Paris, May 29, 2026

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Against the backdrop of profound changes in the payments and treasury industry, Foalks Group announces the acquisition of CSA Consulting, an organizational and management consulting firm specializing in the banking and insurance sectors, thereby creating the first integrated consulting offering that combines expertise in payments, organizational transformation, and the integration of artificial intelligence.

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A payments ecosystem undergoing a revolution

The payments and treasury industry is undergoing an unprecedented period of transformation. The emergence of AI at the heart of transaction processing, the widespread adoption of instant payments, and new regulations are fundamentally reshaping the operational models of financial institutions. This technological revolution is forcing banks and businesses to completely rethink their organizations, processes, and skills.

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A unique solution: the combination of three complementary areas of expertise

In response to these challenges, the group has developed a unique offering in the market by bringing together three firms with complementary areas of expertise:

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Oaklen: B2C payment expertise and innovation

Oaklen specializes in all aspects of retail payments and supports both supply-side and demand-side players in achieving their goals. With 60 consultants specializing in payments, the firm has a deep understanding of the sector’s digital transformation and innovation challenges.

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Utsit: Excellence in Cash Management and B2B Payments

Utsit is an expert in all aspects of treasury management and related information systems, including Treasury Management Systems, cash management, B2B payments, and banking communications. This expertise enables us to support large enterprises in transforming their treasury management in the era of instant payments and stablecoins.

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CSA Consulting: Operational and Customer Service Excellence in Financial Services

For 30 years, CSA Consulting has been supporting players in the banking and insurance sectors through their digital transformations. The firm stands out for its business-focused approach, which combines strategic vision with operational implementation to drive organizational performance and enhance the customer experience.

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A new approach to consulting: Transformation × AI × Expertise.

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This integration gives rise to an innovative consulting model built on three inseparable pillars:

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1. Organizational Transformation

The combination of methodologies from Oaklen, Utsit, and CSA Consulting enables us to support financial institutions and large corporations in the complete overhaul of their operational models. CSA Consulting’s values of pragmatism and co-creation align perfectly with Foalks Group’s culture of innovation.

2. Integration of artificial intelligence

The Group has already demonstrated its ability to support the integration of agent-based AI solutions, particularly to automate and ensure the reliability of expert content production. This capability, combined with the industry expertise of the three firms, enables us to support clients in adopting AI to enhance operational efficiency and service quality

3. Ensuring expertise in payments and cash management

With over 30 years of expertise, the firm has a unique standing in the market. This depth of expertise ensures that clients receive support that keeps pace with the latest regulatory, technological, and competitive developments in the industry.

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A unique market position

The integrated group now has nearly 110 employees and is targeting revenue of nearly 18 million euros in 2026. This critical mass enables the group to take on large-scale transformation projects

leaders in banking, finance, and the corporate sector. The synergies between the three firms are immediate: a shared client portfolio that includes major banks and insurance companies, shared sector-specific expertise in banking and payments, corporate treasury, and a shared culture of excellence and innovation.

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A long-term strategic vision

"The payments ecosystem is undergoing a far more significant transformation than e-commerce did 20 years ago," explains Rémi Gitzinger, President of Foalks Group. "The players who succeed will be those who can fundamentally transform their organizations while integrating new AI technologies. Our ambition is to be the go-to partner for these transformations."

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“Joining forces with Oaklen Consulting and Utsit marks a pivotal step in the development of CSAConsulting. The complementary nature of our expertise, our aligned strategic approaches, and our in-depth understanding of the challenges facing the banking and insurance sectors enable us to significantly strengthen our value proposition; by combining our know-how with the recognized expertise of Oaklen and Utsit, we are able to provide an even more comprehensive solution to our clients,” says Olivier Mucci, Partner at CSA Consulting, who will lead the Operational and Relational Excellence practice and contribute to the development of the Banking and Insurance activities of this new entity.

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“Beyond the complementary nature of our businesses, this merger is based above all on shared values and a common vision of the consulting profession: close relationships with clients, team commitment, and an entrepreneurial culture. We share with Oaklen and Utsit the same focus on our employees and on building high-quality, long-lasting relationships. This transaction is thus part of a strategy of continuity, serving both our clients and our teams, with the ambition of preserving what defines CSA Consulting’s identity while opening up new opportunities,” adds Sabine Tézenas du Montcel, Partner and Chair of CSA Consulting, who is joining Foalks Group as a Special Advisor to the Secretary General.

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The acquisition of CSA Consulting is part of a selective external growth strategy aimed at strengthening the group's expertise in high-value-added segments.

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Promising prospects

With this new structure in place, the group is well-positioned to address the major transformation challenges facing the financial industry:

• The rollout of instant payments and its impact on cash management

• The integration of artificial intelligence into payment processes

• Modernizing cash management infrastructure

• Optimizing the operational performance of banking back offices

• Supporting the organizational changes brought about by these developments

The group also remains strongly committed to ESG issues, having earned Ecovadis Silver certification and recognition as a Great Place to Work.

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About Foalks Group

Foalks Group brings together Oaklen, Utsit, and now CSA Consulting, comprising nearly 110 experts in payments, treasury, and organizational transformation. With over 30 years of experience and revenue of nearly €18 million, the group supports banks, fintech companies, payment service providers (PSPs), payment schemes, and corporations in their major payment and treasury transformation initiatives.

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About CSA Consulting

Founded in 1995, CSA Consulting is a consulting firm specializing in the banking and insurance sectors. With a track record of over 500 completed projects and recognized expertise in organization and management, the firm focuses primarily on five areas of expertise: strategic consulting and support, customer relations and omnichannel distribution, operational performance, payments and cash management, as well as risk management and internal control.

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Foalks Group Press Contact Email: contacteznous@foalksgroup.eu Phone: +33 (0)1 49 52 93 93

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