Driving Loyalty and Engagement with Insurance Products

How do you transform banks that have been built over centuries for a world where artificial intelligence operates 10 times faster than the digital revolution? We're not just talking about implementing new technology; we're reimagining banking for customers who interact daily with AI assistants and may soon entrust their money management entirely to intelligent systems. However, banks that rush into action without understanding their organizational and cultural legacies will find their investments yielding disappointing results. The issue isn't the technology; it's that we equate activity with progress, making top-down decisions that overlook what's happening on the ground. Our guest on the Banking Transformed podcast, Sophie Heller, is the newly appointed Chief Transformation Officer at BNP Paribas CPBS, bringing a unique perspective that combines strategic technology leadership with deep insights from behavioral sciences and organizational sociology. Today, we explore why the pause before progress might be more important than the speed of implementation, how behavioral sciences are becoming essential tools for transformation leaders, and what it takes to redesign banking for an AI-powered world. Welcome to Shaping Banking’s Next – podcast episodes hosted by Jim Marous and brought to you by Infosys Finacle and Qorus Global. These compelling episodes are inspired by the ‘Innovation in Retail Banking’ research, a report that has been tracking innovation trends, investment priorities, emerging business models, and real-world case studies for over 15 years. In these episodes, visionaries, changemakers, and digital pioneers from the world’s leading banks will share how they’re driving innovation, transforming the banking value chain, and reimagining the future of banking. Join them as they explore bold strategies, innovative business models and next-gen technologies shaping the industry today and defining what’s next.

Offering diverse insurance products isn't just about additional revenue streams—it's about building unbreakable customer relationships, especially when economic uncertainty has people questioning every financial decision. We explore how forward-thinking financial institutions are evolving beyond traditional banking to become true partners in financial wellness, utilizing insurance as a bridge to deeper, more meaningful customer engagement. I'm joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by two industry experts: Erin Allen, Vice President of Insurance Strategy and Distribution, and Norm Brown, Senior Director of Client and Customer Experience at Franklin Madison. If you've ever wondered why your customers might be more loyal to their insurance provider than their bank, or how to turn financial anxiety into opportunity, this conversation is for you.

The most critical challenge facing most retail financial institutions is how to accelerate organic growth and customer acquisition in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven landscape. I’m joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by Sumeet Grover, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Growth & Digital Officer at Austin-based University Federal Credit Union. Sumeet is a renowned thought leader in financial services, with nearly two decades of experience at Citibank, where he held leadership positions spanning marketing, digital transformation, client experience, and operations. Most recently, he served as EVP and Chief Digital & Marketing Officer at Alliant Credit Union, the largest digital credit union in the United States. In today's conversation, we explore the most significant obstacles hindering sustainable growth, identify the most promising opportunities on the horizon, and discuss how AI is fundamentally transforming the growth model for retail financial institutions.

Community financial institutions are at a crossroads—they must deliver cutting-edge card payment experiences that rival fintech disruptors and mega-banks, all while preserving their community-focused mission and working within tighter resource constraints. Guest: Joe Schmithorst, VP of Product and Client Solutions at Primax Joe brings decades of experience helping community banks transform their payment capabilities. In this episode, he reveals how smaller institutions can leverage modern architectures, embedded payment solutions, and customer-centric design not only to compete but also to outmaneuver larger competitors. Key Topics: - Building scalable card payment platforms on realistic budgets - Emerging technologies: real-time payments and digital wallet integration - Turning community banks' personalized service advantage into a competitive weapon - Practical implementation strategies that deliver results Discover how community banks can transform their biggest challenge into their greatest opportunity.

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