Banking Transformed with Jim Marous

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.