40+ years of Avaloq history

Since Avaloq’s founding in 1985, the company has continuously anticipated and shaped the evolution of banking technology. Through bold innovation, strategic partnerships and an unwavering commitment to clients, Avaloq has grown from a five-person unit to an industry-leading provider of wealth management technology and services.

1980s: Defining the future of banking technology

Avaloq began its journey in 1985, originally founded as BZ Informatik, an IT subsidiary of BZ Bank.

Throughout the 1980s, the company focused on developing essential banking technology tailored to the Swiss market.

Operating initially from its office in Zurich, BZ Informatik’s small but dedicated team laid the groundwork for what would become the Avaloq platform.

1990s: Building trust and shaping a new identity

Between 1991 and 1996, BZ Informatik developed its first banking system, “AdvAntAge”, which was first implemented by a Swiss private bank.

At this time, the company had just five employees and served a small but growing client base.

A partial management buyout in 1991 transferred 30% ownership to employees, a move that reflected early confidence in the company’s long-term potential.

In 1996, both the company and its flagship product were rebranded as Avaloq, marking the beginning of a new corporate identity.

Partnerships soon followed with major financial institutions, as Avaloq began to establish itself as a leader in banking software.

2000s: Growth, diversification and a commitment to service excellence

The 2000s marked a period of significant geographical expansion and service development for Avaloq.

By 2001, full ownership of the company was acquired by its employees and management, enabling Avaloq to operate independently from BZ Bank.

Between 2007 and 2009, the company expanded internationally, opening subsidiaries in Luxembourg and Singapore and launching operations in Germany.

Avaloq’s client base grew to include a diverse range of banking and wealth management institutions across Europe and Asia.

During this time, the company also enhanced its technological platform to meet increasing industry demands for scalability and digital innovation.

2010s: Innovation, modernization, and global leadership

The 2010s represented a transformative era of innovation and international growth.

In 2011, Avaloq acquired a majority stake in B-Source, a Swiss provider of banking business process outsourcing.

This move enabled Avaloq to offer outsourced banking operations alongside its core software solutions, creating a more comprehensive offering for clients. 

Throughout the decade, Avaloq opened new offices and development centres across Europe, Asia and Australia. The company continuously evolved its technology to support emerging trends such as digital assets, while ensuring compliance with changing regulations including PSD2 and MiFID II.

By 2015, Avaloq was supporting nearly 60,000 users worldwide, backed by a workforce of over 2,200 employees.

 

2020s: Strategic partnerships and shaping the future of digital finance

The 2020s ushered in a new chapter for Avaloq, beginning with its integration into the NEC Group in 2020, a move that combined Swiss fintech expertise with Japanese innovation and technological strength.

Avaloq continues to operate as an independent entity headquartered in Switzerland, with a strong focus on cloud-first solutions, artificial intelligence and open banking technologies. 

Under the leadership of CEO Martin Greweldinger, Avaloq is pioneering AI-driven wealth management and building open banking ecosystems.

Strategic collaborations, including a partnership with BlackRock, and expansion into major financial hubs such as New York and Dubai underscore Avaloq’s commitment to empowering financial institutions through innovative, sustainable digital finance solutions designed for the future.

“For over 40 years, our entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative culture have driven our success. We never stand still. Our ongoing investment in the Avaloq platform ensures that our clients remain at the forefront of technology and innovation. And as we develop scalable solutions together with the Avaloq community, we not only support individual clients but also help strengthen the financial industry as a whole. That combination of purpose, expertise and impact has been central to our history.”

Martin Greweldinger, Group CEO of Avaloq