Most CEOs don’t wake up thinking about their core banking system. For years, community banks could afford to treat the core banking system as operational plumbing, critical yet largely invisible. Today, that mindset introduces real risk. A bank’s core platform directly influences its ability to scale, manage cyber exposure, respond to regulators, and protect its
Why does IT still feel like a cost center for banks and credit unions — and what can leaders do to change that? In this episode of Executive Edge, Lauren Langer, Director of Marketing at Hartman Executive Advisors, sits down with Matt Gill, Executive Advisor and former CIO, and Shea Gabrielleschi, Relationship Executive, to explore
Bank executives are inundated with FinTech pitches, but deciding which are worth the time and investment is rarely straightforward. Industry research shows that nearly two-thirds of community banks and credit unions have partnered with at least one FinTech in the past four years. What’s Driving the FinTech Frenzy in Banking? Banks are under pressure to
Welcome, everyone, to this edition of Executive Edge: Cybersecurity Readiness in a High-Stakes Environment, where we bring timely insights and sharp executive perspectives to the biggest challenges and opportunities facing today’s business leaders. For financial institutions and other high-stakes industries, cybersecurity readiness is essential—not just for risk mitigation, but to ensure operational continuity, protect brand
“When it comes to core conversions, some are bad—and the rest are even worse,” said Emily Mays, Chief Administrative Officer at Community Spirit Bank. Her perspective is echoed across the industry, where core conversions continue to be one of the most stressful and consequential undertakings a bank can face. The pressure of long-term vendor contracts,
Finance and technology have long been intertwined, but in recent years, their intersection has fueled the rise of financial technology – better known as FinTech. One of its fastest-growing sectors is insurance technology, AKA InsurTech, which leverages digital innovation to modernize and streamline the insurance industry. InsurTech started gaining traction around 2010 as an offshoot
Welcome to Executive Edge, a video series featuring expert insights on top technology trends. In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming the financial services industry—enhancing innovation, streamlining operations, and fortifying security measures. Lauren Langer 0:03 Hello and welcome to Executive Edge. I’m Lauren Langer, Director of Marketing and Hartman Executive Advisors, and I’ll
Almost 80% of community banks in the United States have entrusted their core systems to fintech providers, according to FedFis’ 2025 fintech banking data. This data reveals a profound shift in the banking industry, particularly within community banks. It’s not just a trend; it’s a critical pivot towards modernization and technological innovation, and it underscores
As we approach 2025, the financial services industry finds itself at a crucial crossroads shaped by technological breakthroughs, shifting customer expectations, and a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. Both the banking and insurance sectors are poised for change, with significant challenges and promising opportunities ahead. This article explores the key trends and insights expected to impact
Historically, community bank IT leaders were responsible for managing systems and fixing technical issues. But as technology continues to transform banking, their role has evolved. IT leaders today are no longer just operational experts—they are strategic partners who influence the bank’s direction, risk management, and digital initiatives. For CEOs, the challenge lies in evaluating whether
