General Bank of Canada Partners with Thought Machine to Modernize Core Banking Infrastructure

General Bank of Canada partners with Thought Machine to modernize its core banking system using the cloud-native Vault Core platform, boosting agility, scalability, and next-generation financial innovation.

The General Bank of Canada (GBC) has announced a strategic partnership with Thought Machine, a leading London-based banking technology company, to overhaul its core banking system using Thought Machine’s Vault Core platform.

This collaboration marks a significant step in GBC’s digital transformation journey, enabling the bank to transition from legacy systems to a cloud-native core banking solution designed to enhance agility, scalability, and innovation.

A Modern Approach to Core Banking

GBC plans to gradually migrate its existing core banking operations to the Vault Core platform, a system already trusted by top global institutions such as Zopa Bank, Shawbrook, and Afin Bank. The platform offers more than 200 preconfigured financial products, ranging from traditional offerings like credit cards, loans, and savings accounts to next-generation financial solutions, including buy now, pay later (BNPL), digital wallets, and offset mortgages.

According to GBC, this partnership aligns with its goal of becoming a high-value Bank-to-Business-to-Consumer (B2B2C) provider, allowing it to deliver tailored financial products faster and more efficiently to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

A Vision for Digital Transformation

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, GBC has built a strong presence in Canada, serving over 325,000 Canadians with auto loans, aviation financing, commercial lending, and investment services. With a team of nearly 100 employees, the bank’s commitment to modernization reflects its long-term focus on innovation and customer experience.

The partnership with Thought Machine signifies GBC’s confidence in the power of cloud-native banking to drive operational excellence and enable future-ready financial solutions. Vault Core’s architecture allows for greater flexibility in product design, real-time data capabilities, and seamless integration with modern APIs — all essential components for banks looking to compete in a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.

Setting the Stage for the Future

With this move, GBC joins a growing list of financial institutions adopting Thought Machine’s technology to replace outdated systems with flexible, programmable core banking infrastructure. The modernization initiative will not only streamline internal operations but also accelerate GBC’s ability to innovate and scale in a market increasingly defined by digital-first experiences.

This partnership is a clear signal of GBC’s intent to position itself as a forward-thinking financial institution, capable of delivering customer-centric banking experiences while embracing the technological advancements shaping the future of finance.