
In this episode of Evolve, Alex and Rob tackle the AI transformation battle reshaping financial services. Rob introduces his “mountains vs. fields” metaphor to explain why legacy banks, though rich in customers, brand trust, and resources, must balance their scale and stability with the need for speed. Legacy banks sometimes struggle under decades of tech debt and rigid processes, while other players move fast with modern tools. They explore how true philosophical alignment only becomes clear under pressure, when existing business units resist change. Rob argues that transformation requires radical structural shifts: dedicated teams empowered to make decisions and move fast without waiting for cross-department approvals. Looking ahead, they envision a future where speed defines winners as financial products evolve into holistic customer relationships.