Blogs

Content  /  Blog
Nicsa | How to Lead Change in Financial Services: Webinar Recap

How to Lead Change in Financial Services: Webinar Recap

By Nicsa posted Dec 10, 2019

We recently invited a panel of industry experts to share their insights on new technologies and the impact on client servicing and human capital management. The “Leading Change in Financial Services” webinar provided diverse perspectives on these important issues and resonated with our listeners. (NICSA members can access the replay here).

Sandy Schwan of Evolving Strategies —a consulting firm specializing in change management—led our panelists from Northern Trust, FIS, and Kevin Johnson and Associates through a dynamic discussion on the merits of leading change within their companies and clientele. We heard how these leaders are developing and executing organizational change strategies and tactics to support the benefits realization of strategic business initiatives.

“Define the change. Involve all stakeholders. And have a solid test and implementation plan.”

Joe Dedovesh, Vice President, Technology, at FIS Global, described how the integration of technology in our personal lives is driving the rapid evolution in business technology.  When polled, our audience thought that robotics and AI were the technologies most likely to significantly impact financial services. Among the top tech predictions for 2017 and beyond was increased dependency on algorithms. Preparing for increased complexity and usage of data seems to be paramount. What’s one thing companies can be doing to move toward an agile implementation and adoption environment? Seeking out experts (even if that means looking to external sources), assessing internal processes, and getting buy in from all stakeholders. Joe also touched upon the importance of involving peers through organizations like NICSA, where more knowledge and expertise may be brought to the table.

“Service models have pivoted toward a two-way street of communication.”

Next, Ray Burns, Senior Vice President, Global Funds Services at Northern Trust spoke about shifting investor expectations and how financial services firms are adjusting their service models. Ray stressed the importance of keeping clients informed and highlighted how Northern Trust has pivoted toward information sharing and the integration of client feedback, including the introduction of client advisory groups and workshops that allow clients to participate in setting strategic corporate goals, and work toward identifying the issues that are top of mind.  Increased access and use of data is essential and requires intuitive technology. Portability and meaningful reporting should be a key focus.

“Use diversity to drive leadership.”

Rounding out the discussion, Kevin Johnson, Human Resources Consultant, took us through leading strategies in talent recruitment and retention.  Technology evolution seems to be omnipresent in all aspects of financial services and recruiting practices and talent assessment are no exceptions.  Expanding candidate pools through diverse partnerships means that organizations become reflective of the talent available to the broader market.

NICSA would like to thank Northern Trust for hosting this webinar.  

Read More Blogs from Nicsa

Private Markets Committee Highlights Key Focus Areas Shaping the Industry

Authored by Sarah Walter, Head of Asset and Wealth Management Relationships at Nicsa Private markets continue to play an increasingly central role in asset and wealth management strategies, driven by investor demand for differentiated return streams, income, and diversification. Nicsa’s Private Markets Committee convenes senior leaders from across asset management, wealth platforms, distribution, technology, and professional services […]

Governance Isn’t Glamorous, But It’s What Makes AI in Finance Work

Nicsa's Innovation & Technology Strategy Committee, comprising executives in the asset and wealth management community, presents the following insights around AI implementation:   Artificial Intelligence is no longer a side experiment in financial services. In asset and wealth management, it is quickly becoming strategic infrastructure. Firms are using AI to streamline client reporting, automate compliance […]

Global AI Advisor and Former OpenAI Executive Zack Kass to Keynote Nicsa’s 2025 Asset & Wealth Management Summit

Get ready to look ahead.Nicsa has invited Zack Kass— Global AI Advisor and Former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI—to deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Asset & Wealth Management Summit, taking place November 11–12, with the keynote on Wednesday, November 12. As the asset and wealth management industry continues to navigate the transformative power […]
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Website Design By Branophia LLC

LinkedIn IconMail Icon
magnifiercrossmenuchevron-down