Case: Platform Banking and The Strategic Role of Embedded Technology in Rewiring B2B Liquidity
Jarkko Mäensivu — Saldo Bank
A newly built, tech-centric Greenfield bank focuses on embedded credit solutions to increase B2B and B2C credit access. Core strengths include efficient onboarding, strong data governance, a centralized data warehouse, and robust risk analytics leveraging both internal and external data to optimize cash flow-based credit decisions. Operating in multiple EU countries, the bank strategically partners with fintechs via interoperable APIs, enabling collaborative credit assessments, AML/KYC compliance, and shared ledgers. This platform banking approach targets underserved small businesses, scaling with agile tech and regulatory integration to democratize credit access efficiently.
"Increasing access to credit through embedded finance is our mission; by partnering with fintechs and leveraging technology, data, and regulation, we can accelerate credit availability to small businesses where it's most needed."
Summary
- The company focuses on embedded credit, primarily targeting B2B while maintaining B2C operations. - Built a Greenfield bank architecture centered on data governance and efficient onboarding technology. - Scalable onboarding supports instant credit access across four EU countries, with plans for expansion. - Uses data-driven credit risk analysis with a hybrid manual process for larger B2B loans, enhancing access to credit. - Embedded credit partnerships with fintechs enable shared customer data, improving credit offerings for underserved SMEs.
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Banking revolution: how embedded credit is rewiring B2B finance
Nordic Fintech Summit hears how a tech-centric approach is democratizing credit access for underserved businesses
Embedded banking technology is radically transforming how small businesses access capital, according to fintech leader Jarkko Mäensivu, who outlined his company's innovative approach to dismantling traditional barriers in B2B financing at the Nordic Fintech Summit in May.
Speaking to industry leaders, Mäensivu detailed how his company built a "Greenfield bank" from scratch with embedded credit at its core, specifically designed to increase access to financing for underserved small and medium enterprises across Europe.
"We are focusing on embedded credit mainly, targeting B2B while continuing B2C, using technology, analytics, and regulatory solutions to increase access to credit through partnerships and innovation," Mäensivu told attendees during his presentation on platform banking.
Building banking from scratch
The decision to build a completely new banking infrastructure rather than adapting legacy systems was fundamental to the company's strategy. This approach allowed them to place data governance and analytics at the heart of their operations.
"Our bank is built around data—data warehouse and governance are the core that drives analytics and the future of our platform," Mäensivu explained.
This data-centric model extends to the bank's credit risk analysis, which combines automated cash flow-based assessments with hybrid manual processes for larger B2B loans. The approach enables more nuanced lending decisions than traditional banking models that often exclude smaller businesses from accessing capital.
Technology as the foundation
The bank's architecture prioritizes efficient onboarding and secure data management across multiple European markets, including Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, and Germany. This technological foundation supports instant credit decisions while maintaining regulatory compliance.
"No bank today can survive without very good technology; we focus on efficient and secure onboarding as a core part of our solution," Mäensivu emphasized.
What distinguishes this approach from conventional banking platforms is how deeply embedded the technology is throughout the customer journey. The company has developed interoperable APIs that allow fintech partners to integrate directly with their banking services, creating shared customer relationships that benefit both parties.
Partnering for reach and impact
Perhaps most revolutionary is the bank's collaborative approach with fintech companies. Rather than viewing them as competitors, Mäensivu's organization has created partnership structures that leverage the strengths of both traditional banking and fintech innovations.
The embedded credit process enables customers to apply for B2B loans through partner fintech platforms while data flows simultaneously to the bank's systems. This allows both entities to assess the customer and make optimal credit decisions while sharing regulatory compliance responsibilities.
"We believe that fintech partnerships and embedded credit are the future, enabling us to empower SMEs and other underserved markets with better access to credit," said Mäensivu.
Democratizing access to capital
The bank has achieved significant milestones with a relatively small team of 80 people, demonstrating that agile, technology-focused banking can efficiently democratize credit access. Their primary focus remains on smaller businesses that traditional banks often overlook, particularly those with revenues under €20 million.
As embedded finance continues to evolve, Mäensivu sees substantial opportunities to expand this model to more underserved markets across Europe. The company's mission-driven approach prioritizes solving real customer problems over simply replicating traditional banking services.
Mäensivu's presentation at the Nordic Fintech Summit highlighted how innovative banking models can address persistent gaps in the financial system, potentially transforming how businesses access the capital they need to grow and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Part of Nordic Fintech Summit