Bank-Fintech Outlook for 2025: A Discussion with Cross River Leaders

Looking ahead to 2025, Cross River leaders, including Chief Investment Officer, Noah Cooper, Head of External Affairs, Joseph Garba, EVP, Head of Fintech Banking, Adam Goller, and Head of Strategy and Corporate Development, Hillel Olivestone, hosted a webinar titled, 'What's Next for Bank-Fintech Collaboration: A 2025 Outlook'. The discussion offered valuable perspectives into the evolving landscape of bank-fintech collaborations, regulatory environment, and future opportunities in 2025 with the advent of the new administration.  

Here are the top 5 key takeaways from their discussion:  

• Regulatory optimism: There's an expectation of a more collaborative and transparent regulatory approach, with regulators showing more openness to innovation while maintaining responsible banking practices. The new administration is expected to provide clearer guidance on emerging financial products and technologies.
• Technology and efficiency: Banks are focusing on comprehensive, integrated platforms that offer multiple services, reducing onboarding complexity and creating more efficient partnerships with fintechs. The emphasis is on long-term thinking and creating robust infrastructure from the outset.
• Emerging financial products: There's growing interest in innovative financial products like earned wage access (EWA), home equity agreements, and potential applications of AI in areas such as KYC, fraud detection, and underwriting. The regulatory environment is expected to provide more clarity on these emerging offerings.
• Capital markets and M&A: Expectations of increased M&A activity, more IPOs, and more attractive capital-raising opportunities. The market is seeing more attractive multiples and a potentially more friendly antitrust environment.
• Technology integration: A shift towards more holistic, multi-product banking solutions, with an emphasis on creating comprehensive platforms that can support various financial services efficiently. The focus is on reducing costs and complexity while providing more integrated solutions for fintechs and customers.

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For a more detailed insight into their 2025 bank-fintech outlook, watch the full discussion here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSDnBDxNiOE