A strong web presence isn't just an advantage—it's essential for survival and growth. In today's competitive market, a powerful digital footprint can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Understanding how to optimize your digital presence is crucial, whether you want to increase brand awareness, drive customer engagement, or boost conversions.In this episode of Banking Transformed, we are joined by Anil Aggarwal, the CEO of Milestone. Anil dives deep into the strategies and principles behind building a commanding digital presence. From content creation and audience engagement to measuring success and adapting to changing technologies, he shares the key elements of a successful online strategy.Anil also shares ways financial institutions of all sizes can go beyond using their website for brand building to creating new business opportunities.This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by MilestoneMilestone’s Digital Experience platform including SEO-first CMS and Generative AI platform empowers financial businesses to be easily found online, deliver personalized digital experiences, enhance customer engagement, and drive conversions—powered by data insights, personalized content, and generative AI. We enable our clients to lead their industries with technology that drives growth and measurable results and have over 10,000 websites on our platform across multiple verticals. URL: https://www.milestoneinternet.com/

According to recent Q2 research, 74% of people across generations want more personal banking experiences, and 70% trust their financial institutions to create those experiences using data and AI. Yet, many banks and credit unions struggle to deliver the level of personalization consumers expect from their digital experiences.On this episode of the Banking Transformed podcast, Anthony Ianniciello, VP of Product Management at Q2, and David Sant, Chief Strategy Officer at Cyprus Credit Union, explore how financial institutions can transform commodity banking transactions into differentiated, personalized experiences that build lifetime relationships.Our guests share insights from both the technology and implementation perspectives, discussing real-world challenges and solutions in building a modern banking relationship strategy.

The recently released Business Banking Digital Maturity Report provides unprecedented insights into how financial institutions transform their business banking capabilities for a digital future. This research is unique because it goes beyond measuring digital capabilities to examine the culture, talent strategies, and operational models that separate leaders from followers.In this episode of Banking Transformed, Allison Cerra, the Chief Marketing Officer at Alkami Technologies and Casey Hogarth from Emerald Research Group discuss this first-of-its-kind research.We explore why some organizations are growing 10 times faster than their peers, how smaller institutions are successfully competing against larger competitors, and what it takes to build a digitally mature business banking operation.Most importantly, our guests will provide a roadmap for how any financial institution can accelerate its digital transformation journey.

In this discussion, Matt Wind, head of product management at Popular Bank and seasoned professional from Comerica, dives into the pressing challenges mid-sized banks face against larger competitors and agile fintechs. He highlights the importance of technology partnerships and innovative strategies for growth. Matt emphasizes the critical role of personalized service and data integration in enhancing customer relationships. The conversation also touches on the impacts of open banking and the necessity for regional banks to modernize and adapt in today's competitive landscape.

Embedded financial products and flexible payment solutions are reshaping how consumers interact with banking services. As commerce increasingly shifts toward integrated experiences, the ability to seamlessly embed financial services — from buy-now-pay-later options to comprehensive lending solutions — directly into the purchase journey has become critical for merchants and financial institutions.Terry O’Neil, Head of Connected Commerce for Citi Retail Services and Head of Strategic Partnerships for Citi U.S. Personal Banking, joins the Banking Transformed podcast to discuss how the convergence of traditional banking capabilities with modern digital experiences creates new growth opportunities while challenging established business models.The discussion explores the impact on consumers, merchants, and financial institutions as we move toward an increasingly integrated financial ecosystem.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Anthony Iannicello, Vice President of Product Management at Q2, and David Sant, Chief Strategy Officer at Cypress Credit Union, explore the evolving landscape of personalized banking. They reveal surprising generational similarities in banking preferences and the high trust level consumers have in financial institutions. The conversation highlights the critical role of AI in enhancing customer experiences, the challenges of data management, and the innovative strategies smaller financial institutions can implement to stay competitive.

Jan Bellens, a leader in EY's Global Banking Practice, shares insights on the rapid transformation within the banking sector. He highlights how traditional banks must navigate the rise of digital-first solutions and embedded finance while contending with fintech competition. The discussion unveils the potential of digital currencies and emphasizes the importance of operational resilience as a new competitive edge. Bellens also offers guidance on preparing for economic uncertainties and the need for agility in governance and decision-making.

Ty Griffin, Senior Head of UX/UI at Alkami, shares insights on revolutionizing mobile banking experiences, highlighting a user-centric design approach. He emphasizes that truly understanding user needs is crucial for success in digital banking. The conversation dives into the balance between innovation and security while navigating digital transformation. Griffin also discusses how leveraging user insights and AI can enhance customer engagement, making financial institutions more adaptable to evolving consumer expectations.

Brett King, a renowned futurist and bestselling author, and Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors, delve into the evolution of banking amidst fierce fintech competition. They discuss how Banking-as-a-Service and embedded finance are changing consumer relationships with banks. The duo emphasizes the necessity for traditional institutions to innovate and embrace AI to stay relevant. They also explore the importance of cultural shifts in banking and the emerging trust dynamics affecting global financial systems. Insightful predictions for the future of finance abound!

Competing as a $1 billion financial institution puts pressure on operational efficiency and technology investment. However, modest size also presents opportunities. These institutions are typically large enough to invest in necessary technology while remaining agile enough to adapt quickly to local market needs and maintain close community ties.On the Banking Transformed podcast, Brian McEvoy, Chief Retail Banking Officer at Webster Five Savings Bank, joins us. With extensive experience at national banks and community institutions, Brian brings unique insights into building successful community banking organizations in today's digital age.Our discussion explores how smaller banks can compete effectively while maintaining their community-focused mission.