Annual report
2011
Contents
NEXT controls changes in operating methods and services
14
In development, cooperation with customers produces results
15
A service channel for integration challenges
16
Managing Director’s review: Samlink’s year was shaped by changes
3
Personnel
17
Summary of 2011
4
Personnel as an asset for growth and profitability
18
Group key figures
5
Everyone has the right to a good supervisor
20
Reliable IT services for a variety of customers
6
Samlink employees stand behind their values
21
Samlink services
7
More efficient working methods in everyday life
22
Electronic transaction solutions
8
Social aspects
23
Strong project competence improves efficiency
9
Samlink – a responsible corporate citizen
24
Itella Bank specialises in payments
10
Management
25
Future
11
Administration principles
26
A new strong customer promise to be released
12
Management Team
28
Our mission is to create synergies for our customers
13
Board of Directors
31
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Samlink's year was shaped by changes The year 2011 was a challenging one. The general economic uncertainty was also reflected in our operating environment. We were able to make the correct strategic choices.
Investments in the development of electronic transaction services produced targeted growth. Itella's role as a shareholder strengthens the synergies produced for our customers. The first service solutions of the NEXT project have entered into production. This allows even better integration capabilities for our systems. Our journey towards becoming a more able service integrator is making good progress. Cooperation between Group companies became closer. Now, we have shared values and a shared business story. After changing our visual image, we are all under a single brand. Our customers are at the focal point in
everything we do. In order for our customers to succeed, we need to be able to respond to changing needs. We executed an extensive supervisor training programme and strengthened our project competence by acquiring a minority share in Project-IT Oy, which will later be recognised as part of the Group. This autumn's industrial actions affected us and our subcontractors, and presented uncertainties. We completed a large upgrade project, through which we obtained new workstation services, infrastructure, a data security model, operating system and software updates, and a new supplier partner. These factors had a negative effect on our
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financial outcome. We are focusing on selected strategic development projects that will improve our productivity and costefficiency. During year 2012, we will launch our new customer promise. We are also developing a release management model so that our customers can obtain a better overall image and more high-quality information related to our larger deployments. I wish to warmly thank all Samlink employees, our customers, partners and shareholders for the year 2011. Heikki Sirve Managing Director
Summary of 2011 There were no structural changes in the market in 2011. For us, the year resulted in a number of significant projects. Our number of personnel increased from 393 to 463.
We implemented long-term saving services, an upgrade for Aktia's online services, a mortgage bank system for Handelsbanken, and new workstation services. We delivered a new basic banking system for Itella Bank. In electronic transactions, we grew profitably, including outside the financial sector. We polished our project working methods and competence: flexible methods will radically change our ways of working. The development
Considering our annual volume, we made history by reaching a landmark of one billion transactions.
of project portfolio management guarantees reliable and correctly-timed reporting. The new project management tool version to be adopted at the beginning of 2012 will simplify the work of project managers and supervisors, and improve the efficiency of project monitoring. Data security in electronic services was a frequent topic of discussion as card fraud and data leaks increased. We are continuously developing our data security through risk assessments. Many solutions or improvements are built in the background of services and, therefore, are not directly visible to users. We are actively preventing crime in cooperation with other financial operators, authorities and organisations. For the majority of the year, the production rate was nearly 100 %, apart from the IT failure on "Black Monday" on 31 January and 4
the network service failure in December. The transition to the SEPA system succeeded well at Samlink.
Samlink's owners Samlink's owners are Aktia Bank Plc (22.56 %), savings banks (57.44 %), Handelsbanken (7.53 %), local cooperative banks (6.59 %) and Itella Corporation (5.88 %). The ten largest owners hold a total of 69 per cent of Samlink, and the other owners (63 shareholders) hold a total of 31 per cent.
Group key figures Net sales, EUR million
Operating profit, EUR million
Key events 2011 Itella to hold shares in Samlink Project-IT partnership New values and image New workstation services
3,0
100 100 80 80 60
60,6 60,6
66,7 66,7
80,5
81,9
80,5
81,9
70,4
3,0 2,1
2,5
1,8
2,0
70,4
1,5
60 40
0,6
1,0
40 20
0,5
20 0
0,0 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
-0,7
0 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Net sales, EUR million Operating profit, EUR million
Equity ratio, % 50 100 40 80 30 60
Number of personnel
46,2 41,8
39,4
60,6
66,7
44,6 39,7 80,5
81,9
500 100 400 80
70,4
384 80,5 291 60,6
66,7 311
429 81,9
70,4 322
200 40
10 20
100 20
0 0
0 0
2007 2007
2008 2008
2009 2009
2010 2010
2011 2011
% of net sales Return on equity, % Return on investment, %
300 60
20 40
% of net sales Profit before appropriations and taxes, EUR million
Earnings per share, EUR Equity/share, EUR Equity ratio, %
2007 2007
2008 2008
2009 2009
2010 2010
2011 2011
5
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
60,6
66,7
70,4
80,5
81,9
0,6
1,8
3,0
2,1
-0,7
1,0
2,7
4,2
2,6
-0,8
0,7
1,9
3,0
2,1
-0,7
1,2
2,8
4,2
2,6
-0,9
3,3
16,9
20,6
20,1
-8,5
10,7
26,3
38,4
23,1
-6,2
1,75
9,10
12,10
12,40
-5,92
47,97
57,10
60,19
63,30
79,13
39,4
46,2
41,8
39,7
44,6
Investments, EUR million
0,9
0,7
0,5
4,1
4,7
Number of personnel, average
291
311
322
384
429
Reliable IT services for a variety of customers Our key expertise ranges from the development of applications to the production and integration of application services. As a service integrator, we build service packages to support the key operations of our customers.
The parent company Samlink offers all IT solutions and systems related closely to the key operations of banks, life insurance and fund companies. Our vast experience in the financial sector guarantees reliable, modern and secure services for our customers. Our channel services support our product and service range for the financial sector. Our solutions support the offering of
Our solutions support services offered for private and corporate customers.
services for private and corporate customers at branch offices and online. Our network service contains online banking services for private and corporate customers, as well as websites of single banks. We equip the branch offices of our customer banks with a variety of branch systems, workstations, telling machines and Internet customer terminals. Support services complement our service offering for the financial sector. The Samlink Service Desk serves our customers as a single point of contact in technical and application matters. We also provide our customers with training services. Our subsidiary Samcom produces
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electronic transaction services, portals, online shops, and integration and reporting services, independent of the business field. Electronic transaction services can also be integrated as part of the service offering for the financial sector. Paikallispankkien PP-Laskenta, a subsidiary of Samlink, offers comprehensive financial administration outsourcing services for companies within the financial sector, ranging from accounting, ledger services, official reporting and payroll to risk management support. PP-Laskenta actively monitors development within the industry and ensures that reporting practices are in compliance with official regulations.
Samlink products and services
Office service Online and mobile banking
Bank connection services
Channel services
Office equipment and telephone service
Sector services
Businessindependent services
Bank and financing Life insurance Fund company
Financial administration services
Internal cost accounting
Electronic transaction services
Support services Accounting Solvency and risk management support
Payroll
Mailing and printing Authority services
Electronic transaction services and portals
Security
Accounts receivable
Training Service Desk
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Reporting solutions
Integration solutions Online shops
Electronic transaction solutions Electronic transactions comprise our most rapidly growing business area. Our aim is to gain a significant role as a supplier of electronic transaction services and solutions.
The rapid transition of customer needs and the increased use of electronic transactions present new challenges to Samlink. We are investing strongly in our electronic transaction operations in order to gain a firm foothold in the financial and energy sector and in online trading. Our offering covers electronic transaction services, integrations and Business Intelligence solutions.
Our solutions produce concrete benefits for our customers.
"Our solutions cover portals, online shops, reporting solutions and their integration into our customers' operational systems. We have grown strongly over the past year. In practice, we have doubled our number of personnel. Our objective is to be the first operator decision-makers think of when they are looking for a partner in electronic transaction projects," says Sami Kettunen, CEO of Samcom Oy. Below, Sami Kettunen summarises the strengths in electronic transaction solutions appreciated by customers. "Samlink's electronic transaction projects are always carried out following the scope,
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schedule and budget agreed upon. Our fixed-price project delivery especially pleases our customers. Customers trust that we do our best as we bear part of the risks," Kettunen says. Currently, all Group companies are operating under the same leading brand, following shared values, while utilising their individual strengths. Closer cooperation produces benefits for our customers and improves our customer services. We are able to produce new kinds of services for our customers within the financial sector by integrating deep into the existing basic service systems.
Strong project competence improves efficiency Project competence comprises part of Samlink's key expertise. Project management and associated methods are under continuous development.
Challenges in recruiting competent and experienced project managers and seasonally changing needs for resources are reasons why Samlink has cooperated with Project-IT in recent years. In 2011, cooperation was strengthened through ownership arrangements where Samlink acquired a joint ownership of 34 per cent in the company. This guarantees the availability of high-quality and cost-efficient project management services. Project-IT continues to be an independent company and the ownership arrangement does not have any impact on the personnel. Project-IT is an expert company specialised in the management of IT projects. It also produces consultation services for the development of
project methods and operations. Technologyindependent consultation services are available to customers directly or through Samlink. Antti Hellberg, the company's CEO, is satisfied with the closer cooperation. "We can continue our strong growth in offering high-quality project management services and further expand our services offered in the financial sector. We have even better awareness of Samlink and its customers. Sustainability helps in development, and allows us to allocate our competence according to needs. Samlink has several ongoing development undertakings and projects, through which our way of working internally and in the customer
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interface will change. Project-IT is one factor which makes this change possible and offers support in adopting more flexible project methods," Hellberg says.
Project-IT Oy Established in 2007 Net sales EUR 1.57 million Operating profit EUR 0.36 million Thirteen employees Further information: www.project-it.fi
Itella Bank specialises in payments Itella Bank produces a new unique service, linking payments fixedly in a single package with services and electronic transactions.
Itella Bank started its savings bank operations officially on 1 January 2012. As all of Itella Bank's services involve a payment element, its operations are focused differently from traditional banks. Itella Bank's objectives are associated with electronic payments and invoicing, particularly in online shopping functions. The banking operations maintain the connection to Itella's key
Itella is looking for flexibility and innovation from its partners.
operations, i.e. the storage of goods. The delivery of the comprehensive banking data system to Itella Bank was a demanding new customer project which was completed successfully following a tight schedule. The customer relied on Samlink's expertise and completed its part of the project in an exemplary fashion. Produced in a good spirit of cooperation, the project was a success for both parties. Itella Bank is constantly innovating and developing its operations. Its aim is to establish extensive cooperation with operators within the trading and banking sectors. Itella Bank is also involved in Samlink's steering group for
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the joint development of customer accounts. Cooperation offers synergies in cost-efficiency and the progress of development areas. Even though Itella Bank observes an irregular operating model, we can offer many existing solutions for utilisation. Itella Bank's different approach provides an excellent opportunity to improve Samlink's service offering to the benefit of all customers. Itella Corporation became a shareholder in Samlink in August 2011. By obtaining this shareholding, Itella is showing faith in Samlink's abilities and services to an even more extensive level.
Future
A new strong customer promise to be released Samlink has an extensive internal development process in progress for taking the leap towards more customer-oriented operations.
Samlink aims to work closer to the customer. We have both specialised customers and customer needs. We need to better understand the everyday lives of our customers and offer more support in business needs. Changes in our customers and the operating environment challenge our previous ways of thinking and acting. We have crystallised our success story, created
Clients deserve a strong promise because they are proven to be the best in the country.
common operating values for the Group and standardised our visual image. As a natural extension, we have reviewed our customer promise. The promise communicates our attitudes and objectives to our customers. It is both internal and external, and separates us from our competitors. Samlink's customers deserve a strong promise because they are proven to be the nation's best banks in terms of customer service. We have selected our new promise. Its content is being specified and tested with our internal customers. We are working on selected processes and creating concrete measures to keep our promises. Our objective is that our customers can see concrete changes in our operations during year 2012.
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Image represents operations Samlink Group adopted a common and uniform visual image in October 2011. The new image strengthens operations between Group companies and improves joint visibility. Also, the new image represents a networked company which is moving forward, integrates with several different interfaces, and always finds the best possible solution from its service offering.
Our mission is to create synergies for our customers Our vision is to be the service integrator which produces the most added value for our customers.
Samlink is a service integrator which produces synergies for its customers by operating deep in their value chains. Our goals are efficiency, customer-orientation, quality and competence. Our customers in the financial sector include banks, credit institutions and investment service companies. Within electronic transactions, we serve independent of business fields. Electronic transactions comprise a growing business area where the financial sector, energy industry and online shopping are at the focal point. Our aim is to gain a significant role as a supplier of ICT services and solutions for
Our ability as a service integrator will improve significantly.
electronic transactions. During the strategy period (2011–2015), we will respond to changing customer needs through a more flexible ICT architecture. Our objective is to develop Samlink into Finland's leading ICT service integrator within the financial sector. We will also launch an upgrade process for our basic systems in close cooperation with our customers. Through the system upgrade, we can significantly reduce our cost levels and improve our service offering. At the same time, we can guarantee Samlink's competitiveness in the future. We are implementing a cost management program and aiming at growth through new customer accounts and an improved service offering. Changes in competence support our role as a service integrator and improve our customer service.
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Easier architecture More flexible architecture enables better integration of the current customers' services in Samlink's systems and services, as well as easier connection of new customers to the services offered. The new architecture also allows Samlink's systems and services to be integrated into the systems of customers or third parties. In addition, new types of access management and service channel solutions are being implemented.
NEXT controls changes in operating methods and services NEXT is a project ordered by our customer-owners. It secures the competitiveness of our services and allows our customers to also succeed in the future.
The most visible part of the new services produced in the NEXT project for end users is the new browser-based user interface for bank employees – the Electronic Desktop. It will make the work of bank employees quicker and easier. Its services have been built to support customer encounters and improve the efficiency of service situations. A multi-layered, service-centred system
Quicker and more cost-efficient functions.
architecture and new additional services are built into the background of the desktop. The NEXT project is also reviewing Samlink's system architecture, modernising systems in a purposeful way, and building new services that strengthen integration operations. During 2011, conditions were created for building different types of integration, together with support solutions for identity and access management. This technological upgrade strengthens Samlink's ability to act extensively as a service integrator within the financial sector. Through the upgrade we can offer new
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functions more quickly and cost-efficiently, and integrate applications, data sources and external services in a diverse, quick and secure manner. NEXT crystallises the many changes ongoing at Samlink in order to guarantee competitiveness in the future. NEXT guides the changes in the Group's operating methods. In 2012, we will specify Samlink's customer account and partnership management models. We will start the development and composition of our service catalogue from electronic desktop services.
In development, cooperation with customers produces results An important part in producing synergies is cooperation in development between our customers. Through mutual development, we can improve the efficiency of time allocation and costs. The mutual development model has been developed further during the past year in order to find a more efficient way of guiding development work and produce better results together. All of Samlink's customers within the financial sector can take
Valuable customer feedback for service development.
part in specific development areas, create new ideas and pay attention to their needs in the development work. Mutual development is important financially, and the viewpoints and development needs of different operators add spice to innovations and development. By working together, it is possible to produce services and features none of the participants could have created on their own. Joint meetings are not only forums where Samlink's near future can be affected but also places where individual ideas can be presented to
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other financial operators. The steering group for mutual development meets three to four times a year to discuss various options and ideas for developing services. The steering group establishes an overall understanding of road maps, projects and adoptions within different product areas. It recommends development projects to be launched and has an impact on Samlink's development operations as a customer forum. Each customer group holds two representatives in the steering group so that all business needs and IT opinions can be raised.
A service channel for integration challenges The service channel allows the systems and services of Samlink, its customers and third parties to be better integrated into a single entity.
The service channel developed for SOA services and integration was launched successfully in 2011. The service channel serves to respond quickly to changing business needs, increasing integration challenges and growing schedule demands. It enables a multichannel service which supports the customers' business operations. The service channel is a step towards the Samlink mission: to be the best service
A step forward in interaction between systems.
integrator for its customers. The service channel facilitates interaction between different systems, acting as an interpreter between the systems. It combines different technologies and services in a whole new way. At Samlink, the service channel is seen as the future way of working. The channel already contains some 100 utilisable SOA services, with new services being under constant development according to customer needs. Technologies are developing and new ways of working are continuously being created. The service channel increases the technological compatibility with which Samlink can respond to the challenges of the
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multi-banking system. The service channel was created in the NEXT project. Project Director Marko Hykkรถnen summarises the service channel's benefits below. "A functional service channel constitutes a critical part considering Samlink's business operations. It secures synergies for our customers. The better we can respond to their integration needs, the more benefits our customers gain. The channel serves to get more out of older systems as we can use system content in new ways. We could even say that the channel increases intelligence", Hykkรถnen says.
Personnel
Personnel as an asset for growth and profitability In an expert organisation, such as Samlink, competence is a key success factor. The personnel are our assets for securing success in the future. We secure the sufficiency and quality of personnel resources by taking care of our personnel's well-being, the even distribution of workloads and the productivity of work. Moreover, we take care of our employer image and have our key personnel committed. We follow an annual competence development programme. We assess the focus points of key competence areas, measure our personnel's competence and direct our development assets correctly. Furthermore, we emphasise the development of new
The development of competence plays a central strategic part at Samlink.
competence areas and the correct number of professionals in our strategy. Our competence must correspond to our customers' changing needs. We are already utilising flexible working hour arrangements, remote working and individual working hours. Furthermore, we need to pay attention to the expectations of ever-younger generations on working life within our business culture and personnel policy. As a result, we are actively seeking tomorrow's solutions today. Good leadership can be seen in personnel who are satisfied and have good well-being. We have an impact on management quality through resource mapping and training programmes aimed at supervisors. We are a stable employer which truly follows its values. We appreciate our experts and wish to offer challenging jobs.
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Attitude is everything In the future, we need a better ability to change and multi-talented people, such as large-scale business experts in the financial sector, and experts in new technology and the SOA world. Service quality will be emphasised as a competitive factor. This requires a new type of competence and an improved service attitude. In our corporate culture, our aim is to strengthen our customer service attitudes, readiness for change, and innovation.
years of service
average personnel percentage
over 30 years
20–29 years
less than 5 years 56 %
Project-IT
6%
10–19 years
5–9 years
3% Samcom
16 %
12 %
17 %
PP-laskenta
Samlink 69 %
10 %
19
Gender percentage
11 %
Men 53 %
Women 47 %
Everyone has the right to a good supervisor We are making significant investments in a Group-level training programme which covers all supervisors. Better supervisory qualifications make internal cooperation easier and increase well-being at work.
A personal development survey was conducted for each Samlink supervisor by MPS. On the basis of the survey, three supervisor training groups were formed, together with an account and sales training group. As the makers of the future are taking their first steps as supervisors, they will focus on the basics of supervisory work and the development of their individual management visions. The makers of results are experienced supervisors who have the ability and will to
Maker of the future. Maker of results. Business leader.
work close to their employees. Their training days and small group coaching are aimed at deepening their skills in sparring with employees and sharing their best experiences. The Business Leader programme is participated in by experienced supervisors who have the ability and will to develop business management, strategic thinking and overall leadership. In addition to training, they will work on business cases to be presented to the company's management as development proposals. Furthermore, account and sales training is to be started for individuals who work directly in the customer interface. We have received valuable feedback on the training programme. Each supervisor will
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continue to develop in their individual ways, e.g. through unofficial networking meetings. Because Samlink is a growing organisation, new training groups will be formed following the same concept, if required. Training is a major investment considering both finances and time. We wanted to make this investment because good management has a direct impact on the company's results, competitiveness and attractiveness as an employer. Specifying and developing a standard management model is important so that Samlink can improve its productivity, profitable internal cooperation and customer satisfaction even further.
Samlink employees stand behind their values Samlink's growth and the integration of different Group companies created new, shared and uniform values for the entire Group. Each Samlink employee had the opportunity to take part in a value discussion and related work in order to create new values. Some 200 people were involved in creating our values through workshops and the Samlink CafĂŠ event. The number of interested employees and the high participation rate represent the importance of our values. Our values are based on our business story and culture. They specify in what type of company Samlink employees
1. A partner in the customer’s everyday life 2. A leader in development 3. A positive beat
want to work and what is important to them. Our values make us stand out from others. They are what make Samlink what it is: A partner in the customer's everyday life We understand our customer's everyday needs and long-term goals. We work together and as individuals for the customer. Our customer service is simple. We keep our promises. We create solutions. We produce useful solutions efficiently for our customers through our services and products, as well as those of our partners. A leader in development We know our operating area. We can see into the future and lead the way there. We wish to respond to challenges. Our expertise is at 21
the very top of the industry. We are a strong operator in the Finnish ICT environment. Our operations are based on strong profitability. A positive beat We have an open and encouraging atmosphere with the aim of finding solutions. We appreciate one another. We believe in ourselves and our colleagues. We give constructive feedback with a positive attitude. Our new values have been received well. The values act as general principles guiding our operations even better than before in that we can keep our customer promises in everyday work – both internally and externally.
More efficient working methods in everyday life In addition to reshaping the working week, the 925 project is finding ways of improving working efficiency, enjoyment and well-being at work.
Samlink is involved in the Redesigning 925 project. The 925 cooperation project adds a new perspective to the working week. The 925 project is exploring the everyday life of IT employees at grassroots level, and finding better ways of working and organising work. Furthermore, the project aims at re-planning the majority of regular office work practices. The practices to be planned will be selected on the basis of a survey conducted within the participating organisations, and
Work can be organised better.
will be tested within selected test groups. New operating models may be various meeting, e-mail and calendar practices. We are interested in continuously developing new and more efficient ways of working. The daily transaction unit acts as Samlink's pilot group in the development of working methods. All of the unit's 40 employees will test the working methods developed through the project in their everyday work. The 925 project was participated in by the entire personnel. To support its own ideas, Samlink is obtaining a summary of the ideas and experiences of all participating companies concerning new ways of doing office work.
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We have openmindedly taken part in the project which delves into a socially large and important theme. We expect that, by questioning the current working practices, we can come up with ideas relating to efficiency and well-being. Time allocation and resource management are always important themes in expert organisations. The project is also being participated in by UPM, IBM, Fazer, the Finnish Government, Outotec and Solita. The project comprises part of the Helsinki Design Capital 2012 event.
Social aspects
Samlink – a responsible corporate citizen Banking systems and electronic transaction services are important parts of society.
Our business operations are based on the production of reliable and secure data systems. Our systems are up-to-date and reliable, and in compliance with the regulations set by Finnish and EU laws. As the significance of security is emphasised within our operating environment, we are continuously developing the security of our services. Our partners include the Financial Supervisory Authority, Huoltovarmuuskeskus, the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority and
Security and the environment play key parts, together with financial and social responsibility.
the National Bureau of Investigation. Reliable and functional banking systems are of vital importance for the functionality of society. In failure and irregular situations, we follow an accurately specified process. We have comprehensive continuity and contingency plans for any service breaks. Our aim is to minimise the adverse effects of any failure and irregular situations on our customers. We work equally as an employer. We invest in competence, fairness and well-being at work. We take care of our experienced professionals in order to lengthen their working careers. We maintain working capacity and promote interaction and the exchange of know-how between generations. The direct environmental impact of our operations is fairly small. We prefer ecofriendly and recyclable materials. Through
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our services, such as electronic archive and transaction solutions, we have an indirect impact on reducing physical bank transactions and paper consumption.
We bear our social responsibility in diverse ways. Our donations are systematically directed at bodies that promote the well-being of children and young people. Through our cooperation with educational institutes, we are also offering valuable job experience for young people through the TET work programme and thesis assignments. We are engaged in lecture cooperation, and offer summer jobs in the Helsinki region and our Jyväskylä office.
Management
Administration principles At Samlink, good governance refers to compliance with legislation, regulations and good business practices.
The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the company operates according to the principles of good administration. The Board of Directors is responsible for the appropriate handling of operations, as well as for guiding and monitoring Samlink’s acting management. Furthermore, the Board of Directors approves Samlink’s longterm strategic objectives, as well as larger development projects and investments. The Board of Directors appoints the
Samlink is continuously auditing its operations internally.
Managing Director who is responsible for the company’s business operations. Furthermore, the Managing Director is responsible for directing the company’s operations in accordance with the management rules and guidelines issued by the Board of Directors. The Managing Director and other members appointed by the Board of Directors make up Samlink’s Management Team, which assists the Managing Director in the preparation of the company’s strategy, business plans and development projects. Internal Auditing and Risk Management Samlink’s internal auditing is carried out by KMPG Oy Ab. The audit is performed
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according to the guidelines and annual plans set for internal auditing by the Board of Directors. Internal auditing is reported to the Group management and the Board of Directors. In addition to external auditing, Samlink is continuously auditing its operations internally. Samlink aims to identify operational risks as early as possible. The company has a risk management process that covers all of its operations, evaluating the strategic, operational, financial and support operation risks. The process serves to identify the extent of these risks and the probability of their realisation. The action plans required are prepared on the basis of this information.
Samlink’s administrative bodies
Annual General Meeting Law
Board of Directors
Internal auditing Development
CEO
Financial administration
Subsidiaries
Samlink’s Management Team
Paikallispankkien PP-Laskenta Oy
Sales, marketing and customer support
Project-IT Oy 51.5 percent of the voting rights as of 1 June 2011
Business support functions
Business units Samcom Oy Projects Production Services and Security
Application services
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Personnel and internal services
Electronic services
Management Team
Heikki Sirve CEO born 1953 Master of Laws
Tarja Belov Director in charge of the Project Business born 1958 Master of Science
Piia Heikkilä Personnel Director born 1963 Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration
Marko Hykkönen Director of Projects born 1963 Licentiate of Science (Technology)
Sirve has served as the Managing Director of Oy Samlink Ab since 1 January 2004. Before this, he served as the Managing Director and Director of Suomen Arvopaperikeskus Oy/Hex Oyj in 1997–2003, and Investment Director of Oy Samlink Ab in 1994– 1996. In addition, Sirve has served in several management positions in Sp-Palvelu Oy, Samstock Oy, Sp-Meklarit Pankkiiriliike and the Savings Bank Group. Sirve is a member of the European Savings Banks Group’s Banking Technology Committee.
Belov has served as the Director in charge of Oy Samlink Ab’s project business since 2008. Before this, she worked as a Director at Fidenta Oy in 2002– 2008, as a development manager at Sonera Oyj in 1998–2001 and in various positions at TietoEnator Oyj.
Heikkilä has served as Oy Samlink Ab’s Personnel Director since 2006. Heikkilä started work at Samlink as a Personnel Manager in 1999. She served also as HR manager at Valtameri Osakeyhtö in 1990–1993 and personnel secretary at the State Printing Centre in 1988–1989.
Hykkönen has served as Director of Projects at Oy Samlink Ab since 2011. Before this, he served as an IT Director at Luottokunta in 2006–2011, as a Director at OMX/HEX Oyj in 2000–2006 and at eQ Pankkiiriliike Oy in 1999– 2000, Development Manager at Arvopaperikeskus/Helsingin Rahamarkkinakeskus Oy in 1994–1999 and Consultant at Accenture 1989–1994.
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Management Team
Vesa Keskinen Director of Production Services and Security and Deputy Managing Director born 1954 Master of Science in Technology
Sami Kettunen Director of Electronical Transaction Services, Managing Director, Samcom Oy born 1969 Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration
Maarit Kuuri Lawyer and secretary of the Management Team born 1962 Master of Laws trained on the bench
Matti Rantala Managing Director, Paikallispankkien PP-Laskenta Oy born 1961 Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration
Keskinen has served as Director in charge of production services at Oy Samlink Ab since 2000. Before this, he served as Samlink’s development/ department head in 1994–2000, as department manager at SpPalvelu Oy in 1990–1994 and as section head at the Central Bank for the Finnish Savings Banks (SKOP). In addition, Keskinen has served in various positions in the Cooperative Banking Centre.
Kettunen has worked at Samcom Oy since its establishment in 2005. Before this, he worked as a Director at Digia Oyj, and a Sales and Marketing Director at Republica Oy.
Kuuri has served as Oy Samlink Ab’s lawyer since 2010. She started at Samlink as Product Manager in 2009. Before this, Kuuri has worked as the Managing Director of Lammin Osuuspankki (2008), and the Managing Director and Administrative Director of Aktiv Hansa Oy in 2000–2007. Kuuri has experience in several positions in Arsenal Asset Management Company and the Savings Bank Group.
Rantala has served as the Managing Director of Paikallispankkien PP-Laskenta Oy since December 2010. Before this, he served as CFO of Gt Trading Finland Oy in 2009–2010, and a business director and international sector manager at Visma Software Oy in 2007–2008. Rantala has also worked as an entrepreneur and in different positions in Pretax Oy.
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Management Team
Pertti Simola Director of the application services unit and Director responsible for application deliveries born 1955 Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration
Matti Särkkinen Chief Financial Officer born 1962 Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration
Markus Tuominen Leading expert and staff representative on the Management Team born 1971 Business school graduate
Simola has acted as the Director of Oy Samlink Ab’s Application Services unit since 2008. Before that, he worked as service director at Elisa Oyj in 2004–2008 and as a Director at Radiolinja Oy in 2003– 2004. In addition, he has worked in several positions at HPY/Elisa Oyj, the Bank of Finland, Sp-Palvelu Oy, the Central Bank for the Finnish Savings Banks (SKOP) and the Cooperative Banking Centre.
Särkkinen has served as CFO of Oy Samlink Ab since 2007. Before this, he was responsible for the finances and administration of Esy Oy (from 1 January 2006 TietoEnator Esy Oy) in 1999–2006. Särkkinen has also served in several supervisor and management positions in Varma-Sampo, Eläke-Sampo and Vakuutusosakeyhtiö Sampo.
Tuominen has served in application expert positions at Oy Samlink Ab since 1997.
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Board of Directors
Hannu Vähähyyppä Chairman of the Board of Directors Board member 2008– born 1952 Master of Laws trained on the bench Managing Director, Huittisten Säästöpankki
Juhani Strömberg Deputy Chairman of the Board Board member 2011– born 1953 Doctor of Science (Technology) Director, Strategy and Development, Itella Oyj
Oiva Iisakka Board member 2006– born 1956 Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, MBA Managing Director, Nooa Säästöpankki Oy
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Pasi Kämäri Board member 2009– born 1959 Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, MBA Managing Director, Finnish Savings Banks Association (FSBA)
Board of Directors
Jussi Laitinen Board member 2011– born 1956 Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration Managing Director, Aktia Oyj
Anders Norrena Board member 2011– born 1967 Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration Director of Finance and Administration, Handelsbanken Finland
Jarmo Partanen Board member 2009− born 1956 Master of Science, MBA Managing Director, Etelä-Karjalan Säästöpankki
Board members Stefan Björkman (1.1.–31.10.2011) Aila Pasanen (1.1.–17.8.2011) Deputy board members Kari Kaijo Ulf Kurtén (1.1.–17.8.2011)
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Heikki Suutala Board member 2007– born 1957 Master of Science in Technology Managing Director, Finnish Local Cooperative Bank Group
Hannu Lanteri (since 18.8.2011) Harri Mattinen Ville Rissanen (since 18.8.2011) Matti Saustila Risto Sundqvist Heli Valanne (since 18.8.2011) Jarmo Yli-Juuti
Oy Samlink Ab. P.O. Box 130 (Linnoitustie 9), FI-02601 Espoo. Tel. +358 9 548 050. Fax +358 9 5480 5853.