In a relaxed conversation with Francisco Ruiz Luque, the CEO of N5 shares lessons from his career, the behind-the-scenes of the company’s creation, and his vision for the future of banking technology.
Julián Colombo, CEO of N5, talks about innovation, AI, and his journey from bank executive to leader of one of the most promising tech companies in the financial sector.
Recently, in a warm and insightful conversation with Francisco Ruiz Luque, Julián Colombo shared lessons from his professional journey, the behind-the-scenes of founding N5, and the revolution the company is helping lead in the financial sector.
From humble beginnings — working at a Santander branch in Argentina — to founding one of the most innovative software companies for banks and financial institutions, Julián discusses technology, corporate culture, artificial intelligence, and above all, people. Watch the full conversation to understand why Julián Colombo is considered one of the most influential voices in financial innovation in Latin America
Some key insights from the interview:
From $100 to a Global Company
With a symbolic initial capital of just $100, N5 was born almost as a leap into the unknown — but with a clear sense of purpose. The first client? A Panamanian bank that believed in Julián’s vision, even before the product existed. Since then, the company has earned the trust of giants like Santander, Mastercard, Itaú, and other global players.
Banking Technology Is No Small Matter — It Must Be Built from the Core
Julián highlights a dilemma still faced by many banks: despite having abundant resources, their capacity to innovate is often lower than that of small fintechs. This is partly due to technological entropy — the overload of outdated, fragmented systems that hinder agility.
N5 was created precisely to solve this problem, offering an integrated architecture designed specifically for the financial sector.
Artificial Intelligence: A Tangible Reality, Not a Future Promise
Long before the hype, N5 was already betting on AI. Today, it has three proprietary systems:
“Alfred,” an internal assistant that answers questions based on validated data;
“Pep,” a high-performance coach that transforms sales teams;
“Singular,” focused on orchestrating processes using advanced AI.
Culture, Transparency, and Reputation: The Pillars of a Trustworthy Company
N5’s philosophy is rooted in ethics and a strong commitment to clients. Julián emphasizes that keeping one’s word matters more than any contract — and this demands dedication, consistency, and above all, transparency.
Looking Ahead: AI, Talent, and Global Expansion
By 2025, N5 is focused on three priorities:
Betting on the product of the future, even if it means letting go of current demands;
Increasing talent density, with stricter hiring and a focus on fewer cities;
Expanding through strategic partnerships with major consulting firms like EY and PwC.