STRATEGY ADVISORY SERVICES FOR BANKS

Advisory

At CCG Catalyst, our Advisory Services empower banks, credit unions & fintechs navigate the complexities of today’s rapidly evolving landscape with clarity and confidence. We specialize in delivering high-level, tailored strategies that drive sustainable growth, competitive differentiation, and operational excellence across a wide spectrum of domains. Whether you’re refining your business model, exploring new markets, or embracing digital transformation, our team of seasoned experts’ partner with you to align your vision with actionable, results-driven outcomes.

Our advisory services encompass a comprehensive range of strategic focus areas, with real-world examples illustrating how we’ve helped clients achieve their goals:

  • Business Strategy: We help organizations define and execute robust business strategies that foster resilience and profitability. From assessing market opportunities to optimizing operational frameworks, we ensure your business is positioned for long-term success in a dynamic financial ecosystem.

    Client Engagement: A community bank struggling with stagnant growth engaged CCG Catalyst to revamp its business strategy. We conducted facilitated a planning session, performed a comprehensive SWOT analysis, identified inefficiencies in their operational model, and recommended a pivot toward small business banking services, resulting in a 15% increase in deposits and loan volume within 18 months.

  • Market Strategy: Understanding and penetrating markets effectively requires deep insight. We provide data-driven market analysis, competitive positioning, and customer segmentation strategies to help you identify untapped opportunities and strengthen your market presence.

    Client Engagement: A regional bank aimed to expand into a new geographic market. CCG Catalyst performed an in-depth market analysis, identified high-growth demographic segments, and crafted a competitive positioning strategy that led to a successful entry and captured 10% market share within the first year.

  • Mission & Vision Alignment: A clear mission and vision are the foundation of any successful organization. We work closely with leadership teams to articulate or refine these guiding principles, ensuring they resonate with stakeholders and inspire meaningful action across your organization.

    Client Engagement: A community bank undergoing a leadership transition sought to redefine its mission and vision. We facilitated workshops with executives and stakeholders to align a new purpose centered on financial education and community empowerment, which revitalized employee engagement and attracted new partnerships with local businesses.

  • Digital Transformation Strategy: The digital age demands agility and innovation. Our digital strategies focus on leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and unlock new revenue streams. From digital banking platforms to omnichannel integration, we guide you through every step of your digital journey.

    Client Engagement: A traditional bank with outdated systems partnered with CCG Catalyst to overhaul its digital infrastructure. We developed a roadmap for adopting a cloud-based core banking system and launched a mobile app with integrated AI chatbots, improving customer satisfaction scores by 25% and reducing branch operating costs.

  • Payments Innovation: The payments landscape is shifting rapidly, and staying ahead requires foresight. We help you navigate emerging trends—such as real-time payments, digital wallets, and blockchain-based solutions—to create seamless, secure, and customer-centric payment experiences.

    Client Engagement: A fintech startup wanted to integrate real-time payment capabilities into its platform. CCG Catalyst advised on compliance with RTP network standards, selected technology partners, and designed a user-friendly interface, enabling the client to process over 50,000 transactions per month within six months of launch.

  • De Novo Banking Strategy: Launching a new bank is a bold endeavor. We provide end-to-end strategic guidance for de novo institutions, covering regulatory navigation, capital planning, market entry, and technology infrastructure to ensure a strong foundation for growth.

    Client Engagement: A group of entrepreneurs launching a de novo bank in a competitive urban market worked with CCG Catalyst to develop a regulatory-compliant business plan, secure FDIC approval, and implement a tech-forward infrastructure. The bank successfully opened with $75 million in deposits within its first year.

  • Lending Strategy: Optimize your lending operations with strategies that balance risk, profitability, and customer satisfaction. We advise on portfolio diversification, credit product innovation, and digital lending solutions to help you meet market demands while maintaining compliance and efficiency.

    Client Engagement: A regional bank facing declining loan growth engaged CCG Catalyst to diversify its lending portfolio. We introduced a commercial real estate lending program with automated underwriting and digital application processes, resulting in a 20% increase in loan originations and improved risk management.

  • Fintech Strategy: Fintech is reshaping financial services, and we help you harness its potential. Whether you’re a traditional institution looking to partner with fintechs or a fintech scaling for growth, we craft strategies for collaboration, innovation, and market expansion.

    Client Engagement: A regional bank sought to collaborate with a fintech to offer embedded finance solutions. CCG Catalyst identified a suitable partner, structured the partnership agreement, and developed a joint go-to-market strategy, leading to a 30% increase in new account openings through the fintech channel.

  • Regulatory, Compliance, and Risk Strategy: Navigating the regulatory landscape while managing compliance and risk is critical to success in financial services. We provide strategic guidance on regulatory frameworks, compliance program development, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure your organization remains agile and resilient amidst evolving requirements.

    Client Engagement: A mid-sized regional bank facing increased scrutiny from the OCC over its BSA/AML compliance program turned to CCG Catalyst for support. We conducted a thorough gap analysis, implemented a comprehensive compliance program aligned with federal regulations, enhanced transaction monitoring systems, and provided staff training on risk management best practices, enabling the bank to pass its next regulatory exam with no significant findings and reduce its risk exposure.

  • Go-to-Market Strategy: Bringing a new product or service to market requires precision. We develop comprehensive go-to-market plans for international fintechs expanding into the US marketplace, including positioning, pricing, regulatory navigation, partnership strategies, and localized marketing to ensure a successful launch and sustained adoption.

    Client Engagement: An international fintech specializing in cross-border payments sought to enter the US marketplace. CCG Catalyst crafted a go-to-market strategy that included navigating FinCEN and state-level money transmitter licensing requirements, establishing partnerships with US-based banks for ACH and RTP integration, defining a competitive pricing model tailored to US businesses, and executing a targeted digital marketing campaign aimed at small-to-medium enterprises. Within the first six months, the fintech onboarded 2,000 US clients and processed $10 million in transactions.

At CCG Catalyst, our approach is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and deep industry expertise. We don’t just offer advice—we partner with you to turn strategies into measurable impact, ensuring your organization thrives in an ever-changing financial world. Let us help you chart the path forward with confidence.

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Meet our leader

Paul Schaus

Paul Schaus

Managing Partner

As Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer he leads a successful team of subject matter experts. Throughout his successful career Paul has been a banker, management consultant, strategist, thought leader and strong advocate to the financial services industry.

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If you are interested in learning more about our bank consulting services, or if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.