Banking Transformed with Jim Marous

The COVID-19 crisis has put a spotlight on the outdated tech infrastructures of many traditional financial services companies. As cloud computing has matured, banks and credit unions have hesitated to embrace the technology, worried about security, unsure of the benefits and unwilling to hand over control of their data. The pandemic is expected to accelerate a shift to the cloud, not only because many of the concerns have been addressed, but also because fintech and bigtech organizations are built around modern technologies that provide them a competitive advantage. To understand the potential of cloud technology and the options available to financial services firms of all sizes, we are joined by Tom Eck, global chief technology officer at IBM and Spiros Margaris, Venture Capitalist and Founder of margaris ventures. In this episode, they discuss how cloud computing fits into the entire digital transformation journey and why cloud computing is more than just a new technology. For more information, please

With an immediate shift to a work-at-home reality and increased use of digital channels, organizations need to think beyond immediate operational challenges, anticipating consumer’s need for increased emotional engagements, improved personalization and a new focus on experiences beyond daily transactions. Not to be forgotten is the need to invest in best-in-class digital capabilities and functionality, as consumers are becoming increasingly intolerant of poor digital performance. To understand the COVID impact on customer experience, we are joined by Harley Manning, vice president and research director for Forrester’s customer experience practice. Pam Piligian, SVP of marketing and communications from Navy Federal Credit Union also joins us. In the episode, we discuss how the pandemic has changed CX in banking and how Navy Federal Credit Union continues to deliver industry leading customer experiences.

Most traditional banks were unprepared for the flight to digital that occurred due to COVID-19. Mobile-only challenger bank Current has seen customer growth skyrocket during the pandemic, appealing to lower-wage earners who don’t want to worry about minimum balances or overdraft fees. Serving over 1 million active users and projected to double in size by the end of the year, Current serves a sweet spot of workers who live paycheck to paycheck and previously frequented very expensive check cashing facilities or risked paying penalty fees at traditional banks. We caught up with Stuart Sopp, founder and CEO of Current, and previous Wall Street trader, to discuss the strategy of lowering the barriers for financial inclusion to a growing demographic of younger, lower paid consumers who want hassle-free basic banking services. In the episode, Stuart discusses how the pandemic served as a launch pad for the challenger bank and how to differentiate a challenger bank in a crowded marketplace.

At no time has the importance of innovation and the deployment of advanced technologies in banking been more evident than today. With more consumers embracing digital banking, banks are being challenged to replicate the level of engagement of bigtech and new tech organizations such as Amazon, Google, Netflix, Zoom and Alibaba. One of the perennial global leaders in technological innovation for banking is CaixaBank, Spain's leading digital financial services provider. As a pioneer in digital transformation, the application of artificial intelligence, innovative product design, and hybrid cloud utilization, CaixaBank continues to be at the forefront of what banking can become. We are joined today by Benjami Puigdevall, long time veteran at CaixaBank and current CEO of imagin, a digital lifestyle platform created and supported by CaixaBank. On today’s episode, Benjami discusses digital transformation at CaixaBank, the importance of an innovation culture and the development of imagin.

COVID-19 has had an immediate impact on loyalty and reward programs due to the unprecedented period of low travel and entertainment. As people stopped flying, staying in hotels, and eating out, loyalty programs had to respond quickly. Organizations that can identify, communicate, and act upon a brand purpose that overlaps with the values of the consumer will be better positioned to thrive as we enter a new normal. In other words, loyalty that focuses much more closely on consumer preferences rather than merely shelling out points will win in the long run. We are joined today by Mary Hines, chief marketing officer for the US Consumer Bank at Citi. On today's episode, Mary discusses the importance of turning loyalty program interactions from something that is occasional to something habitual.

Many fintech firms struggle to gain scale, funding and brand recognition in an increasingly crowded banking ecosystem. Leveraging the power of digital technology and over a century’s worth of brand expertise, Goldman Sachs introduced its consumer banking platform, Marcus in 2016.   Through acquisitions, partnerships with firms like Apple and Amazon, and significant organic growth, Marcus has grown into a multiproduct platform, with $80 billion in deposits across the US and UK, $7 billion in consumer loan and card balances and millions of customers — all without the traditional brick-and-mortar branch model.   We are joined today by Dustin Cohn, Head of Brand and Marketing over Consumer and Investment Management for Goldman Sachs and the Marcus brand. On today’s episode, Dustin discusses the building of a new digital banking brand within a legacy financial firm and the mission of creating a unique customer experience.

The banking industry had been warned for decades to become more innovative, transform to digital, embrace new technologies and become more aware of consumer and societal needs. Rather than moving forward, many organizations hesitated due to cost, the desire to stay the course, or even ‘intentional blindness’.   Unexpectedly, however, the world was disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic that required digital engagement, and more recently a social pandemic centered on racial equality, diversity and inclusion. These events created four seismic shifts in awareness and behavior that are reshaping our understanding of business, society, technology and ourselves.   We are joined today by Nancy Giordano, strategic futurist, founder of PlayBig, Inc. and co-founder of the Femme Futurists Society. In the episode, Nancy discusses how the recent confluence of pandemics have impacted the future of work, our perspective on social inequities, changes in consumption and our understanding of ourselves.

The world is faced with uncertain times caused by the global pandemic combined with demands for increased equality, diversity and inclusion. Beyond empty posturing, the banking industry must make a meaningful difference locally and globally on important social issues.   This includes stronger leadership that looks beyond ethics to also include a moral compass for decisions. It also includes increased sustainable investing, greater employee involvement in social causes, and a change in hiring and advancement practices.   To better understand the challenges and opportunities faced by banks and credit unions, we are joined today by legendary basketball coach, author and inspirational speaker, Mike Jarvis. Using his 25 years as an NCAA coach as a guide, Mike shares his insights into what leaders and organizations must do today to meet the needs of the community.

In the past decade, the marketplace has seen the development of more banking competitors than in the previous hundred years. From solution specific fintech firms like Stripe and Robinhood to digital-first neo banks like Revolut and Monzo, the marketplace has been seen entries of all types and sizes.   But, with COVID-19 impacting the funding availability to fintech firms, is there room for new fintech solutions? More importantly, what will happen to those firms that do not yet have scale?   Today, we are joined by Anthony Thomson, serial entrepreneur and founder of three challenger banks … Metro Bank and Atom Bank in the U.K. and most recently, 86 400 in Australia. Rather than triple down on a single banking concept, each organization from Thomson has been an iteration that mirrors the evolution of consumer banking needs. In the show, Thomson discusses his journey, as well as how fintech firms can survive in a post COVID-19 world.

The COVID-19 crisis has impacted both humanity and business in an instantaneous and dramatic way. But, while each pandemic throughout history has been unique, each has brought about massive changes in the way we live, the priorities we set, how we interact and the businesses that emerge. Survival is a great motivator for change. As a result, pandemics have always led to innovations that have changed our lives.   We have already seen the increased reliance on remote working, contactless commerce, video engagement and new forms of entertainment. We have also seen a disruption across financial services.   Today, we are joined by Richard Turrin, financial technology consultant and best-selling author of the book, ‘Innovation Lab Excellence: Digital Transformation from Within’. With a history as a banker and the head of IBM’s innovation lab in Singapore, Richard explains why COVID-19 will fuel the next wave of innovation in banking.  

Data and advanced analytics are the foundation of every organization. Beyond improving efficiency and understanding business success, the power of data and predictive modeling can improve the understanding of consumer needs and personalize experiences.   Bottom line, the survival of financial organizations in a post COVID-19 world will depend on how insights are collected and how they are used for the consumer’s benefit.   In this episode, we are joined by Ryan Caldwell and Brandon Dewitt, the co-founders of MX Technologies, located right outside Provo Utah. MX works with more than 2,000 organizations to gather, enrich, present, and act on data. Today, we discuss how data and advanced analytics is a matter of survival for financial institutions, consumers and even in their personal lives.

The best and most respected leaders shine the brightest during times of crisis. Not relying on a crisis management plan, the best managers surround themselves with the best people and provide a platform for growth for those within the organization.   As a result, moving to a work from home environment should not disrupt an organization, but simply change the environment from where work is done. In all industries, especially banking, those institutions that have most respected leaders will be the winners.   We are very fortunate to be joined today by Tom Peters, one of the most respected names in business for over 40 years. A management revolutionary, Tom was the coauthor of what many considered to be the best business book ever, ‘In Search of Excellence’. A prolific bestselling author, Peters has written close to 20 books over the years. In today’s episode, Tom shares his insights and what differentiates a great leader during times of massive change.

The financial services industry is known for century-old institutions with rules and policies that are often outdated, yet preserved by regulations. Whether we are talking about banking, insurance or investment services, transformation is often slow and outside competition is met with significant resistance.   This is why it is so exciting to do a profile on a disruptor organization that finds success despite these hurdles. Lemonade is such a company, forming an insurance company that aligns the interests of the carrier with those of the customer, in a way that is economically viable. They have found success using cutting edge technology, a completely different business model and a passion for doing good.   We caught up with Lemonade’s CEO and cofounder Daniel Schreiber for an exclusive interview to find out how artificial intelligence, behavioral economics and a focus on transparency and purpose have been used to disrupt the centuries-old insurance industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious challenge to retail banking in almost a century. Retail banks have had to rethink distribution, support government relief programs and manage remote workforces, all while trying to meet consumer expectations during a period of household-level economic uncertainty.   These challenges are only the tip of the iceberg, however, as the economic fallout and the redefined structure of the financial services ecosystem are beginning to emerge. It is clear that the ‘new normal’ in retail banking will be far different than we ever imagined only a few months ago.   We are fortunate to get an exclusive interview with Richard Hunt, president and CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association (CBA). Since his appointment in 2009, Hunt has helped to navigate the banking industry through a period of unprecedented change. In this episode, Hunt provides his perspectives for the future of retail banking during a period of tremendous uncertainty.

According to Malcolm Gladwell, a ‘tipping point’ is the moment of critical mass, when an idea, trend or behavior crosses a threshold and spreads like wildfire. The COVID-19 crisis is an example of such a phenomenon and so has been the instantaneous impact of this crisis on the digital transformation of banking.   Organizations that had not already embraced the entirety of how to become a ‘digital bank’ were caught flat footed as branch doors were closed and customers were required to transact on digital channels. In some cases, accounts couldn't be opened or loan applications taken, In all cases, organizations that had not digitally transformed their operations, products and culture delivered suboptimal customer experiences.   We are fortunate to be joined again by one of the foremost authorities on the future of banking, Chris Skinner. Chris is a prolific blogger and he is joining us today to discuss his newest book, “Doing Digital: Lessons from Leaders”. In this episode, Chris capsulizes interviews he d

In the book, 'Disrupt Yourself', by Whitney Johnson, it is suggested that the disruptions and changes that matter most start with personal disruptions and change. There is no doubt that the COVID-19 crisis has disrupted every person’s life and every organization’s business model.   The crisis has impacted the way we learn, the way we interact, the way we work and the way we think about our personal and corporate priorities. Every step of the way, modern digital technologies have been brought front and center, with the importance of data, advanced analytics and contextualization being shown to be more important than ever.   We are fortunate to be joined today by Tamara McCleary, the CEO of Thulium and a top 10 social media influencer in AI, robotics, digital technology and martech. A globally recognized futurist and keynote speaker, Tamara shares her perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on the technology ecosystem and what consumers will be expecting when this crisis subsides.

After COVID-19, the world around us will be changed forever. In a matter of weeks, working from home has become the norm, not the exception. The virus has forced a reckoning of how we view work, travel, engagement with others and the technologies that make these possible.   Before the pandemic, digital transformation was optional for many organizations. When COVID-19 took hold, necessity dictated that all organizations ‘become digital’. Virtually all work that can be done online has gone online, with new ways to collaborate and innovate. With work-from-home quickly becoming the norm, it is unlikely that the corporate office will be the only place to ‘get things done’ in the future.   Our guest is Benjamin Pring, head of Cognizant’s Center for the Future of Work. Ben is a co-author of the best-selling books, 'What To Do When Machines Do Everything' and 'Code Halos; How the Digital Lives of People, Things, and Organizations are Changing the Rules of Business'. In this episode, Ben provides a glimpse into th

Despite the best intentions, consumers do not always act rationally with regards to money management. While we all know that we should limit debt and increase savings, many people live day-to-day, and have far less set aside for financial emergencies than needed.   Unfortunately, most people’s irrational behavior around money became exposed with the impact of COVID-19. Across the globe, households lost their safety net of predictable events that they depended on, from a regular paycheck to savings that they had planned to set aside.   Today’s guest on the podcast is Dan Ariely, the foremost researcher of behavioral economics in the world. A prolific best-selling author, fintech advisor and professor at Duke University, Ariely discusses why humans don’t always act rationally about money and the result of these irrational behaviors. He also shares thoughts on how consumers and financial institutions can recover from the challenges brought on by COVID-19.

I had the unique opportunity to visit WeLab as part of my visit to China in early January. WeLab uses proprietary risk management technology and advanced AI to analyze mobile data within seconds, providing financial solutions to over 42 million customers across Asia. WeLab is also one of the first institutions to receive a virtual banking license in Hong Kong.   Despite the advanced technology and innovative deployment of digital products and services, what impressed me most about WeLab during my visit was the evolving culture of the organization and the commitment to employee as well as customer satisfaction.   Today’s guest on the podcast is Simon Loong, Founder and Group CEO of WeLab. During our interview, Simon shares his perspective on how to use mobile data to create customer profiles and the importance of culture within a rapidly growing organization. We also discuss the lingering impact of COVID-19 on his organization and on China.

According to the 2019 U.S. Financial Health Pulse report, less than 30% of Americans could be considered financially healthy, with millions of households not having enough money in savings to get through a month. These are the people who are the most at risk given today’s COVID-19 crisis.   The longer this crisis continues, the greater the financial impact on consumers at all levels. Protracted and dynamic pandemic conditions will also draw out anxiety and financial stress impacting relationships and creating underlying phychosocial behaviors. Unfortunately, things will get worse before they get better.   Today’s guest on the podcast is Jennifer Tescher, President & CEO of the Financial Health Network, the nation’s authority on consumer financial health. Tescher founded the Financial Health Network in 2004. During our interview, Jennifer shares her perspective on what both government and the banking industry need to do to support the financial health of all citizens.