Episode 78 of Banking Reinvented explores what the future of banking in APAC could look like by 2026, from the rise of AI-driven personalization to the growth of embedded finance and digital-first challengers.
In this episode, host Tim Rutten is joined by David Jimenez Maireles, fintech influencer and Fractional Digital Advisor at D19 Advisory. David shares his predictions for how the region’s banks will close the gap between promise and performance, using his nearly two decades of experience working in digital banking at Banco Santander, ING, and TNEX Vietnam.
Together, they discuss how AI can make banking more human, what it takes to thrive when super apps and e-commerce players are embedding financial services, and why successful digital banks are built on platform thinking and customer-centric design.
Tune in to hear the technologies, trends, and mindsets that will define banking success in 2026 and beyond.
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Timestamps
(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast
(00:24) – Introduction to David
(04:26) – AI appetite in Asia
(08:55) – Using AI for growth and engagement
(12:45) – Neobank competitors and their key differentiators
(16:21) – How APAC banks are leaning in for AI
(19:26) – Key use cases for Asian banks
(23:35) – The ideal banking tech stack
(29:34) – The tipping point of AI usage
(36:38) – Key learnings from David
(40:39) – Episode wrap-up
In the sixth episode of our commercial banking takeover, Peter Tapling of PTap Advisory joins guest host Alex Jimenez to explore the intersection of faster payments, fraud risk, and trust in commercial banking. Learn how to balance the adoption of new rails like FedNow with client education, fraud prevention, and smart execution strategies. If you’re leading modernization efforts, this episode is essential listening.
Interested in the space where payments, fraud, and tech converge? Discover more insights on our content hub featuring podcasts, whitepapers, and beyond.
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Timestamps
(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” commercial banking takeover
(01:12) – Common myths about faster payments
(02:16) – Core challenges for modernizing payment systems
(05:30) – Who should lead faster commercial payments
(08:13) – Balancing speed with risk mitigation
(12:04) – Overcoming blockers from payment providers
(16:44) – Tech vulnerabilities for commercial institutions
(18:28) – Examples of improving commercial workflows with faster payments
(23:40) – Thinking about creating rails vs. using older ones
(26:53) – Adopting faster payments without a clear roadmap
(30:10) – How faster payments intersects with embedded finance/open banking
(35:49) – The mindset shift in commercial banking
(37:08) – Episode wrap-up
Episode 76 of Banking Reinvented explores how financial institutions across Asia can prioritize modernization for real impact, from AI-native operating models to cross-border growth opportunities.
Host Tim Rutten is joined by Cyrus Daruwala, Partner Director-Asia at 3A Ventures International and Executive Director at the ASEAN Economic Forum, who advises some of the world’s largest banks and regulators on practical modernization, data, and AI. Together, they discuss why ASEAN’s trade flows are placing banks at the center of growth, how AI is reshaping both the front and back office, and what leaders must modernize first to balance speed, resilience, and ROI.
Tune in to hear pragmatic insights on what modernization really looks like in practice, why AI is now the baseline for banking, and how leadership teams can steer through hype cycles to build future-ready financial institutions.
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Timestamps
(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast
(00:24) – Introduction to Cyrus
(01:11) – Banking during geopolitical uncertainty
(03:06) – The unprecedented nature of AI in banking
(07:00) – Dynamics of the ASEAN region
(11:47) – The role of incumbents in ASEAN
(13:54) – What’s next for tech transformation in the region
(20:32) – Where to start with AI transformation
(23:37) – Use cases of AI in banking
(29:49) – Leadership skills needed to leverage AI
(33:14) – Training and upskilling for AI
(37:00) – Main takeaways from Cyrus
(45:36) – Final thoughts from Cyrus
(47:47) – Episode wrap-up
In the fifth episode of our commercial banking takeover, Alan Koenigsberg, founder of Koenigsberg Insights and former Global Head at Visa, sits down with guest host Alex Jimenez to share how banks can modernize working capital, embedded finance, and B2B infrastructure. This episode is packed with insight into scaling safely, transforming legacy systems, and building operational models that last.
For more on treasury transformation and infrastructure strategy, explore the expert content now live on our content hub.
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Timestamps
(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” commercial banking takeover
(00:57) – Blind spots in commercial payments
(02:34) – Embedded finance and working capital innovation
(05:02) – Managing credit profiles with data
(07:06) – Best ways to approach digital transformation
(12:27) – Over-engineering and under-investing in commercial payments
(15:28) – Selling a solution vs. selling a rail/capability
(19:11) – Trends on how banks get treasury digitization wrong
(22:34) – Leveraging AI in commercial payments
(27:20) – Crypto’s impact on the commercial/cross-border space
(30:36) – Using quantum computing to build quickly and safely
(36:13) – Macro forces shaping the next wave of working capital innovation
(40:38) – Top three priorities for treasury and payments
(44:57) – The biggest disconnect between fintech partnerships and long-term value creation
(47:53) – Key takeaway from Alan
(49:47) – Episode wrap-up
In episode 74 of Banking Reinvented, host Tim Rutten is joined by Adrian McPhee, CTO at Backbase, for a candid conversation about how banks can move beyond buzzwords to achieve meaningful change with the power of AI.
Together, they discuss the critical building blocks for AI success, from data management and risk frameworks to organizational mindsets and regulatory collaboration. Adrian also shares first-hand stories of building AI-powered platforms, the challenges of scaling innovation, and why understanding customer intent is key to the next wave of digital banking.
Tune in for practical strategies for embracing AI safely, aligning technology with business goals, and preparing your team for the future of financial services.
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Timestamps
(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast
(00:42) – Introduction to Adrian
(08:27) – Separating AI’s hype from its transformative potential
(11:48) – The AI zeitgeist in the market
(15:48) – AI’s amplifier effect
(17:32) – Foundational capabilities for harnessing AI
(22:30) – Innovating at the pace of the regulator
(26:49) – AI’s evolution in banking
(28:45) – Deploying and monitoring AI vs. traditional systems
(30:27) – The importance of being AI native/fluent
(34:31) – The next big wave in AI transformation
(36:41) – Episode wrap-up
Episode 72 of Banking Reinvented explores how AI, open banking, and new operating models are fundamentally reshaping the financial services industry.
Host Tim Rutten welcomes back Jarno van Hurne, VP Product and Head of Digital Banking, to unpack the hottest topics in retail, business, and commercial banking today. Together, they dive into everything from the rise of neobanks to the escalating challenge of digital fraud, as well as how banks can partner with fintechs to deploy AI-powered defenses.
Tune in for a candid look at how banks can move beyond incremental change, embrace AI-native thinking, and position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly shifting landscape.
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Timestamps
(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast
(00:23) – An introduction to Jarno
(03:50) – Open banking news from JPMorgan Chase
(07:30) – The death of open banking in the U.S.
(12:55) – The fraud zeitgeist in banking
(18:11) – The continued rise or Revolut and Nubank
(22:54) – The importance of being AI-native
(27:50) – The appetite for AI in traditional banking
(30:52) – How to think AI-first
(34:13) – Top use cases for AI in banking
(40:35) – Episode wrap-up
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.
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Timestamps
(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.
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Timestamps
(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.
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Timestamps
(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.
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Timestamps
(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.
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Timestamps
(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.
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Timestamps
(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.
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Timestamps
(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.
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Timestamps
(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.
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Timestamps
(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.
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Timestamps
(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
Episode 62 of Banking Reinvented explores the evolving role of technology in private wealth management and how institutions can strike the right balance between innovation, compliance, and human connection.
Host Tim Rutten sits down with Stuart Cummins, Chief Executive of Nedbank Private Wealth International, to discuss how technology is reshaping the sector, not just as an enabler, but as a strategic pillar for growth. Together, they discuss how Nedbank is using AI and selective tech investments to streamline operations and empower advisors, which he calls creating "institutional elegance."
Tune in to learn how Nedbank is navigating the intersection of digital transformation and human connection while staying grounded in the values of trust and integrity.
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Timestamps
(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast
(00:47) – Introduction to Stuart and Nedbank Private Wealth Intl.
(02:50) – Overview of topics
(04:50) – Tech in the wealth management space
(07:45) – Overcoming hurdles and driving tech change
(12:31) – Regulatory and compliance spend
(15:11) – The increasing role of AI
(21:02) – Boosting efficiency to be more competitive
(25:19) – Microsoft’s sovereign European cloud
(27:29) – Augmenting private bankers with cutting-edge technology
(31:20) – Final words from Stuart
(34:04) – Key takeaways
(36:34) – Episode wrap-up
Recorded live at Backbase ENGAGE Americas, Episode 61 of Banking Reinvented is a panel discussion that deep-dives into mergers and acquisitions, which aren’t just accelerating — they’re becoming a defining feature of the modern financial landscape.
In this episode, moderator Alex Jimenez is joined by an all-star panel of M&A experts, including Carla Higgins (CNB Bank), Sumeet Grover (UFCU), Osman Ulhaq (OneAZ Credit Union), and Nate Porter (West Monroe). Together, they discuss everything from recent trends to customer/member impact and ways to balance the promise of growth with the complexity of integration.
Tune in to hear from the leaders who are making the M&A journey work, whether as buyers, sellers, or strategic partners helping to drive transformation at scale.
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Timestamps
(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast
(00:49) – The current state of M&A in banking
(03:57) – The increasing prevalence of M&A at credit unions
(05:15) – Balancing desire for growth with complexity of integration
(08:38) – Getting cultural buy-in from employees and leadership
(14:04) – The difference between mergers at smaller and larger institutions
(18:41) – Tailoring M&A playbooks to individual institutions
(24:04) – Navigating pitfalls in M&A
(27:41) – Using M&As as an opportunity to acquire better tech
(30:32) – M&As for the purpose of reaching new segments
(32:10) – Acquiring banks for the license
(37:53) – Cleaning up your data during an M&A
(40:11) – Aligning charters in the credit union space
(43:21) – Episode wrap-up
In the second episode of this two-part series, host Tim Rutten and Abdullah Alwabel, Head of Digital Banking and Innovation at BSF, shift the discussion from ambition to execution.
From prioritizing the right features to applying AI where it actually delivers value, Abdullah shares how leadership clarity and internal ownership helped turn strategy into results at BSF. For digital leaders navigating complexity, this episode offers a practical view into how banks can build high-performing cultures.
Tune in to hear how strong leadership, smart trade-offs, and cultural alignment can shape transformation that lasts.
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Timestamps
(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast
(00:22) – Recap of part one and introduction to Abdullah
(00:46) – Strategic prioritization and balancing trade-offs
(03:46) – Platform decisions and feature focus
(06:35) – BSF’s outside-in approach to AI
(09:48) – AI in internal development and delivery
(11:29) – Barriers to deeper AI adoption
(18:01) – Leadership behaviors and internal ownership
(19:45) – Episode wrap-up
In the first episode of this two-part series, host Tim Rutten sits down with Abdullah Alwabel, Head of Digital Banking and Innovation at BSF, to unpack one of the most ambitious digital transformations in the region.
From core modernization to platform replacement, BSF's journey reflects a bold, urgent, customer-first strategy grounded in Saudi’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework for societal transformation. Together, they discuss trade-offs, delivery speed, the leadership mindset, and the shifting expectations of consumers throughout the region.
Tune in to find out how BSF is balancing urgency with execution to meet the demands of a new era — and how your bank can do the same.
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Timestamps
(00:00) – Welcome to the “Banking Reinvented” podcast
(00:48) – Introduction to Abdullah
(02:42) – Vision 2030 and the urgency to digitize
(05:55) – Public sector pressure and shifting customer expectations
(09:16) – Competition moving from customer acquisition to transaction-level
(12:23) – BSF’s approach to building flexibility and infrastructure
(15:29) – Core and platform transformation explained
(22:30) – Managing trade-offs during platform implementation
(24:30) – Platform timeline and the decision to go big
(25:42) – Why BSF took full ownership of its transformation
(33:06) – Episode wrap-up
