PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) continues to strengthen its information technology (IT) systems in response to the rapid growth of digital transactions and the rising number of customers. As of December 2024, BCA's customer base reached 33.1 million.

David Formula, EVP Group Strategic IT BCA, stated that BCA’s IT processing capacity is highly capable. "The highest transaction volume we've handled exceeds 7,000 per second. Our core banking system can process digital transactions up to six times that peak volume," David said on Saturday, February 22.

This capacity ensures that BCA’s digital services remain smooth, even during peak transaction periods. To maintain this, BCA conducts monthly reviews of its core banking system's transaction capacity, aligning it with business activities. These reviews project future transaction demands, allowing the bank to prepare in advance.

However, David emphasized that the smoothness of BCA’s digital services, including BCA Mobile, doesn’t solely depend on core banking system capacity. Factors such as network signals and the condition of customers’ devices also affect transaction speed. "A customer using mobile banking in Jakarta may experience faster transactions compared to someone in areas with weak signals. The phone’s storage and model also influence digital service speed," David explained.

BCA has implemented a dashboard to track errors in BCA Mobile. According to David, service disruptions often stem from network provider issues rather than problems within BCA’s core banking system.

Recognizing the rising risk of cyberattacks alongside digital transaction growth, BCA is reinforcing its core banking system to counter such threats. The bank adopts cutting-edge technology, strengthens its IT workforce, and engages with regulators. David highlighted that hackers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) for cyberattacks. "Therefore, BCA also uses AI-based technology to counter these attacks," he added.

To support IT improvements, BCA plans to raise its IT capital expenditure (capex) by 8%–10% this year compared to 2024. While David didn’t specify the 2024 budget, BCA previously allocated over IDR 8 trillion for IT, used to maintain existing platforms and develop new ones.

BCA’s digital development continues to drive transaction growth. In 2024, the bank recorded 36 billion total transactions—a 21% year-over-year increase. Mobile and internet banking transactions accounted for 31.6 billion, growing 23.5% YoY, with a transaction value reaching IDR 28,261 trillion—a 13.8% YoY rise.

PHOTO: DOK. BCA DIGITAL

This article was created with AI assistance.