CEO Sampsa Laine has left Alisa Bank Plc, effective today, after reaching a mutual agreement with the board.

The board has launched a search for a new chief executive, the Finnish lender announced today. In the meantime, CFO and Deputy CEO Kukka Lehtimäki will assume the duties of interim CEO. As previously disclosed, Aki Gynther will take on the role of Deputy CEO and serve as interim CEO during Lehtimäki’s parental leave starting March 16, 2026, subject to approval by the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority.

Alisa Bank Plc is a financial technology company that provides digital banking services to SMEs, deposit customers and partners. The Helsinki-listed lender has been undergoing a strategic shift toward SME financing and Banking-as-a-Service partnerships, exiting most of its consumer lending operations in 2025. The bank reported a full-year 2025 loss before taxes of EUR 2.1 million, as profitability remained under pressure despite strengthened capital adequacy.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and Alisa Bank employees I wish to thank Sampsa Laine for his contribution in developing the bank and executing its strategy,” said Chair Olli-Petteri Lehtinen, adding that the bank remains committed to its growth strategy and improving profitability.

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Leaders

CEO Sampsa Laine exits Alisa Bank; CFO Kukka Lehtimäki named interim CEO

CEO Sampsa Laine exits Alisa Bank; CFO Kukka Lehtimäki named interim CEO

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5 min read

Credit: Alisa Bank: Kukka Lehtimäki

Credit: Alisa Bank: Kukka Lehtimäki

CEO Sampsa Laine has left Alisa Bank Plc, effective today, after reaching a mutual agreement with the board.

The board has launched a search for a new chief executive, the Finnish lender announced today. In the meantime, CFO and Deputy CEO Kukka Lehtimäki will assume the duties of interim CEO. As previously disclosed, Aki Gynther will take on the role of Deputy CEO and serve as interim CEO during Lehtimäki’s parental leave starting March 16, 2026, subject to approval by the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority.

Alisa Bank Plc is a financial technology company that provides digital banking services to SMEs, deposit customers and partners. The Helsinki-listed lender has been undergoing a strategic shift toward SME financing and Banking-as-a-Service partnerships, exiting most of its consumer lending operations in 2025. The bank reported a full-year 2025 loss before taxes of EUR 2.1 million, as profitability remained under pressure despite strengthened capital adequacy.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and Alisa Bank employees I wish to thank Sampsa Laine for his contribution in developing the bank and executing its strategy,” said Chair Olli-Petteri Lehtinen, adding that the bank remains committed to its growth strategy and improving profitability.

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Authors

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Authors

Journalist

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

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Rainmaker buys Inhouse to close the gap on its EUR 7 million B2B target 

Rainmaker aims to grow its B2B business to around EUR 7 million by the end of its 2025 to 2027 strategy period. B2B sales revenue was EUR 1.6 million in the first half, up from EUR 1.0 million. Two pilot assignments did not move into production, and volumes in its SDR service fell in spring before recovering in early summer. Inhouse covers prospecting, customer acquisition and appointment booking, and will keep its own brand. The purchase price was not disclosed.

“Inhouse Group has built a strong position in demanding B2B solution sales and developed operating models that perfectly complement Rainmaker's business entity. The acquisition supports our strategy to grow and strengthens our position as a growth partner for our customers,” says Tapio Korttilalli, CEO of Rainmaker, in the press release.

Inhouse follows two acquisitions in the first half of 2026

In February, Rainmaker bought telephone sales company Myyntimestarit and its roughly 60 sales professionals. It also bought Digizer's e-commerce customer service business.  First-half revenue rose 14.2% to EUR 24.6 million, with organic growth of 10.6% and acquisitions adding 3.6 percentage points. Comparable EBITDA rose to EUR 1.7 million, or 7.0% of revenue, the bottom of its 7 to 10% medium-term target range.

The balance sheet has been rebuilt for a listing since spring

In June, pension insurer Veritas subscribed EUR 2.0 million of new shares, equal to 11.76% of shares after registration. “The company's growth prospects and market position create a solid foundation for the company's future development and it is really great to be part of this story,” says Theo Laakso, portfolio manager at Veritas.

Interest-bearing net debt fell to EUR 5.6 million from EUR 9.7 million a year earlier, or 1.5 times rolling EBITDA. In July, several loan arrangements were replaced with a single long-term facility with fewer covenants.

Two holding companies own more than 90% of the shares

Before the Veritas shares were registered, GTW Group held 58.56% of Rainmaker and Divest Group 34.34%. The company says a listing would strengthen its capital structure and fund organic and acquisition-driven growth. A new company form, an outside equity investor and simpler debt all point the same way. The Inhouse deal gives prospective investors a first look at what a listing would pay for.

Leadership Moves

Boreo names Lassi Simola CFO, ending nearly a year of a split finance function

Oct 6, 2026

Boreo has appointed Lassi Simola, currently Workout and Restructuring Executive at Nordea, as Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Group Management Team. He starts no later than 4 January 2027, ending an interim arrangement that has divided the finance role between two people since February.

Boreo brings back a CFO after deciding in February to manage without one

In December 2025, Boreo announced that CFO Jesse Petäjä would step down and said it had started recruiting a successor. In February 2026, it changed course and decided not to appoint a CFO for the time being. Rafael Osmanov became Head of M&A and Financing, and Vice President Finance Sami Hanerva took over financial reporting.

Once Simola starts, Hanerva will report to him in his current role. Osmanov will support the onboarding, and his contract ends by the end of March 2027.

The new CFO and the CEO both come from private equity and consulting dealmaking

Simola has more than 15 years in finance, over 10 of them in private equity, and is a CFA charterholder. Tuomas Kahri, CEO since 1 April 2026, was previously a partner at McKinsey & Company and Intera Partners. The hire is the first CFO appointment under Kahri.

“Lassi brings to Boreo strong expertise in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. He has extensive experience working with small and medium-sized companies and possesses an excellent understanding of the challenges and opportunities these businesses face,” says Tuomas Kahri, CEO of Boreo, in the press release.

Boreo has spent 2026 preparing its balance sheet for acquisitions

Boreo grew 2025 net sales by 14% to EUR 153.3 million and operational EBIT by 17% to EUR 8.0 million, and its board proposed no dividend to strengthen the financial position. The April 2026 AGM approved that proposal. First-half 2026 net sales rose 14% to EUR 84.6 million, operational EBIT rose 21% to EUR 4.3 million, and operating cash flow improved to EUR 3.7 million.

The portfolio is moving in both directions. In July, subsidiary Floby Nya Bilverkstad sold its vehicle painting business Lackmästar'n. On 1 October, Boreo bought technical textiles maker TEXpro for an enterprise value of EUR 1.6 million, paid from existing cash.

“With its strengthened financial position and renewed focus on acquisitions, I believe the company is well positioned to pursue its growth strategy,” says Lassi Simola.

TEXpro, with EUR 1.7 million in net sales, shows the scale of Boreo's deals so far this year. A CFO hired for his acquisition record suggests the board expects that scale to grow.

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