Banking Transformed with Jim Marous

The banking industry faces unprecedented pressure to shift from reactive service models to proactive engagement strategies. However, many institutions are still hindered by fragmented customer data, disconnected channels, and limited AI capabilities. Banking's future belongs to institutions that can harness unified data, artificial intelligence, and seamless experiences to predict and fulfill customer needs before they're articulated.I’m joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by Tim Rutten, Chief Marketing Officer at Backbase, to discuss how financial institutions can unlock their growth potential in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving market. We discuss how leading banks break down traditional barriers between products, channels, and business units to create cohesive customer journeys that build deeper relationships and unlock new revenue streams.Tim also provides actionable insights on prioritizing high-impact use cases that can be put into action today.

In less than two years, Jenius Bank has surpassed $2 billion in deposits and loans, and recently launched a next-generation mobile and online banking platform that promises to transform how customers understand and manage their finances. The focus has been on leveraging technology to deliver personalized insights, eliminating fees, and helping customers live what they call "richer lives."I’m excited to welcome back John Rosenfeld, President of Jenius Bank, the digital banking division of SMBC MANUBANK to the Banking Transformed podcast.John discusses how digital banking must evolve beyond convenient transactions to become a financial partner that provides actionable insights for customers. By focusing on financial wellness, data optimization, and the mind-money connection, Jenius Bank creating differentiation in a highly competitive digital banking landscape.

In this discussion, Lee Wetherington, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at Jack Henry™ & Associates, dives into the challenges faced by financial institutions in leveraging customer data amidst legacy systems and silos. He highlights how AI and machine learning present both opportunities and hurdles for banks aiming to enhance personalized customer experiences. The talk also covers the urgent need for cohesive data strategies to compete with fintech, address customer attrition, and revolutionize services for small businesses, all while navigating a complex regulatory landscape.

In a world saturated with digital noise, where customer loyalty is increasingly rare, how can traditional banks not just survive, but thrive?I’m joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by Kartik Ramakrishnan, CEO of Financial Services at Capgemini, to discuss the eye-opening findings from their just-released 2025 World Retail Banking Report.This report reveals some concerning trends, including the a vast majority of customers are indifferent or outright dissatisfied with their current banking experiences. Meanwhile, banking executives are struggling to convert prospects into customers, with significant gaps between what consumers want and what banks are delivering.But within these challenges lie extraordinary opportunities for transformation.We explore how leading financial institutions are using the customer-centric "flywheel growth model" to attract, engage, and delight digital-first customers in an increasingly competitive landscape.

In an evolving banking ecosystem, CMOs must approach AI as a transformative force while avoiding the pitfalls of short-term thinking. To drive differentiation, forward-thinking marketing leaders must leverage first-party data foundations, AI tools, and human creativity and stop marketing like it’s in 1999.On today’s episode of Banking Transformed, my friend Eric Fulwiler, who is the co-founder and CEO of the marketing consultancy Rival, joins me to discuss how true marketing innovation will come not from the AI tools themselves but from proprietary customer insights and creative application of AI outputs. Eric also shares practical frameworks for CMOs to evaluate AI investments, build team capabilities, and maintain a strategic perspective amid rapid change while providing tips for ongoing AI learning.

According to Avanade's latest AI Value Report, 59% of these institutions have already embarked on AI transformation journeys, with a third claiming completion. Yet beneath this enthusiasm lies a complex reality: many banks expect quick returns while still building fundamental capabilities in data management, security, and infrastructure.Joining me on the Banking Transformed podcast are Jeromey Farmer, Head of Data & AI for North America at Avanade, and Daragh Morrissey, Director of Artificial Intelligence for WW Financial Services at Microsoft.Together, we'll unpack the report's findings, explore real-world AI use cases delivering value now, examine implementation opportunities and challenges, and look ahead to what's next, including the transformative potential of agentic AI.Microsoft Copilot for Banking | Avanade

As financial institutions navigate rapid technological change, evolving customer expectations, and increasingly complex regulatory environments, industry associations like ProSight play a crucial role in providing guidance, resources, and community.My guest on the Banking Transformed podcast is Debbie Bianucci, who led BAI for nearly 30 years before becoming President and CEO of ProSight. She, shares insights on the complementary strengths each organization brought to the merger and how their combined capabilities create a more comprehensive support system for financial institutions.The conversation examines how ProSight is helping banks navigate digital transformation, changing customer expectations, regulatory complexity, and emerging risks. Debbie highlights ProSight's expanded suite of offerings, including decision support tools, research, learning programs, and peer networking opportunities designed to equip financial leaders with practical strategies for success.

Small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges alongside remarkable opportunities as they respond to the digitalization of engagement, an uncertain geopolitical landscape and increasing consumer expectations. More than ever they want their financial institution to be a partner in their journey.In this episode of Banking Transformed, we sit down with Manny Tocco, Chief Operating Officer of Business Banking at Citizens Bank. Manny shares his insights on the major trends impacting small businesses and how financial institutions must reimagine their small business banking model from the ground up, balancing high-tech capabilities with high-touch relationship management.Whether you're a banking executive seeking to enhance your small business strategy, a fintech leader looking for partnership opportunities, or a small business owner navigating the evolving financial landscape, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on creating meaningful banking relationships in a digital-first world that still craves human connection and expertise.

As financial institutions navigate the challenges of digital transformation while maintaining relevant physical spaces, organizations must focus on reimagining how to connect with customers in an increasingly digital world. This must include a shift from transaction-focused branch designs to experience-centered environments that prioritize consultative interactions.I’m joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by EJ Kritz, Chief Experience Officer at DBSI. EJ shares his expertise on the evolution of branch banking design and customer experience improvements. Recorded live at the Visionary Voices event in Chandler, Arizona, the conversation digs into how data-driven design decisions are helping banks optimize their physical footprint while enhancing customer engagement.Whether you're looking to revitalize your branches or enhance your overall customer journey, this conversation offers valuable insights for financial leaders ready to transform their approach.

Financial institutions face unprecedented challenges in product innovation and customer communication. From managing complex compliance requirements to optimizing offer management across multiple channels, banks struggle with outdated systems that hinder their ability to compete effectively.Today, we're joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by Rab Govil, CEO and founder of Naehas, whose platform transforms how banks create, manage, and execute financial products and offers. Rab shares practical insights on how banks can reduce time-to-market for new products, ensure consistent messaging across channels, and maintain regulatory compliance without sacrificing innovation.Whether you're struggling with disclosure management, seeking to improve offer personalization, or modernizing your product pricing strategy, this conversation provides actionable solutions for banking's most pressing operational challenges.This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by NaehasNaehas accelerates value for financial institutions by leveraging deep expertise to strengthen how products, pricing, and compliance are structured, governed, and executed. Our platform enables institutions to align regulatory oversight, offer execution, and hyper-personalized engagement within a single, scalable framework. By integrating automation, structured governance, and data-driven decision-making, Naehas empowers financial institutions to focus on trust, operational transparency, and sustained growth.Visit: https://www.naehas.com/?utm_source=Banking+Transformed&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=FB