Collaboration is often discussed as a cultural value within the financial industry when, in fact, it is a strategic necessity. As margins compress, consumer expectations rise and regulatory and technological complexity increase; no single team, leader or function can deliver sustainable success alone. The institutions that excel today are not simply better capitalized or more digitally enabled; they are open to sharing and learning from others.

Banks and credit unions operate within highly interconnected systems. Growth, profitability, risk management, digital experience and compliance are deeply interdependent. A pricing decision impacts marketing. A digital enhancement affects operations. A growth initiative has downstream regulatory and balance sheet implications. I recently attended three Raddon Roundtables – Detroit, Pasadena and Walnut Creek – and I observed common questions and concerns throughout the events.

Each Roundtable market was so different, yet there were similar questions and concerns:

• How to best manage within the current economic state and stay relevant?
• How to compete and thrive in this competitive landscape?
• How do we prepare for AI today and what’s coming ahead?
• How to increase younger generations’ account base (Millennials and Gen Z)?
• How to best prepare for aging member and customer bases?
• How to maintain digital relevance?
• Navigating through regulatory updates – Stablecoins?
• Finding qualified resources, an aging employee base, and succession planning

Now, it goes without saying that AI was part of the discussion. Participants shared their thoughts about AI and asked questions about how their current employees feel about the integration of AI tools. Based on Figure 1 below, one in five people have some concerns about AI and how it can impact their job in the near future, regardless of their employment status or industry.

Figure 1: "I am concerened that AI or automation could impact my job in the next few years"

Reassurance of job security will go a long way, especially with the rise of AI

Source: Attracting Next Generation of Banking Talent, Raddon Research Insights, 2025

Another concern discussed had to do with succession planning: Are we preparing for the next generation of human resources to work in the financial industry? Based on recent Raddon Research Insights findings, the finance and banking industry was not in the top 5 career choices when we asked for their thoughts.

Figure 2: Attractive industries for starting careers

Healthcare and creative industries are seen as attractive when starting a career

Source: Attracting Next Generation of Banking Talent, Raddon Research Insights, 2025

During the discussion, we all agreed on the importance of having a frictionless online account opening process; digital banking is banking. The data highlights common issues customers encounter when opening accounts online.

Figure 3: Percentage of challenges while opening an account in person or online

Identifying pain points to better streamline the online account opening experience

Source: Deposits and Investments, Raddon Research Insights, 2025

Leaders at the Raddon Roundtables shared some of their internal processes and thoughts about working to have a more seamless online acquisition tool along with the importance of having a robust online presence.

Attending various Roundtable events revealed the value of leaders from diverse organizations demonstrating empathy toward the specific challenges of their local markets. These gatherings fostered a strong sense of trust through shared experiences, as participants encountered similar issues across their organizations. Attendees openly discussed concerns, achievements and less successful initiatives within their respective institutions. The exchange featured active note-taking and thoughtful contributions, offering constructive feedback and alternative viewpoints to support one another professionally.

As the financial services industry progresses, collaboration continues to be a significant asset. We anticipate engaging with you at an upcoming Raddon Roundtable and fostering productive partnerships.

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