Banking Transformed with Jim Marous

The 2025 Retail Banking Trends and Priorities Report reveals an industry in transition. While 51% of institutions are actively implementing digital transformation efforts, 22% struggle with implementation or have halted their efforts. Key priorities focus on improving digital experiences (52%) and enhancing data capabilities (33%), while AI adoption is slowly expanding beyond security into customer service and process automation. Most interestingly, despite the continued focus on improving digital delivery, organizations, especially credit unions, are still building new branches. My guest on Banking Transformed, Mark Sievewright, Chief Strategy Officer for SRM, shares his perspective on where banks and credit unions focus their efforts and whether some of their investments may be misguided. He also discusses how the findings challenge conventional wisdom about digital transformation and highlight the complex balance between innovation and customer expectations.

While banks have successfully implemented GenAI for internal processes and back-office operations, they struggle to achieve meaningful ROI on customer-facing solutions like agent assist and Conversational IVR due to regulatory compliance requirements, data privacy concerns, and model explainability needs. This results in significant hurdles when deploying customer-facing applications. In this episode of Banking Transformed, we're joined by Manish Gupta, CEO of Corridor Platforms, and Toby Brown, Managing Director of Global Retail Banking Solutions at Google Cloud, to discuss their groundbreaking partnership and how AI and cloud technologies can transform banking decisioning capabilities, enabling institutions to compete effectively while maintaining regulatory compliance. Our guests will also share insights on overcoming implementation challenges, managing GenAI risks, and creating sustainable frameworks for long-term success in digital banking. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Corridor Platforms Financial institutions have made substantial investments in GenAI capabilities, yet face significant challenges in deploying high ROI customer-facing applications such as agent assist and Conversational IVR solutions. As banks’ Model Risk Management and Compliance teams grapple with novel GenAI risks without regulatory precedents, Corridor’s GenGuardX (GGX) platform emerges as a comprehensive solution designed by industry experts to bridge the gap between innovation and risk management. For more information: https://ggx.corridorplatforms.com/

Several key data trends are transforming the competitive landscape of banking. First, the emergence of Agentic AI is prompting institutions to reconsider how they organize and use customer data. Second, vendor consolidation is compelling banks to take greater control of their data strategies. Third, the growing sophistication of AI models requires higher-quality data to provide personalized experiences while addressing bias risks. In this episode of Banking Transformed, Don Permezel, VP of Data & AI at nCino, joins us to explore how banks must evolve beyond mere data collection to unlock true customer value through AI-powered personalization. The discussion reveals that while many banks excel at data collection and storage, they often fail to turn this data into actionable intelligence that enhances customer value. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by nCino nCino is the leading provider of intelligent, best-in-class banking solutions, focused on streamlining operations for financial institutions. Its Cloud Banking Platform is a single end-to-end platform that can enhance loan origination, customer onboarding, compliance, and portfolio management for banks, credit unions, and lenders. Over 1,850 financial institutions worldwide use the platform to solve business challenges, digitize processes, and enhance the customer experience through speed and convenience. For more information visit www.ncino.com/en-US

Legacy core systems, often decades old, restrict innovation and limit the ability to offer personalized digital products. Traditional "rip and replace" approaches to modernization are risky, expensive, and time-consuming. Organizations need a solution enabling speed and scale innovation while preserving existing infrastructure investments. On this episode of the Banking Transformed podcast, Ahon Sarkar, SVP and general manager of Helix at Q2 discusses a revolutionary approach to core banking modernization. By combining Q2's digital banking platform, Helix's cloud-based core, and extensive fintech partnerships, Q2 Fabric enables financial institutions to launch modern digital products without replacing legacy systems. The conversation explores how this solution helps banks and credit unions compete in today's digital landscape while minimizing risk and maximizing ROI.

Three-quarters of banks report that legacy infrastructure poses significant barriers to implementing new digital solutions. This creates a complex challenge of balancing innovation with addressing budgetary constraints and maintaining operational efficiency. In this episode of Banking Transformed, Barb Morgan, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Temenos, discusses how financial institutions can navigate this technological crossroads, examining strategies for optimizing tech spending, modernizing infrastructure, and leveraging emerging technologies like generative AI to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. We also explore the evolving role of leadership in driving technological change, including the critical balance between innovation and risk management. The conversation further addresses the industry's growing talent challenge – from recruiting tech-savvy professionals to upskilling existing teams.

Financial institutions of all sizes face mounting pressure to compete with tech giants, global banks and nimble fintechs while meeting rising customer expectations for personalized experiences. The key to success lies not in matching their scale, but in leveraging data more effectively through modern core banking systems. Jeffrey Kendall, Chairman and CEO of Nymbus, is joining me today on the Banking Transformed podcast. We will discuss how data-enabled core banking is transforming financial institutions and enabling them to deliver personalized experiences that rival the largest banks and most nimble fintechs. We also will explore the intersection of vertical banking strategies, real-time data analytics, and the future of community banking.

Banks and credit unions must innovate faster and deliver flexible, scalable, and differentiated offerings to keep up with account holders' changing expectations. This is best achieved through collaborations with solution providers and fintech organizations that offer customizable digital-first offerings. On this episode of the Banking Transformed podcast, Deena Otto, COO of Stanford FCU, and Dan Collins, Director of Digital Development at Visions FCU, share how their organizations are revolutionizing their approach to innovation. Rather than building solutions from scratch or undertaking time-consuming custom integrations, these institutions leverage pre-built components and standardized integration frameworks to deploy new solutions rapidly. Learn how these two credit unions “punch above their fighting weight" by reducing what would typically be year-long development cycles into projects deliverable within three to six months.

The banking industry stands at a pivotal crossroads as we approach 2030. While the past quarter-century was defined by digital transformation, which brought unprecedented efficiency and convenience, it also created an unexpected paradox: the loss of personal connection in banking relationships. In this episode of Banking Transformed, Michael Abbott, Senior Managing Director and Global Banking Lead at Accenture, discusses how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies will help banks bridge this gap. They will enable them to combine digital efficiency with the personal touch that defined banking's golden era. We also explore how banks can differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive landscape where technology alone is no longer enough to win customer loyalty.

A strong web presence isn't just an advantage—it's essential for survival and growth. In today's competitive market, a powerful digital footprint can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Understanding how to optimize your digital presence is crucial, whether you want to increase brand awareness, drive customer engagement, or boost conversions. In this episode of Banking Transformed, we are joined by Anil Aggarwal, the CEO of Milestone. Anil dives deep into the strategies and principles behind building a commanding digital presence. From content creation and audience engagement to measuring success and adapting to changing technologies, he shares the key elements of a successful online strategy. Anil also shares ways financial institutions of all sizes can go beyond using their website for brand building to creating new business opportunities. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by Milestone Milestone’s Digital Experience platform including SEO-first CMS and Generative AI platform empowers financial businesses to be easily found online, deliver personalized digital experiences, enhance customer engagement, and drive conversions—powered by data insights, personalized content, and generative AI. We enable our clients to lead their industries with technology that drives growth and measurable results and have over 10,000 websites on our platform across multiple verticals. URL: https://www.milestoneinternet.com/

According to recent Q2 research, 74% of people across generations want more personal banking experiences, and 70% trust their financial institutions to create those experiences using data and AI. Yet, many banks and credit unions struggle to deliver the level of personalization consumers expect from their digital experiences. On this episode of the Banking Transformed podcast, Anthony Ianniciello, VP of Product Management at Q2, and David Sant, Chief Strategy Officer at Cyprus Credit Union, explore how financial institutions can transform commodity banking transactions into differentiated, personalized experiences that build lifetime relationships. Our guests share insights from both the technology and implementation perspectives, discussing real-world challenges and solutions in building a modern banking relationship strategy.

The recently released Business Banking Digital Maturity Report provides unprecedented insights into how financial institutions transform their business banking capabilities for a digital future. This research is unique because it goes beyond measuring digital capabilities to examine the culture, talent strategies, and operational models that separate leaders from followers. In this episode of Banking Transformed, Allison Cerra, the Chief Marketing Officer at Alkami Technologies and Casey Hogarth from Emerald Research Group discuss this first-of-its-kind research. We explore why some organizations are growing 10 times faster than their peers, how smaller institutions are successfully competing against larger competitors, and what it takes to build a digitally mature business banking operation. Most importantly, our guests will provide a roadmap for how any financial institution can accelerate its digital transformation journey.

Mid-sized financial institutions face unprecedented challenges. They must compete with larger banks that have massive technology budgets and nimble fintechs that can quickly deploy innovative solutions. The pressure to deliver sophisticated products and seamless digital experiences while maintaining the personalized service that distinguishes regional banks has never been greater. Today's guest, Matt Wind, head of product management at Popular Bank, joins the Banking Transformed podcast. He brings a unique perspective to these challenges, having recently transitioned from a 26-year tenure at Comerica Bank to a leadership role at Popular Bank. The discussion explores critical decisions regarding technology partnerships, innovation strategies, and the balance between building in-house solutions and partnering with third-party providers.

Embedded financial products and flexible payment solutions are reshaping how consumers interact with banking services. As commerce increasingly shifts toward integrated experiences, the ability to seamlessly embed financial services — from buy-now-pay-later options to comprehensive lending solutions — directly into the purchase journey has become critical for merchants and financial institutions. Terry O’Neil, Head of Connected Commerce for Citi Retail Services and Head of Strategic Partnerships for Citi U.S. Personal Banking, joins the Banking Transformed podcast to discuss how the convergence of traditional banking capabilities with modern digital experiences creates new growth opportunities while challenging established business models. The discussion explores the impact on consumers, merchants, and financial institutions as we move toward an increasingly integrated financial ecosystem.

Today on the Banking Transformed podcast, we’re joined by Jaime Dominguez, Principal Product Marketer at Q2, to discuss their groundbreaking report on cross-generational banking preferences. This study, conducted in partnership with Harris Research, offers crucial insights into how financial institutions can deliver personalized experiences across different age groups. We discuss the surprising similarities in banking preferences across generations, the high level of trust in the banking industry, and the strong desire for personalized experiences. We'll also delve into the role of AI in fraud detection, the importance of data-driven personalization, and Gen Z's unique banking behaviors. The findings challenge some common assumptions about generational differences in banking preferences and highlight important opportunities for financial institutions.

Traditional financial institutions are rapidly evolving in response to technological innovation, changing consumer expectations, and economic uncertainties. From the rise of digital-first banking solutions to the decline of cash transactions, from embedded financial services to the emergence of digital currencies, the very foundation of banking is being reshaped. Jan Bellens, Leader in the Global Banking Practice at EY, joins us on the Banking Transformed podcast. He provides a global perspective on the state of banking transformation, regulatory frameworks, and the unique challenges and opportunities financial institutions face in uncertain times. He also provides guidance for financial institutions hoping to become more future-ready in 2025 and beyond. Finally, we explore how leading banks must reimagine their infrastructure, highlighting that operational resilience has become the new competitive advantage in banking.

Digital banking success hinges on more than lists of features and technological capabilities. First principles thinking in banking design starts with the fundamental question: What do users truly need to accomplish their financial goals? This approach, combined with rigorous user-centric design, has revolutionized how financial institutions deliver digital experiences. Today's guest, Ty Griffin, Senior Head of UX/UI at Alkami, joins the Banking Transformed podcast. He shares insights on how Alkami recently became the first technology provider Certified by J.D. Power for providing "An Outstanding Mobile Banking Platform Experience."* Listeners will gain practical insights into creating distinctive digital banking experiences that drive engagement, satisfaction, and relationship growth. Listeners will also learn how to balance innovation with security and regulatory requirements. *J.D. Power 2024 Mobile App Platform Certification ProgramSM recognition is based on successfully completing an audit and exceeding a customer experience benchmark through a survey of recent servicing interactions. For more information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

Traditional financial institutions face mounting pressure from fintech disruptors, big tech companies, and evolving regulatory frameworks. The rise of Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platforms, embedded finance solutions, and AI-driven services fundamentally alters how financial products are delivered and consumed. To explore these changes and better understand how banks and credit unions must prepare, we're joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by two leading voices in banking and fintech evolution: Brett King, renowned futurist and bestselling author, and Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors. Together, we discuss how technological advancements, changing consumer behavior, and market forces are reshaping the future of financial services. The conversation covers the evolution of primary banking relationships, the impact of embedded finance, and how traditional institutions can compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. My guests also offer insights into which organizations are best positioned to succeed in 2025 and beyond.

Competing as a $1 billion financial institution puts pressure on operational efficiency and technology investment. However, modest size also presents opportunities. These institutions are typically large enough to invest in necessary technology while remaining agile enough to adapt quickly to local market needs and maintain close community ties. On the Banking Transformed podcast, Brian McEvoy, Chief Retail Banking Officer at Webster Five Savings Bank, joins us. With extensive experience at national banks and community institutions, Brian brings unique insights into building successful community banking organizations in today's digital age. Our discussion explores how smaller banks can compete effectively while maintaining their community-focused mission.

Welcome to the second part of our episode, where we turn the tables in celebration of our 5th anniversary at Banking Transformed, I'm honored to be interviewed my senior producer, Leah Haslage, from Evergreen Podcasts. In this two-part episode, we discuss the journey of the Banking Transformed podcast, the evolution of the banking industry, and insights into the future of financial services. We explore how the podcast has chronicled the remarkable transformation of banking during one of the most disruptive periods in financial services history. In this and the previous episode, we discuss the major trends shaping the industry, memorable guest insights, and my predictions for the future. Both episodes offer a unique perspective on how digital disruption has transformed banking and provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Today, we're turning the tables. In celebration of our 5th anniversary at Banking Transformed, I'm honored to be interviewed my senior producer, Leah Haslage, from Evergreen Podcasts. In this first part of a two-part episode, we discuss the journey of the Banking Transformed podcast, the evolution of the banking industry, and insights into the future of financial services. From our first episode to our latest discussions on artificial intelligence and digital innovation, we explore how the podcast has chronicled the remarkable transformation of banking during one of the most disruptive periods in financial services history. In this and our following episode, we discuss the major trends shaping the industry, memorable guest insights, and my predictions for the future. Both episodes offer a unique perspective on how digital disruption has transformed banking and provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

AI and generative AI are set to revolutionize the financial services industry. But how are banks leveraging these powerful tools, and what challenges do they face? In this episode of Banking Transformed, Monica Hovsepian and John Radko from OpenText will share their insights on the current state of AI in banking, its potential to transform customer experiences, and strategies for fast and seamless deployment. Drawing from the latest Digital Banking Report, they explore the current adoption levels of AI in banking, the challenges institutions face in implementation, and strategies for bridging the AI readiness gap. Download the Digital Banking Report, State of AI in Banking here. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by OpenText OpenText™ is the leading Information Management software and services company in the world. We help organizations solve complex global problems with a comprehensive suite of Business Clouds, Business AI, and Business Technology. OpenText™ serves 19 of the top 20 Financial Services institutions globally. Unleash the power of AI and analytics to become a leading digital bank. For more information about OpenText (NASDAQ/TSX: OTEX) click here: Operational excellence in Banking | OpenText

Against a landscape where 91% of financial institutions are either assessing or deploying AI in production, Malcolm deMayo, global vice president of the financial services industry at NVIDIA, joins us on the Banking Transformed podcast. This episode provides an in-depth look at the rapidly evolving AI landscape in financial services, backed by NVIDIA's latest industry survey of global financial services professionals. We explore why 75% of institutions consider their AI capabilities industry-leading or competitive and discuss the finding that 97% plan to increase their AI infrastructure spending this year. Malcolm deMayo also shares insights on how institutions tackle key challenges, including data privacy and talent acquisition, while implementing AI across critical areas such as risk management, operations improvement, and customer experiences.

In this episode of Banking Transformed, we're joined by Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow and author of the newly released book 'MindShift.' We explore the critical insights from Brian's latest work, which offers a roadmap for corporate executives navigating the complexities of leadership and innovation in an era of unprecedented change. We'll discuss how leaders can find clarity amidst uncertainty, harness the power of AI while maintaining a human touch, and leverage customer experience as a competitive advantage. From redefining leadership in the digital age to embracing disruption as an opportunity for growth, Brian's 'MindShift' provides a fresh perspective on thriving in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

In this episode of Banking Transformed, I sit down with Robert Watts, VP of Consumer Credit at D.L. Evans Bank, a $3 billion community bank serving Southern Idaho and Northern Utah. We discuss how the bank is embracing the power of instant loan decisioning, balancing risk, compliance, and customer needs. Watts highlights the bank's extraordinary growth, transitioning from processing 100-200 loan applications annually to around 300 monthly applications, mainly due to rethinking internal processes and collaborating with innovative partners. Watts also advises other financial institutions embarking on digital transformation, recommending a step-by-step approach, embracing change, and avoiding the temptation to implement all changes simultaneously. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by MeridianLink MeridianLink® (NYSE: MLNK) powers digital lending and account opening for financial institutions and provides data verification solutions for consumer reporting agencies. MeridianLink’s scalable, cloud-based platforms help customers build deeper relationships with consumers through data-driven, personalized experiences across the entire lending life cycle. MeridianLink enables customers to accelerate revenue growth, reduce risk, and exceed consumer expectations through seamless digital experiences. Its partner marketplace supports hundreds of integrations for tailored innovation. For more than 20 years, MeridianLink has prioritized the democratization of lending for consumers, businesses, and communities. Learn more at meridianlink.com.

Two years ago, we introduced you to the Debbie app, an innovative rewards platform aimed at improving financial wellness. We're excited to welcome back Frida Leibowitz, one of Debbie's co-founders, to discuss their journey since our last conversation. In a world where economic uncertainty has become the norm, the need to transform borrowers into wealth builders has never been more crucial. In this episode of Banking Transformed, we explore how the Debbie app has evolved, the challenges it has faced, and the impact it has had on users' financial behaviors. Join us as we delve into Debbie's growth story, their adaptive strategies, and their vision for the future of financial wellness.

In an industry where security, efficiency, and client relationships are paramount, having an integrated and democratized document and information management platform is more important than ever. In this episode of Banking Transformed, we explore the evolving landscape of document and information management in financial services with Matt Geiger from Sharefile. We discuss critical challenges banks and credit unions face and how innovative solutions can address these issues head-on. Matt also touches on the future of financial document management, including the role of AI and machine learning in creating more personalized, secure, and efficient systems. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by Sharefile ShareFile helps professionals deliver modernized client experiences with collaboration and workflow technology that is highly secure, easy to use, and customizable to fit their organization’s unique needs. Designed with highly regulated industries in mind, ShareFile offers secure, digital technology to simplify workflows and improve collaboration. ShareFile works with your existing technologies and gives you added visibility, speed, and efficiency, without sacrificing security. Visit sharefile.com

In this episode of Banking Transformed, we explore the transformative power of data in the financial services industry. Joining us is Jeremiah Lotz, SVP of Product & Data Experience at Velera, formerly known as PSCU/Co-op Solutions. We discuss how banks and credit unions can harness data to drive strategic decisions, enhance customer experiences, and navigate the delicate balance between AI capabilities and human insights. Jeremiah also shares his expertise on developing effective data strategies, ensuring privacy and security, and measuring the success of data initiatives in the ever-evolving landscape of modern banking. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by Velera Velera, formerly PSCU/Co-op Solutions, is the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider. With over four decades of industry experience and a commitment to service excellence and innovation, the company serves more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America, operating with velocity to help its clients keep pace with the rapid momentum of change and fuel growth in the new era of financial services. Velera leverages its expertise and resources on behalf of credit unions and their members, offering an end-to-end product portfolio that includes payment processing, fraud and risk management, data and analytics, digital banking, instant payments, strategic consulting, collections, ATM and POS networks, shared branching and 24/7/365 member support via its contact centers. For more information, visit velera.com.

As financial institutions face growing competition and increasing regulatory pressure, AI could unlock unprecedented efficiency, innovation, and growth—if only they could overcome the hesitation that holds them back. In this episode of Banking Transformed, we sit down with Sandeep Mangaraj, Microsoft's Managing Director of Fintech, to explore the critical role of speed in AI transformation for financial services. Sandeep discusses the barriers to AI adoption in financial services, the risks of falling behind in this fast-moving technology landscape, and the tangible benefits of empowering employees with AI tools today. He also shares insights into how banks can experiment with AI responsibly while building the foundations for long-term success. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. More at Microsoft.com/financialservices

In an era of digital transformation reshaping the financial landscape, understanding shifts in consumer behavior is crucial for banks and credit unions aiming to stay competitive. Today, we have Dave Feuer, the Chief Product Officer at Galileo, on the Banking Transformed Podcast. We delve into the fragmentation of banking relationships, the satisfaction paradox, and the imperative for data-driven personalization across generations. We discuss the challenges and opportunities these shifts present for traditional banks and credit unions, the importance of leveraging real-time data, and the need for seamless digital experiences. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Galileo Galileo Financial Technologies, LLC and certain of its affiliates collectively comprise a financial technology company owned and operated independently by SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFI) that enables fintechs, financial institutions, and emerging and established brands to build differentiated financial solutions that deliver exceptional, customer-centric experiences. Through modern, open APIs, Galileo’s flexible, secure, scalable and fully integrated platform drives innovation across payments and financial services. Trusted by digital banking heavyweights, early-stage innovators and enterprise clients alike, Galileo supports issuing physical and virtual payment cards, mobile push provisioning, tailored and differentiated financial products and more, across industries and geographies. Visit galileo-ft.com for more information

Today we're joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by David Acevedo, president of 360View. David discusses the critical importance of developing a comprehensive understanding of customers in the banking industry. We delve into how a 360-degree customer view can transform marketing, analytics, product development, and overall customer experience. Acevedo discusses the challenges and benefits of implementing a holistic customer data strategy and provides practical advice for banks looking to enhance their customer understanding. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by 360View 360 View is the CRM Platform developed for banks and credit unions, providing the necessary tools to maximize your team’s performance. Their solution offers the best 360-degree view of your customers empowering you to make smarter decisions and grow your relationships. The platform includes CRM, Marketing Automation, Analytics, Profitability, and Goal and Incentive Tracking and was recently named a Top CRM Solution by Banking CIO Outlook. For more information visit www.360view.com

In this episode of Banking Transformed, we sit down with Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer of Money20/20, to explore the remarkable journey of this unique fintech and financial services event. Since its inception in 2012, Money20/20 has grown from a startup conference to a global phenomenon, mirroring the rapid evolution of the banking industry itself. Scarlett shares insights on industry trends, the challenges facing traditional banks, and the innovations shaping our financial future. Join us for a fascinating look at how Money20/20 has both witnessed and catalyzed the transformation of banking over the past decade.

In this episode of Banking Transformed, recorded at MeridianLink LIVE in Nashville, I interview Janel Hartin, Senior Loan Administrator at Bangor Savings Bank. We discuss the bank's digital transformation journey, focusing on streamlining the lending process and enhancing customer experience. Hartin shares insights into Bangor Savings Bank's evolution from a paper-based lending system to a fully digital process, highlighting the bank's advancements in achieving rapid loan processing times and improving customer service. Hartin emphasizes the importance of balancing digital innovation with maintaining strong community connections, covering topics such as risk management, employee training, and strategies for engaging younger customers. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by MeridianLink MeridianLink® (NYSE: MLNK) powers digital lending and account opening for financial institutions and provides data verification solutions for consumer reporting agencies. MeridianLink’s scalable, cloud-based platforms help customers build deeper relationships with consumers through data-driven, personalized experiences across the entire lending life cycle. MeridianLink enables customers to accelerate revenue growth, reduce risk, and exceed consumer expectations through seamless digital experiences. Its partner marketplace supports hundreds of integrations for tailored innovation. For more than 20 years, MeridianLink has prioritized the democratization of lending for consumers, businesses, and communities. Learn more at meridianlink.com.

Today on the Banking Transformed podcast, we’re joined by Jaime Dominguez, Principal Product Marketer at Q2, to discuss their groundbreaking report on cross-generational banking preferences. This study, conducted in partnership with Harris Research, offers crucial insights into how financial institutions can deliver personalized experiences across different age groups. We discuss the surprising similarities in banking preferences across generations, the high level of trust in the banking industry, and the strong desire for personalized experiences. We'll also delve into the role of AI in fraud detection, the importance of data-driven personalization, and Gen Z's unique banking behaviors. The findings challenge some common assumptions about generational differences in banking preferences and highlight important opportunities for financial institutions.

As the credit landscape shifts under the pressures of economic changes, new technologies, and evolving consumer behaviors, financial institutions must explore how to adapt strategies to meet these challenges head-on. We are excited to have Josh Turnbull, VP of Card and Banking Strategy, and Craig LaChapelle, VP of Market Development at TransUnion, join us on the Banking Transformed podcast. They discuss the changing patterns in consumer credit management, the emergence of new user segments, and how financial institutions are innovating to meet evolving demands. They also delve into successful market strategies, the impact of AI and new technologies, and the ongoing battle against fraud, offering valuable insights for financial institutions looking to stay ahead in this dynamic marketplace. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by TransUnion As part of a global information and insights company, the TransUnion Card and Banking business supports over 5,000 financial institutions in the US — from the largest card issuers and retail banks to community-based institutions and technology-driven card issuers — providing actionable data and insights to help them better compete and succeed in an ever-changing environment. Extra Credit: A Card and Banking Podcast by TransUnion

We're excited to have JB Orecchia, CEO of SavvyMoney, joining us again on the Banking Transformed podcast to discuss their groundbreaking new product, Get My Rate. This innovative tool offers personalized loan pre-qualifications without impacting credit scores. We discuss how this solution allows consumers to get pre-qualified for multiple loan offers simultaneously, receive ongoing alerts when rates change in their favor, and how consumers benefit from continuous credit monitoring and expanded financial wellness tools. Finally, we discuss how generative AI is set to revolutionize credit solutions and financial well-being across the entire banking ecosystem.

Personalized, real-time micro-engagements are more than just a trend – they're reshaping the future of banking. By leveraging technology to create meaningful, timely interactions, financial institutions can build stronger customer relationships, increase loyalty, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. On today’s episode of Banking Transformed, we’re joined by two industry leaders: Sarah Martin, CEO of Pulsate, a company at the forefront of mobile engagement technology, and Eric Givens, SVP of Research and Development at Arizona Financial CU. We discuss how real-time communication is not just about big data or complex algorithms, but about using new tools to create small, impactful moments that resonate with consumers on a personal level. Our guests also show how micro-engagements will continue to transform the banking experience, making it more human, more relevant, and more valuable for customers and financial institutions alike.

In this episode of Banking Transformed, recorded at MeridianLink LIVE!, we sit down with Kate Himes, VP of Consumer Lending at Generations FCU, to discuss the modernization of their lending platform, emphasizing the importance of efficient processes, member-centric service and risk management. She highlights their achievement of processing personal loans in under five minutes and explains how they leverage technology partners to streamline operations. Kate also addresses the challenges of implementing rapid changes and the importance of employee buy-in. Finally, Himes shares how Generations FCU uses data analytics for engagement and their vision for future innovations in financial services. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by MeridianLink MeridianLink® (NYSE: MLNK) powers digital lending and account opening for financial institutions and provides data verification solutions for consumer reporting agencies. MeridianLink’s scalable, cloud-based platforms help customers build deeper relationships with consumers through data-driven, personalized experiences across the entire lending life cycle. MeridianLink enables customers to accelerate revenue growth, reduce risk, and exceed consumer expectations through seamless digital experiences. Its partner marketplace supports hundreds of integrations for tailored innovation. For more than 20 years, MeridianLink has prioritized the democratization of lending for consumers, businesses, and communities. Learn more at meridianlink.com.

Today on the Banking Transformed podcast, we're exploring the ripple effects of the recent high interest rate environment on both consumers and financial institutions. We're joined by Mark Leher, Director of Product Management at Alkami and Jim Perry, Senior Strategist at Market Insights who will unpack the insights from Alkami's comprehensive 2024 State of the Industry report. This report offers a data-driven look at how rising rates have transformed everything from housing and auto loans to deposit behaviors and emerging fintech trends. Whether you're a banking professional, a financial advisor, or simply someone trying to make sense of your own finances, this discussion promises to shed light on the forces shaping our economic future. This Episode of Banking Transformed is Sponsored by Alkami Alkami’s Digital Sales & Service Maturity Model Assessment was developed to help banks and credit unions self-assess their digital maturity - and then take action on the results. Take this 5 question assessment and compare your responses to benchmark data collected from hundreds of U.S. based regional and community institutions and determine just how digitally mature your FI is. Get your results now, and with it details to support you on your path forward. Link to assessment tool: Sales and Service Digital Maturity Model Assessment

As traditional credit scoring methods face increasing scrutiny and limitations, alternative credit data has emerged as a powerful tool for lenders looking to expand access to credit and drive profitability. In this special mini-series on the future of lending, sponsored by LoanPro, the Banking Transformed podcast is excited to welcome two industry leaders: Warren Hogarth, Co-Founder & CEO of Empower, and Colton Pond, Chief Marketing Officer at LoanPro. Our guests explore examples of alternative credit data points, the evolution of underwriting processes, and the regulatory considerations surrounding the use of non-traditional data. Warren also discusses Empower's recent acquisition of Petal Card and the future of credit, while Colton offers insights into the shifting focus from debit to credit products in the fintech space. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by LoanPro LoanPro is the leading modern lending and credit platform enabling lenders to innovate quicker, driving growth while optimizing efficiency. Over 600 lenders use LoanPro to enhance their borrower, agent, and back-office experiences. LoanPro’s mission of providing the platform to innovate the future of finance is enabled through its composable architecture, allowing lenders to enhance their origination, servicing, collections, and payments, all supported by a modern lending core. https://www.loanpro.io/

In an industry where products and services often seem indistinguishable, financial institutions must differentiate themselves and create meaningful connections with their audiences. From leveraging cutting-edge marketing strategies to crafting unique brand narratives, banks and credit unions must create engagement by providing value each day. On today’s episode of Banking Transformed, we'll explore the challenges and opportunities facing financial marketers today with Eric Fulwiler, a great friend who is the co-founder and CEO of the marketing consultancy, Rival. Whether you're a seasoned financial services professional or a marketing enthusiast curious about this dynamic field, this episode promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable strategies.

In this episode of Banking Transformed we have Jeff Horowitz, EVP of Transcard, who discusses the importance of modernizing payment solutions for small businesses. Jeff delves into the common challenges small businesses encounter with payment processing, such as high fees, security concerns, and integration issues and how financial institutions now have digital solutions they can offer through third-party providers. Jeff also shares his vision for the future of global digital payments, highlighting trends like digital wallets, biometric authentication, cross-border payments, AI, and IoT. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. More at Microsoft.com/financialservices This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Transcard Transcard makes frictionless payments a reality with comprehensive global payment solutions designed for banks, fintechs, and businesses of any size and in any industry. Transcard delivers solutions for business-to-business (B2B) payments, consumer-to-business (C2B) payments, business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) payments, and account-to-account (A2A) automation. Our solutions combine unmatched multi-rail capabilities, embedded workflows, best-in-class integration, effortless reconciliation, and bank-grade security. These are some of the reasons that 550 businesses and more than 200 banks trust Transcard with their payments. Learn more at www.transcard.com/

As the lending landscape continues to rapidly evolve, financial institutions must embrace innovation and collaboration to remain competitive. In this special mini-series on the future of lending, sponsored by LoanPro, we are joined by Charley Ma Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Exponent Founders Capital and Colton Pond, Chief Marketing Officer at LoanPro. They discuss the importance of innovation in lending, emphasizing the difference between noise and emerging opportunities. Jonas and Colton also share their perspective on the potential impact of artificial intelligence in lending and highlight examples of companies that are successfully leveraging AI to revolutionize financial services. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by LoanPro LoanPro is the leading modern lending and credit platform enabling lenders to innovate quicker, driving growth while optimizing efficiency. Over 600 lenders use LoanPro to enhance their borrower, agent, and back-office experiences. LoanPro’s mission of providing the platform to innovate the future of finance is enabled through its composable architecture, allowing lenders to enhance their origination, servicing, collections, and payments, all supported by a modern lending core. https://www.loanpro.io/

As the banking industry evolves, modern technology may make all the headlines, but leaders must embrace change, challenge conventional thinking, and proactively seek new growth and innovation opportunities. In today's episode of Banking Transformed, we are honored to have Faisal Hoque, best-selling author and winner of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ designation. He discusses how influential leaders understand the importance of continuous learning and development for themselves and their employees to stay ahead of the curve and build the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing environment.

In this episode of Banking Transformed, recorded at MeridianLink LIVE!, we sit down with David Park, Vice President and Director of Loan Operations at Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union. David shares insights into using innovative credit and data management approaches to enhance member relationships and financial wellness. David also discusses how a unique personal line of credit product can support financial security while stemming potential attrition and the importance of understanding the member lifecycle. Finally, the discussion underscores the importance of organizational culture in driving credit innovation.

The evolution of digital banking has transformed from assisting with basic transactions to providing integrated platforms that provide seamless DIY experiences across devices. This evolution has been driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer expectations, and the entry of fintech and big tech competitors. Today, banks are increasingly focused on user experience, personalization, and real-time functionality, while also enhancing security measures to build digital trust. In this episode of Banking Transformed, we are joined by Siva Narendra, the CEO of Tyfone. Siva discusses how consumers are driving the advancement of digital banking using experiences outside banking to drive expectations and innovation. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by Tyfone Tyfone is the creator of nFinia®, a dramastically better retail/commercial digital banking platform for community financial institutions, as well as several platform-agnostic, revenue-generating digital business solutions. Our highly configurable platform and broad ecosystem of third-party partners ensure our entire suite is scalable and extensible to meet the needs of any FI. https://tyfone.com/

As competition in the credit and lending space intensifies, financial institutions are seeking ways to differentiate themselves through personalization and unique product offerings. In this special mini-series on the future of lending, sponsored by LoanPro, we are joined by Jonas Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Laurel Road and Colton Pond, Chief Marketing Officer at LoanPro. They share insights on how Laurel Road has grown serving medical professionals and other key segments and how LoanPro supports innovative lending solutions after loans are booked. They also discuss the power of personalization in driving customer acquisition, cross-sales and loyalty. Finally, Jonas and Colton share their thoughts on the three key areas for differentiation in credit and lending: interest rates and terms, product offerings, and the servicing experience. They emphasize the critical role of modernized infrastructure to enable the creation of unique and personalized products. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by LoanPro LoanPro is the leading modern lending and credit platform enabling lenders to innovate quicker, driving growth while optimizing efficiency. Over 600 lenders use LoanPro to enhance their borrower, agent, and back-office experiences. LoanPro’s mission of providing the platform to innovate the future of finance is enabled through its composable architecture, allowing lenders to enhance their origination, servicing, collections, and payments, all supported by a modern lending core. https://www.loanpro.io/

In this episode of Banking Transformed, we sit down with John Hope Bryant, the visionary behind Operation HOPE, Inc. John shares his journey from founding the organization in the aftermath of the 1992 Rodney King riots to becoming a leading advocate for financial literacy and economic empowerment. We delve into his latest book, Financial Literacy for All, and explore the critical role of financial education in building a new American middle class. John discusses the challenges and successes of promoting financial dignity, his influence on federal financial policies, and the future of financial literacy in a digital age. This conversation is a deep dive into the transformative power of financial knowledge and the ongoing fight for economic equality.

Personalizing experiences across the entire customer lifecycle has emerged as a critical strategy for engaging customers and driving growth in banking. However, unlike retailers who focus on maximizing immediate transactions, financial institutions face unique challenges in leveraging personalization to build long-term, profitable relationships. We are excited to have Olly Downs, Chief Technology and AI Officer at Curinos on the Banking Transformed podcast, join us on the Banking Transformed podcast. Olly will discuss the importance of personalizing experiences and engagement in banking, and what marketing executives must do now to prepare for a future of hyper-personalization. Olly also discusses the impact of AI and machine learning on customer engagement and the challenges banks face in implementing personalization strategies at scale. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by Curinos Amplero Personalization Optimizer is the only personalization solution built exclusively for Financial Institutions. It’s tuned for critical financial use cases and workflows – including onboarding, cross-selling and deposit growth. Where other personalization tools have limited testing capabilities—think A/B testing where you pit just one variable against another—Amplero dynamically and continuously fine-tunes the experience to deliver the best option among an entire universe of options, every time. Curinos recently announced expanded creative management workflow capabilities for Amplero incorporating generative AI, allowing marketers to rapidly create fresh, engaging content tailored to each client's individual needs that is relevant throughout the entire customer lifecycle.

As banks and credit unions continue to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of digital transformation, developing a skilled and adaptable workforce has become more critical than ever. We are thrilled to have Pierre Naude, CEO of nCino, joining us on the Banking Transformed podcast to discuss the opportunities and challenges of hiring and upskilling key employees for a digital future. Pierre shares nCino's approach to talent acquisition, training, and development, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. He also discusses the challenges banks face in attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market and offers strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by nCino nCino is the worldwide leader in cloud banking. Through its single software-as-a-service platform, nCino helps financial institutions serving corporate and commercial, small business, consumer, and mortgage customers modernize and more effectively onboard clients, make loans, manage the loan lifecycle, and open accounts. Transforming how financial institutions operate through innovation, reputation and speed, nCino is partnered with more than 1,800 financial services providers globally. Visit https://www.ncino.com/ for more information.

In an era where digital agility is the name of the game, many legacy banks struggle to keep pace with nimble fintech competitors. However, some traditional institutions are rising to the challenge, and BMO, a 200-year-old bank with $1 trillion in assets, is a prime example. Brianna Elsass, Head of US Digital Servicing and Technology at BMO Financial Group has been a driving force behind BMO's digital transformation, leading the charge to build a digital-first mindset across the organization. On this episode of Banking Transformed, recorded live at the Financial Brand Forum, we dive into BMO's journey, exploring how Brianna and her team broke down silos, empowered agile teams, and digitized processes from end-to-end. We also discuss the key lessons learned along the way, and what it takes to foster a truly customer-centric, digital-first culture in banking. Finally, we discuss the impact communication has to build both positive customer and employee experiences. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. More at Microsoft.com/financialservices