Expert Insights

Guess who’s back? Fintech evangelist Sue Woodard joins Joe Welu here in Expert Insights studio again, this time to discuss how banks and lenders evaluate their tech stack in today’s macro environment. Sue shares the biggest pain points of lenders in choosing and implementing the right technology, the key components lenders miss during the process, how tech providers can be seen as more than just another vendor, and more! Tune in now to know if it’s all tech stack or “franken-stack”!

Prioritization is more important than ever as lenders look for ways to grow their businesses. Customer acquisition will certainly be a key component in this regard. Fintech evangelist Sue Woodard joins Joe Welu in the Expert Insights studio to discuss the top priorities for lenders in 2023. She explains how to operationalize the right things in your organization and offer consumers with high-quality advice to help them make their homeownership dreams a reality. They share the mindset that will allow lenders to win in any market and keep their customers coming back for life. Tune in for their insight.

Named the 2022 Digital Banker of the year by American Banker, Allan Rayson has an impressive track record guiding financial institutions to success, sitting at the intersection of fintech and banking. Having most recently built Encore Bank's tech stack from the ground up, Allan joins host Joe Welu to share his journey, lessons learned, and how banks can navigate ever-changing markets while building lifetime relationships.

Returning from the biggest conference on digital strategies for the banking industry, James White, industry principal for banks and credit unions at Total Expert, joins Joe Welu to break down the key themes and takeaways from The Financial Brand Forum conference. Tune in as they discuss where banks and credit unions are focusing their attention heading into 2023 and how they can outpace their competitors with a memorable customer and member experience.

As mortgage lenders face market uncertainty among rising interest rates, there's no question lenders need to play offense to help get consumers into their dream home. Traci Huntemann-Piatt, vice president of marketing at Envoy Mortgage, joined Joe Welu to discuss how she is leading her team to tackle the market, how to remain nimble, and how to go "back to the basics" to mine your database and uncover new opportunities.

The mortgage industry continues to experience its fair share of shake-ups. As the fed raises rates and we're seeing consumer sentiment at all-time lows, trusted financial advisors are needed now more than ever to help consumers navigate choppy waters. In this episode, Total Expert Chief Lending Officer Dan Catinella joins Joe Welu to break down all of the recent headlines and find the silver lining among tumultuous times.

Lance Lemoine, president of the mortgage division at Evolve Bank and Trust, stops by Expert Insights to talk with host Joe Welu about how Evolve is modernizing its business. During the conversation the two discuss the bank's incredible retention rates, staying relevant in the current financial climate, and making data-driven decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• [01:58] Background on Evolve Bank and Trust
• [03:28] Lance's story and secret to success
• [05:56] Sales and retention at Evolve Bank and Trust
• [07:26] Serving your people and the customer
• [09:20] On being data-driven and discussing best practices
• [11:23] What it means to be a modern bank, and Evolve's vision for the next decade
• [14:15] Stay relevant to stay alive
• [17:16] Lance's thoughts on the current market cycle

President and COO of FinLocker Brian Vieaux joins Joe Welu on Expert Insights to discuss going beyond a transactional mindset and delivering value to consumers by helping them prepare for life's biggest financial decisions.

Key takeaways:

• [00:55] Brian's background and FinLocker story
• [05:16] Financial health and wellness, and enabling customer success
• [08:26] Engaging up-funnel and empowering the modern consumer
• [14:37] Most innovation is focused on the transaction
• [18:24] The Struggle of being a B2B2C platform
• [21:56] The importance of consumer control over their data
• [26:52] Possibilities with FinLocker and data management with a privacy-focus

Jason Henrichs of Alloy Labs talks with Expert Insights host Joe Welu about the state of fintech in 2022. Alloy Labs interacts with many banks that are in the middle stages of digital transformation, and Jason outlines opportunities for the future of banking institutions growing to fit the modern needs of customers.

Steve Jacobson, the founder and CEO of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, joins Joe Welu on Expert Insights to share his perspective on the mortgage industry, what it takes to build a culture with a growth mindset, and his vision for Fairway for the next five years.