DLA: What exactly is your company’s business model?
Thomas Heinz: Sopra Financial Technology supports banks in redefining their operating models. We are the technology provider and operator for the financial services industry, standing for security and operational efficiency. With our Managed Services 2.0, we take over IT outsourcing, integrate regulatory requirements from the very beginning, and significantly ease the operational burden on banks. Our experts bring over 40 years of experience in banking IT. They are deeply familiar with processes, interfaces, and supervisory requirements. On this basis, we additionally develop innovative platforms and modular solutions such as the Crypto-backed Lending Solution, which enables banks to integrate digital assets as collateral into their lending business in full compliance with regulations.
DLA: Why was it important for you to become a DLA member? 
Thomas Heinz: Membership was the next logical step for us. With our Crypto-backed Lending Solution, we are driving innovation that can only succeed in a regulated environment. The DLA provides the ideal platform for this: it brings together leading players, pools industry knowledge, and represents the sector’s interests to policymakers and regulators. At the same time, we benefit from the exchange with other providers, investors, and technology partners in further developing our solution. And not least, our membership signals to financial institutions that we align with recognized industry standards – which builds trust.
DLA: What is the Crypto Lending Pilot?
Thomas Heinz: The Crypto-backed Lending Solution, as part of the Sopra Crypto Platform, enables the integration of crypto assets such as Bitcoin into traditional lending – similar to a Lombard loan. The bank decides on the loan approval as usual and disburses the credit in euros. Accounting, risk management, and regulatory reporting remain within familiar structures. Our solution acts as a technical bridge, connecting the bank with custodians, wallets, and, if necessary, trading platforms. Digital assets are pledged as collateral and monitored in real time. The Crypto-backed Lending Solution ensures that all processes work seamlessly together and that regulatory requirements are fully met.
DLA: Thank you very much for the interview, Thomas. It’s great to now have the topic of crypto lending even stronger on the association’s agenda together with you.
Foto credits:
- Thomas Heinz: Sopra Financial Technologies