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Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how financial institutions interact with customers, but success depends on more than just automation. It requires trust, accuracy and regulatory compliance. In this FinovateSpring 2026 interview, Veritus Founder and CEO Joshua March sat down with WMA CEO William Mills to discuss the next generation of AI-driven customer communications. The conversation explores how banks, credit unions, lenders and fintechs are using intelligent voice and messaging agents to improve customer engagement, streamline operations and scale service across key touchpoints. March also shared insights into the unique compliance challenges facing financial institutions, the safeguards required to deploy AI responsibly and why organizations that embrace these technologies today will be better positioned to compete in the years ahead.

Finovate events are always impactful and for last month’s FinovateSpring, the West Coast sensibility was on full display among the more than a thousand bank, credit union and fintech executives that gathered in San Diego to see first-hand the latest in tech innovation that is (and will be) impacting our industry.

Designed as a city-wide experience rather than a single conference, Atlanta Fintech Week (September 28-October 2, 2026) brings together the full ecosystem of payments giants, startups, banks, students, and investors, for something more intentional than typical industry gatherings. In this Q&A, Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of Georgia Fintech Academy, shares how the event aims to spark real connection, highlight what’s next in financial technology, and showcase the collaborative force that continues to define Atlanta’s role in the global fintech community.

Some news cycles are easier than others. When the market is strong and funding is flowing, fintech stories tend to land with less friction. But that’s not the environment most of us are operating in today.

ICBA Live is an event with history that runs deep. It blends multi-generational bankers and banks as storied as Millbury National Bank (established in 1825) with de novos and then mingles them with established fintechs and start-ups alike. The atmosphere sparks candid conversations about community bankers’ real needs. Instead of big-picture rhetoric and predictable product pitches, it presents practical insights with clear takeaways.

As William Mills prepares for FinovateSpring in San Diego this May, we’re excited to share several insightful video interviews from last year that showcase the cutting edge of fintech innovation. William, who is also serving as a judge for the Finovate Awards for the 8th consecutive year, brought his expert perspective to conversations with industry leaders transforming financial services through technology.

Fintechs are navigating one of the most crowded and fast‑moving markets today. With new entrants launching weekly and regulatory shifts reshaping the competitive landscape, visibility is no longer a marketing nice‑to‑have – it’s a business necessity.

In today’s fast-paced world motivated by instant gratification, long-term benefits are often overlooked in pursuit of short-term rewards. Marketing departments are under constant pressure to generate leads and immediately convert them into buyers, while PR teams are saddled with staying atop the latest market fads in hopes of creating the next trend to “go viral.”

In my career, I’ve gone to hundreds of financial industry events, from association annual conventions, media sponsored events, privately-owned events, user meetings, and more. Depending on who is hosting the event, it tells you a lot about who’s going to be at these events and the content attendees will enjoy. There’s no better banking event of the year than Bank Director’s Acquire or be Acquired (AOBA) conference held earlier this month to meet the greatest number of high-level banking executives.

In our annual predictions blog, WMA associates share their perspectives on fintech PR and marketing trends they expect will shape 2026, from emerging technologies to shifting media dynamics and changing audience expectations.