Banking Transformed with Jim Marous

2023 has presented many challenges for financial institutions. Record-breaking inflation, rapidly rising interest rates, reduced loan demand, and declining deposits have created a level of uncertainty not experienced for decades. These changes have disrupted status-quo assumptions while presenting amazing opportunities for financial institutions willing to reinvent legacy business models. I am excited to have Gregg R. Tewksbury, president and CEO at New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp and Lee Wetherington, senior director of corporate strategy at Jack Henry on the Banking Transformed podcast. They discuss the results of the 2023 Strategic Priorities Benchmark Study just released by Jack Henry.

From virtual and embedded experiences to digital payments and the power of AI, digital banking experiences can be enhanced at every touchpoint. With so much disruption – and opportunity – facing banks, credit unions and fintech firms, the industry must be more agile than ever to turn these changes to their advantage. But capitalizing on disruption and unleashing new growth potential requires more than just new technology. It requires strong leadership, laser focus, a willingness to collaborate with third-party solution providers and a commitment to customer centricity. We have DeAndre Jones, EVP, Chief Client Officer & Head of Client Experience at FIS on the Banking Transformed podcast. We dive into the ways in which technology and digital solutions are revolutionizing the banking sector, ultimately creating better experiences for customers. This Episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by FIS  How do you find your feet on ground that’s constantly shifting? You have to read The Global Innovation Report f

Creating a separate digital-only bank by a legacy financial institution is an opportunity to build a new, high-growth business that leverages the parent’s capabilities, brand and capital. The challenge is moving from a rapid initial growth phase to delivering sustainable returns, without being challenged by a legacy mindset or outdated back-office. Jenius Bank, the new digital-only banking division of California-based Manufacturers Bank, and wholly-owned subsidiary of the 400 year-old Japan-based SMBC Group, has just announced the launch of its inaugural consumer lending product. I am excited to have long-time banking veteran, John Rosenfeld, president of Jenius Bank on the Banking Transformed podcast. We discuss what will differentiate Jenius Bank and why John believes this new digital bank will succeed where others have failed.

Many financial insrtitutions are stuck with digital transformations that are not moving the needle. In the new book, “Rewired: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI” the authors found that long-term success comes when leaders embrace change around their talent, operating model, technology, and data capabilities. So, what can the banking industry learn from this detailed ‘how-to book’? How can financial institutions of all sizes continually create great customer experiences, lower costs, and build value? We have Eric Lamarre, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company and one of the authors of the book, “Rewired: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI” on the Banking Transformed podcast. He shares some of the key findings in the book and what banks must do today to become future-ready.

Being a leader in today’s banking ecosystem can be challenging when everything around us is changing so fast. The ability to pivot, be flexible and continuously evolve is a key to success. These challenges are heightened when a leader is a female in an industry historically dominated by males. The balancing of work with the pressures of home and raising a family can change the path to success. But, the path is not impossible if there is focus, commitment to learning, and empathy for coworkers and peers around us. I am thrilled to have Amnah Ajmal, Mastercard’s EVP of Market Development for Eastern European, Middle Eastern and African markets on the Banking Transformed podcast. She shares her leadership journey across multiple continents and why continuous learning is the key to becoming more future-ready.

Companies with engaged employees experience lower turnover, higher productivity, improved communication and collaboration, enhanced customer service and increased sales. According to research, an increased focus on employee experience can increase revenue and profits by more than 50 percent. This is why 84% of executives rate employee experience (EX) as important to delivering a better customer experience (CX), according to Deloitte. Unfortunately, less than 10% of firms say they are ready to actively improve employee experiences. I am excited to have Tiffani Bova, the global customer growth and innovation evangelist at Salesforce, and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the new book ‘The Experience Mindset’ on the Banking Transformed podcast. We discuss why organizations need a new operating mentality that takes into account the needs and preferences of both customers and employees with every decision made. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: See how Microsoft can help

The banking industry is undergoing a transformation as changing customer expectations and disruption from non-traditional financial players force traditional banks to rethink their value propositions. One growing business model is banking as a service (BaaS) — a partnership in which banks and credit unions leverage their charters to enable non-banking institutions to offer financial services directly to their customers. According to recent studies, BaaS is expected to reach $7 trillion in value by 2030. I am excited to have Jason Mikula, one of the foremost authorities on the banking and fintech marketplace on the Banking Transformed podcast. We discuss how banks can unlock new business opportunities and add value and why BaaS has the potential to transform financial services. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: See how Microsoft can help to unlock new opportunities at speed through innovative business models, deliver differentiated customer experiences across channels, products a

Money 20/20 offers an amazing view into the future of banking and fintech with hundreds of participating organizations and thousands of attendees from across the globe. It was clear from the outset that embedded finance was a key theme this year. Embedded finance offers banks and nonfinancial organizations the ability to provide a frictionless experience built within a customer’s daily life. More than ever, banks need a strategy to unlock the vast potential of embedded finance. I am excited to have Christoffer Malmer, head of SEB Embedded and Pal Krogdahl, CTO for IBM Core Banking and Payments on the Banking Transformed podcast. We discuss how Swedish banking giant SEB reorganized its tech and innovation operations to become a leader in the embedded finance space. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by IBM IBM delivers technology and industry expertise to the global financial services industry through its infrastructure offering, software portfolio and consulting services. As a truste

Gone are the days of ultra-low interest rates when generating deposits and making loans was easy. Today, small and mid-sized financial institutions are battling for retail deposits after recent bank failures spurred a massive exodus of funds to larger players. In fact, a report by S&P Global Market Intelligence noted that several hundred banking institutions, including a handful of large ones, are paying over 4% and even as much as 5% on certificates of deposit amid a general increase in reliance on CDs and increasing thirst for deposits. My guest on the Banking Transformed podcast is Adam Stockton, Managing Director of Retail Deposits at Curinos. We discuss the importance of building stronger connections between consumers’ deposit and credit needs and rethinking the way organizations build relationships in the future. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: See how Microsoft can help to unlock new opportunities at speed through innovative business models, deliver differentiated custom

The 2023 Retail Banking Trends and Priorities found that 60% of financial institutions are meeting the digital banking needs of customers through collaboration with fintech firms and other third-party solution providers. How are these collaborations increasing the speed and scale of innovation, resetting business models and making traditional financial services organizations more future-ready? I am excited to have Claire Calmejane, Chief Innovation Officer at Societe Generale and Thad Vorozilchak, Vice President, Banking and Financial Markets from IBM on the Banking Transformed podcast. We discuss how financial institutions are disrupting legacy banking with new ideas and technological advances. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by IBM IBM delivers technology and industry expertise to the global financial services industry through its infrastructure offering, software portfolio and consulting services. As a trusted partner to banks, insurers, asset managers and other financial insti

Fueled by the growth of plug-and-play banking infrastructure, startup niche banks have emerged that cater to a varied assortment of segments, including specific nationalities and genders, income and age stratifications, occupations and hobbies and even personal values. The majority of these start-ups have a licensed sponsor bank as well as a digital banking offering specific products that consumers (or businesses) can't get elsewhere. The challenge is how to differentiate, achieve scale, fund marketing and acquisition and build loyalty beyond the debit card. My guest on the Banking Transformed podcast is Alex Johnson, founder of Fintech Takes. We discuss the future of niche financial institutions where funding has become more difficult and scalability continues to be elusive. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: See how Microsoft can help to unlock new opportunities at speed through innovative business models, deliver differentiated customer experiences across channels, products a

The global wearable device market is expected to reach $62.82 billion by 2025. Wearable technology holds potential to revolutionize the way people interact with their financial institution, healthcare provider, and corner retailer leveraging wearable devices from smart watches, to fitness trackers, to apparel. More than ever, wearable devices can create seamless payment experiences while also providing unequaled authentication around digital identity and unique branding opportunities. My guest on the Banking Transformed podcast is David Birch, international speaker, author and advisor to the financial services industry. We discuss how wearable technology can be a major differentiator for both payments and digital authentication in the future. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: See how Microsoft can help to unlock new opportunities at speed through innovative business models, deliver differentiated customer experiences across channels, products and services, and redefine new ways

Our expectations of what a bank is, and customers will engage with financial services has changed immensely over the past several years. And that change will only happen faster in the future. It’s indisputable that technology has been the driving force behind this change. As the industry gets ready for Money 2020 in Amsterdam, it good to assess how technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, the blockchain, cloud computing, IoT, robotics and biometrics are reshaping banking, enhancing customer experiences, and paving the way for new banking business models. I am excited to have John Duigenan, General Manager, Financial Services and IBM Distinguished Engineer, IBM Technology on the Banking Transformed podcast. We will be discussing how technologies like AI will impact the future of banking, and how banks must become future ready. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by IBM IBM delivers technology and industry expertise to the global financial services industry throug

Technological advances, regulatory changes, and rising consumer expectations have led to a tidal wave of challenges for the financial marketer. While most marketers focus on the technology to drive results, research shows that a change in legacy mindset is far more important. The foundation to drive growth in today’s competitive and cultural landscape is a playbook that will help you: • Build a brand that drives loyalty and advocacy, • Stand out with breakthrough content and campaigns, • Develop a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t, • Drive more efficiency from your paid media budget, • Foster an entrepreneurial culture in your team to move faster and stay on top of change. We are very fortunate to be rejoined on the Banking Transformed podcast by Eric Fulwiler, co-founder and CEO of the marketing consultancy, Rival on the Banking Transformed podcast. We discuss what drives the growth of successful fintech and banking brands and where a financial marketer should start. Download the Fintech Pl

The future of banking is being driven by advancements in technology, changing customer preferences, new collaborations, and increasing regulatory requirements. Change is happening every day … and it is more difficult than ever to keep pace. As the industry gets ready for Money 2020 in Amsterdam, it is important to look at where the industry is today and where it will likely be in the near and more distant future. I am excited to have Shanker Ramamurthy, Global Managing Partner Banking & Financial Markets, IBM Consulting on the Banking Transformed podcast. We discuss the massive changes occurring in financial services and what can be expected in the future. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by IBM IBM delivers technology and industry expertise to the global financial services industry through its infrastructure offering, software portfolio and consulting services. As a trusted partner to banks, insurers, asset managers and other financial institutions around the world, IBM enables mod

Customers want their financial institutions to know them, understand them and reward them based on their unique financial situation. Displaying this level of empathy is difficult if transactional data remains in silos. The aggregation of data to generate insights is only half the battle for financial institutions, though. Banks and credit unions must go beyond using data to create great reports to supporting exceptional customer experiences and engagement – the final mile in the customer journey. I am excited to have Ed Maslaveckas, CEO of Bud Financial on the Banking Transformed podcast. We discuss the firm's expansion into the US and how financial institutions of all sizes are leveraging data, insights, personalization, open banking and BaaS as strategic differentiators. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: See how Microsoft can help to unlock new opportunities at speed through innovative business models, deliver differentiated customer experiences across channels, products and se

As part of the digital transformation process occurring at financial institutions, CFOs must increasingly leverage technology and data analytics to become strategic partners to leaders across the organization, driving organizational success. Beyond optimizing financial performance and streamlining operations, finance operations can now play an instrumental role in the innovation process, sustainability reporting and identifying new growth opportunities. I am excited to have Monica Proothi, Partner and Global Finance Transformation Lead for IBM Consulting on the Banking Transformed podcast. We discuss how the finance function has evolved from reactionary, transactional work to value-generating roles and strategic engagement. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by IBM IBM delivers technology and industry expertise to the global financial services industry through its infrastructure offering, software portfolio and consulting services. As a trusted partner to banks, insurers, asset manag

A digital-first account opening and onboarding platform is becoming increasingly important in banking, as customers increasingly expect a seamless, digital experience when opening and managing bank accounts. A fully integrated digital platform streamlines processes, reducing the risk of errors, improving compliance, and increasing the ability to offer personalized products and services. For customers, a digital-first approach provides convenience, speed, and the ability to open and manage accounts from anywhere, at any time. We are very fortunate to have Cindy Blackstone, Chief Retail Officer for Southside Bank on the Banking Transformed podcast. She will discuss how a digital-first platform has resulted in a superior customer experience, reduced costs, and driven growth in a highly competitive marketplace. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by NCR Terafina NCR Terafina provides digital onboarding and omnichannel sales solutions that are simple and secure to banks and credit unions.

More than ever, financial institutions are expected to know what account holders need even before they do. Using relationship history, transaction data, and even insights from outside the bank, customers want you to know them, understand them and reward them. Combining historical account ownership history with real-time transaction data can provide a great predictor of what account holders are going to do next. The key is to keep account holder data safe, while providing a value-add with each engagement. We have Deep Varma, Chief Technology Officer from Alkami on the Banking Transformed podcast. Deep shares how modern technology can enable a next-generation sales and service platform that increases revenue and lowers costs for financial institutions. This Episode of Banking Transformed is Sponsored by Alkami Alkami Technology, Inc. is a leading cloud-based digital banking solutions provider for financial institutions in the United States that enables clients to grow confidently, adapt quickly and build thri

We are in uncharted territory with today’s economic uncertainty. Customers are concerned about the safety of their bank and credit union and don’t know where to turn. Open and honest communication is only the start as the bank crisis continues to unfold. Financial institutions must provide resources and answers in real-time that help customers and employees ease their stress and help your brand become a trustworthy advisor during a time of need. This can ensure customer loyalty — and potentially even attract new customers. My guest on the Banking Transformed podcast is Steven Ramirez, CEO of Beyond the Arc. He shares what financial institutions should say and share, and how they should communicate during these tumultuous times. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: See how Microsoft can help to unlock new opportunities at speed through innovative business models, deliver differentiated customer experiences across channels, products and services, and redefine new ways of working. Mor