Banking Transformed with Jim Marous

Instant payments have officially entered the mainstream — but adoption is still uneven, and questions remain. How is FedNow performing more than a year after launch? What’s driving momentum, what’s holding institutions back, and what will it take for real-time payments to finally reach critical mass? In this episode of Banking Transformed, I’m joined by Bernadette Ksepka, Senior Vice President and Deputy Head of Product Development for the Federal Reserve’s FedNow Service. We’ll explore how instant payments are reshaping financial interactions, debunk some of the biggest myths surrounding FedNow, and examine how financial institutions — from community banks to major players — can leverage this infrastructure for competitive advantage. From new use cases and fraud prevention to the economics of real-time liquidity, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at where the U.S. instant payments ecosystem stands today — and where it’s heading next. If your institution hasn’t yet activated “send,” this episode mi

Against the backdrop of the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats, where speed records are broken and boundaries are pushed, Colton Pond joined me to interview three visionary banking leaders who are breaking through the traditional limitations of legacy core banking systems. This unique setting perfectly mirrors the conversation's theme: the need for financial institutions to accelerate their modernization journey and adopt a modular approach to the future. In this compelling episode of Banking Transformed, Kelli Keough from SoFi, Chris Black from Thread Bank, and Raphael Reznek from Mascoma Bank share their real-world experiences transitioning from monolithic legacy systems to specialized, modular architectures. They reveal why treating deposits, lending, and wealth management as distinct domains isn't just a technical decision ... it's a competitive imperative that can make product launches 40% more efficient. Whether you're a banking executive navigating modernization challenges, a fintech professional exploring

What if your business banking clients could ask a question, in plain English, and get an instant, intelligent answer? No spreadsheets. No manual reports. Just the client, their data, and AI working together. It sounds like science fiction, but it's happening right now. Grasshopper Bank has become the first U.S. bank to enable customers to connect their business banking data directly to Anthropic's Claude AI assistant, and the implications are staggering. We're joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by two visionaries who made it happen: Chris Tremont, Chief Digital Officer, and Pete Chapman, CTO of Grasshopper Bank. They'll reveal how they built a secure bridge between banking and artificial intelligence, why they raced to be first, and what this means for every banking organization in America. This is the conversation where the future of banking gets written. The companies that understand this shift will thrive. Those who don't will be left behind.

The future of banking isn't coming – it's already here. And yet, a staggering 46% of retail financial institutions admit they're either early in their digital transformation journey or still in planning stages. At the heart of this inertia lies a familiar bottleneck: legacy core systems. While over 90% of banks surveyed this year say digital transformation is either a “critical” or “high” priority, less than 10% believe their current core can fully support their goals. In this episode of Banking Transformed, I’m joined by Sandeep Lalwani, Head of UST FinX, and Barry O’Connell, Managing Director, Americas for Thought Machine. Together, we examine the real-world consequences of delayed modernization – from constrained innovation to a stunted customer experience – and explore how a modular, coexistence-based core transformation can flip the script. This is the first episode in a new series, "Building the Future-Ready Bank", sponsored by UST FinX.

AI is rewriting how value is created and moved, digital assets are making finance programmable, and open banking is turning data into a competitive weapon. To become resilient, one must understand the collision between cutting-edge technology and centuries-old financial systems. How is open banking democratizing financial data? Why are some regions outpacing others in fintech innovation, while others lag behind? And what happens when AI agents start managing our money? I'm excited to welcome Ronit Ghose, Head of Future of Finance at Citi Institute and author of the groundbreaking book "Future of Money," to the Banking Transformed podcast, recorded at Money 20/20 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From his unique perspective at one of the world's largest financial institutions, he has seen how technologies that seemed like science fiction a decade ago are now fundamentally transforming how money moves, how we bank, and how financial services operate across different continents. Whether you're a fintech founder, a tra

As we passed the midway point of 2025, we're witnessing a fascinating convergence: social media has become the new town square for financial decisions, mobile apps are overtaking traditional banking channels, and after years of digital self-service, Americans are seeking human financial advice at levels not seen since the 2008 crisis. Meanwhile, alternative financial options are experiencing an unexpected renaissance, and artificial intelligence stands at a critical inflection point between promise and practice. Welcome to today's episode of Banking Transformed, where we're diving deep into the seismic shifts reshaping the financial services landscape. I'm joined by Luke Allchin, Director of Research at RFI Global, who brings us groundbreaking insights from their latest MacroMonitor data tracking over 130 million US households. Luke's research reveals that 2026 won't just be another year of incremental change – it will be the year that separates digital natives from digital laggards, and where trust becomes

While most financial institutions see payment processing as just a commodity service, the smartest ones are realizing it's actually their secret weapon for strengthening commercial relationships, boosting non-interest income, and building real competitive advantages in a growing market. Here's what might surprise you: banks that excel at providing merchant services not only keep their clients longer but also become essential partners in their clients' success. Conversely, those that fail to do so unintentionally push profitable business relationships right into their competitors' hands. On this episode of Banking Transformed, I sit down with Brad Oddo, CEO of Basys, a payments partner known for award-winning support, a white-label approach, and an ability to unlock revenue and relationship potential for financial institutions of all sizes. We explore why merchant services are often overlooked, how banks can transform them into a strategic growth engine, and what the future holds for payments innovation. If

In today’s rapidly changing financial landscape, traditional banking is no longer enough. Customers expect more than just accounts, loans, and transactions—they want personalized, real-time value delivered seamlessly across every touchpoint in their lives. That’s where ecosystem banking comes in. In this episode of Banking Transformed, I’m joined by Mike Cook and Carson Kotnyek from Zafin to explore how banks can move beyond legacy limitations and become orchestrators of value. We’ll unpack what ecosystem banking truly means, why orchestration—not just innovation—is the new growth engine, and how financial institutions can remain relevant by delivering holistic solutions that meet customers wherever they are. If you want to understand how the future of banking is being built—not just in the branch, but in housing, health, commerce, and beyond—this conversation is your playbook. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Zafin Zafin's Loyalty Rewards capability helps banks deepen customer engage

In banking, every second matters. Fraud happens in milliseconds. Customers demand instant answers. And AI can only deliver value if it’s powered by live, real-time data. Yet many banks are still relying on batch reports and outdated systems, making decisions based on yesterday’s insights. The shift can’t wait. Forrester predicts that by 2025, half of all businesses will use AI-powered self-service as their primary customer touchpoint. That future won’t be possible without real-time data at the core. Banks that leverage streaming data will transform customer experiences, manage risks more efficiently, and unlock the full potential of AI. Those who don’t risk being left behind. Today, I’m joined by Gillaume Aymé, CEO of Lenses.io and a leading voice on data innovation. Together, we’ll explore why real-time data is becoming the lifeblood of modern banking, the hurdles institutions must overcome, and how to build the foundation for AI-driven success. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Len

Most banks, including potentially yours, are falling into a dangerous trap. They're announcing AI initiatives, holding innovation showcases, and talking about digital transformation, but when it comes to measurable business results, 70% have nothing to show for their investment. The winners, like JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, and a few others, aren't just lucky. They've decoded a specific approach to talent, execution, and measurement that lets them turn AI investments into strategic advantages. Meanwhile, most are wasting budgets with little to show for it beyond PowerPoint slides. Today on the Banking Transformed podcast, we're joined by Alexandra Mousavizadeh, CEO of Evident, who has just released the most comprehensive analysis of AI outcomes in banking. Her team tracked 173 AI use cases across 50 major banks, and the data reveals a stark divide emerging in our industry. Alexandra will reveal which banks are already using AI to steal retail customers, how they're measuring real ROI, and most importantly

In this episode of Banking Transformed, John Stuckey from FIS shares insights on the evolving landscape of digital business banking and the strategies financial institutions need to adopt for future growth. The discussion examines how market needs have evolved for business banking clients, the effect of Customer 360 perspectives, the increasing influence of open banking on business financial relationships, and the ways AI is transforming competitive dynamics. John also delves into the competitive dynamics between fintechs and traditional banks, and how banks must evolve their digital solutions to meet changing market demands.

Silent attrition may be the biggest threat most banks aren’t talking about — and the stakes are rising fast. The 2025 Generational Trends in Digital Banking study reveals that only 56% of digital banking consumers expect to maintain their current relationship over the next year, while the rest are quietly drifting toward stagnation or disengagement. This continuous erosion of loyalty comes just as the U.S. faces one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history. Thirty-seven percent of Americans expect an inheritance in the next two decades, but if banks can’t hold on to younger, digital-first customers now, those assets — and the loyalty — will walk out the door. Joining me today on the Banking Transformed podcast are two powerhouse experts – Jason Dorsey, President of The Center for Generational Kinetics, and Allison Cerra, Chief Marketing Officer at Alkami Technologies. They will unpack the findings from the 2025 Generational Trends in Digital Banking Study and share what banks must do no

As I visit different cities and countries, I find that every financial institution is racing to claim they are “data-driven,” yet, as I dig deeper, I find that few are truly turning data into meaningful action. From personalizing member experiences to unlocking operational efficiency, the ability to transform data into insight — and insight into impact — has become a strategic imperative. Yet the journey from collecting data to scaling it across an organization is filled with cultural, technological, and ethical challenges. On today’s episode of Banking Transformed, I’m joined by Jeremiah Lotz, Senior Vice President of Data and Experience Design at Velera. We’ll explore what it takes to build not just a data strategy, but a data culture — one that fosters literacy, curiosity, and trust. We’ll also discuss how financial institutions can identify when they’re ready to scale, the role of AI and governance in driving value, and the new frontiers of data use in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Every customer conversation – whether in a branch, online, or through a call center – holds the potential to either deepen loyalty or increase attrition. Yet too often, those interactions create frustration, higher costs, and lower satisfaction scores. Today’s competitive advantage isn’t just having data. It’s knowing how to transform conversations into measurable business value. From lowering cost-to-serve to boosting Net Promoter Scores, the opportunity is clear: banks that successfully harness AI and conversation intelligence are realizing game-changing ROI, while others remain stuck in pilot projects. In this episode of Banking Transformed, I’m joined by Caleb Johnson, VP at TTEC Digital, and Chris Dolan from Cisco. Together, we’ll explore how financial institutions can build the infrastructure, insights, and strategies to orchestrate seamless customer journeys and turn everyday conversations into bottom-line results. If you’re looking for practical ways to move past AI hype and drive measurable CX tra

Fintech disruptors like Chime, Revolut, Venmo and the Cash App have shaken up the banking world by positioning themselves against traditional banking's pain points, yet most established banks continue to compete on incremental improvements rather than bold differentiation. Consumers are drowning in nearly indistinguishable offers, a reality my guest on Banking Transformed, Laura Ries, calls out in her newest book, "The Strategic Enemy: How to Build and Position a Brand Worth Fighting For". Her antidote is intentionally counterintuitive: stop trying to be “better,” and instead become unmistakably different by defining, and then defeating, a single, visible foe. Ries argues that when brands rally around an “enemy,” and reinforce the fight with a memorable “visual hammer,” they earn a permanent slot in the customer’s mind. Our conversation explores how enemy-based positioning and vivid visual symbols can help banks escape commoditization, revitalize trust, and signal a bolder future.

Thailand's banking sector is experiencing a remarkable evolution, driven by regulatory innovation, mobile-first consumer behavior, and some of the world's most stringent operational requirements. Leading this transformation at one of the region's most influential financial institutions is our guest today. Ian Gillard serves as Senior Executive Vice President at Bangkok Bank, where he oversees digitalization, mobile banking, blockchain initiatives, cloud strategy, and analytics. Today, we'll explore how Bangkok Bank is navigating Thailand's unique regulatory landscape, the bank's strategy for dominating both domestic and international markets, and Ian's vision for the future of digital engagement in a region where 97% of banking transactions happen on mobile devices. From virtual banking initiatives to AI-driven customer experiences, we'll uncover the innovations that are positioning Bangkok Bank at the forefront of ASEAN's financial transformation. Welcome to Shaping Banking’s Next – podcast episodes

For tech firms serving banks, survival isn’t guaranteed. It takes more than a great product or engineering talent to stay ahead. It requires relentless innovation, the ability to scale without losing agility, a deep understanding of financial institutions' pain points, and above all, visionary leadership that adapts to change rather than fears it. On this episode of Banking Transformed, we welcome Ana Inés Echavarren, the dynamic CEO of Infocorp, a company that has not only survived but thrived in this volatile environment. But her story isn’t just about corporate growth — it’s a story of personal reinvention. From her roots in engineering to becoming one of the few female tech CEOs in Latin America, Ana’s journey is marked by lessons in courage, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the transformative power of mentorship. A vocal advocate for women in tech and leadership, Ana challenges old paradigms and champions diversity as a competitive advantage. This conversation serves as a roadmap for what it

Every week, we hear another story: A major bank's mobile app crashes during peak hours with no vendor support in sight. A credit union's core system update goes sideways, leaving customers locked out for days. A regional bank discovers that their "24/7 support" actually means "leave a voicemail and we'll get back to you Tuesday." Here's the brutal truth most banking executives learn too late: You're not just buying a solution – you're buying a relationship that could either supercharge your institution or slowly strangle it. While your procurement team obsesses over features and price tags, the real question that will determine your success or failure is this: When everything goes wrong at 2 AM on a Friday, who's actually going to answer the phone? I'm joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by Jennifer Gibson, VP of Sales for Primax, who has a front-row seat to both sides of this equation. Jennifer is here to reveal the hidden warning signs that separate true partners from mere sales pitches, the questio

The convergence of artificial intelligence, real-time payment rails, open banking, and embedded finance is creating both unprecedented opportunities for innovation and significant competitive pressures. Banks must navigate the delicate balance between embracing cutting-edge technologies, such as generative AI, and maintaining the trust and security that customers demand. In this episode of the Banking Transformed podcast, we delve into the rapidly evolving payments ecosystem with Rich Clow, Head of Innovation and Strategy at Global Payment Solutions, Bank of America. With over 25 years of experience spanning from the early days of branchless banking to today's AI-powered financial services, Rich provides unique insights into the transformative trends reshaping how we think about money, payments, and banking relationships. Join us as we explore these critical trends with one of the industry's most experienced innovators, who has been at the forefront of digital payments evolution for over two decades.

In an age where customers can switch banks with just a few taps on their smartphones, loyalty has shifted from being a nice-to-have marketing tactic to a business-critical survival strategy. Today's banking customers don't just want rewards—they seek relevance, personalization, and experiences that fit seamlessly into their daily routines. This shift represents more than just changing customer preferences; it's a fundamental reimagining of how financial institutions create value and foster lasting relationships. Traditional banks are grappling with legacy systems that were never designed for the dynamic, real-time engagement that modern loyalty programs demand, while nimble fintech competitors are building loyalty into their DNA from the outset. Today on Banking Transformed, we explore the future of retail banking loyalty with Carson Kotnyek, VP and Head of Loyalty and Ecosystems at Zafin, who will share insights on how traditional banks can bridge the innovation gap and build loyalty programs that don't ju