In today’s fast-evolving financial landscape, legacy systems are more than a technical hurdle—they are a barrier to agility, innovation, and sustainable growth. For banks, the challenge is not just to modernize once, but to build the muscle for continuous transformation. At Publicis Sapient, we believe that modernization is not a destination, but a journey powered by our SPEED model: Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI. This holistic approach enables banks to move beyond one-off projects and embrace a culture of ongoing change and innovation.
Many banks are encumbered by decades-old systems and traditional ways of working. These legacy platforms are slow to adapt, costly to maintain, and unable to meet the expectations of today’s customers. The result is transformation inertia—where change happens too slowly to keep pace with market demands and technological advancements. True modernization requires more than just replacing old technology; it demands a reimagining of how the organization operates, delivers value, and responds to change.
Publicis Sapient’s SPEED model is designed to break through transformation inertia and drive sustainable modernization:
One of the most persistent obstacles to modernization is resistance to change. This can stem from a fear of the unknown, attachment to familiar processes, or a lack of understanding of the benefits. Publicis Sapient addresses this by:
Technical debt is another major barrier. Modernization and simplification must go hand in hand, embedding decommissioning of legacy systems as part of the overall lifecycle. This dual process ensures that banks not only build new capabilities but also address the root causes of complexity and inefficiency.
Lloyds Banking Group is undertaking one of the largest transformations in financial services, with Publicis Sapient as a key partner. By integrating SPEED capabilities, Lloyds is reorienting towards the customer, establishing an agile delivery mindset, and scaling key enablers of banking as a service. Initiatives include core banking modernization, cloud foundation, internet banking modernization, and the creation of data platforms. The result is faster product releases, improved customer experiences, and a foundation for ongoing innovation—such as reducing business account opening times from 30 days to 48 hours and launching pioneering journeys on cloud platforms.
The AA, a heritage brand with over a century of history, partnered with Publicis Sapient to modernize its digital estate. By leveraging all five SPEED capabilities, the AA has accelerated the release of new features, redesigned digital experiences, and built modern, scalable platforms. The launch of a new theory test app for learner drivers is a prime example—improving pass rates and providing valuable insights into user needs. The transformation has driven higher digital adoption and established a foundation for continuous improvement.
Modernizing legacy systems is not a one-time event—it’s a journey of perpetual evolution. Embedding SPEED at the core of the organization enables banks to adapt, innovate, and create value continuously. This means:
Legacy modernization is not just about technology—it’s about building the capability for continuous change. By adopting the SPEED model, banks can future-proof their business, unlock new opportunities, and deliver on their promise to customers and stakeholders. At Publicis Sapient, we don’t just modernize systems—we help you build the muscle for ongoing transformation. Ready to accelerate your modernization journey? Let’s connect and make change your legacy.