Bank of Beirut UK

Connecting continents through finance

Bank of Beirut UK is a specialist trade finance bank with a unique footprint. Based in London and regulated by the Bank of England, it plays a key role in connecting banking corridors between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

“Our core business is correspondent banking and trade finance,” said Sophoklis Argyrou, CEO of Bank of Beirut UK. “We act as a gateway for regional banks wanting to finance exports into Africa and the Middle East. Today, we work with over 300 banks across these corridors.”

While this wholesale network remains central, the bank also serves a specific and growing segment: the Lebanese diaspora – typically high-net-worth individuals in West Africa, MENA, and Lebanon. Sophoklis sees this group as a cornerstone of future growth.

Time for change

While the bank’s previous systems were functional, they lacked the capabilities to enable modernization at scale. Enhancements were costly, operational visibility was limited, and compliance demands were growing.

“We felt the systems no longer gave us what we needed – from performance to security to reporting,” Sophoklis explained. “And as we looked to expand, we needed a platform that could support that ambition.”

The bank launched a full replacement of its core and payments infrastructure, with four main strategic goals:

• Scale their trade finance business to strengthen their corporate banking proposition
• Enable growth in retail and private banking
• Improve operational efficiency and regulatory readiness
• Ensure long-term stability and control

Rigorous selection – independent and informed

Although the Temenos platform was already being evaluated by the parent group, the UK entity conducted its own due diligence.

The bank was particularly drawn to Temenos’ focus on banking.

“They are a specialist financial services core provider,” he noted. “Unlike other tech firms covering multiple sectors, Temenos is purely focused on banking. And their client base matched our profile; institutions facing similar regulatory and operational complexity.”

Technology that matches the mission

The solution includes Temenos Core, Temenos Trade Finance, and Temenos Payments to meet UK regulatory and data residency requirements.

This was not a standard plug-and-play implementation. As a correspondent bank, Bank of Beirut UK handles complex payment flows using SWIFT MT100, MT200, and MT700 series messages – capabilities that require robust configuration.

The bank worked closely with LTM, Temenos’ preferred partner in the region.

“LTM delivered the project with professionalism and care. We had confidence in them from the start, and they validated that confidence throughout,” Sophoklis said.

“For this transformation, tight collaboration was essential,” said Hemal Jayasinghe, Chief Business Officer, at LTM. “Bank of Beirut UK, Temenos, and our delivery team worked as one from day one – aligning on priorities, managing the regulatory environment, and solving challenges together.”

Real impact, right away

The project went live in just over 12 months. And while formal ROI assessments are scheduled for the next phase, the immediate feedback has been clear – especially from frontline teams.

“The trade finance team told us straight away – it’s more capable, more efficient,” Sophoklis shared. “They can process faster and with more confidence.”

Operationally, the system has already unlocked key improvements:

• Dramatically expanded management information (MI) and reporting capabilities
• Significantly improved data visibility across operations

“The data visibility is miles ahead of what we had before,” Sophoklis said. “The MI potential is limitless.

Control and security have also improved, giving senior leadership greater confidence. “We feel more secure, knowing we’re operating on an up-to-date platform with proper controls,” added Sophoklis.

A platform built for ambition

The transformation is about more than modernization – it’s about enabling a different kind of bank. While 80–85% of the business today remains wholesale-focused, the target is to reach a 60/40 split between wholesale and retail/private banking.

“We’re expanding our offering to the Lebanese diaspora – high-net-worth clients who want a secure, personalized service,” Sophoklis explained. “The new platform gives us the agility to grow without compromising our core.”

The goal is clear: grow the customer base threefold within three to five years, starting from mid-2026.

A true partnership and a path forward

For Sophoklis, the transformation is as much about partnership as it is about product.

“Temenos didn’t just sell us software. They supported us through a complex journey – technically and strategically,” he said.

Looking ahead, the bank plans to build on this foundation with greater automation, product innovation, and data-led insights. One area of potential evolution: regulatory reporting.

With its modern platform live, a trusted partner ecosystem in place, and an ambitious strategy for expansion, Bank of Beirut UK is positioned to lead – efficiently, securely, and at scale.

“This is just the beginning,” Sophoklis said. “We now have a foundation that supports where we’re going – not just where we’ve been.”

Bank of Beirut UK Building a Modern Core to Power Strategic Expansion London, United Kingdom At a Glance • Accelerates Corporate Banking growth with Temenos Core and Payments • Enables correspondent banking and supports complex SWIFT payment flows • Strategic shift to grow private and retail banking for the Lebanese diaspora • Threefold customer growth targeted within three to five years Connecting continents through finance https://vimeo.com/1094014151/8b8361059c PLACEHOLDER https://vimeo.com/1124259931/df78107869 bank Pioneering Composable Digital Banking in Saudi Arabia Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Watch video Bank of Beirut logo Time for change There were vendors pitching very aggressively, but with no track record in our market. And you can’t risk that. For a massive project like this, you need someone you can trust.” – Amr El-Garhy, CEO & MD, MIDBANK Rigorous selection – independent and informed Temenos was attentive at the moments that really mattered.They brought in more resources when needed, stayed close to the project, and showed genuine commitment to our success.” – Amr El-Garhy, CEO & MD, MIDBANK As a UK-regulated bank, we had to go through a separate vendor selection process. We even hired an external consultant to run it independently – and we still landed on Temenos.” Sophoklis Argyrou, CEO of Bank of Beirut UK. We’re seeing the benefits, and now we’re thinking about how to lead the next wave of innovation. Now is the time to push forward.” – Amr El-Garhy, CEO & MD, MIDBANK   Technology that matches the mission The outcome of that exercise was the selection of Facilities Lending and Club Loan modules of Arrangement Architecture (AA), that are offered within Temenos Core. Temenos went on to lead the business requirements design phase, with Systems Arabia (formerly NDC) providing implementation support and integration expertise. Go-live was achieved in November 2024, with immediate results Although the Temenos platform was already being evaluated by the parent group, the UK entity conducted its own due diligence. ITSS provides high-quality services for banks with Temenos Transact in parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Learn more about ITSS The bank was particularly drawn to Temenos’ focus on banking. “They are a specialist financial services core provider,” he noted. “Unlike other tech firms covering multiple sectors, Temenos is purely focused on banking. And their client base matched our profile; institutions facing similar regulatory and operational complexity.” ITSS provides high-quality services for banks with Temenos Transact in parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Learn more about ITSS The solution includes Temenos Core, Temenos Trade Finance, and Temenos Payments to meet UK regulatory and data residency requirements. This was not a standard plug-and-play implementation. As a correspondent bank, Bank of Beirut UK handles complex payment flows using SWIFT MT100, MT200, and MT700 series messages – capabilities that require robust configuration. ITSS provides high-quality services for banks with Temenos Transact in parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Learn more about ITSS Woman on phone leaning against wall Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our solutions Explore our solutions Hamilton Reserve Bank strives to create products tailored to meet the unique requirements of its global clients that value speed, safety, and privacy. Similarly, the bank aims to make every client interaction an easy, fast, secure, and frictionless experience — from new account onboarding 100% online to fast payments executed in seconds and 24/7 digital access allowing multiple signers and controls in omnibus accounts; all backed up with robust security, privacy, and top compliance measures. The bank chose Temenos for its highly reputable and dependable core banking system with exceptional transaction and real-time monitoring capabilities demanded by large global correspondent banks. “Our previous core banking tools had limited integration capabilities,” adds Akinnia Glasgow. “Key processes such as manual client onboarding could take 5 days for staff to approve account applications. As customer onboarding exploded with many new account applications waiting to be processed, we had to scale our global operations through a fresh approach. The flexible Temenos modules became our solution after we had rejected many others. We signed an 11-year agreement with Temenos as a key partner and devoted a US$30 million IT budget to build a large bank well positioned to serve a worldwide client base. We are very pleased and have not looked back since.” ITSS provides high-quality services for banks with Temenos Transact in parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Learn more about ITSS Woman on phone leaning against wall Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our solutions Woman on phone leaning against wall Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our segments Measurable impact The results have been swift and significant. MIDBANK has the ability to work on reducing transaction processing times and annual saving in operational cost, and improving in customer satisfaction. Customers will benefit in the coming period from faster services, better product availability, and a more modern digital experience. It is an artistic expression of how digital transformation reshapes end users’ financial lives—through cutting-edge technological innovations, accelerated service delivery, and enhanced user experience. It reflects the dual mission of driving operational efficiency and reinforcing regulatory compliance, as pivotal forces for sustainable economic growth and inclusive development, in alignment with Egypt Vision 2030 and the Central Bank of Egypt. Internally, automation has decreased the reliance on manual operations, freeing staff to focus on higher-value tasks. “The capacity in the system is so strong and robust that it helps us resolve things much more quickly,” Amr said. Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Woman on phone leaning against wall Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Our payments business is not simple. We need a payment hub that can manage third-party flows, and Temenos Payments gave us the flexibility to build around that complexity.” Sophoklis Argyrou, CEO of Bank of Beirut UK. The bank worked closely with LTM, Temenos’ preferred partner in the region. “LTM delivered the project with professionalism and care. We had confidence in them from the start, and they validated that confidence throughout,” Sophoklis said. “For this transformation, tight collaboration was essential,” said Hemal Jayasinghe, Chief Business Officer, at LTM. “Bank of Beirut UK, Temenos, and our delivery team worked as one from day one – aligning on priorities, managing the regulatory environment, and solving challenges together.” ITSS provides high-quality services for banks with Temenos Transact in parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Learn more about ITSS Woman on phone leaning against wall Temenos Wealth Management A single platform of independent capabilities unifying digital, portfolio management, data, and core for wealth and private banking. Explore our solution Woman writing on clipboard at desk Data Hub Transform banking with real-time data, AI acceleration, and seamless integration. Explore our solution ITSS provides high-quality services for banks with Temenos Transact in parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Learn more about ITSS Woman on phone leaning against wall Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Woman on phone leaning against wall Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories While the bank’s previous systems were functional, they lacked the capabilities to enable modernization at scale. Enhancements were costly, operational visibility was limited, and compliance demands were growing. “We felt the systems no longer gave us what we needed – from performance to security to reporting,” Sophoklis explained. “And as we looked to expand, we needed a platform that could support that ambition.” The bank launched a full replacement of its core and payments infrastructure, with four main strategic goals: Scale their trade finance business to strengthen their corporate banking proposition Enable growth in retail and private banking Improve operational efficiency and regulatory readiness Ensure long-term stability and control Close ties Temenos offered MIDBANK more than just software. Its local presence, proven track record in Egypt, and strong ecosystem of partners brought credibility and confidence to a high-stakes transformation. Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. b Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Real impact, right away The project went live in just over 12 months. And while formal ROI assessments are scheduled for the next phase, the immediate feedback has been clear – especially from frontline teams. “The trade finance team told us straight away – it’s more capable, more efficient,” Sophoklis shared. “They can process faster and with more confidence.” Operationally, the system has already unlocked key improvements: Dramatically expanded management information (MI) and reporting capabilities Significantly improved data visibility across operations “The data visibility is miles ahead of what we had before,” Sophoklis said. “The MI potential is limitless. Control and security have also improved, giving senior leadership greater confidence. “We feel more secure, knowing we’re operating on an up-to-date platform with proper controls,” added Sophoklis. A platform built for ambition The transformation is about more than modernization – it’s about enabling a different kind of bank. While 80–85% of the business today remains wholesale-focused, the target is to reach a 60/40 split between wholesale and retail/private banking. “We’re expanding our offering to the Lebanese diaspora – high-net-worth clients who want a secure, personalized service,” Sophoklis explained. “The new platform gives us the agility to grow without compromising our core.” The goal is clear: grow the customer base threefold within three to five years, starting from mid-2026. A true partnership and a path forward ITSS provides high-quality services for banks with Temenos Transact in parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Learn more about ITSS Woman on phone leaning against wall Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Woman on phone leaning against wall Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Woman on phone leaning against wall Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Woman on phone leaning against wall Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Woman on phone leaning against wall Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Explore our segments Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Woman on phone leaning against wall Core Banking Consistently deliver innovative, modular and comprehensive core banking. Explore our solution Team sitting at desk behind glass wall Financial Crime Mitigation A single product family for fast compliance, protection and time to value. Explore our solution Woman on phone leaning against wall Banking solutions for all segments Empowering banks across segments with scalable, innovative, and efficient solutions. Learn more about LTM Woman writing on clipboard at desk Customer Success Stories Real stories of transformation with Temenos solutions. Read more success stories Bank of Beirut UK is a specialist trade finance bank with a unique footprint. Based in London and regulated by the Bank of England, it plays a key role in connecting banking corridors between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. “Our core business is correspondent banking and trade finance,” said Sophoklis Argyrou, CEO of Bank of Beirut UK. “We act as a gateway for regional banks wanting to finance exports into Africa and the Middle East. Today, we work with over 300 banks across these corridors.” While this wholesale network remains central, the bank also serves a specific and growing segment: the Lebanese diaspora – typically high-net-worth individuals in West Africa, MENA, and Lebanon. Sophoklis sees this group as a cornerstone of future growth. https://vimeo.com/1158984519/4d72d33443 SS For Sophoklis, the transformation is as much about partnership as it is about product. “Temenos didn’t just sell us software. They supported us through a complex journey – technically and strategically,” he said. Looking ahead, the bank plans to build on this foundation with greater automation, product innovation, and data-led insights. One area of potential evolution: regulatory reporting. With its modern platform live, a trusted partner ecosystem in place, and an ambitious strategy for expansion, Bank of Beirut UK is positioned to lead – efficiently, securely, and at scale. “This is just the beginning,” Sophoklis said. “We now have a foundation that supports where we’re going – not just where we’ve been.” We have proudly partnered with: LTM logo Woman on phone leaning against wall Core Banking Consistently deliver innovative, modular and comprehensive core banking. Explore our solution Team sitting at desk behind glass wall Financial Crime Mitigation A single product family for fast compliance, protection and time to value. Explore our solution