Temenos Americas Fall Forum Recap with Ari and Atul: 7 Tech and Business Lessons Learned from Miami
Ari: So, Atul, after two jam-packed days at TAFF, I think we can both agree that technology is the ultimate game-changer in banking. Right?
Atul: Absolutely, Ari. But let’s not forget that technology is only part of the equation. The real magic happens when innovation drives business outcomes.
Ari: I knew you were going to say that. Couldn’t agree more. The game that technology changes is the business game. Business strategies and innovation strategies go hand in hand. Businesses need innovation to succeed, and innovation forms part of a fundamental business strategy.
Atul: Agreed. It’s like taking the chicken and the egg thing and going quantum with it.
Ari: LOL. Imagine how odd people would read that quote only five years ago.
Atul: That’s innovation for you. How about we look back on the Temenos Americas Fall Forum and offer our readers some of our takeaways?
1. Innovate for the Long-Term, Just Like Temenos Does.
Atul: Success comes from carefully orchestrated innovation. And innovation is a core business strategy. It’s not about jumping on the latest trend—it’s about investing in long-term technology that adds value. Whether it’s SaaS or digital solutions for onboarding and origination, innovation should be a marathon, not a sprint. It is for us. As our CRO Will Moroney put it, “a legacy provider is someone who has stopped investing in their technology. Temenos invests 20% a year in research and development.” That’s serious commitment!
Ari: Absolutely, Atul, and innovation helps us keep our eyes on the prize—business results.
Atul: 100%! Its all about the long game. Technology is a part of strategic goals. Banks and credit unions aren’t public utilities; they’re here to create value; and efficiency is the key to that. The question is, how does tech make yourcustomer or member experience better and stop them from swiping left to a competitor? Contact Temenos today and find out.
Ari: Nice pitch there, Atul.
2. AI and ESG Are Not Just Buzzwords—They’re Business Imperatives.
Ari: It’s kind of hard to talk business without bringing up ways to add value.
Atul: That’s what business is all about, right?
Ari: Right. So, let’s talk about adding value where it matters, which is where we live, work and play. Let’s talk about Environmental, Social, and Governance practices. ESG is not just good PR anymore; it’s fundamental to the way we do business today. And ESG isn’t just about looking good; it’s about doing good. As Kalliopi Chioti from Temenos said, “ESG should not be an add-on. When you digitally transform, ESG should be a part of the journey.”
Atul: True. And no business or tech summit would be possible without mentioning AI. It’s more than just the Queen Bee of buzzwords today. It’s a cash cow.
Ari: Exactly. While we’re out there saving the planet, I’m here to remind everyone that AI is where the ROI is. José Nuñez from Microsoft told us that for every $1 invested in Generative AI, you can expect up to $8 back. He pointed out that “with generative AI we have 53,000 customers, 35% of which are coming with partnerships especially in retail and banking.” It’s like playing the slots in Vegas, except, you know, but you actually win and win big.
3. The Data Points Are There. Use Them.
Atul: Seriously, why do so many institutions sit on mountains of data and do nothing with them? It’s like having a Ferrari in the garage but choosing to walk to work. APIs and modern tech allow you to extract insights that lead to better decision-making and more personalized services. Data management isn’t just a tech task—it’s a business strategy.
Ari: Your top and bottom lines will thank you. That’s why you should use data to go hyper-personal or go home.
Atul: Or go on.
Ari: Good one, Atul. So, when it comes to data, I’ll see you and raise you one: The use of data is not about just collecting information; it’s about knowing your customers so well that you practically finish their sentences by knowing what they’re thinking now—and more importantly, knowing what they’re about to think. Today’s consumers expect hyper-personalized experiences, and if you’re not delivering them, you might as well close up shop. As Vincent Chamasrour from Temenos reminded us, “ask yourself ‘this is what I want my customer experience to look like. What can I do with my Temenos tools and what configurations do I need to make this happen?’”
4. Youth Isn’t Wasted on the Young (Not Anymore, Anyway).
Ari: Millennials and Gen Zers are taking over, whether we like it or not. These aren’t just your future customers—they’re your current customers. Banks and credit unions need to meet them where they are, which means more digital touchpoints and services that speak their language. As Julie Nielsen from Open Lending said, “credit unions have a stated focus of driving younger members and serving the underserved.”
Atul: There’s always room for improvement in this area.
Ari: It’s not just about chasing the younger crowd—it’s about making continuous improvements for everyone. You might have the latest tech, but if you’re not communicating your changes or adapting to what your customers need, you’re missing the point. Temenos, for example, is constantly refining our Lifecycle Management System, making it more efficient for everyone involved, which is good for business.
Atul: Exactly. As our very own Kimberly Hubbard pointed out, “we are testing our business continuity and ensuring continuity in everything we do.”
Ari: George Bernard Shaw said that “youth is wasted on the young.” He may have been a good writer—
Atul: But he had a lot of work to do when it came to selling modern financial-sector technology.
5. When It Comes to Modernization, Opportunities Far Outweigh the Risks.
Atul: Look, I get it. Change is scary, especially when it involves overhauling your core systems. But the benefits—faster times to market, lower costs, enhanced security—are real. As Sanjay Bhanot from Cognizant said, “banks expect a faster, risk-mitigated, and predictable approach to core modernization.” It’s all about embracing the future, not fearing it.
Ari: But Atul, let’s not forget—technology is a driver, not the destination.
Atul: But of course.
Ari: Modernizing your core or adopting AI isn’t the end goal; it’s about empowering your people to focus on what matters most—your customers. When you integrate technology into your business strategy, you free up resources to create real value by giving them what they want when they want it. As Wade Saunders from Idaho Central Credit Union put it, “our borrowers want to do business with us when we are not there. They want to interact when the lights are not on.”
6. Business Is Lightning Fast, But Taking Time to Innovate Won’t Slow You Down.
Ari: The pace of business is faster than ever, but don’t let that intimidate you. Modernizing your core or adopting new tech doesn’t mean you have to slam on the brakes. There are many paths to modernization, and it’s all about finding the one that works best for you. Fortunately, we’ve worked with financial institutions of all shapes and sizes around the world. As Rodrigo Silva, President of Temenos Americas, said, “we are everyone’s banking platform.”
Atul: Speaking of speed, technology can help soften the blow of economic downturns. When the economy takes a hit, modern tech helps financial institutions weather the storm. Automation and predictive analytics can help detect rising delinquency risks early, so you’re not blindsided. John DeLuccia from Allied Solutions said it best: “We will hold your hand the whole way through, from pre-delinquency through, unfortunately, that charge off.” Now that’s the kind of backup we all need.
7. Be Relentless on What Works.
Ari: If there’s one thing on which we can both agree, it’s that success comes from focusing on what works, not what doesn’t. Dr. Jason Selk hammered that point home with his Relentless Solution Focus. It’s all about honing in on that one action step that will make things better, no matter how small.
Atul: Exactly. Focus on what’s working, improve on it, and repeat. The problem-centric mindset is the enemy of progress. Or, as Dr. Selk challenged us, ask yourself what are the three things you did well in the last 24 hours, what’s one thing you can improve tomorrow, and what action step can I take to make that improvement? “Recognize what you do well and be relentless on being better,” Dr. Selk pointed out. It’s a formula for both personal and professional triumph.
Ari: So, there you have it, folks—seven lessons from TAFF, brought to you by your favorite tech and business duo.
Atul: Whether you’re in tech or business, remember: innovation isn’t just about shiny new gadgets. It’s about delivering value, driving outcomes, and creating a better experience for your customers. Until next time!
Ari: And if you missed TAFF this year, don’t worry—you’ve just gotten the next best thing. See you at the next one!