Finastra's Forum Highlights Importance of Payment Modernization

Transforming Payment Systems for a Modern Era

Finastra, a prominent global provider of financial software applications, recently hosted its annual US Payments Business Forum, providing a critical platform for industry leaders to gather and share insights. This year’s event underscored the vital importance of prioritizing customer needs while navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing payments landscape.

Customer-Centric Approach to Payments

The forum brought together leading figures from financial institutions to discuss the pressing issues affecting the payments industry. The central theme of the event was placing the customer at the heart of payment modernization decisions, as the sector grapples with increased demand for faster transactions and evolving regulatory requirements.

Collaboration is Key

According to industry experts, collaboration and transparent communication are essential for banks to successfully adapt to upcoming challenges. Eric Martinez, AVP Wire Transfer Manager at Amarillo National Bank, emphasized the necessity for industry stakeholders to unite, learn from each other, and explore innovative methods to enhance customer satisfaction.

Main Takeaways from the Forum

Attendees of the three-day conference emerged with four key insights that are essential for the future of payments:

1. Modernization of Payment Infrastructure is Imperative: A significant majority of banks (92%) are gearing up to boost their investments in payment technologies, yet many face obstacles from outdated legacy systems. It was highlighted that moving towards hosted or Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions will be crucial in keeping pace with customer expectations. To foster innovation, partnerships and cloud-based solutions are essential, enhancing both the customer experience and operational efficiency.
2. Embrace an Offensive Strategy: With 89% of businesses investing in payments technology, this presents an opportunity for banks to align their strategies with customer needs. The discussion revealed that nearly 39% of corporate treasurers at large and mid-sized companies would consider shifting to a different bank for improved payment automation tools, signalling that banks must strengthen their offerings to retain clients.
3. ISO20022 Compliance is Necessary: Although the deadline for implementing ISO20022 messaging standards has been extended, this time should be used effectively by financial institutions to prepare. Presenters noted that nearly 90% of US financial institutions are on track, with many having completed third-party testing ahead of schedule.
4. Building a Stronger Ecosystem: By fostering relationships with a diverse range of partners, financial institutions can accelerate innovation and improve the customer journey. Collaborative efforts with fintech partners can elevate existing services and create enhanced offerings that attract and retain customers.

The Importance of Continuous Investment

Barry Rodrigues, EVP Payments at Finastra, remarked on the enduring value of the US Payments Business Forum, which has offered invaluable insights into modernizing payment infrastructures. He noted that adopting practices such as cloud migration and payment automation are crucial for enhancing operational efficiency. Banks and credit unions must engage in continuous investment in payment technologies to foster innovation and secure a competitive edge in the sector.

Sponsorship and Partnerships

This year's event saw sponsorship from an array of esteemed partners, including Microsoft, Fincom, Orion Innovation, Federal Reserve Financial Services, Visa, SRA Consulting, The Clearing House, and Aspire Systems. Their participation highlights the collective effort required to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.

About Finastra

Finastra is a global leader in providing financial services software applications spanning Lending, Payments, Treasury, Capital Markets, and Universal Banking. Finastra is dedicated to unlocking the potential of individuals, businesses, and communities globally. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, the company strives to drive forward the future of finance. With a client base of approximately 8,100 financial institutions, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks, Finastra stands at the forefront of the evolving financial services sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main theme of the US Payments Business Forum?

The primary focus was on prioritizing customer needs while navigating the rapidly evolving payments industry.

Why is modernization of payment infrastructure important?

Modernizing payment infrastructure helps banks meet increasing customer demand for speed and efficiency, while overcoming challenges posed by legacy systems.

What is the significance of ISO20022 compliance?

ISO20022 compliance is crucial for enhancing communication and interoperability among financial institutions, ensuring better service delivery.

How can banks better align with customer needs?

Banks can strengthen alignment with customer needs by investing in technology and automation tools that improve payment processes and reporting capabilities.

Who were the sponsors of the event?

The event was sponsored by notable partners including Microsoft, Visa, and the Federal Reserve Financial Services, among others.

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