Santander (LON: BNC) have made the decision to invest £350 million in Ebury. This is a bold statement from the global bank who look see potential in Ebury making a statement to other market competitors.

Ebury is a trade and foreign exchange facilitator for small and medium-sized companies and have boasted impressive figures in their recent trading years.

The investment, which fits Santander’s digital strategy of accelerating growth through new ventures, will strengthen its Global Trade Services offer.

This will also further consolidate Santander’s position as the bank of choice for SMEs trading or aspiring to trade internationally in its markets across Europe and the Americas, and in Asia later on.

Ebury currently operate within 19 countries, handling over 140 currencies. The firm has seen annual consistent revenue gains of 40% in the last three years.

UK-based Ebury operates on a worldwide distribution platform underpinned by a data driven business model and offers best-in-class customer experience and product capabilities.

The partnership will be a huge boost for Ebury, allowing them to improve their value proposition, supported by a big market player.

Additionally, this will give much exposure to Ebury and the access into new markets for for currency trading.

Under the terms of the transaction, Santander will acquire 50.1% of Ebury for £350m, of which £70m will be new primary equity to support Ebury’s plans to enter new markets in Latin America and Asia.

Ana Botín, Group Executive Chairman of Banco Santander, said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are a major engine of growth around the world, creating new jobs and contributing up to 60% of total employment and up to 40% of national GDP in emerging economies. SMEs are becoming increasingly global and Santander is the best positioned bank to play a leading role to help them access global trade finance.

“By partnering with Ebury, Santander will deliver faster and more efficient products and services for SMEs, previously only accessible to larger corporates.” Botín concluded.

This comes at an important time for Santander, amidst the financial industry struggles where HSBC (LON: HSBA) have reported a fall in revenues and a restructuring change .

Additionally, Deutsche Bank (ETR: DBK) appear to be in further crisis as they report a third quarter loss.

Juan Lobato and Salvador García, co-founders of Ebury, added: “Combining a big bank with nimble fintech means we can offer our clients the best of both worlds: they can benefit from our technology and high-quality service safe in the knowledge that they are counterparty to one of the world most important financial institutions.

“It is an exciting time for Ebury, we have just completed our first acquisition, and the new capital from Santander and our existing shareholders will allow us to invest in new ways to serve SMEs trading internationally and continue the growth in our business while keeping our entrepreneurial culture.”

Shares of Santander are trading at 320p per share, climbing 2.66% during Monday trading. 4/11/19 11:38BST.