When legacy systems meet modern payments: AI transformation and SEPA insights with CREDINS Bank's Valbona Dhjaku

Episode 95 of Banking Reinvented explores a challenge every bank faces: how do you modernize legacy architecture while keeping pace with global innovation? And what does AI transformation really require beyond new technology?

Host Tim Rutten sits down with Valbona Dhjaku, Advisor to CEO on IT and Digitalization at Credins Bank. Valbona holds a PhD in computer science, teaches at the University of Tirana, and spent two decades leading IT strategy and digital transformation at CREDINS Bank, Albania's second largest bank and the first private bank with Albanian capital. Currently, she's transitioning into the electronic money and payment space.

Using Albania's entry into SEPA as the first Western Balkan nation as a case study, Tim and Valbona unpack the architectural challenges banks face when legacy monolithic cores collide with modern payment infrastructure. The conversation goes deeper into why AI transformation demands revolutionary change to operating models, not just incremental technology upgrades, and what's actually blocking banks from unlocking AI's full potential.

Tune in to hear what transformation looks like when you're building foundations and embracing the future at the same time - lessons that apply whether you're in an emerging market or a mature banking system.

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(00:00) – Welcome to the "Banking Reinvented" podcast(00:24) – Introduction to Valbona Dhjaku(01:56) – Valbona's 25-year journey in Albanian banking and technology(04:06) – Albania joins SEPA: the first Western Balkan nation(05:33) – The real challenge: legacy systems vs. modern payment infrastructure(08:29) – Digital banking penetration and competitive context in Albania(11:04) – Albania as an emerging economy: building foundations while innovating(14:08) – The unique pressure of parallel transformation(15:33) – Private banking and market evolution in a young economy(17:35) – Teaching at university: the gap between education and industry needs(20:20) – AI in Albanian banking: where are investments happening?(23:25) – Why AI is revolution, not evolution(24:20) – The biggest challenge: changing mentality and operating models(26:25) – Women in banking leadership: competence, ownership, and confidence(30:04) – The future of payments in Albania over the next five years(33:23) – Episode wrap-up

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