Santander has enlisted dentsu to help drive the global expansion of its international growth platform for SMEs.
Set to launch in Q2 2025, the platform is designed to equip users with the tools needed to enter new markets. It will provide industry and market insights, enable users to forge new connections through exclusive discounts and in-market providers and offer tailored solutions to help overcome trade barriers.
Built by dentsu, the platform will be crucial for Santander’s expansion plans, which include entering 45 markets globally. This will involve 10 core markets for the bank, along with additional markets linked to its alliance banking partners.
John Carroll, Head of International and Transactional Banking at Santander, said: “Over the last five years, we’ve created a revolutionary international proposition that has broken the mould for traditional banking customers.
“It’s been fundamental in shaping international trade for UK businesses and has allowed us to support them in new international markets. We’ve seen first-hand what can be achieved when all the pieces of the puzzle are put in place, when businesses can feel empowered to take their next step and realise their true growth potential.”
In a release, Santander highlighted the importance of companies entering new markets, stating its mission to simplify international trade for the global SME community, which makes up over 90% of businesses and contributes about half of global GDP.
Carroll added: “Now, it’s our time to export. We’re ready to take the support we can offer to the next level and help more businesses than ever before across all corners of the globe. I’m delighted to be working with dentsu to work on this next phase.
“Their knowledge and expertise are second to none and they will be pivotal to the future of this offering. Together, we will pave the way for the future of international trade, a simpler way that means more businesses can take advantage of the massive opportunity it holds.”
In addition to building the platform, dentsu will oversee its design, operations, and marketing. The platform will also be powered by technology partners, including Salesforce, Adobe and Amazon.
Angela Tangas, CEO for UK and Ireland at dentsu, commented: “In a changing macro environment, new business models which create new sources of revenue growth, are fundamental to how clients such as Santander achieve sustainable long-term advantage.
“We are delighted to offer our broad range of transformation capabilities in support of Santander’s strategy and to play a key part in both delivering and realising its growth vision and with it, co-create a new ecosystem for SMB international trade. For us, this is business transformation, this is innovating to impact.”
The launch marks the latest expansion of Santender’s activities this year. Earlier this year, the firm expanded in North America when it launched its core banking infrastructure, Openbank, in the US, following this with a launch in Mexico last week.
