Alkami Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKT), a Plano-based provider of cloud-based digital banking solutions, has launched a Business Banking Digital Maturity Assessment, described as a “first-of-its-kind” tool offered free to financial institutions nationwide. The release coincides with Alkami’s insights on five key trends shaping the future of business banking in 2025.

The assessment is designed to help banks and credit unions benchmark their digital capabilities across key areas like payments, account creation, and ERP integration. Institutions are categorized into one of four maturity levels and receive recommendations to accelerate their digital transformation efforts.

“With businesses increasingly demanding seamless, digital-first banking experiences, this tool enables financial institutions to align their strategies with the evolving needs of their clients,” Alkami’s Chief Marketing Officer Allison Cerra said in a statement.

The fintech’s tool builds on research Alkami released in November 2024 in collaboration with Emerald Research Group and financial services influencer Jim Marous. The study surveyed 150 digital decision-makers from banks and credit unions across the U.S., identifying four distinct segments of digital maturity based on how institutions leverage culture, strategy, and technology. Findings revealed a correlation between digital maturity and revenue growth, with leaders in digital banking growing nearly ten times faster than less advanced institutions, the company said.

Another study, published by McKinsey & Company in December 2023, highlighted similar trends. The firm estimates these small- and medium-sized enterprises with annual revenues of less than $50 million represent about 99% of U.S. enterprises and account for approximately $150 billion in annual banking revenue—an important group for banks as a growth engine. Key trends to serve these customers better include digital cash management and payment processing.

Alkami shared some trends of its own earlier this month.

Five business banking trends to watch

Key banking trends for 2025 identified by Alkami emphasize digital innovation, data-driven strategies, and relationship-building:

1. Modernizing Processes through Digital Innovation: Automating manual processes with tools like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to enhance efficiency and compliance.
2. Leveraging Data Analytics: Using predictive modeling and real-time insights to deliver hyper-personalized services and anticipate business needs.
3. Reducing Risk & Preventing Fraud: Strengthening cybersecurity and implementing real-time fraud detection and automated compliance solutions.
4. Building Profitable Relationships: Empowering relationship managers with data to provide tailored solutions and act as strategic advisors.
5. Centralizing Cash and Liquidity Management: Offering businesses real-time visibility into financial positions while improving treasury services and risk management.

To explore these areas, Alkami will host a webinar on January 29, 2025, featuring product leader Mandy Lopez and insights from industry experts. Participants will discuss strategies for leveraging tools like artificial intelligence, automation, and enhanced data analytics.

In the release, Samantha Pause, SVP and chief innovation officer at Mascoma Bank, said, “We’re being very intentional about how we approach tools like AI and automation to ensure we’re doing it responsibly and effectively. It’s about laying the groundwork to drive transformation while minimizing risks.”

Data analytics also remains a critical driver of smarter decision-making and fraud prevention, according to Jeffrey Luczak, VP of cash management at Landmark Credit Union, who said his CU uses data analytics to understand its members’ needs and offer pinpoint solutions along with behavioral analytics tools that monitor how users interact with online banking.

Alkami serves over 280 financial institutions, has reached nearly 10 million digital users, and earned certification from J.D. Power for providing “An Outstanding Mobile Banking Platform Experience.” Founded in 2009 by Stephen Bohanon, now chief strategy officer, and partners, Alkami launched as a fintech focused on modernizing digital banking.

The company went public in April 2021, achieving a valuation of approximately $3 billion. Since then, it has raised additional funding, including a Post-IPO Secondary round in November 2024, bringing its total funding to $385.2 million over 13 rounds, according to Crunchbase.

Earlier this month, Alkami announced its collaboration with NASA Federal Credit Union to modernize and optimize its digital banking experience by introducing push provisioning. Alkami’s card management systems allow NASA Federal members to start using their cards digitally while waiting for physical cards to arrive.

“These cutting-edge features are setting a new standard for what card management can be in the digital banking space,” he said.

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