In November 2024, a VR bank joined us on a unique journey into the digital reality of Estonia - a country that has been a pioneer in digitalization and innovation for years. Thanks to our extensive local network, the three-day digital journey entitled "e-Estonia: Private banking of tomorrow in the digital reality of today" offered profound insights into the technological and cultural future of banking.
From digital identities and the role of sustainability to gender-equitable leadership culture - Estonia impressively demonstrates how the future can be shaped. This trip was not only a look at innovation, but also an opportunity to learn about best practices and partnerships at the highest level.
You can read more about Estonia and what lies behind the EU pioneer in terms of digitalization and mindset here here.
We started the day with an introduction together with Thomas Schneider, our TeleskopEffekt regional partner on site. It was already clear here that the trip was not just a simple study tour, but a curated insight into the DNA of one of the most innovative countries in the world.
The first day began with a warm welcome from Thomas Schneider, our dedicated colleague and regional partner on site. This introduction already made it clear that the trip is much more than a simple study trip: it offers a curated insight into the DNA of one of the most innovative countries in the world.
And then it was time to get down to business - with presentations that focused directly on Estonia's digital excellence:
→ Maili Mahlapuu from Nortal Group AS presented the Estonian digital ecosystem and its importance for private banking solutions. Nortal is a global digital service provider and is responsible for many key applications, including Estonia's digital identity. Maili emphasized how trust and simplicity as core values of digitalization strengthen customer loyalty.
 → Rauno Klettenberg, member of the Bondora Management Board, then introduced the participants to the world of digital financial services and showed how innovative solutions are also creating new opportunities outside the traditional banking business.
In the evening, a joint dinner provided a space for exchange and networking, where initial impressions were discussed and preparations were made for the next few days.
The next morning, the day began with a special highlight: a working breakfast at the German embassy in Tallinn. Mario Sauder, Head of the Economic Section, gave an overview of German-Estonian economic relations and emphasized the importance of international partnerships. The morning was characterized by Estonia's openness and willingness to share innovative ideas with global players.
The subsequent sessions offered deeper insights into the core areas of Estonian banking:
→ Petra Holm from the e-Estonia Briefing Center explained the role of banks in Estonia's digital universe. As a central information and networking point for digital innovations, the Briefing Center provided an impressive picture of how a country is consistently focusing on digitalization.
→ Annika Goroško from LHV Bank showed how artificial intelligence is changing the private customer business and how the bank has taken on a pioneering role through service design.
The afternoon was characterized by practical insights:
→ Inbank AS, which specializes in e-commerce financing, presented successful examples of the seamless integration of digital solutions into retail.
→ Velvet OÜ, a strategic design agency, led a lively discussion on the customer journey and how empathy and strategy form the basis for innovative customer experiences.
A networking dinner with leading representatives from the Estonian finance and innovation sector rounded off the day - the perfect opportunity to make personal contacts and experience the Estonian approach to partnerships and collaboration.
The final third day was all about banks that are shaping the future:
→ Swedbank Estonia, the country's largest banking institution, provided insights into current trends and innovations in retail banking. Participants were able to experience the range of digital services, from daily banking to pension funds.
→ SEB Bank, another industry leader, demonstrated data-driven solutions and the impact of strategic transformations on the customer experience.
Estonia impressed our travel guests and us at Teleskopeffekt every time anew, not only with its technological excellence, but also with its values:
→ 100 % digital by the end of 2024: Trust is created through seamless digital processes - paper is a symbol of uncertainty here.
→ Sustainability through solutions: Instead of imposing bans, Estonians develop solutions that work in the long term.
→ Women in management positions: Out of six banks visited, five had a female board member - a clear sign of equality.
Careful planning and implementation are key factors in the success of our trips. From the targeted selection of speakers and topics, which are perfectly tailored to the needs and requirements of our participants, to the organization of the visits and the accompaniment by local experts - the participants experience a tailor-made programme. It is not only informative and instructive, but also inspiring and varied.
Our aim is to make Estonia's opportunities tangible: To open doors, encourage people to think outside the box, discover new perspectives and create concrete connections. In Germany and the banking sector in particular, we build bridges that pave the way for innovative solutions.
With a perfectly organized trip and the use of our strong network, we not only create inspiration on site, but also lay the foundation for bringing the knowledge gained to companies and banks in a targeted manner. In this way, we promote the exchange of know-how and the implementation of forward-looking processes.
However, our claim goes far beyond the trip: we create sustainable added value for our participants by working with them to use Estonian know-how to rethink and successfully redesign processes.
The trip to Estonia was far more than just a look at digital technologies. It was an insight into a culture that uses trust, simplicity and sustainability as the basis for innovation. The participants returned with new perspectives and valuable ideas - ready to question their own processes and boldly break new ground.
If you are interested in learning from international best practices or developing tailor-made programs for your company, we are at your side with a strong network and comprehensive expertise.
Get in touch with us at any time and maybe we'll soon be traveling to Estonia together. We look forward to seeing you!
Stay up to date and sign up now for the TeleskopEffekt newsletter.