Banking Reinvented

In the fourth episode of our commercial banking takeover, Jessika Wood, SVP of Commercial Payment Products at Fifth Third Bank, joins guest host Alex Jimenez to explore how banks can simplify complexity and scale growth through smarter commercial payments. With insights from fintech and traditional banking, Jessika shares what it takes to move from siloed services to integrated money movement ecosystems.Looking to reshape your bank’s payments strategy? Visit our content hub for deeper insights on commercial innovation.–Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Alex Jimenez-> Jessika Wood-> Fifth Third BankTimestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” commercial banking takeover(01:00) – The biggest disconnect between client needs and actual experiences(06:17) – Friction that’s holding back commercial payment innovation(09:24) – The changing expectations of commercial payments buyers(14:48) – Structuring your portfolio to simplify complexity(16:28) – Aligning product with compliance and growth(21:03) – Key factors that enable growth(24:43) – Building relationships between bankers and product leaders(26:54) – Keeping teams focused on value delivery(30:18) – The future of commercial payments(31:44) – Building a commercial payments experience from scratch(33:26) – Skillsets needed to grow payments franchises(36:34) – Key takeaway from Jessika(36:50) – Episode wrap-up

In the third episode of our commercial banking takeover, Jack Hubbard of The Modern Banker joins guest host Alex Jimenez to talk about modernizing the commercial banking sales playbook. From trust-based selling and power questions to effective second meetings and blended outreach strategies, this episode is a masterclass in how to sell through conversation, not pressure.Want practical tools to elevate your commercial sales game? Head to our content hub for more expert interviews and actionable insights.–Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Alex Jimenez-> Jack Hubbard-> The Modern BankerTimestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” commercial banking takeover(00:57) – Timeless principles that banks accidentally ignore(04:55) – The evolving role of commercial relationship managers(08:56) – The mindset shift required to meet modern buyer expectations(15:46) – The importance of trust-based selling(21:53) – Factors that kill sales momentum(25:00) – Using LinkedIn to land meetings(29:50) – Successfully coaching your teams for success(33:38) – Mastering hybrid selling models(37:03) – Old-school habits that work (and others that don’t)(39:32) – Jack’s advice for the new generation of bankers(40:44) – Jack’s key takeaway(41:03) – Episode wrap-up

Episode 70 of Banking Reinvented explores the future of payments modernization and digital identity in banking, as financial institutions race to meet rising customer expectations for seamless, secure experiences.Host Tim Rutten welcomes Entrust’s Tony Ball, President of Payments and Identity, as well as incoming CEO, for an in-depth conversation on how banks can re-architect their operations to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Together, they discuss the critical role of biometrics, tokenization, and advanced fraud engines in building trust and delivering instant, digital-first experiences, as well as the challenges posed by AI-powered fraud actors, and the need to balance innovation with security.Tune in to get actionable strategies for implementing next-gen payment solutions, fostering a growth mindset, and ensuring your bank is ready for the demands of tomorrow's digital economy.–Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Jouk Pleiter-> Tim Rutten-> Tony Ball-> EntrustStep into the future of finance -> Check out our content hubTimestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast(00:29) – Introduction to Tony and Entrust(02:43) – The “credit crunch” in North America(04:53) – Rethinking CX in the payments modernization space(07:06) – AI-driven fraud vs. AI-powered fraud prevention(12:56) – Meeting customer expectations for payments(18:53) – Foundational capabilities for new-gen payments experiences(24:24) – Compliance teams and the growth agenda(26:57) – Payments modernization learnings from Tony(31:27) – Key takeaways(34:12) – Final thoughts from Tony(36:38) – Episode wrap-up

In the second episode of our commercial banking takeover, Jennifer Wilson, former Chief Digital Officer at Western Alliance Bank, shares how commercial banking teams can use UX and digital strategy to drive measurable acquisition and retention. Guest host Alex Jimenez guides a conversation on design thinking, reducing friction, and what real transformation looks like when banks focus on customer needs instead of internal assumptions.Explore more stories of digital leadership and strategy in commercial banking. Visit our content hub for blogs, episodes, and exclusive resources.–Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Alex Jimenez-> Jennifer Wilson-> DeepStructureTimestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” commercial banking takeover(00:54) – What commercial banks overlook when designing digital experiences(04:54) – Biggest friction in the commercial customer lifecycle(06:23) – The most broken part of the commercial banking journey(07:37) – The boldest digital transformation bets that pay off(10:16) – Getting risk teams involved from the start(12:43) – Using design thinking to shape products and services(14:54) – What real digital transformation looks like(16:58) – When digital strategy gets stuck in the middle(20:10) – Balancing innovation with risk management(22:18) – Using AI to personalize and bring humanity back to tech(27:46) – What’s next on the AI horizon for commercial banks(31:09) – The mindset shift to unlock growth mode(33:21) – Key takeaways(34:19) – Episode wrap-up

Episode 68 of Banking Reinvented explores the existential imperative that commercial banks face as they navigate the rise of embedded finance and the transformative power of AI.Host Tim Rutten is joined by Arun Ramamoorthy, Product Director - Head of Commercial Banking at Backbase. Together, they discuss how demographic shifts, fintech competition, and the evolving role of relationship managers are reshaping the commercial space, including practical steps banks must take to stay ahead of the competition.Tune in to hear why commercial banks must embrace embedded finance and AI-powered relationships, plus how forward-thinking financial institutions can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term relevance. –Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Jouk Pleiter-> Tim Rutten-> Arun RamamoorthyStep into the future of finance -> Check out our content hubTimestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented" podcast(00:48) – Introduction to Arun(02:19) – JPMorgan Chase’s fintech data announcement(04:50) – The urgency of commercial banking’s digital transformation(10:15) – Key hurdles for commercial banks(13:01) – The importance of embedded finance(16:10) – Transforming high-margin services(17:32) – Overcoming silos with AI(23:42) – Empowering relationship managers with AI(27:56) – Balancing digital transformation with AI transformation(32:25) – Key takeaways(34:28) – Episode wrap-up

In this first episode of our commercial banking takeover, JP Nicols of Alloy Labs joins guest host Alex Jimenez to explain how commercial banks can move beyond superficial innovation efforts and start delivering real business outcomes. Learn how frameworks like FIRE™, strategic partnerships, and cultural alignment can transform innovation into a true growth engine. Practical, proven, and no fluff.Curious how your institution can operationalize innovation? Dive deeper into transformation insights at our content hub featuring blogs, whitepapers, and more.–Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Alex Jimenez-> JP Nicols-> Alloy LabsTimestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” commercial banking takeover(01:01) – What mid-sized & community banks get wrong about innovation(01:54) – Irrelevance risk: the biggest threat to banks today(04:00) – Modernizing for the digital-first generation(06:27) – Recurring challenges for scaling commercial growth(07:56) – The FIRE™ process(09:45) – Strategic fintech partnerships as a growth enabler(14:28) – Falling short of innovation goals(18:29) – Shifting away from “innovation theater”(24:33) – Getting buy-in from the boardroom/leadership(26:56) – What does “growth mode” look like for commercial banks(32:26) – First areas to focus on in commercial banking modernization(34:54) – The mindset shift in commercial banking(40:12) – Expense reimbursement for employees(42:24) – Episode wrap-up

Episode 66 of Banking Reinvented shares the story of Société Générale de Banque au Liban (SGBL), a Lebanon-based bank that has been successfully navigating an unprecedented economic crisis through strategic digital transformation.Host Tim Rutten is joined by Sleiman Louis Marouii, Deputy General Manager at SGBL, for an in-depth discussion about how implementing a digital banking platform on top of an existing legacy core allowed SGBL to weather financial turbulence and remain relevant to its customers across the region.Tune in to hear more about adapting a customer-centric approach to banking, prioritizing financial inclusion for younger generations, and seizing the opportunity that AI presents.–Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Jouk Pleiter-> Tim Rutten-> Sleiman Louis Marouii-> SGBLStep into the future of finance -> Check out our content hubTimestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast(01:09) – Introduction to Sleiman and SGBL(04:30) – Navigating the financial crisis in Lebanon(09:53) – Modernizing a digital infrastructure(11:52) – Simultaneous core migration and digital transformation(14:43) – Implementing a platform on top of an existing legacy core(17:47) – Co-innovating on a digital banking platform(22:03) – Appealing to unbanked younger generations(24:24) – Competing against neobanks(27:08) – Dealing with complications and delays(31:15) – Future outlook for SGBL(32:42) – SGBL’s approach to AI adoption(35:15) – Key takeaways(36:47) – Final words and episode wrap-up

Recorded live at Backbase ENGAGE Americas, episode 65 of Banking Reinvented is a panel discussion that covers one of the most human questions in digital transformation: how do we scale innovation not just through technology, but through people?In this episode, moderator Robert Soetens is joined by some of North America’s banking leaders, including T.J. Steele (Eastern Bank), Christina Buono (National Bank of Canada), and Judith Henderson (WSECU). They discuss how real transformation is driven by having a growth mindset, not just tech modernization. Because — as they note — in the long run, having the right people in place can be just as important as investing in a digital banking platform.Tune in to hear how to create adaptive banking cultures that are curious, collaborative, and customer-obsessed.–Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Jouk Pleiter-> Tim Rutten-> T.J. Steele-> Christina Buono-> Judith HendersonStep into the future of finance -> Check out our content hubTimestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast(00:46) – Introduction to topics and speakers(02:56) – Leadership tips for increasing agility and growth(05:19) – Measuring behavioral performance indicators(06:44) – Helping employees adapt to cultural changes(08:42) – Getting employees to buy in to change(11:04) – Being a manager vs. being a coach/mentor(16:22) – Working with those who are resistant to change(18:15) – Cross-departmental change and communication(24:43) – Key advice for leaders about mindset changes(30:03) – Questions from the audience(32:44) – Episode wrap-up

Episode 64 of Banking Reinvented analyzes the value of a unified banking suite, revealing how financial institutions can break free from siloed legacy systems and create truly customer-centric digital experiences, powered by AI.In this episode, host Tim Rutten is joined once again by Backbase Founder & CEO Jouk Pleiter to discuss how a single, integrated platform can transform sales, servicing, and customer engagement. From conversational banking to personalized financial coaching, this episode uncovers the strategic blueprint for banks looking to leapfrog their legacy systems and drive meaningful digital transformation.Tune in to hear why your bank should adopt a unified, AI-powered banking suite that breaks down silos to drive both operational efficiency and revenue growth.–Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Jouk Pleiter-> Tim RuttenStep into the future of finance -> Check out our content hubTimestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast(00:33) – AI announcements from Google and OpenAI(05:19) – Reactions to Backbase’s AI-powered Banking Platform(07:33) – The AI zeitgeist in the banking industry(09:52) – The value of a unified banking suite(13:20) – Embracing AI with a unified banking suite(15:10) – Boosting efficiency alongside sales and servicing(22:08) – Key principles for getting started with adoption(25:16) – Key takeaways(26:38) – Why systems integrations are the “Achilles heel” of banking(28:29) – Episode wrap-up

Recorded live at Backbase ENGAGE Americas, episode 63 of Banking Reinvented features a panel discussion about the best ways to modernize without rewriting or replacing your entire tech stack.In this episode, moderator Jan Rempe is joined by some of the region’s top thought leaders: Justin Zeidman (Navy Federal Credit Union), Alicia Stone (KeyBank), Fred Fuller (Endava), and Andy Cease (Entrust). Together, the group discusses the power of progressive modernization, a series of smart, modular moves, rather than a massive, one-time overhaul.Tune in to hear how to modernize progressively using modular thinking, customer- and member-centric design, and a clear path to value.–Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Jouk Pleiter-> Tim Rutten-> Justin Zeidman-> Alicia Stone-> Fred Fuller-> Andy CeaseStep into the future of finance -> Check out our content hubTimestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast(00:53) – Topic overview and introduction to speakers(03:17) – Modernizing while maintaining the customer/member experience(10:20) – The current and future state of composable banking(12:37) – Structuring teams to achieve modular modernization(15:01) – Regulatory compliance and fraud(21:41) – Patterns in global modernization(25:01) – Unlocking growth and value, ROI capture(27:48) – Prioritizing ROI in treasury onboarding(32:55) – Key takeaways on modernization(36:44) – Questions from the audience(40:03) – Episode wrap-up