So, what exactly is SBP Core Amplitude?
SBP Core Amplitude is an integrated banking software suite, unlike modular offerings that focus on a single domain like lending or payments. Here, everything’s built into one solution: customer and account management, lending, savings, payments, transfers, and more. It’s a comprehensive platform designed to meet our clients’ needs, and today it’s the leading solution across the African continent, used by more than 170 banks.
What does your role as Product Manager for SBP Core Amplitude involve?
There are two of us covering the entire African market. Personally, I handle the UEMOA and CEMAC regions. My job is to identify the problems our clients face, whether those come from direct requests, new regulations, or feedback from our local teams. Then I assess and qualify those issues to see if they justify a product evolution. Sometimes, instead of integrating a new request directly into the core product, we might propose a workaround or a specific treatment. Once the problem is clearly defined, we move into implementation. That’s where I coordinate with product experts, delivery, marketing, sales, and professional services teams to make sure everyone’s aligned. It’s a real coordination effort, both internally and with our customers.
Can you tell us about a project you’re currently working on?
Right now, we’re focused on ISO 20022, a major regulatory project related to payments. Our Core Amplitude solution operates in over 50 countries, each with its own rules, so that’s a real challenge. The new standard changes how messages are structured, moving toward a richer XML format to harmonize and strengthen regulatory practices. We actually had to adjust our approach mid-project to speed up time-to-market while keeping a compliant and customer-aligned solution. But with so many projects running in parallel and tight deadlines imposed by regulators, it’s definitely a daily challenge.
Speaking of challenges, what’s the hardest part of your job?
Finding the right balance between listening to clients and maintaining a coherent product vision. We’re always attentive to client needs, market changes, and feedback but that doesn’t mean we can say yes to every request. A big part of the Product Manager’s job is to filter what makes sense for the product and fits our strategy. Of course, sometimes that means saying no, which can lead to frustration or affect client satisfaction. That’s why it’s important to explain our decisions clearly, so clients understand the reasoning. It’s part of the job and honestly, it’s what makes it interesting.
What do you find most satisfying in your role?
Definitely the understanding part: getting to know how clients use the product, what their needs are, and making it evolve to help them solve real problems. That’s something I’ve always been drawn to. I even talked about it with my management at the time because, working in R&D, I was quite far from direct contact with customers. So when the PM role came up, I didn’t hesitate for a second.
Outside of work, do you have hobbies or interests that influence how you tackle challenges?
I’m really into sports, especially triathlon and trail running, and have been for several years. It’s essential for my balance ; it helps me clear my head and keep a fresh mind. Funny enough, I often get new ideas while running! We’re lucky to have showers at the office, so I sometimes train during lunch breaks. I also love how sport gives you goals to chase, just like at work: having a challenge, breaking the routine… that’s what keeps me motivated every day.
Looking back, what key lessons have you learned in your career so far?
Two main ones. First: opportunities are there, you just have to seize them. At SBS, we’re lucky to work in a company that really encourages people to grow and challenge themselves. There’s no shortage of opportunities to move around, but you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and question yourself. That’s how you progress. Personally, I’ve done three or four different jobs without ever changing companies, that’s something I really value.
Second, you learn a lot from others: colleagues, managers, mentors… good or bad. Every experience teaches you something. When I was managing development teams, I tried to pass on the kindness I’d appreciated from some of my own managers. That was important to me and I hope it showed.
Would you like to join the SBS (ex-Sopra Banking Software) adventure? Discover all our job offers on our Careers page by clicking on this link.