BAI Banking Strategies

Though regulation technology might be seen as just another fintech subset, it's anything but. In shifting regulatory and compliance efforts into the digital age, RegTech promises to deliver high speed, low costs and much more efficiency. Jo Ann Barefoot of Barefoot Innovation Group describes how the changes are already making a profound impact and creating new business opportunities in the financial services world.

When banks interact with female business owners, they must bring more to the table than cookie-cutter solutions as these clients face particular challenges—and have particular wants—that set them apart. Beth Marcello, director of women's business development for PNC Bank, discusses what women value in their financial dealings, and how perceptive bankers can help them confront debt aversion and grow their businesses like never before.

Community and mutual banks that have survived consolidation and attrition have found that meaningful local involvement extends beyond setting up a table at a summer festival. Michael Rauh, president and CEO, of Chelsea Groton Bank in Connecticut shares how his bank launched “160 Acts of Kindness” to mark the institution’s 160th anniversary. He also discusses how banks can learn solid lessons in talent engagement from companies outside the industry such as Disney.

Before hedge funds decide which banks to invest in, they compile questions—lots of them—that reveal a 360-degree view of the financial institution from management, monetary and credit strength angles. Tom Brown of Second Curve Capital explains how his decades of experience have helped him develop the litmus tests that reveal which make banks make for sound investments—and shares his views on crucial, near-term variables from deregulation to digital technology.

For all the recognition artificial intelligence has enjoyed in the banking community, it hasn’t yet found a nearly equal level of adoption. With all the questions, misconceptions and curiosity surrounding this game-changing technology, Jim Marous, the publisher of Digital Banking Report, shares some of the latest findings by way of his newly published report, on the eve of its formal presentation at BAI Beacon.

Across the board, experts agree that Wall Street needs to take a closer look at blockchain. Ron Quaranta, chairman of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance, has gone a step further as a proponent for education and preparation within the financial services sector. Quaranta talks about how blockchain is changing the calculus within the industry, and how curious executives can stay on top of digital ledger technology.

Greg Blausey of Salesforce explains how a digital-savvy sales approach makes all the difference in a time of big data, artificial intelligence and customized customer treatment.

Facebook has 2 billion users, giving it astonishing potential to reach the prospective customers banks want. Social media platforms can also enhance customer experience and identify desirable demographics with pinpoint accuracy. Deepanjan De of Facebook shares his insights into how banks can make the most of mobile technology and Facebook's ubiquity.

More than just chatbots, artificial intelligence in banking promises to change how the industry tackles its most fundamental tasks and pain points, from serving customers to streamlining troublesome paperwork and processes. But what’s taking shape today that sets the stage for a bold tomorrow? Ruth Polachek, the CEO and founder of Fincheck and a BAI Beacon speaker, offers her views on A.I. present and future.

Where does Chicago stand within the worldwide fintech community and what are its major contributions? Michael Busch, the president of Burling Bank and Lisa Curran, the co-founder of the non-profit industry group FinTEx provide an informed glimpse into what’s going on in Chicago’s fintech scene.