. This acquisition marks a strategic deepening of Topicus and Constellation Software’s presence in European financial infrastructure—with a particular focus on the Adria region.
What makes the Adria region—especially markets like Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina—ready for a new phase of digital transformation in the financial sector?
The Adria region presents a rare convergence of regulatory complexity, entrepreneurial energy, and infrastructural pressure—conditions where purposeful innovation can thrive. Markets like Croatia and BiH are not merely trying to “catch up” with more developed countries; they often leap ahead. As the economy grows, consumers and business clients expect a fully digital user experience, faster service resolution, and hyper-personalized offerings. With a strong desire for modernization, this region is ideal for agent-based, intelligent banking solutions that go beyond simple digitization and offer real decision-making support and operational clarity.
You often mention the term “agent banking.” Can you explain what that means in practice and how it differs from traditional digital solutions banks already use?
Agent banking represents a shift from passive systems to intelligent collaborators. While traditional digital tools wait for user input, agent systems anticipate needs, execute tasks, and guide users through complex processes. They are trained in regulations, “speak the language” of lending, and are integrated into daily operations. It’s not just another dashboard—it’s a system that thinks alongside bankers, not just follows commands. Agent banking offers proactive support, reduces the need for manual interventions, and enhances decision-making capabilities. Bankers can initiate changes themselves, without relying on the IT department.
To what extent are regulatory complexity and institutional inertia obstacles to introducing agent systems in financial institutions in the Adria region?
Regulatory complexity is real, but it also presents a significant opportunity. We see that Adria region markets are increasingly aligning with EU regulations, and the ambition for modernization is growing. Still, it often seems easier in theory than in practice—like trying to teach an elephant to dance. However, regulatory compliance is built into the very foundation of the Akkuro platform. Decades of experience in EU markets prove that we can help clients remain compliant and entrepreneurially agile without needing to completely abandon legacy systems. Our modular architecture allows banks to evolve gradually, reducing risk and increasing flexibility. A bottom-up approach enables banks to embrace both complexity and innovation—such as agent systems.
Your approach isn’t a “copy-paste” model from Western markets. How do you ensure your solutions are truly relevant to the local market and aligned with client needs in the region?
Our approach is based on local partnerships, understanding the regulatory framework, and deep involvement in sector-specific nuances. Each implementation is modular, customized, and aligned with local workflows and regulatory requirements. Since we use a NoCode/LowCode approach, it’s easy to adapt the solution to local specifications. We don’t spread uniformity—we spread contextual relevance. Closer collaboration with local stakeholders ensures our solutions are not only functional but genuinely useful and tailored to the real needs of the market.
How important will organic growth through partnerships be compared to potential acquisitions? Are you already actively seeking local partners or companies to acquire?
Both are crucial and will be pursued in parallel. Our modular platform allows for quick alignment with specific local requirements, but we recognize that our partners can bridge language and cultural gaps. We believe in growing with the market, not just within it. At the same time, we are selectively considering acquisitions—focusing on companies that demonstrate local excellence, regulatory depth, and a shared commitment to engineering quality. Our recent strategic alignment with Asseco Poland sends a clear message: we are here for the long term and building with conviction. Organic growth through partnerships allows us to leverage local expertise and build strong relationships, while acquisitions expand our capabilities and accelerate our presence in the region.
Organic Growth, Strategic Acquisitions, and a Clear Goal
Dutch fintech company Akkuro is entering the Croatian and Bosnian markets with an agent-based banking model that pushes the boundaries of traditional software. As part of the Topicus group and backed by global player Constellation Software, Akkuro brings intelligent digital platforms to the region that automate processes, anticipate customer needs, and actively participate in financial decision-making.
In an interview with Bloomberg Adria, Eric Euwes, Director of Commercial Operations at Akkuro, discusses ambitions in the Adria region, differences in approach, and how they plan to build trust and partnerships in markets that are both challenging and full of potential.
At the beginning of 2025, Topicus acquired nearly 25% of Asseco Poland, one of the largest IT integrators in Central and Eastern Europe. This acquisition marks a strategic deepening of Topicus and Constellation Software’s presence in European financial infrastructure—with a particular focus on the Adria region.
What makes the Adria region—especially markets like Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina—ready for a new phase of digital transformation in the financial sector?
The Adria region presents a rare convergence of regulatory complexity, entrepreneurial energy, and infrastructural pressure—conditions where purposeful innovation can thrive. Markets like Croatia and BiH are not merely trying to “catch up” with more developed countries; they often leap ahead. As the economy grows, consumers and business clients expect a fully digital user experience, faster service resolution, and hyper-personalized offerings. With a strong desire for modernization, this region is ideal for agent-based, intelligent banking solutions that go beyond simple digitization and offer real decision-making support and operational clarity.
You often mention the term “agent banking.” Can you explain what that means in practice and how it differs from traditional digital solutions banks already use?
Agent banking represents a shift from passive systems to intelligent collaborators. While traditional digital tools wait for user input, agent systems anticipate needs, execute tasks, and guide users through complex processes. They are trained in regulations, “speak the language” of lending, and are integrated into daily operations. It’s not just another dashboard—it’s a system that thinks alongside bankers, not just follows commands. Agent banking offers proactive support, reduces the need for manual interventions, and enhances decision-making capabilities. Bankers can initiate changes themselves, without relying on the IT department.
To what extent are regulatory complexity and institutional inertia obstacles to introducing agent systems in financial institutions in the Adria region?
Regulatory complexity is real, but it also presents a significant opportunity. We see that Adria region markets are increasingly aligning with EU regulations, and the ambition for modernization is growing. Still, it often seems easier in theory than in practice—like trying to teach an elephant to dance. However, regulatory compliance is built into the very foundation of the Akkuro platform. Decades of experience in EU markets prove that we can help clients remain compliant and entrepreneurially agile without needing to completely abandon legacy systems. Our modular architecture allows banks to evolve gradually, reducing risk and increasing flexibility. A bottom-up approach enables banks to embrace both complexity and innovation—such as agent systems.
Your approach isn’t a “copy-paste” model from Western markets. How do you ensure your solutions are truly relevant to the local market and aligned with client needs in the region?
Our approach is based on local partnerships, understanding the regulatory framework, and deep involvement in sector-specific nuances. Each implementation is modular, customized, and aligned with local workflows and regulatory requirements. Since we use a NoCode/LowCode approach, it’s easy to adapt the solution to local specifications. We don’t spread uniformity—we spread contextual relevance. Closer collaboration with local stakeholders ensures our solutions are not only functional but genuinely useful and tailored to the real needs of the market.
How important will organic growth through partnerships be compared to potential acquisitions? Are you already actively seeking local partners or companies to acquire?
Both are crucial and will be pursued in parallel. Our modular platform allows for quick alignment with specific local requirements, but we recognize that our partners can bridge language and cultural gaps. We believe in growing with the market, not just within it. At the same time, we are selectively considering acquisitions—focusing on companies that demonstrate local excellence, regulatory depth, and a shared commitment to engineering quality. Our recent strategic alignment with Asseco Poland sends a clear message: we are here for the long term and building with conviction. Organic growth through partnerships allows us to leverage local expertise and build strong relationships, while acquisitions expand our capabilities and accelerate our presence in the region.