Monday May 13
FINTECH SIMULATION WORKSHOP + PEER EXCHANGE
Sponsored by: RSM US LLP
This hands-on fintech simulation workshop provides a multifaceted approach to developing and integrating a technology partnership from start to finish. Each workshop session offers valuable insights through real-world case studies and includes the how-to’s around decision-making, integration, market analysis and more. Sessions 2 and 3 also include a peer exchange, which allows participants the chance to break into small groups to discuss topics related to the sessions. This workshop is exclusive to 45 FI attendees only – up to two FI leaders per institution, and no capital markets titles. This session is not for investment bank leaders of any kind.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Registration + Lunch
1:30 PM – 1:35 PM
Welcome
Lexie Garcia, Vice President of Business Development, Bank Director & FinXTech
1:35 PM – 2:15 PM
Workshop Session 1: Due Diligence + Strategic Alignment
Elia Blankenship, Director, Management Consulting, Financial Institutions Advisory, RSM US LLP
Aaron Donaldson, Principal, Technology & Management Consulting, RSM US LLP
Additional Speakers to be Announced
Due diligence is an essential part of the partnership process. Only through this step can a financial institution assess the risks, liabilities and potential pitfalls of working with a partner. Addressing potential red flags and designing a strategic plan is the necessary next step in the exploratory process. During this session, we provide real-world examples to help attendees prepare for roadblocks and perform effective inquiries.
Takeaways:
• Learn to accurately assess partnership risks, liabilities and pitfalls.
• Uncover partnership red flags and successfully design a strategic plan to avoid future roadblocks.
• Perform an effective inquiry.
2:15 PM – 2:55 PM
Workshop Session 2: Selecting the Right Technology
Elia Blankenship, Director, Management Consulting, Financial Institutions Advisory, RSM US LLP
Aaron Donaldson, Principal, Technology & Management Consulting, RSM US LLP
Additional Speakers to be Announced
As financial institutions consider investing in technology, it is important to look strategically at the areas where the technology can best serve the institutions’ goals. How do you take the first step? This session explores how to find the right technology for your organization.
Takeaways:
• Learn how to identify areas where technology can best serve your institution.
• Discover what factors should be weighed and discussed before investing in technology.
• Receive best practices and a step-by-step process for finding the right technology.
2:55 PM – 3:40 PM
Workshop Session 2 Peer Exchange
At this time, participants break into groups to discuss topics related to the morning sessions. Questions for discussion include the following:
- What does your due diligence process entail?
- How has your institution enhanced its due diligence process over the past 12 to 18 months?
- What part of the due diligence process do you think needs more time and attention?
- What strategic opportunities is your institution currently considering that could be enabled by technology?
- What technologies do you find most interesting to consider at your FI?
- Is your FI buying or partnering to get any new technology right now?
- Are you invested in any venture funds that focus on fintechs? What does your institution want to get out of fintech partnerships? How does your FI determine strategy objectives and priorities?
- Are you building capabilities in-house or using third parties? How do you make this decision?
- What fintech qualities are important to you in terms of working with such a company?
- What is your institution’s due diligence process? Who is involved, what does the institution request, and what are you looking for?
- How long is your institution’s approval process?
- Do you consider the fintech’s ability to scale or its financial situation?
- Are there any other important considerations?
3:40 PM – 3:50 PM
Break
3:50 PM – 4:30 PM
Workshop Session 3: Team Integration, Alignment + Adoption
Elia Blankenship, Director, Management Consulting, Financial Institutions Advisory, RSM US LLP
Aaron Donaldson, Principal, Technology & Management Consulting, RSM US LLP
Additional Speakers to be Announced
After due diligence and planning are completed, FIs must look into the corporate culture of the prospective fintech to ensure it aligns with their own. In this final workshop session, attendees explore the importance of being culturally aligned and how it affects the success of the partnership.
Takeaways:
• Learn to map out and examine if a prospective fintech’s culture aligns with your institution’s culture.
• Receive in-depth knowledge on the importance of being culturally aligned.
• Acquire additional tools needed to ensure team integration is a smooth process.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Workshop Session 3 Peer Exchange
Participants break back into their peer exchange groups to discuss Session Three’s key takeaways. Questions for discussion include the following:
- What integration concerns should the fintech address?
- What technology constraints does your institution have regarding fintech partnerships, and how has the institution addressed them?
- What compliance issues does your institution face as you consider new fintech relationships?
- Do you believe that regulators are applying more scrutiny on some areas of technology adoption/implementation by FIs? Are you getting questions from regulators?
- What sort of documentation is your institution creating and/or maintaining regarding these partnerships? What have regulators asked to see?
- How are you leveraging talent and expertise — inside and outside the institution — to drive the effective adoption and implementation of the right solutions within your organization?
5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
Welcoming Reception + Registration
Our welcoming reception provides participants the chance to meet and mingle with their contemporaries from across the country.