Tag: Bank Director

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A Bank’s Future Is _____

Today’s pop quiz

A bank’s future is:

(a)  Bright

(b) Non-existent

(c) Technology-dependent

(d) Unclear

By deliberating before answering this question (and subsequently leaving a reply below), you will better understand how + why my team at Bank Director developed the agenda for our Growing the Bank Conference.

Next Monday and Tuesday, at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Las Colinas in Dallas, we are excited to welcome 230+ executives from traditional and emerging financial services companies to explore:

  • The power of partnerships between banks and fintechs;
  • How to embrace change; and
  • Intelligently experimenting with emerging tools and products.

As I wrote in 3 Quick Takeaways from #fintech16 (aka Bank Director’s FinTech Day at Nasdaq’s MarketSite), many technology companies have developed strategies, practices and new technologies that will dramatically influence how banking gets done in the future.  For example:

  • Nymbus is transforming the way traditional banks and financial institutions support and interact with their customers through its core processing solution;
  • nCino is a leader in cloud banking with a dynamic bank operating system; and
  • Geezeo offers an integrated suite of online tools and services; notably, a sleek Personal Financial Management (PFM) solution.

However, within this period of upheaval — where considerable market share will be up for grabs — ambitious banks can leapfrog both traditional and new rivals.  So if you are joining us, be advised that this is not a place to sit quietly and be told what’s not working in banking. This two-day exchange of ideas allowed for candid conversations and presentations banking leaders from around the United States eager to address challenging issues and emerging opportunities.  If you are interested in following the conversation via Twitter, @bankdirector uses #BDGrow16.  In addition, we will share various takeaways via LinkedIn and I’ll be posting regularly to this site.

P.S. – I’ll read the best answer to today’s question to open the conference, so don’t be shy in sharing your answer below.

 

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Blockchain 101 – a Primer for a Bank’s CEO and Board

The rapid transformation of the financial services industry — due to technological innovations and shifting customer expectations — is quite remarkable. One of the most revolutionary technologies is blockchain, which might transform not just banking but also the media industry, insurance companies and government agencies (to name but three).  Be it digital identities, digital banking or cross-border payments, the potential applications of blockchain are immense.  So for those most responsible for being the champions and evangelists for growth within a bank, we produced this “Blockchain 101” video to highlight potential applications of this database for recording transactions.

*This video is a part of Bank Director’s online training series — exclusively available to a bank’s CEO and their officers & directors as part of their annual Bank Services program relationship.  I thought it was appropriate to make an exception today and share this particular primer in advance of our upcoming Growing The Bank conference.  We will host this program next Monday and Tuesday at the Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas — and blockchain’s potential will surely be discussed.

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The Digitization of Banking

TransferWise, a fintech not shy in touting its “Bye Bye Banks” slogan, recently announced it is shifting course and now intends to partner with banks.  From anti-bank to partnership ready.  Hmm… the times really are a-changin’

Since I filmed this recap at Nasdaq, it has become more and more clear that innovation knows no size. Depending on a given business strategy, it can either be enhanced — or yes, constrained.  As new technologies and approaches to delivering financial services emerge, bank CEOs and their teams will be challenged to meet the future expectations of their customers as well as to assess the additional risks, costs, resources and supervisory concerns associated with providing new financial services and products.

While technology enables change, the evolution and digitization of banking is a business issue.  Banks of all sizes are investing more heavily in order to present more sophisticated capabilities to their clientele.  However, we are still in the early stages of this shift, which is why new technology players will continue to emerge while traditional participants transform their underlying business models to better participate and compete in the coming years.

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For those champions & evangelists for innovation within a bank, take a look at Bank Director’s recently launched FinXTech.  Think of this new platform as a catalyst — one that brings together a highly influential group of people who (1) care about the future of financial services, (2) are committed to meaningful transformation and (3) are empowered to make change happen.

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Recognizing Bank Director’s Efforts to Create Positive Change

For those who have worked with me, you know that I favor the proverb “to go fast, go alone… to go far, go together.”  This idea certainly applies to our business culture and extends to the work we do on behalf of our communities.  

Earlier this week, I received some wonderful news from Mika Moser, Linda Endres and Emily McCormick (the three ladies in the picture above).  They represented Bank Director at the 2015 United Way Williamson County awards ceremony and came back to the office with some serious hardware:

  • We won a “Circle of Caring” award, which is given for outstanding company campaigns based on (1) organization and growth (2) level of corporate and employee giving and (3) year-round commitment to United Way programs.
  • In addition, we received a “Greatest Campaign Participation” award which is made to those companies with 90%+ participation (*we had 100% FWIW).
  • Most impressive, we took home this year’s “Best Campaign Award” for a company with under 100 employees.  Of note, I am so exceptionally proud of the fact that we donated $38,000 — on average, $1,650 per employee — to United Way in 2015.

Ironically, these awards were made just a few days before nearly all members of our Nashville office volunteered at a Community Housing Partnership Day.  Some pictures from the fun (that also shows its not just money that we’re donating to help improve our local communities):

Getting set for a good morning together
Laura Proffitt looking like a pro
Clean up time
Curious if Linda planted this on her own?
Ryan being put to work (again)
Detailing the house
Teamwork

I am incredibly proud of my colleagues and what we’ve done year after year for United Way, which in the company’s county supports 48 programs through 32 partner agencies.  Congratulations to our campaign leadership and the entire team who have made our annual United Way campaign so much of who we are!

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Al Dominick is the President & CEO of Bank Director, a privately held media & publishing company designed around strategically important business issues that a CEO, executive and/or board member(s) need to know — and be prepared to address.  An information resource to the financial community since 1991, the company publishes Bank Director magazine every month, hosts major industry conferences like “Acquire or Be Acquired,” conducts board-level research, provides board education & training programs, runs BankDirector.com… and recently launched FinXTech.

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Our First Quarter (In Pictures)

A fun departure from my recent posts in order to share pictures with various members of my team from the first ninety days of 2016.  As the weather warms and New Year’s resolutions (remember those) yield to Spring routines, I am very proud that my colleagues at Bank Director continue to navigate their days with curiosity, optimism and yes, I hope a sense of humor.  FWIW, there are three cultural values that drive the way we work:

Make others successful
The most powerful word we use is “WE”
Individual ownership supports collective responsibility

So as I reflect on individual efforts and the time spent crafting memorable experiences that occur online, in-person and/or in print, some of my favorite photos from the start of the year reflect the team dynamic I am so proud of.

Room set for 935 attendees at the Arizona Biltmore
Setting up for Acquire or Be Acquired
Robert is amazed that we’re in Arizona for AOBA again
The classic car auction at the Arizona Biltmore was a nice touch for this year’s AOBA
On sale at AOBA setup
On display during AOBA setup
Team Bank Director out on the golf course
Mika and me at the Breakers
Lucy and me at the Breakers
Breakfast at our Chairman/CEO Peer Exchange
Mika and Jack holding it down
My sister, Suzanne, with a surprise appearance at Nasdaq
Ringing the closing bell with some of our friends
Closing bell ceremony on March 1
FinTech Day at Nasdaq on March 1
Michelle and Lucy welcoming folks to NYC
Moderating a discussion on the value of colorful socks vs creative pocket squares
Bill King and Kelsey’s Dad showing up in NYC
Appreciating Nasdaq’s hospitality
three of the four guys represented here (sad?)
Throwing on the pastels in Arizona
One of my favorites, Michael Shepherd
Braving the cold and snow right before AOBA (1 reason we hold it in AZ each year is to escape this type of wintry mix!)
Someone’s getting their laps in at the Breakers before our Chairman/CEO Peer Exchange (any guesses?)
The Breakers – home to this year’s Chairman/CEO Peer exchange
moderating the Seidman Panel series
post-Keynote Q&A at AOBA

 

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Al Dominick (that is me above) is the President & CEO of Bank Director, a privately held media & publishing company designed around strategically important business issues that a CEO, executive and/or board member(s) need to know — and be prepared to address. An information resource to the financial community since 1991, we publish Bank Director magazine, host conferences like “Acquire or Be Acquired,” conduct board-level research, provide board education & training programs, run BankDirector.com… and recently launched FinXTech.

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The Convergence of Bob Dylan and Banking

Some of the most visible innovations in the banking world today are platform-based, data intensive and capital light.  Personally, I’m just as encouraged by “incumbent” institutions supporting new fintech entrants — with infrastructure and access to services — as I am creative new companies (like Nymbus, nCino, etc.) providing smaller and mid-sized banks with sophisticated new capabilities.

This video, filmed during Bank Director’s annual FinTech Day in New York City at the Nasdaq Marketsite, is but one of eight videos we’ve shared on BankDirector.com.  To see what industry leaders from Silicon Valley Bank, the Fintech Collective, BizEquity, Daon, Deloitte Consulting and the World Bank’s IFC think are the challenges & opportunities facing traditional banks, I invite you to take a look at this compilation of videos FinTech Day Recap: Rapid Transformation Through Collaboration.

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Al Dominick is the President & CEO of Bank Director, a privately held media & publishing company designed around strategically important business issues that a CEO, executive and/or board member(s) need to know — and be prepared to address. An information resource to the financial community since 1991, we publish Bank Director magazine, host conferences like “Acquire or Be Acquired,” conduct board-level research, provide board education & training programs, run BankDirector.com… and recently launched FinXTech.

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Cybersecurity and the Fintech Wave

Earlier this month, at Bank Director’s FinTech Day at Nasdaq’s MarketSite in New York City, I noted how many technology firms are developing strategies, practices and tools that will dramatically influence how banking gets done in the future. Concomitantly, I expressed an optimism that banks are learning from these new players, adapting their offerings and identifying opportunities to collaborate with new “digital-first” businesses.  Unfortunately, with great opportunity comes significant risk (and today’s post looks at a major one challenging bank CEOs and their boards). 

By Al Dominick, President & CEO, Bank Director

To grow your revenue, deposits, brand, market size and/or market share requires both strong leadership and business strategy.  Right now, there are a handful of banks developing niche vertical lines of business to compete with the largest institutions. For instance, East West Bancorp, EverBank Financial, First Republic Bank, Opus Bank, PacWest Bancorp, Signature Bank and Texas Capital Bancshares.

Just as compelling as each bank’s approach to growing their business is the idea that new competitors in direct and mobile banking will spur the digitalization of our industry.  I am a firm believer that through partnerships, acquisitions or direct investments, incumbents and upstarts alike have many real and distinct opportunities to grow and scale while improving the fabric of the financial community.

However, with myriad opportunities to leverage new technologies comes significant risk, a fact not lost on the bank executives and board members who responded to Bank Director’s 2016 Risk Practices Survey, sponsored by FIS.  For the second year running, they indicate that cybersecurity is their top risk concern.

More respondents (34 percent) say their boards are reviewing cybersecurity at every board meeting, compared to 18 percent in last year’s survey, indicating an enhanced focus on cybersecurity oversight. Additionally, more banks are now employing a chief information security officer (CISO), who is responsible for day-to-day management of cybersecurity.

However, the survey results also reveal that many banks still aren’t doing enough to protect themselves—and their customers. Less than 20 percent of respondents say their bank has experienced a data breach, but those who do are just as likely to represent a small institution as a large one, further proof that cybersecurity can no longer be discussed as only a “big bank” concern.

For those thinking about the intersection of fintechs and banks, take a look at our just-released 2016 Risk Practices Survey. This year, we examine risk governance trends at U.S. banks, including the role of the chief risk officer and how banks are addressing cybersecurity. The survey was completed in January by 161 independent directors, chief risk officers (CRO), chief executive officers (CEO) and other senior executives of U.S. banks with more than $500 million in assets.

Key Findings Include:

  • Sixty-two percent of respondents indicate their bank has used the cybersecurity assessment tool made available by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, and have completed an assessment. However, only 39 percent have validated the results of the assessment, and only 18 percent have established board-approved triggers for update and reporting. FWIW, bank regulators have started to use the tool in exams, and some states are mandating its use.
  • Seventy-eight percent indicate that their bank employs a full-time CISO, up from 64 percent in last year’s survey.
  • The majority, at 62 percent, say the board primarily oversees cybersecurity within the risk or audit committee. Twenty-six percent govern cybersecurity within the technology committee.
  • Forty-five percent indicate that detecting malicious insider activity or threats is an area where the bank is least prepared for a cyberattack or data breach.
  • Just 35 percent test their bank’s cyber-incident management and response plan quarterly or annually.

Clearly, banks are increasingly relying on complex models to support economic, financial and compliance decision-making processes.  Considering the full board of a bank is ultimately responsible for understanding an institution’s key risks — and credibly challenging management’s assessment and response to those risks — I am pleased to share this year’s report as part of our commitment to providing timely & relevant information to the banking community.

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Banking on Fintech DNA

As we talked about at FinTech Day last Tuesday, technology will play a fundamental role in changing the dynamics of banking, be it shining a light on out-dated practices to dramatically enriching the services and experiences being offered to customers.

By Al Dominick, President & CEO, Bank Director

As our editor-in-chief recently wrote, “technology has always been integral to banking, bringing both speed and efficiency to a transaction-intensive business. But in recent years, technology has stepped onto center stage as a prime component in every bank’s growth and distribution strategy. Technology has, in effect, gone from being a way to save money (a crucial function that it still fulfills) to a way to make money. Much of this activity is being driven by the continued growth of mobile and online banking.”

During a panel session entitled “Banking’s New DNA,” I noted how numerous financial technology companies are developing new strategies, practices and products that will dramatically influence the future of banking.  Within this period of transformation, where considerable market share is up for grabs, I believe ambitious banks can leapfrog both traditional and new rivals.

I find the narrative that relates to banks and fintech companies has changed from the confrontational talk that existed just a year or two ago.  As we found at this year’s FinTech Day in New York City, far more fintech players are expressing their enthusiasm to partner and collaborate with banking institutions who count their strengths and advantages as strong adherence to regulations, brand visibility, size, scale, trust and security.  For me, considering such a partnership affords a bank’s leadership team an important chance to look in the mirror and ask:

  1. Are we exceeding our customer’s digital experience expectations?
  2. How do we know if we’re staying relevant?
  3. Do we have a “Department of No” mindset?

I elaborate on these pieces in an article now up on BankDirector.com; to read it, please click here.  Likewise, take a look at the seven facets of building a digital bank.  When it comes to the DNA one needs to compete in the future, I find these elements essential to any operation. 7 elements of a digital bank - by Bank Director and FinXTech

Feel free to comment on these questions and the elements shared above.  What else do you think could/should be added and considered?

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3 Quick Takeaways from #fintech16 (aka Bank Director’s FinTech Day at Nasdaq’s MarketSite)

As evidenced by the various conversations at yesterday’s FinTech Day, the next few years promises to be one of profound transformation in the financial sector.

By Al Dominick, President & CEO, Bank Director

At a time when changing consumer behavior and new technologies are inspiring innovation throughout the financial services community, I had a chance to open this year’s FinTech Day program with a look at how collaboration between traditional institutions and emerging technology firms bodes well for the future.  With continuous pressure to innovate, banks today are learning from new challengers, adapting their offerings and identifying opportunities to collaborate. At the same time, we continue to watch as many fintech companies develop strategies, practices and new technologies that will dramatically influence how banking gets done in the future.

Personally, I believe this is a very exciting time to be in banking — a sentiment shared by the vast majority of the 125+ that were with us at Nasdaq’s MarketSite yesterday.  While I plan to go deeper into some of the presentations made in subsequent posts and columns on BankDirector.com, below are three slides from my welcoming remarks that various attendees asked me to share.

7 elements of a digital bank - by Bank Director and FinXTech

For the above image, my team took a step into an entrepreneurs shoe’s and envisioned an opportunity to build a new, digital-only bank from the ground up.  We consider these seven facets as base elements for success — and the companies listed provide real-life examples of financial institutions & fintechs alike that we see “doing it right.”

FinTech Day Deck1 (dragged)

The irony of sharing an idea for a new bank?  Newly chartered banks (de novos) are basically extinct.  So for a program like FinTech Day, I thought it was imperative to provide context to the U.S. banking market by looking at the total number of FDIC-insured institutions.  These numbers are accurate as of last Friday.

FinTech Day Deck1 (dragged) 1

This final slide comes from our annual Acquire or Be Acquired conference in Arizona.  There, we welcomed 930+ to explore financial growth options available to a bank’s CEO and board.  To open our second full day, I polled our audience using a real-time response device to see how likely they are to invite a fintech company in for a conversation.  As you can see from the results above, real opportunities remain for meaningful dialogue and partnership discussions.

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Thanks to all who joined us, the speakers that shard their insights and opinions and our friends from Nasdaq!

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March 1 is FinTech Day

Tomorrow is FinTech Day… here is what you need to know in advance of this exclusive one-day event.

What: Bank Director’s FinTech Day

When: Tuesday, March 1 2016

Where: Nasdaq’s MarketSite (4 Times Square – 43rd & Broadway)

Overview: The next few years promises to be one of profound transformation in the financial sector. Clearly, the fabric of the industry continues to evolve as new technology players emerge and traditional participants transform their business models. At FinTech Day, we address trends like the personalization of banking, the challenges of scaling a company in our highly regulated industry and what shifting customer expectations portend for all.  For the full agenda, click here.

Who is coming: Attendee lists are provided to all confirmed; unfortunately, we are at capacity and cannot accept any additional registrations.  Below, I highlight the various businesses represented.

A look at who is coming to Bank Director and FinXTech's FinTech Day on March 1

FinXTech: In addition to connecting participants from across the community, I am  excited to introduce a new digital division — FinXTech — to provide authoritative, relevant and trusted content for (a) Fintech companies who view banks as potentially valuable channel or distribution partners; (b) Banks over $1B looking to grow and/or innovate with fintech companies’ help and support; and (c) Investors and services firms interested in helping to shape the future of banking.

Misc: To follow the conversation, I invite you to follow me @aldominick or use #FinTech16.  In honor of the occasion, I will be ringing the closing bell (flanked by Joan Susie, Chairman of Bank Director and Kelsey Weaver, Publisher of Bank Director + our speakers and various executives from fintech companies and high performing banks).  So if you want to see how we wrap things up at 4:00 PM ET, I invited you to turn on CNBC, MSNBC, etc.

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Fintech in 2016: A Whole Lot of Collaboration

While some of the largest and most established financial institutions have struck relationships with various financial technology firms (and not just startups / early stage), opportunities for meaningful partnerships abound.  At Bank Director’s annual FinTech Day at Nasdaq’s MarketSite in Times Square next Tuesday, we explore — with executives from the companies depicted above — what’s really possible when banks and fintechs collaborate to help each other’s businesses accelerate and scale.

By Al Dominick, President & CEO, Bank Director

A fundamental truth: individuals, along with business owners, have more choices than ever before in terms of where, when and how they bank. So a big challenge — and dare I suggest, opportunity — for leadership teams at financial institutions and fintech companies alike entails aligning services & product mixes to suit core customers’ current interests and prospective one’s expectations.

Yesterday, I shared how the fabric of the financial industry continues to evolve as new technology players emerge and traditional participants transform their business models. Indeed, many fintech companies are developing strategies, practices and new technologies that will dramatically influence how banking “gets done” in the future. However, within this period of change — where considerable market share will be up for grabs — I believe that ambitious organizations can leapfrog both traditional and emerging rivals.

Clearly, bank CEOs and their teams must seek new ways to not just stay relevant but to stand out.  While a number of banks seek to extend their footprint and franchise value through acquisition, many more aspire to build the bank internally. Some show organic growth as they build their base of core deposits and expand their customer relationships; others see the value of collaborating with fintech companies.

For a bank CEO and his/her executive team, knowing who’s a friend, and who’s a potential foe, is hugely important.  Personally, I have found this to be quite difficult for many regardless of their size or market.  Moreover, I find this to be a two-sided challenge in the sense that for a fintech founder or executive, identifying those banks open to partnering with, investing in or even acquiring a company like the one they run presents as great a challenge as it does opportunity.

So as more & more fintech companies look to partner with legacy players — and banks warm to such a dynamic — I am excited to think about the creative new partnerships that can be explored to ease payment processes, reduce fraud, save users money, promote financial planning and ultimately, move our giant industry forward.

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FinTech Day is One Week Away

The fabric of the financial industry continues to evolve as new technology players emerge and traditional participants transform their business models. Through partnerships, acquisitions or direct investments, incumbents and upstarts alike have many real and distinct opportunities to grow and scale.  If 2015 was all about startups talking less about disruption and more about cooperation, I see 2016 as the year that banks reciprocate.

By Al Dominick, President & CEO, Bank Director

Next Tuesday, at Nasdaq’s MarketSite in Time Square, our team hosts our annual “FinTech Day.” With so many new companies pushing their way into markets and product lines that traditionally have been considered the banking industry’s turf, we look at what fintech means for traditional banks. Likewise, we explore where emerging fintech players may become catalysts for significant change with the support of traditional players.  When it comes to trends like the personalization of banking, the challenges of scaling a company in our highly regulated industry and what shifting customer expectations portend for banks and fintechs alike, we have a full day planned. Take a look at some of the issues we will address.

Riding The Wave Of Change
Al Dominick, President & CEO, Bank Director
Robert H. McCooey, Jr., Senior Vice President of Listing Services, Nasdaq

At a time when changing consumer behavior and new technologies are inspiring innovation throughout the financial services community, we open this year’s program with a look at how collaboration between traditional institutions and emerging technology firms bodes well for the future.

Banking’s New DNA
Michael M. Carter, CEO, BizEquity
Vivian Maese, Partner, Latham & Watkins
Eduardo Vergara, Head of Payments Services & Global Treasury Product Sales, Silicon Valley Bank
Moderated by: Al Dominick, President & CEO, Bank Director

With continuous pressure to innovate, banks today are learning from new challengers, adapting their offerings and identifying opportunities to collaborate.  With this opening session, we focus on the most pressing issues facing banks as they leverage new tools and technologies to compete.

Who Has the Power to Transform Banking
Jeana Deninger, Senior Vice President, Marketing, CoverHound, Inc.
Brooks Gibbins, Co-Founder & General Partner, FinTech Collective
Colleen Poynton, Vice President, Core Innovation Capital
Moderated by: Al Dominick, President & CEO, Bank Director

While fintech startups continue to spearhead the technological transformation of financial services, recent efforts by systemically important financial institutions call into question who reallly has the power to tranform banking. From an investment perspective, recent market turmoil may put some opportunities on hold – while others now have a higher, sharper bar to clear. In this session, we talk to investors about the traits that they look for when backing a venture in the context of a changing economic environment.

Opportunities to Reinvigorate the Banking Industry
Tom Kimberly, General Manager, Betterment Institutional
Thomas Jankovich, Principal & Innovation Leader, US Financial Services Practice, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Pete Steger, Head of Business Development, Kabbage, Inc.
Moderated by: Al Dominick, President & CEO, Bank Director

Many fintech companies are developing strategies, practices and new technologies that will dramatically influence how banking gets done in the future. However, within this period of upheaval – where considerable market share will be up for grabs – ambitious banks can leapfrog both traditional and new rivals. During this hour, we explore various opportunities for financial services companies to reinvigorate the industry.

Opportunities to Financially Participate in Fintech
Joseph S. Berry, Jr., Managing Director, Co-Head of Depositories Investment Banking, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. A Stifel Company
Kai Martin Schmitz, Leader FinTech Investment LatAm, Global FinTech Investment Group, International Finance Corporation
Moderated by: Al Dominick, President & CEO, Bank Director

While large, multinational banks have made a series of investments in the fintech community, there is a huge, untapped market for banks to become an early-stage investor in fintech companies. Based on the day’s prior conversations, this session looks at opportunities for banks to better support emerging companies looking to grow and scale with their support.

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While this special event on March 1 is sold out, you can follow the conversations by using #Fintech16 @aldominick @bankdirector @finxtech and @bankdirectorpub.  And as a fun fact, I’ll be ringing the closing bell next Tuesday flanked by our Chairman and our Head of Innovation.  So if you are by a television and can turn on CNN, MSNBC, Fox, etc at 3:59, you’ll see some smiling faces waving at the cameras.