SRA Risk Intel

Ed Vincent, host of the Risk Intel Podcast, welcomed Jeff Fink back to the show for part three of their Data Strategy Series. This week's insightful conversation dives deep into the distinction between data strategy VS reporting, which is a critical yet often misunderstood area for community financial institutions aiming to become truly data-driven. Listen to the full episode, or if you missed Part 1 and Part 2, click the links below to catch up.Part 1: How to Start a Data Strategy From Nothing: Make the Mind Shift From Stuck to StartPart 2: Defining a Data Strategy: What a Data Strategy Is - And Isn'tFollow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, Ed Vincent welcomes back Watchtower's Chief Product Officer, Jeff Fink, to kick off a multipart series on creating a data strategy. A hot topic for many community banks and credit unions wanting to modernize their internal processes on how they handle data, collect it and how do they leverage data to achieve their collective goals. Listen to the full episode here.Follow us to stay in the know!

For many community banks, embarking on a data strategy can feel like an overwhelming endeavor. Limited resources, small teams, and the misconception that “big data” is only for large institutions often lead to inertia. But as discussed in the latest Risk Intel episode with Jeff Fink, the real differentiator in today's competitive banking landscape is not size—it's mindset. Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, host and SRA Watchtower CEO Edward Vincent invited CFO/CRO Shawn Ryan to the show to discuss the top emerging risks facing financial institutions today. Their discussion, enriched by insights from the NC State University ERM Initiative "13th Annual Executive Perspectives on Top Risks Survey," sheds light on critical areas that demand attention from risk leaders. Listen to the full episode below to learn about these emerging risks, incorporating key findings from the survey.Follow us to stay in the know!

The relationship among banks, FinTechs, and regulators has never been more critical - or more complex for that matter. With technology advancing at breakneck speed, the challenge lies in striking a healthy balance between fostering innovation, while not compromising the safety and soundness of the financial services industry. In this episode of the Risk Intel podcast, host Ed Vincent sat down with industry experts Kirsten Muetzel and Jeanette Quick to unpack the intricate dynamics among banks, FinTechs, and regulators, the role of emerging technologies, and how collaboration can drive better outcomes for all players in the industry. Follow us to stay in the know!

As the year 2025 unfolds, the financial services industry is experiencing shifts that few could have fully anticipated at the beginning of the year. From regulatory changes to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), and global economic instability, financial institutions face a dynamic environment filled with both opportunities and risks. Kirsten Muetzel, Founder of KLM Advisory LLC, joins host Ed Vincent to discuss a quick pulse check on how Q1 unfolded and her predictions for the remainder of the year. Follow us to stay in the know!

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) has long been viewed as a defensive function—something financial institutions do to satisfy regulators and avoid compliance issues. However, this perspective is outdated. In today's volatile business environment, ERM is a strategic necessity that enables organizations to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and make more informed decisions. In this episode of The Risk Intel podcast, Shawn Ryan joins host, Edward Vincent to explore why ERM should be a CEO priority. They discuss the pitfalls of siloed risk management, the need for an enterprise-wide approach, and how organizations can elevate risk management to a strategic function. Most importantly, we examine why the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) should have a strong presence at the leadership table and work closely with their CEO to ensure risk isn't an afterthought, but the key driver of decision-making.Follow us to stay in the know!

Follow us to stay in the know!

Data is not just a byproduct of operations—it is the foundation for strategic decision-making and risk management. Vantage Bank, a leading community bank out of San Antonio, Texas committed to innovation and operational excellence, has embraced this reality by modernizing its risk management program through data and technology.  In this episode of The Risk Intel Podcast, Ed Vincent, CEO of SRA Watchtower and host of the show, sat down with Joel Castaneda, EVP & CRO, and Shawn Main, EVP & Chief Business Architect at Vantage Bank, to discuss their transformation journey and a need for a modernized risk program. Follow us to stay in the know!

Implementing a Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) tool is a crucial step for financial institutions seeking to enhance their risk management frameworks. Starting with a well-executed RCSA process enables organizations to identify, assess, and mitigate risks effectively while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and the right technology to streamline workflows and improve organizational visibility.  Beth Nilles, Director of Watchtower Implementations and resident RCSA expert, joined host Edward Vincent on this episode of the Risk Intel podcast to discuss best practices for implementing an RCSA process or tool. Follow us to stay in the know!

The latest episode of the Risk Intel Podcast featured Jeff Fink, Co-Founder of Lumio Insight, joining host Ed Vincent to discuss an exciting milestone — SRA Watchtower's acquisition of Lumio Insight. This strategic move combines two companies with a shared vision: empowering community-based financial institutions with a holistic risk and business intelligence platform. Listen to the full interview to learn more about this exciting acquisition.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, Beth Nilles joins host, Ed Vincent to discuss how to drive a calculation methodology within a bank's or credit union's Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSA) process. Listen to the full episode to learn tips and guidance on executing this within your institution.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, SRA Watchtower's own Cathy Jackson, Director of Implementations and a seasoned risk management expert joined host, Ed Vincent, to explore the evolving nature of Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and how financial institutions can ensure their KRIs remain effective and actionable. Listen to the full episode to learn more.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, Ed Vincent, host of the show and CEO of SRA Watchtower, welcomed Jeff Fink from Lumio Insight, back to the show to explore the critical topic of risk mitigation in financial institutions. This third part of their conversation delved into the strategies, technologies, and frameworks that help organizations navigate today's complex risk landscape. From securing sensitive data to addressing emerging threats, Jeff shared actionable insights on how banks and credit unions can proactively mitigate risks while driving innovation and maintaining regulatory compliance. Listen to the full episode below. Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel podcast, Joseph Berry, Co-head of Investment Banking at KBW, joined host Ed Vincent to share his insights into the evolving landscape of banking and FinTech and what will drive innovation in 2025. Joe discussed critical topics ranging from data analytics and customer profitability to the role of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in driving innovation. Listen to the full episode to learn more. Follow us to stay in the know!

The Season 3 premiere of the Risk Intel Podcast brings a timely and thought-provoking discussion about the rapidly evolving M&A landscape in the banking sector and predictions for 2025. Host Ed Vincent welcomed Joseph Fenech, founder and Chief Information Officer of GenOpp Capital Management, to unpack the trends and strategies shaping this pivotal moment in banking consolidation. The episode highlighted the forces driving a surge in M&A activity, the differing dynamics for community and regional banks, and key strategies for a successful transaction. Follow us to stay in the know!

SRA Watchtower's Risk Intel Podcast has become a leading resource for financial institutions and risk professionals seeking actionable insights into enterprise risk management (ERM). Hosted by Ed Vincent, CEO of SRA Watchtower, the podcast covers critical topics such as integrated risk management, data governance, and the role of technology in transforming risk practices. Whether you're a seasoned CRO or just stepping into the risk management field, these episodes provide valuable expertise from industry leaders. To wrap up season 2, we issued a poll to our audience and internal team members to find out what everyone's top 10 episodes were from 2024. Ed hosted SRA Watchtowers, VP of Marketing and producer of the Risk Intel Podcast, Ryan Donelson, and Niki White, Chief Growth Officer to walk us through the top 10 list and share their key takeaways. Follow us to stay in the know!

Season 2 | Ep. 51: Using Data as a Strategic Asset (Part 2) Governance FrameworksFollow us to stay in the know!

In season two's 50th episode of The Risk Intel Podcast, host Ed Vincent, sat down with Jeff Fink, CEO and Co-founder of Lumio Insights, to share his insights into the evolving role of data in financial institutions. Drawing on his extensive experience in data management, Jeff outlined how organizations can transform data into a strategic asset, unlocking its full potential to improve customer experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and manage risk effectively. Listen to the full episode to learn more!Follow us to stay in the know!

Follow us to stay in the know!

In this Risk Intel Podcast, Ed Vincent sat down with Ian Moloney, SVP of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, and Hayden Cole, Director of Federal Government Affairs from the American FinTech Council (AFC), to analyze what the 2024 election results mean for financial services regulation, enforcement, and bank-FinTech partnerships. They explored expected regulatory shifts, changes in congressional leadership, and proactive strategies for financial institutions navigating these transitions. Every risk manager and financial institution leader should listen. Follow us to stay in the know!

Follow us to stay in the know!

In the latest episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council (AFC) joined host Ed Vincent to delve into the evolving relationship between banks and fintech firms. Ed and Phil connect on the latest comment letter the AFC submitted in response to the joint Request for Information on Bank-Fintech Arrangements Involving Banking Products and Services Distributed to Consumers and Businesses (RFI) by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (FRB or Federal Reserve), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) collectively referred to as the “Joint Agencies”.Listen to the full episode, as Phil and Ed discuss the best practices and key takeaways from this RFI by the Joint Agencies. Follow us to stay in the know!

Happy Halloween! This special episode of the Risk Intel podcast features scary stories of risk management. Coming from real-life experiences from our team member's days in banking. Host, Ed Vincent, is joined by Shawn Ryan, Beth Nilles, Niki White, Megan Turcios, Trent Terry, and Cathy Jackson for a series of short spooky stories. Curl up with a nice cider and get ready to hear the dark side of risk management, along with some tips to ensure you don't end up a scary story yourself!Follow us to stay in the know!

Effective risk management reporting is essential for decision-making, regulatory compliance, and overall institutional success. Whether you're considering licensing a third-party risk Intelligence solution or building your own reporting framework, understanding key principles and data perspectives will guide you toward a robust, scalable system. Sam Utz, SRA Watchtower Product Analyst joined host Ed Vincent on this episode of the Risk Intel podcast to explore foundational aspects of reporting such as data governance, creating an infrastructure, configurability vs customization, and breaking down the differences between shallow and deep views of data that financial institutions should prioritize. Tune in to listen to the full episode on building a strong foundation for risk reporting. Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of Risk Intel, host Ed Vincent, CEO of SRA Watchtower, is joined by Shawn Ryan, CFO of SRA Watchtower, and Niki White, CGO of SRA Watchtower to discuss the importance of natural disaster preparedness within financial institutions. As climate risks grow and on the heels of two back-to-back hurricanes, financial entities must be proactive to help strengthen their risk management frameworks to protect key assets and ensure operational resilience. Many people have been significantly impacted by the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. Please find the below link to donate to the American Red Cross to support those impacted. https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel podcast, the host of the show and SRA Watchtower's CEO, Edward Vincent, welcomed Amitabh Bhargava, Senior Managing Director of Credit Portfolio Management for SRA Consulting back to the show to continue the conversation from last week on the recent U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) 2024 Farm Sector survey released in September 2024. The two discussed the implications for risk management in the agricultural sector, diving deeper into credit risk, how climate change can impact farm and aglending, and also discussed non-credit risks.Follow us to stay in the know!

The U.S. agricultural sector is facing a challenging transition. Following a period of record profitability in 2021 and 2022, the latest USDA 2024 Farm Sector Income Forecast released in September of 2024, projects a continuing decline in farm income. According to Amitabh Bhargava, a seasoned expert in credit risk and portfolio risk management, farm incomes dropped nearly 29% in 2023 and are expected to fall another 9-10% in 2024. This decline represents a slowing of the income reduction but signals continued financial stress for farmers across the nation. Listen to the conversation where host Ed Vincent asks Amitabh to dive into the trends from the recent survey data.Follow us to stay in the know!

In episode 40 of the Risk Intel podcast, host Edward Vincent sat down with Sharon Campbell, VP of Client Services at SRA Watchtower, to explore the evolving role of client services in the SaaS industry. Today's client services teams do much more than just manage or implement software — they're instrumental in driving successful client outcomes, integrating risk management solutions, and aligning these tools with business strategy. Sharon's extensive experience in leading client-facing teams in financial institutions and SaaS companies positions her as an expert on how a service-driven approach can empower banks and financial firms to meet their risk management goals. In this episode, she dives into key strategies for integrating client feedback, creating efficient onboarding processes, and helping banks and credit unions adopt risk intelligence platforms with little to no IT dependency. Follow us to stay in the know!

In today's fast-paced business environment, understand the client journey is more critical than ever. No matter what industry you're in, understanding how to guide clients through every phase of their experience can make or break your organization's success. In part two of this Client-Driven Success series of the Risk Intel Podcast, Ed Vincent, CEO of SRA Watchtower, sits down with Sharon Campbell, the leader of Client Services, to explore how a proactive approach to the client journey can lead to long-term success, advocacy, and strong partnerships. Listen as we dive deeper into how organizations can enhance their client journey and the importance of engaging "early and often." Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel podcast, host Edward Vincent sat down with Sharon Campbell, VP of Client Services at SRA Watchtower, to explore the essential components of a successful client-led organization. Sharon's extensive experience in leading client-facing teams across financial institutions and SaaS organizations positions her as an expert on how businesses can elevate their client services to deliver outstanding results. Throughout the conversation, Sharon shares valuable insights on how she has built a client-first culture at SRA Watchtower, differentiating between client services, client experience, and client success. She also speaks about the critical role of feedback in shaping client relationships. Tune in to listen to the full episode!Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, SRA Watchtower CEO, Ed Vincent teams up with Niki White, Chief Growth Officer to explore the concept of "starting where you are" in risk management. This discussion sheds light on how organizations can overcome the common paralysis that can come with over-planning and how to take actionable steps toward effective risk management. Follow us to stay in the know!

In today's complex financial landscape, effective risk management is critical for the stability and success of any financial institution. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) teams play a central role in this process, ensuring that organizations are well-protected against potential risks while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. But how exactly does GRC fit into the broader picture of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and how does GRC differ from the Audit function? This Risk Intel episode features Cathy Jackson, Director or Implementations at SRA Watchtower, who answers four key questions to help you understand the responsibilities of the GRC and Audit teams, how they operate, and how they integrate with ERM. Give it a listen to learn more.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel podcast, host Ed Vincent, invites Niki White, Chief Growth Officer at SRA Watchtower, back to the show to discuss the critical differences between enterprise risk management (ERM) and the audit functions within a financial institution. The discussion centers on the three lines of defense model, a widely recognized framework in risk management. Here's a breakdown of how ERM and audit functions differ across each line of defense and technology's role in enhancing these functions. Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, Claire Jordan, SRA Watchtower's Vice President of Product joins host Ed Vincent to explore the critical role of Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) in enabling risk-informed strategic and operational decisions within financial institutions. The episode dives into the nuances of how different stakeholders consume KRIs and how effective dashboards and reports can support this process. Follow us to stay in the know!

In the latest Risk Intel Podcast episode, Edward Vincent, CEO of SRA Watchtower, hosts an enlightening discussion with Cathy Jackson, Director of Watchtower Implementation, and Claire Jordan, VP of Product. This episode is a deep dive into best practices for evolving an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program, focusing on regulatory guidance, quantitative vs. qualitative metrics, peer data, and risk appetite.Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, SRA Watchtower CEO Edward Vincent and Cathy Jackson, Director of Watchtower Implementation, delve into the best practices for evolving an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program. This insightful conversation covers the historical overview of risk management, the current state and challenges, emerging trends, and the driving forces behind the shift toward collecting more timely and frequent data. Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, Ed Vincent, host and CEO of SRA Watchtower, invites Cathy Jackson, Director of Watchtower Implementation to the show to delve into the transformative shift in risk management within financial institutions. This discussion is part one of a multi-part series focusing on best practices for enhancing Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) programs or building new ones to operate in a risk-informed decision-making environment. Key points discussed include focusing on the criteria for identifying baseline Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), their characteristics, the value of adhering to a standard set, the importance of consistent monitoring, and the data sources. Listen to learn more.Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial risk management, the ability to accurately assess and manage risk is paramount. This episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, hosted by Ed Vincent sheds light on the transformative power of risk maturity self-assessments in building robust enterprise risk management programs. Joined by Niki White, Chief Growth Officer at SRA Watchtower, the discussion delves into the nuances of self-guided risk maturity frameworks and how they can help financial institutions achieve internal buy-in for their risk programs. Listen to learn more.Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, host Ed Vincent invites Shawn Ryan back to the show to dive deeper into the recent Interagency Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) Guidance released in May 2024. The guidance from the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and the OCC included five critical aspects of third-party risk management: planning, due diligence, contract negotiation, ongoing monitoring, and termination.  In Part 1 of this series, Shawn discussed in detail the Planning and Termination stages of third-party engagement. In this episode, Shawn covers the critical aspects of due diligence, contracting, and monitoring that financial institutions must navigate, especially when dealing with FinTech and RegTech firms. Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, host Ed Vincent, sat down with Shawn Ryan, Chief Financial Officer at SRA Watchtower, to delve into the intricacies of third-party risk management relating to safely onboarding FinTech partners. Their discussion centered on the recent May 2024 joint interagency guidance on third-party risk management and its implications for community banks. This episode is a must-listen for financial institutions navigating the complex landscape of risk and innovation. Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

 In this insightful episode, Ed Vincent, CEO at SRA Watchtower continues the conversation with Niki White, Chief Growth Officer at SRA Watchtower. Building on their previous discussion, they delve into how a robust risk culture can be quantified to enhance institutional efficiency, strategic alignment, and shareholder value. Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this Risk Intel Podcast episode, host Ed Vincent and Niki White, Chief Growth Officer at SRA Watchtower and former Chief Risk Officer, delved into the intricacies of establishing and cultivating a culture of risk within financial institutions. Their discussion highlighted key drivers that influence risk culture and offered valuable insights on transforming the perception and reality of risk leadership. Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, we invite Tyler Pihl, VP - Enterprise Risk at Service Credit Union back to the show to share best practices and guidance on crafting risk appetite statements. Tyler provides valuable insights on rewriting and maintaining risk appetite statements, integrating risk management into organizational culture, and shares concrete examples with our audience. Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, Tyler Pihl, VP of Enterprise Risk at Service Credit Union joins the show to share his journey and expertise on building a proactive risk culture.  Tyler highlights the evolution of ERM at Service CU, the importance of communication and relationships, and the continuous effort required to maintain a robust risk management framework. Listen for valuable tips and advice on creating a risk culture.Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In the fast-paced world of FinTech, navigating regulatory landscapes requires a keen understanding of evolving standards and proactive collaboration. Listen as we explore insights from a recent Risk Intel episode featuring Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council, and Ed Vincent, CEO of SRA Watchtower as they discuss regulations around third-party risk management and how the new Guide for Community Banks can be leveraged.  Let's dive into three key themes: continuous adaptation, the importance of regulatory guidance and best practices, and the need for collaboration and communication. Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial services, risk management stands as a critical pillar safeguarding the integrity and stability of institutions. Recently, the Risk Intel Podcast had the privilege of hosting Debbie Bianucci, the President and CEO of ProSight Financial Association, to delve into key risk management trends in banking. Debbie also unveiled the vision behind the merger of BAI and RMA, culminating in the formation of ProSight Financial Association.Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

 In the latest episode of the Risk Intel podcast by SRA Watchtower, CEO Edward Vincent and Chief Growth Officer Niki White delve into a crucial aspect of risk management within financial institutions: identifying and dismantling hidden factories. The episode offers actionable diagnostic questions across four key areas: reporting, operations & processes, personnel, and budgeting & planning. Let's explore these takeaways in detail. Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel podcast, we bring back ERM experts Cathy Jackson, Beth Nilles, and Niki White to recap their previous examples of identifying hidden factories within their financial institutions. Each guest shared real-life examples to highlight the importance of mitigating risks associated with redundant processes and helped to quantify the potential costs of these hidden factories causing inefficiencies. Listen to learn more!Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!

In this episode of the Risk Intel Podcast, we continue the conversation of hidden factories and highlight real-world examples from subject matter experts in risk management, across the banking industry. Today's guest is Cathy Jackson, Director of Implementations for Watchtower, who brings a unique perspective to the table, having experienced hidden factories, both within financial institutions and while assisting in the implementation of enterprise risk management software. Listen in to host Ed Vincent and Cathy Jackson's conversation or read the summary below to learn more. Follow SRA to Learn More.Follow us to stay in the know!