Legacy systems, fragmented data, and operational silos have long challenged financial institutions trying to modernize. In this Streamly interview, R34DY CEO Mark Hetényi shares his perspective on how banks and fintechs can overcome these barriers by building smarter, more connected digital ecosystems. Drawing from his deep experience in financial services and digital transformation, Hetényi unpacks how to drive real change– not just cosmetic upgrades– across the industry.

In the conversation, Hetényi explains how meaningful transformation requires both cultural and technological shifts. He stresses the need for integration, collaboration, and customer-first thinking in order to eliminate inefficiencies and unlock new growth opportunities. It’s a timely and practical look at what it really takes to move from outdated infrastructure to agile, future-ready operations.

“You have to focus on the customer. I know that’s an overused phrase, so I’m not saying anything new with that. But a lot of the banks they envision what is the best fit product for themselves to build the next best product, and the customer is already three stations ahead with their own fintech solution and you’re not going to grab attention that way. So you first focus on the customer, but then you need an internal champion. I’ve worked with a lot of banks, worked internally as a deputy CEO as well, and if you don’t have an internal champion—a real, internal reason to change—usually, the transformation process goes amuck there.”

Mark Hetényi brings decades of experience at the intersection of banking, innovation, and strategy. As the CEO of R34DY, he is focused on equipping financial institutions with the tools and guidance they need to not just digitize, but to evolve. His leadership bridges traditional finance with digital capabilities, helping banks take a data-driven, customer-focused, approach.

R34DY is a digital transformation partner for financial institutions, helping them move beyond legacy systems and fragmented workflows. The company offers a platform that enables banks to orchestrate and optimize customer journeys, data flows, and product delivery through seamless integration. By bridging the gap between siloed systems and modern customer expectations, R34DY empowers institutions to unlock new value and thrive in a fast-changing financial landscape.

Photo by luis gomes

Reputation is both an asset and a liability across every sector. This is especially true for financial institutions, as they rely heavily on consumer trust. However, in an era when the speed of information is accelerating, so is the risk of misinformation, public missteps, or brand erosion. In this Streamly interview, Valentina Kristensen, Corporate Affairs Director at OakNorth, joins us to share how banks and fintechs can strategically manage their reputations amid growing scrutiny from customers, media, and regulators.

During our conversation, which was recorded at FinovateEurope, Kristensen offers insight into how financial institutions can proactively build trust, respond to reputational threats, and create a culture of transparency, even in times of crisis. Her experience working across corporate affairs, media, and policy gives her a well-rounded perspective on the importance of reputation in shaping long-term business value.

“The first rule in a crisis is ‘don’t have a crisis,’ so effective planning is always crucial and as a regulated bank we have to do a lot of planning… So I think a lot of it is preparation and if you can avoid a crisis, then great. Obviously a lot of that comes from doing the right thing or making sure that your team are doing the right thing.”

Valentina Kristensen has been a leading voice in fintech communications and policy for nearly a decade. At OakNorth, she helps shape the bank’s narrative, build strategic relationships, and ensure that the company’s messaging reflects its values and mission. She frequently speaks on topics such as financial innovation, regulation, and the importance of building resilient, people-centric financial institutions.

OakNorth is a UK-based digital bank that serves growth-minded small and medium-sized businesses. Known for its tech-forward approach to credit decisioning, OakNorth combines machine learning with deep sector insights to deliver faster, more flexible lending. With a strong emphasis on responsible innovation and long-term partnerships, the company has become a standout in the challenger banking space, both for its performance and its reputation.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash