Every financial institution today is sitting on a goldmine of customer data, yet most struggle to turn those insights into a real competitive advantage. The challenge isn't collecting data—it's knowing what to do with it.

Rachel O'Neill from Alkami joins me on the Banking Transformed podcast to tackle the hard questions: Why do so many banks fail to activate their data strategically? How can institutions break through the paralysis of analysis and start driving tangible business outcomes? And what separates the winners from the wishful thinkers in today's data-driven banking landscape?

From streamlining back-office operations to enhancing customer financial wellness, it's clear that institutions embracing data-driven strategies are positioning themselves for sustained success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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 thriving digital communities. Alkami helps clients transform through retail and business banking, digital account opening, payment security, and data analytics and marketing solutions. To learn more, visit www.alkami.com.

While established institutions offer stability and financial strength, they must overcome perceptions of being stodgy, complex and disconnected from the digital fluency that defines Gen Z and Millennial lifestyles.

Building connections with this demographic isn't simply about launching another banking app or redesigning branches – it's about reimagining how a legacy institution can demonstrate relevance and value when financial decisions are increasingly made with a swipe.

As part of the Executive Leadership Series, sponsored by Naehas and recorded live at the Financial Brand Forum, we sat down with Lamont Young, EVP, Head of Digital and Omni Channel Banking. He shares how to navigate this complex landscape, creating experiences that honor both the digital expectations and human reassurance these customers seek during uncertain financial times.

This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Naehas

Naehas provides financial institutions with a centralized platform to efficiently manage product creation, pricing strategies, compliance, and disclosures. By automating complex processes and integrating advanced governance tools, Naehas significantly reduces operational risk and accelerates execution. Trusted by 6 of the 10 largest U.S. banks, our solution supports top-tier institutions in delivering precise, compliant offers with speed and accuracy.

⁠https://www.naehas.com/?utm_source=financialbrand&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Banking_Transformed_podcast

Despite having established customer bases and trusted brands, many financial institutions struggle to keep pace with the rapid technological evolution driven by fintech firms and digital-first challengers. The potential of AI to transform banking operations, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new revenue streams is evident, yet implementation continues to be a significant hurdle.

I'm joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by Marc Corbett, Director of Solutions Engineering Americas for Backbase, to discuss one of the most pressing challenges facing retail banks today: effectively deploying AI solutions to drive growth.

We explore how retail banks can effectively overcome implementation challenges, harness AI technologies, and transition from reactive to proactive business models. Marc brings valuable insights on navigating this complex landscape to unlock what Backbase calls "Growth Mode" – a state where banks can fully leverage AI to drive sustainable competitive advantage in today's hyper-competitive marketplace.

This episode is sponsored by Backbase

Backbase helps financial institutions unlock growth mode by transforming fragmented experiences into seamless, customer-centric journeys. Whether it’s modernizing onboarding, streamlining lending, or scaling commercial offerings, Backbase powers the front-end innovation banks need to compete—and win. Learn more at backbase.com.

In an era where financial institutions race to digitize, TD has taken a distinctive approach by ensuring technology serves a deeper purpose: creating unexpected human experiences. As part of the Executive Leadership Series, sponsored by Naehas and recorded live at the Financial Brand Forum, I was joined by Todd Purcell, Head of Digital Strategy, Planning and Partnerships for TD Bank.

Our conversation explores how TD's digital ecosystem supports its brand promise with real-world examples of how the bank integrates advanced analytics, personalization, and multichannel engagement to make banking better for people.

Todd also discusses how TD's digital strategy has evolved to support rather than supplant human connections, resulting in measurable customer satisfaction and engagement improvements.

This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Naehas

Naehas provides financial institutions with a centralized platform to efficiently manage product creation, pricing strategies, compliance, and disclosures. By automating complex processes and integrating advanced governance tools, Naehas significantly reduces operational risk and accelerates execution. Trusted by 6 of the 10 largest U.S. banks, our solution supports top-tier institutions in delivering precise, compliant offers with speed and accuracy.

⁠https://www.naehas.com/?utm_source=financialbrand&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Banking_Transformed_podcast

As part of the Executive Leadership Series, sponsored by Naehas and recorded live at the Financial Brand Forum, i was joined by Colin Walsh, the founder and CEO of Varo Bank – a true pioneer in the financial services industry. In 2020, Varo made history by becoming the first consumer fintech company to receive a national bank charter, transforming from an ambitious startup into America's first all-digital, nationally chartered bank.

Under Colin's leadership, Varo has revolutionized banking through innovative technology, human-centered design, and a mission to improve the financial health of millions of Americans.

We explore Varo's remarkable journey, their challenges, and how they leverage AI and product innovation to create sustainable competitive advantages in an increasingly crowded digital banking landscape.

This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Naehas

Naehas provides financial institutions with a centralized platform to efficiently manage product creation, pricing strategies, compliance, and disclosures. By automating complex processes and integrating advanced governance tools, Naehas significantly reduces operational risk and accelerates execution. Trusted by 6 of the 10 largest U.S. banks, our solution supports top-tier institutions in delivering precise, compliant offers with speed and accuracy.

⁠https://www.naehas.com/?utm_source=financialbrand&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Banking_Transformed_podcast

Regional and community financial institutions face unprecedented challenges from both banking giants and nimble fintech startups. But size isn't the determining factor for success in today's financial landscape – rather, it's the ability to foster an innovative culture, make strategic partnerships, and leverage data effectively.

As part of the Executive Leadership Series, sponsored by Naehas and recorded live at the Financial Brand Forum, we spoke with Victor Alexander, Head of Consumer Banking at KeyBank, a leader who understands the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in financial services.

Victor will explore how leadership styles impact organizational agility and highlight KeyBank's approach to collaboration with solution providers that extends capabilities without massive internal investment.

This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Naehas

Naehas provides financial institutions with a centralized platform to efficiently manage product creation, pricing strategies, compliance, and disclosures. By automating complex processes and integrating advanced governance tools, Naehas significantly reduces operational risk and accelerates execution. Trusted by 6 of the 10 largest U.S. banks, our solution supports top-tier institutions in delivering precise, compliant offers with speed and accuracy.

⁠https://www.naehas.com/?utm_source=financialbrand&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Banking_Transformed_podcast

Product innovation in banking faces significant challenges, including legacy systems, regulatory constraints, risk aversion, and the need to balance digital transformation with traditional services.

In this episode of Banking Transformed, we explore the dynamic landscape of banking product management with Puneet Chhahira, VP and Head of Product Management and Marketing at Infosys Finacle. Our conversation reveals how financial products are evolving beyond traditional services to meet changing customer expectations and technological possibilities.

Puneet shares valuable insights on how banks can foster innovation cultures, accelerate digital transformation, and effectively implement AI technologies to enhance both product development and customer experiences. We also discuss the critical role leadership plays in driving these changes and how banks can balance technological advancement with human-centered design principles.

While consumer digital banking has seen tremendous innovation, commercial and wealth management sectors often lag behind, creating frustration for some of banking's most valuable customers.

We're joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by Alex Jimenez, Lead Principal Consultant at Backbase. Alex helps us understand the critical differences between consumer, small business, commercial, and wealth solutions – and why a one-size-fits-all approach fails in today's competitive landscape.

He also explores the unique needs of the commercial and wealth segments, examining the performance gaps currently plaguing the industry. The message is clear – financial institutions can no longer afford to focus exclusively on consumer digital experiences while neglecting their commercial and wealth management clients.

In an industry where legacy infrastructure often dates back decades, core conversions represent immense challenges and transformative opportunities. As part of the Executive Leadership Series, sponsored by Naehas and recorded live at the Financial Brand Forum, we had the opportunity to speak with Jennifer Smith, Chief Information Officer of Zions Bank, who has recently led one of banking's most complex technological undertakings: a complete core systems modernization.

Jennifer will share invaluable insights from Zions Bank's journey, from the initial business case through implementation and beyond. Her firsthand experience navigating this intricate process offers a unique window into how financial institutions can successfully approach these mission-critical transformations while maintaining business continuity and enhancing customer experience.

This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Naehas

Naehas provides financial institutions with a centralized platform to efficiently manage product creation, pricing strategies, compliance, and disclosures. By automating complex processes and integrating advanced governance tools, Naehas significantly reduces operational risk and accelerates execution. Trusted by 6 of the 10 largest U.S. banks, our solution supports top-tier institutions in delivering precise, compliant offers with speed and accuracy.

⁠https://www.naehas.com/?utm_source=financialbrand&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Banking_Transformed_podcast

This episode of the Banking Transformed podcast, as part of the Experience Factor series, sponsored by Q2, tackles the persistent gap between recognized trends and strategic priorities revealed in the 2025 Retail Banking Trends report.

Fabio Biasella from EngageFI helps listeners develop frameworks for ensuring technology investments directly enhance customer experiences rather than simply adding capabilities. We explore why only 7% of institutions have fully achieved their digital transformation goals despite widespread recognition of its importance, and how experience-led approaches can accelerate progress.

The conversation will also provide practical guidance for building organizational resilience through customer-centric transformation, helping banks and credit unions create a sustainable competitive advantage regardless of marketplace shifts.