#acceleratenext

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the need for continuous upskilling has become paramount for both individuals and organizations. A world-class tech upskilling program is a strategic imperative to stay ahead in the competitive tech-driven arena. 

Tech Upskilling Programs: Navigating the Future of Work

A tech upskilling program has become a crucial strategy for individuals and organizations. Tech upskilling refers to acquiring new or enhancing existing technical skills to stay relevant and competitive in the ever-changing world of technology.

Crucial Importance for upskilling programs

1. Job Security: In a dynamic job market, where roles are evolving, individuals who invest in upskilling ensure their relevance and, consequently, job security.

2. Innovation and Productivity: Organizations that prioritize upskilling foster a culture of innovation and increased productivity. Employees with the latest skills contribute more effectively to the company's success.

3. Future-Proofing: Tech upskilling is a proactive approach to future-proofing individuals and organizations against technological disruptions, ensuring they can thrive in the future job market.

As technology advances, embracing a mindset of continuous learning becomes beneficial and essential for professional growth and organizational success. 

Let's delve into the critical components of a cutting-edge tech upskilling initiative.

1. Domain Fundamentals: Building a Strong Foundation

A robust upskilling program begins with a focus on domain fundamentals. Providing employees with a comprehensive understanding of their industry's core principles and practices ensures a solid foundation. Whether it's finance, healthcare, or manufacturing, domain-specific knowledge is the bedrock upon which tech proficiency can be effectively built.

Recent Example: Microsoft's AI Business School offers domain-specific courses, empowering professionals to integrate AI solutions seamlessly into various industries.

2. Tech Muscle: Hands-on Technological Mastery

The heart of any upskilling program lies in honing technical skills. Practical, hands-on training in the latest technologies equips employees to navigate the dynamic tech landscape. Whether coding, data analytics, or cybersecurity, a program that emphasizes hands-on experience fosters a culture of continuous learning.

Recent Example: Google's IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera provides hands-on training, preparing individuals for roles in IT support.

3. Industry Specialization: Tailoring Skills to Industry Needs

An effective upskilling program recognizes the unique demands of different industries. Tailoring the curriculum to address industry-specific challenges ensures that employees acquire skills directly applicable to their professional context. This industry specialization enhances the relevance and impact of the upskilling initiative.

Recent Example: IBM's Digital - Nation Africa program offers industry-relevant courses to empower African youth with digital skills aligned with local market needs.

4. Mentorship: Nurturing Talent Through Guidance

Mentorship is a cornerstone of successful upskilling programs. Pairing employees with experienced mentors facilitates knowledge transfer, accelerates skill development, and provides invaluable insights. Mentorship programs create a supportive learning environment where individuals can navigate challenges with guidance from seasoned professionals.

Recent Example: Salesforce's Trailhead platform includes a mentorship component, connecting learners with experienced professionals for personalized guidance.

Benefits for Employees Seeking Employment:

For job seekers, engaging with a company that offers a comprehensive upskilling program signals a commitment to employee development. Access to cutting-edge training enhances marketability and demonstrates a forward-thinking organizational culture. Employees gain a competitive edge by entering the workforce with up-to-date skills, making them attractive candidates for employers seeking tech-savvy talent.

The THINK NXT Program: A Gateway to Accelerated Career Growth

It is a groundbreaking initiative designed by Maveric to catapult experienced professionals from 0 to 4 years old to new heights in their careers. The program promises to deliver an accelerated career trajectory through personalized mentorship and robust learning and development opportunities. THINK NXT is not just another training program; it's a transformative journey that unlocks untapped potential, empowering participants to stand out in a competitive job market.

Conclusion.

A world-class tech upskilling program integrates domain fundamentals, tech mastery, industry specialization, and mentorship. Companies that invest in these components foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, embracing these best practices ensures that organizations and individuals thrive in the face of technological disruption.

About Maveric 

Established in 2000, Maveric Systems has positioned itself as a leading Banking Technology partner, forming successful collaborations with top global and regional banks across three continents. The company's distinctive approach involves integrating extensive banking domain knowledge with transformative technology to craft solutions that are future-ready. 

Across retail, corporate, and wealth management, Maveric accelerates digital transformation through native banking domain expertise, a customer-intimacy-led delivery model, and a vibrant leadership supported by a culture of ownership. 

With centers of excellence for Data, Digital, Core Banking, and Quality Engineering, Maveric teams work in 15 countries with regional delivery capabilities in Bangalore, Chennai, Dubai, London, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Dallas, New Jersey, and Singapore.

About THINK NXT

In the ever-evolving landscape of Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), the tides of transformation have never been more relentless. As disruptive technologies, including GPT-AI and emergent solutions, wash ashore, the significant question is, "What separates the winners from the has-beens?" This thought-provoking exploration delves into the challenges and trends shaping Wealth Management's future. Drawing from industry examples in the US, Europe, and Asia, we unveil the strategies defining success in this digital era.

The Vital Role of Technological Contextualization

Amid these rapid changes, 'technological contextualization' is critical in ensuring client satisfaction and long-term loyalty. Wealth managers must utilize technology not merely for its own sake but to enhance the client's experience. For instance, using AI-driven tools to provide real-time, context-aware insights can help advisors have more meaningful conversations with their clients. When clients feel understood and heard, it fosters trust and loyalty.

The ability to harness technology effectively while maintaining a human touch in wealth management is where firms' future success will be determined. The winners in this digital age will be those who integrate technology seamlessly into their client relationships, ensuring that it enhances the client's wealth management journey rather than detracting from it.

As GPT-AI and emergent tech disrupt the AWM landscape, what will separate the winners from the has-beens?

1. The Rise of AI and Data Analytics

AI and data analytics have become the backbone of modern wealth management. With AI's ability to analyze vast datasets and provide actionable insights, financial advisors can make more informed decisions. For instance, Morgan Stanley's partnership with Machine Learning company Kensho. Through this collaboration, Morgan Stanley is leveraging AI to help advisors respond to client inquiries more effectively, enhancing service quality.

2. Customization and Personalization

Client expectations have evolved significantly. They now demand personalized, tailor-made solutions that cater to their unique financial needs and goals. Europe's largest asset manager, Amundi, recognized this shift and implemented an ambitious digital transformation strategy. By adopting cutting-edge technologies, Amundi has empowered its advisors to offer personalized investment solutions, enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty.

3. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

As AWM becomes more digital, the vulnerability to cyber threats increases. Firms must not only provide robust cybersecurity measures but also prioritize data privacy. For example, JPMorgan Chase's investment in cybersecurity is a testament to the industry's commitment to safeguarding client data. It's a clear recognition of the risks involved in the digital age.

4. Robo-Advisors and Hybrid Models

Robo-advisors, such as Betterment and Wealthfront, are reshaping the AWM landscape. These platforms offer automated portfolio management at a fraction of the cost. Recognizing this trend, traditional wealth management firms adopt hybrid models combining human expertise with AI-driven efficiency. UBS, for instance, introduced its SmartWealth platform, aiming to cater to both tech-savvy and traditional clients.

5. Regulation and Compliance

In the digital age, regulatory compliance is a growing concern. Recent examples of regulatory changes in the US include the SEC's Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI). This rule aims to enhance the standard of conduct for financial advisors. Navigating these regulations while delivering top-notch service is a challenge, but it's crucial to maintain trust and integrity in the industry.

Conclusion.

Today's digital era presents intricate challenges and opportunities for the Asset and Wealth Management industry. Firms that harness the power of AI, prioritize personalization, ensure robust cybersecurity, adapt to changing regulatory landscapes, and master the art of technological contextualization will stand out as the leaders in this dynamic landscape. As the world continues to change at an unprecedented pace, the winners in the AWM sector will be those who skilfully navigate these complexities and emerge as the trusted advisors of the future.

The ability to technologically contextualize the evolution of ecosystems is paramount and serves as the foundational pillar for driving innovation and harnessing the potential of cutting-edge technologies. By understanding how technology integrates into the broader ecosystem, organizations can adapt, evolve, and ultimately lead in the era of innovation and digital transformation.

About Maveric

Started in 2000, Maveric Systems is a niche, domain-led Banking Tech specialist partnering with top global banks to solve business challenges through emerging technology. 23 years of singularly focused subject matter expertise, that comes from years of immersion in the banking technology space enables Maveric experts to provide a more profound and meaningful context. This context is invaluable for informed decision-making, problem-solving, and understanding the subject matter within a broader perspective. Maveric’s 3000+ tech experts use proven frameworks to empower our global customers to navigate a rapidly changing environment, enabling sharper definitions of their goals and measures to achieve them.

Across retail, corporate, and wealth management, Maveric accelerates digital transformation through native banking domain expertise, a customer-intimacy-led delivery model, and a vibrant leadership supported by a culture of ownership.

The banking landscape is transforming significantly as the financial world adapts to Gen Z's and Millennials' preferences and needs. These two generations are shaping the future of banking. To understand how banks are planning for these customers, we'll compare them to Baby Boomers and Gen X customers, delve into what Gen Z and Millennials want from banks, explore the financial barriers faced by Gen Z, discuss digital banking initiatives, and examine the impact of diversity, disruption, and digitization within this demographic.

Consider the following numbers to gauge the GenZ influence.

A TransAmerica 2021 survey notes that this generation begins to save money considerably sooner than their parents and grandparents. 

A recent Morgan Stanley report cites that  50 to 80 percent of smartphone-owning Gen Z members use it for mobile banking. 

Another FinTech research posits that 87 percent of Gen Z financial consumers favor emerging business models such as neobanks over traditional banks.

A new I4CP Research paper says 93% of Gen Z say their job acceptance decisions depend on a company's overall impact on society.

Generational Differences in Banking Preferences

From a banking perspective, Gen Z and Millennials differ significantly from Baby Boomers and Gen X:

1. Tech-Savvy: Gen Z and Millennials are digital natives, relying heavily on technology for banking. They prefer mobile apps, online services, and digital payment methods, while older generations often prefer traditional banking channels.

2. Preference for Personalization: Younger generations expect personalized services and recommendations. They appreciate banks that understand their financial goals and offer tailored solutions.

3. Socially Conscious: Gen Z and Millennials prioritize sustainability and ethical banking practices. They are more likely to choose banks that align with their values and support social causes.

4. Digital Payment Adoption: The use of digital wallets, cryptocurrencies, and peer-to-peer payment platforms is more common among Gen Z and Millennials, who are driving the shift away from cash.

5. Financial Education: Younger customers seek financial education and guidance from their banks. They value resources that help them make informed decisions.

Comprehensive Competencies with Maveric Systems

As GenZ will make up 27% of the workforce by 2025, FIs have to invest in comprehensive technology competencies – so that antiquated jobs are modernized, digital service levels match those offered by BigTech, and emergent tech from AI, Gamification, AR & VR, and Blockchain can receive faster assimilation into the banking mainstream.

Top 5 Things Gen Z and Millennials Want from Banks

Based on their unique characteristics and preferences, Gen Z and Millennials have specific expectations from banks:

1. Digital Convenience: They demand seamless, user-friendly digital banking experiences, including mobile apps, online account management, and digital customer support.

2. Personalized Services: Banks must provide tailored financial products, investment advice, and savings plans that align with their individual goals and values.

3. Ethical Banking: Gen Z and Millennials want banks to commit to sustainable practices and social responsibility. They support banks that invest in eco-friendly initiatives.

4. Financial Literacy: These generations seek educational content, webinars, and tools that enhance their financial knowledge and help them achieve financial independence.

5. Innovation and Speed: Rapid decision-making, quick loan approvals, and innovative financial products appeal to younger customers who value efficiency.

Financial Barriers for Gen Z

Gen Z faces several financial barriers, including limited credit history and student debt. Recent data from leading banks indicates that Gen Z often has lower credit scores and faces challenges accessing credit. Banks are responding by offering credit-building solutions tailored to this demographic, such as secured credit cards and educational resources on credit management.

Digital Banking Initiatives

Leading banks are launching digital banking initiatives to cater to Gen Z:

1. Digital-First Accounts: Banks are introducing mobile-first and app-based banking services for Gen Z and Millennials. These accounts offer unique features like budgeting tools and real-time spending insights.

2. Robo-Advisors: Automated investment platforms, often with low minimum investment requirements, are gaining popularity among younger investors who appreciate the convenience and affordability of these services.

3. Cryptocurrency Services: Some banks are exploring cryptocurrency services, enabling Gen Z and Millennials to invest in digital assets within a regulated environment.

The Three Ds - Diversity, Disruption, and Digitization

Diversity: Today, Gen Z and Millennials are easily the most diverse generations in decades, embracing inclusivity and expecting the same from their financial institutions. Banks are actively promoting diversity in their workforce and leadership.

Disruption: These generations are driving disruption in the banking industry. They challenge traditional models, pushing banks to innovate and adapt.

Digitization: The digital world defines Gen Z and Millennials' banking experiences. They expect fully digitized services, and banks invest heavily in technology to meet these expectations.

Recent statistics reveal that over 70% of Gen Z and Millennials prioritize diversity and inclusion when choosing financial institutions. Disruption has led to the rise of fintech partnerships, and digitization has resulted in a surge in mobile banking app usage.

Three Significant Ways Forward

1. Personalization and Education: Banks must continue to invest in personalized services and financial education. Customized solutions and guidance will attract and retain Gen Z and Millennials.

2. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Banks should commit to sustainable practices and support social causes. Demonstrating a commitment to ethical banking will resonate with younger customers.

3. Innovation and Tech Integration: Staying at the forefront of technological advancements is crucial. Banks must update their digital offerings regularly, adopt emerging technologies, and embrace fintech partnerships to meet evolving customer demands.

Conclusion

The banking industry is amid a generational shift as Gen Z and Millennials redefine expectations. To thrive in this evolving landscape, banks must prioritize technology, personalization, ethical practices, and diversity while addressing the unique financial challenges faced by Gen Z. By doing so; they can build lasting relationships with these influential customer segments and remain competitive in the future of banking.

About Maveric

Starting in 2000, Maveric Systems is a niche, domain-led Banking Tech specialist partnering with global banks to solve business challenges through emerging technology. 3000+ tech experts use proven frameworks to empower our customers to navigate a rapidly changing environment, enabling sharper definitions of their goals and measures to achieve them.

Across retail, corporate, and wealth management, Maveric accelerates digital transformation through native banking domain expertise, a customer-intimacy-led delivery model, and a vibrant leadership supported by a culture of ownership.