Banking Reinvented

Episode 39 of Banking Reinvented, recorded live at ENGAGE Dubai, brings together the women shaping the future of fintech across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond — sharing their insights on how inclusivity, resilience, and leadership can redefine the industry. In this episode, panel host Heidi Custers (Backbase) sits down with inspiring banking leaders Likeleli Monyamane (Standard Bank Group), Ghazal AL Sakaal (Mashreq), Fatima Mansoor, (SICO Bank), and Sepo L. Haihambo (FNB Namibia). Together, they discuss the state of female leadership in fintech, the obstacles women continue to face, and the opportunities that lie ahead.Tune in to hear how these experts are reimagining the future of finance — and why gender inclusivity is not just a social imperative, but a commercial one.Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Heidi Custers-> Likeleli Monyamane-> Ghazal AL Sakaal-> Fatima Mansoor-> Sepo L. HaihamboStep into the future of finance -> Check out our content hubTimestamps(00:00) – Introduction to the panel(04:06) – Cultural barriers in fintech(06:00) – Breaking leadership stereotypes(09:12) – Main challenges for female entrepreneurs(10:04) – Why inclusion in fintech is essential(14:04) – Investing in female-led ventures(17:36) – Bank support and mentorship(20:03) – The future of fintech in MEA(25:11) – Breaking barriers in leadership(32:12) – Empowering female investors(37:06) – Final reflections and advice(41:44) – Episode wrap up

Episode 38 of “Banking Reinvented” explores how building societies in the United Kingdom are staying competitive by blending traditional approaches with cutting-edge digital tech.In this episode, host Tim Rutten and Backbase Founder & CEO Jouk Pleiter are joined by Simon Broadley, Chief Commercial Officer at Furness Building Society. Together, they explore how building societies can innovate while staying true to their community-focused mission.Tune in to learn how building societies can modernize their systems, create a cohesive brand experience across digital and physical channels, and collaborate with each other to accelerate industry-wide innovation.Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Jouk Pleiter -> Tim Rutten -> Simon BroadleyStep into the future of finance -> Check out our content hub(00:00) - Introduction (01:28) - What are building societies?(03:11) - Balancing heritage and modernization(05:49) - Tech shift: from back-office to customer experience(07:26) - Why building societies choose partnerships over in-house tech(10:45) - Keeping branches relevant in a digital world(14:27) - Expanding beyond savings and mortgages(17:59) - Why all generations still value human interaction(24:07) - How building societies collaborate(28:35) - The case for collective innovation(33:26) - Vision for financial hubs(35:57) - Key takeaways(38:04) - Episode wrap up

Episode 37 of “Banking Reinvented,”which was recorded live at ENGAGE Dubai, explores how neobanks are challenging traditional institutions with agile, customer-centric models — as well as how banks can fight back.In this episode, panel host Ali Nanji is joined by some of the top minds in Middle Eastern and African banking: Dr. Ahmed Darwish Elsayed (Bank Al Bilad), Abdullah Alwabel (BSF), Sherif Elbehery (Misr Digital Innovation), Dr. Ali Al Shekaili (National Bank of Oman), and Yves Soumelong (United Bank for Africa). Tune in to learn how banks can navigate the evolving landscape in MEA and beyond, leveraging unique strategies to stay relevant and competitive — including overcoming regulatory hurdles, adapting to local needs, and creating partnerships that deliver real value.Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Ali Nanji -> Dr. Ahmed Darwish Elsayed-> Abdullah Alwabel-> Sherif Elbehery-> Dr. Ali Al Shekaili-> Yves SoumelongStep into the future of finance -> Check out our content hub(00:00) - Introduction(0:44) - Speaker intros(2:00) - What is digital disruption?(6:17) - What is the value of being a digital-only bank?(11:21) - How can traditional banks remain competitive?(16:48) - How can banks collaborate with digital challengers/fintechs?(24:38) - How can banks manage diverse regional needs?(31:02) - How can banks pursue customer-friendly innovation?(36:49) - What will the industry change in the next 3-5 years?(51:41) - Episode wrap up

Episode 36 of Banking Reinvented, which was recorded live at ENGAGE Dubai 2024, explores how financial institutions in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond are navigating the unique challenges of AI adoption.Host Tim Rutten is joined by Backbase’s Thomas Fuss, Henning Soller from McKinsey & Company, and Yasar Yilmaz from Microsoft. Together, they discuss everything from Agentic AI to future predictions for the banking industry.Tune in to discover actionable insights on how banks can start small, scale AI effectively, and avoid the pitfalls of outdated approaches.Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:-> Backbase-> Jouk Pleiter -> Tim Rutten -> Thomas Fuss-> Henning Soller-> Yasar YilmazStep into the future of finance -> Check out our content hub(00:00) - Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast(00:22) - Speaker introductions(02:01) - Why banking executives feel unprepared for AI(02:30) - Opportunities for AI in the Middle East(06:42) - The ROI of AI for banks(12:08) - Why banks in the Middle East have an adoption advantage(18:23) - How banks are leveraging AI for operational efficiency(24:13) - The rise of Agentic AI and its potential (27:21) - Predictions for the banking industry in the next 10 years(33:01) - Episode wrap-up

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to bring billions of dollars of value to the banking industry — yet while many banks are running experiments, few have successfully put them into practice.In this episode ofBanking Reinvented, host Tim Rutten and Backbase Founder & CEO Jouk Pleiter are joined by special guest Henning Soller, Partner at McKinsey & Company. Together, they examine key strategies for ensuring banks are able to successfully adopt AI at their institution and drive real results.Tune in to learn how to overcome regulatory hurdles and transform organizational mindsets, plus the importance of business leaders taking ownership of the implementation process.Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn:->Backbase->Jouk Pleiter ->Tim Rutten ->Henning SollerStep into the future of finance ->Check out our content hub(00:00) - Intro(01:18) - McKinsey research on AI’s projected impact in banking(03:33) - What’s working vs. what’s still just an experiment(09:49) - Why AI projects fail to scale (14:29) - How regulatory concerns slow AI adoption(18:23) - Finding the right balance with AI rules(22:08) -Why AI adoption hinges on clear data policies(26:31) - How AI-powered agents are streamlining processes(29:15) - Why customers struggle to embrace automation(32:51) - Why AI success depends on business leadership(37:08) -What’s next for AI-driven transformation(40:50) - Episode wrap-up

Episode 34 of Banking Reinvented explores the changing landscape of retail banking and how banks can secure long-term profitability. Host Tim Rutten and Backbase Founder/CEO Jouk Pleiter are joined by special guest Max Flötotto, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, who is co-leading the firm's Retail and SME Banking work globally. Together, they examine the current state of retail banking, discussing “fake growth,” rising competition, and the potential of AI to transform banking operations. Tune in to gain insights into the strategies of leading banks and learn why those investing in personalization and AI are set to win over their customers. Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking?  Follow us on LinkedIn: -> Backbase -> Jouk Pleiter  -> Tim Rutten  -> Max Flötotto Step into the future of finance -> Check out our content hub (00:00) - Welcome to the ‘Banking Reinvented’ podcast (00:25) - Introduction of Max Flötotto from McKinsey (01:54) - Record profits, interest rate tailwinds, and hidden risks (05:04) - Why many banks’ recent success is not sustainable (07:53) - The rise of fintechs, neobanks, and niche players reshaping the market (10:43) - The importance of granular segmentation and personalization (11:59) - How chatbots, automation, and modernized tech stacks improve efficiency (17:04) - Why banks must become their customers’ primary financial partner (24:16) - The mobile app as the new banking growth platform (33:10) - Leadership mindset, regulatory challenges, and tech debt (37:36) - How change-makers inside banks drive transformation (41:34) - Key takeaways (45:50) - Episode wrap-up

Episode 33 of Banking Reinvented explores digital transformation in banking, highlighting how platform-centric thinking and strategic CTOs are key to driving long-term growth. In this episode, host Tim Rutten is joined by Mayur Vichare, Director of Strategy & Value Consulting at Backbase. Together, they discuss why banks need to transition from product-centric to platform-centric strategies, as well as the risks of overfocusing on short-term growth. They also examine how CTOs are taking on a more strategic role in shaping the future of banking. Tune in to gain insights into the key strategies that set high-performing banks apart from laggards, with actionable insights on using the latest innovations to achieve sustainable growth. Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn: -> Backbase -> Jouk Pleiter  -> Tim Rutten  -> Mayur Vichare Step into the future of finance -> Check out our content hub (00:00) - Welcome to the ‘Banking Reinvented’ podcast  (00:34) - Introduction of Mayur Vichare and his role at Backbase (01:42) - Mayur’s reflections on how banking has evolved in recent years  (03:59) - The challenge of IT spend versus value (09:41) - The stark difference between leaders and laggards in banking (12:15) - Why platform-centric thinking outpaces product-centric approaches (15:34) - Understanding the evolving role of CTOs in banking (17:23) - The misalignment of priorities: short-term wins versus long-term strategy (20:13) - The barriers to digital transformation in banking  (23:02) - Key takeaways (25:28) - Episode wrap-up

Episode 32 of Banking Reinvented wraps up the three-part series covering Forrester’s Predictions 2025 report for banking, exploring the transformative potential of open finance and its implications for banks worldwide.Host Tim Rutten and Founder/CEO Jouk Pleiter conclude their discussion with guest speaker Huard Smith, Principal Analyst at Forrester, by looking into platform banking, embedded finance, and banking-as-a-service. They also analyze the importance of modular strategies and ecosystem partnerships, which can position banks for success in a competitive landscape. Tune in to discover how regulatory shifts, customer-centric design, and progressive modernization empower banks to thrive in the evolving open finance industry. Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn: -> Backbase -> Jouk Pleiter  -> Tim Rutten  -> Huard Smith Step into the future of finance -> Check out our content hub (00:00) - Welcome to the Banking Reinvented podcast (00:57) - Overview of open finance, platform banking, and embedded finance (04:15) - Global regulatory trends in open finance (Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America) (09:00) - Challenges banks face competing with fintechs (10:20) - Improving customer experiences with modular banking and insights (13:45) - Using low-code tools and APIs to build products faster (19:10) - The role of a "lean core" in driving flexibility and innovation (25:38) - Final thoughts on overcoming legacy systems and modernization (26:51) - Episode wrap-up

Episode 31 of Banking Reinvented is the second in a three-part series about Forrester’s Predictions 2025 report for banking, this time focusing on the challenges and opportunities in achieving operational efficiency. Host Tim Rutten and Backbase Founder/CEO Jouk Pleiter continue their discussion with guest speaker Huard Smith, Principal Analyst at Forrester, exploring how emerging technologies like low-code platforms, generative AI, and cloud computing are helping banks transform their modernization efforts and improve ROI. Tune in to discover the critical role of re-architecting workflows and addressing legacy challenges to fully embrace innovation. Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn: -> Backbase -> Jouk Pleiter  -> Tim Rutten  -> Huard Smith Step into the future of finance -> Check out our content hub (00:00) - Welcome to the Banking Reinvented podcast (01:05) - How digital transformation drives efficiency with AI (02:23) - Legacy system challenges and cloud platform benefits (05:06) - Quick cost savings vs. deeper re-architecting efforts (09:17) - Low-code tools and generative AI as modernization accelerators (10:03) - Generative AI’s impact on banking innovation and competition (13:47) - Using generative AI to modernize legacy systems (16:21) - AI-driven productivity and overcoming switching costs (17:01) - Episode wrap-up

Episode 30 of Banking Reinvented is the first in a three-part series exploring Forrester’s Predictions 2025 report for banking. In this episode, host Tim Rutten is joined by Backbase Founder and CEO Jouk Pleiter, as well as guest speaker Huard Smith, Principal Analyst at Forrester. Together, they discuss one of Forrester’s predictions for 2025: the continuing decline of banking customer experiences. They also analyze strategies for overcoming legacy systems, the rise of progressive modernization, and the growing role of AI in banking. Tune in to learn how adopting an engagement banking platform can help banks create the personalized experiences that customers now expect.  Curious to find out more about customer-centric banking? Follow us on LinkedIn: -> Backbase -> Jouk Pleiter  -> Tim Rutten  -> Huard Smith Step into the future of finance -> Check out our content hub (00:00) - Welcome to the Banking Reinvented podcast (01:47) - Introduction to Huard Smith (04:54) - What is causing organizational inertia? (07:12) - The evolving regulatory landscape  (11:56) - Forrester’s predictions for 2025  (15:58) - AI and personalized customer experiences (21:39) - Lessons from fintech disruptors  (28:25) - The need for progressive modernization  (33:01) - Adopting an engagement banking platform (36:00) - Key takeaways  (38:24) - Episode wrap-up