What’d I miss? News and Insights that got noticed - Week 8
Rutger van Faassen
Thought leader and (F)influencer at intersection of consumer finance and technology helping fintechs, banks and credit unions truly connect with Solution Providers. Storyteller, Trusted Advisor, Podcast Host, Speaker.
Key themes this week (February 14 - 20)
Citi’s Sieg sees tech lag as an invitation to innovation
[Second week noticed]
“…The bank’s market position – behind its peers – is a challenge that allows it to find ways to leapfrog competitors, Citi’s wealth chief said.
"...As the bank works through nagging data quality issues, Citi aims to “use the fact that we’re behind today as a challenge and an opening to be innovative, and to find ways to leapfrog,” he said. That’s an underappreciated opportunity artificial intelligence has created, he added.?
Bank partners like Palantir Technologies, Google and Snowflake have the lender in a position to make progress “in months, which once in my career would have been years of progress to move the platforms forward,” Sieg said…”
Key takeaways:
Varo Chief Colin Walsh Steps Down as Bakkt’s Ex-CEO Takes Over
“…Colin Walsh, who founded the company, has departed from his role as chief executive, according to a report Sunday (Feb. 16) from Fintech Business Weekly (FBW).
Walsh, who will remain on Varo’s board, will be succeeded by Gavin Michael, former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Bakkt. Michael announced his departure last year, saying he would remain in an advisory position at Bakkt until March 2025.
“Michael will have his work cut out for him,” the FBW said. “While Varo highlighted a 22% increase in revenue, 38% improvement in net income, and 31% reduction in customer acquisition costs in 2024, it is still far from profitability, posting a net loss of $65 million last year.…”
Key takeaways:
[Weekly POLL ?? ?? ] Most (43%) say they prefer Hybrid work set up with flexible office days to lead to most efficiency for the organization
Based on the story about how Jamie Dimon wants everybody back in the office and is frustrated with inefficiency in his organization I was wondering how everyone feels about the best way to work.
So I asked the LinkedIn audience to help me answer this week's POLL question: "What is your preferred work set up that leads to the most efficiency for the organization?"
Key takeaways:
With 25,000 of you following my journey, I'm incredibly grateful ?? for your support, inspiration, and engagement
Dear LinkedIn Network,
On this beautiful ?? Valentine's Day, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.?
With 25,000 of you following my journey, I'm incredibly grateful for your support, inspiration, and engagement. Your interactions, comments, and connections have made this platform a truly rewarding experience.
As we celebrate love and togetherness today, I wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day!?
May your day be filled with love ?? , joy, and cherished moments with those who matter most to you.
Thank you for being part of my LinkedIn community.?
Here's to many more shared successes and meaningful connections!
With heartfelt appreciation, Rutger
Key takeaways:
JPMorgan CEO Dimon derides in-office work pushback, demands efficiency
[Second week noticed]
“…JPMorgan's profits surged to a record in 2024 and its share price has roughly doubled in the past five years. The strong performance prompted some workers to question why they needed to spend more time in the office.
In-office requirements will not be left up to managers, Dimon said.
"There is no chance that I will leave it up to managers," he said. "Zero chance. The abuse that took place is extraordinary…”
Key takeaways:
Your loyalty cards just got smarter with a new Google Wallet feature
“...Wallet is making it easier to stay on top of updates available for your loyalty cards and other passes…”
Key takeaways:
BBVA virtual assistant gets AI-powered account and card management features
“...The assistant, called Blue, now has improved abilities to interact with customers using natural language, provide tailored information on their finances, and perform some of the most common account and card transactions.
It kicks off with up to 150 queries and transactions available for customers, which translates into answering over 3000 questions. Based on generative artificial intelligence, the tool aims to humanise BBVA’s digital channels, with much friendlier interactions, while enhancing efficiency when answering questions…”
Key takeaways:
HiBob acquires US fintech Mosaic to integrate AI-powered financial management into HR platform
“…Mosaic’s platform provides financial planning tools for mid-market companies including real-time analytics, predictive reporting and cash forecasting using big data and machine learning technologies.
Launched in 2019, Mosaic is backed by the likes of OMERS Ventures, Founders Fund and General Catalyst, and last raised $26 million through a Series C round closed in mid-2023.
As part of the acquisition, Mosaic’s platform is now set to be integrated into HiBob’s human capital management platform, Bob…”
Key takeaways:
[CONFERENCE PLANNING 2025]
It is that time of the year to start planning for 2025 and determine which conferences to attend.?
To help you decide which events to register for I have created a list of conferences at the intersection of Financial Services and Technology.?
I have also included my current attendance status for each of the conferences. Feel free to share other conferences with me you are planning on attending or you think should be on this list.
Please let me know in the comment section which conferences you have selected and feel free to reach out if you want to connect at a conference I am attending.
Key takeaways:
Conference Summary and spotlight ??
This is the summary list of conferences that are on my consideration list for 2025.
For the detailed list with links to the conference websites and agendas go to this link here:
[Conference Spotlight ??] - Fintech Meetup
Check this out:
[NEW PODCAST EPISODE] ?????????
In this episode, Jacob Howard, Founder of Financial Marketing Insights, discusses his journey in financial marketing, emphasizing the importance of community and networking among financial marketers. He shares insights on the future of marketing in financial services, particularly the impact of AI, and highlights the need for professionals to adapt and engage with new technologies. Jacob also introduces his initiatives aimed at fostering connections and education within the financial marketing sector.
?? Listen now on the Informationbanker’s YouTube channel and stay tuned for more episodes that will provide insight into the why of my guests and their thought about a possible future. You can also subscribe and listen on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
You can find the episode here:
As I am always interested in what you think about these posts, send me a message, or just leave a comment on the post on LinkedIn. If you like reading this please engage with the posts since that is the currency of LinkedIn.
Principal Analyst - Financial Services
1 周Congrats on your 25000 milestone!
Business Development & Sales | Digital Client Acquisition & Client Relationship Management | Connecting People and Opportunities | Investment Conversation Starters | Thematic Investment Funds | Community Activator
1 周Thanks for sharing the conference schedule! Are you attending all of them Rutger?
Realtor Associate @ Next Trend Realty LLC | HAR REALTOR, IRS Tax Preparer
1 周Interesting.