The banking industry is undergoing a seismic shift—one that many traditional banks are either overlooking or resisting. For decades, business banking thrived on relationship-driven models, where commercial clients relied on banks for financial accounts, loans, and merchant services. But that model is rapidly unraveling due to the rise of embedded finance in small business banking….

The Acquire or Be Acquired (AOBA) conference provides a crucial lens into the evolving priorities of the banking industry. This year, the discussions went beyond traditional M&A strategies, highlighting the increasing importance of banking balance sheet strategy, technology integration, and the mounting pressures on profitability. As banks navigate 2024, the ability to manage interest rate…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the financial industry, transforming everything from customer service to investment strategies. AI in financial services is driving innovation, enabling companies to offer personalized solutions, streamline operations, and enhance decision-making. As businesses race to integrate AI into their offerings, they must also navigate challenges related to risk, ethics, and consumer impact….

The fintech ecosystem is undergoing a significant shift as overfunded startups struggle to achieve product-market fit and sustainable revenue streams. With mounting pressure, many are seeking “soft landings” through acquisitions by banks. However, the Bank-Fintech M&A Strategy is fraught with complexities, from regulatory hurdles to cultural misalignment, limiting the volume of successful deals. A recent…

In a world where change accelerates daily, the financial industry faces growing pressure to anticipate what’s next. Technologies like AI, IoT, and embedded finance are reshaping the landscape, creating a need for forward-thinking strategies. This is where strategic foresight steps in—a practice designed to identify signals, trends, and potential futures to guide decision-making in uncertain…

Open Banking and Fintech Innovation are driving a seismic shift in the financial industry, transforming the way consumers, businesses, and institutions interact with financial services. While these concepts might seem complex, they hold incredible potential for enhancing financial accessibility, improving data security, and fostering competition. By leveraging financial data more effectively, fintech solutions can empower…