--- title: Paladin Blog | Fintech description: Fintech | --- [![Paladin fs](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hubfs/Paladin_September2019%20Theme/Images/logo-paladin-dark.svg) ](http://paladin-fs.com/) - [![LinkedIn](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hubfs/Paladin_September2019%20Theme/Images/linkedin.svg) linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/paladin-fs-llc/) - [![Twitter](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hubfs/Paladin_September2019%20Theme/Images/twitter-logo-button.svg) twitter-logo-button ](https://twitter.com/Paladinfs) ![paladin_blueline2](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hubfs/paladin_blueline2.jpg) # Paladin Blog ## [Fake SLAs: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Identify Them](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/fake-slas-what-they-are-why-they-matter-and-how-to-identify-them) Posted by [Aaron Silva](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/author/aaron-silva) on Dec 7, 2021 10:31:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Two-Dogs-Are-Fighting-On-The-S-374955709.jpg?width=767&name=bigstock-Two-Dogs-Are-Fighting-On-The-S-374955709.jpg) ](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/fake-slas-what-they-are-why-they-matter-and-how-to-identify-them) Consumers set high standards for businesses, especially financial institutions. Money is a sensitive topic with little, if any, margin for error — people expect transfers, transactions, account management, or whatever other services to be timely and precise.  In turn, you have to hold your core IT provider and fintech suppliers to an equally high standard. Otherwise, your business could be at risk.  To do so, your vendor contracts’ Service Level Agreements (SLAs) must be tight, relevant, and enforceable. But there’s a common problem plaguing the financial services industry: most contracts don’t have real SLAs. Instead, they have Service Level Objectives (SLOs). [Read More](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/fake-slas-what-they-are-why-they-matter-and-how-to-identify-them) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/fake-slas-what-they-are-why-they-matter-and-how-to-identify-them#comments-listing) Topics: [Paladin Research](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research), [Fintech](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) ## [How Much are You Actually Overpaying Your Core IT and Fintech Suppliers?](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-much-are-you-actually-overpaying-your-core-it-and-fintech-suppliers) Posted by [Aaron Silva](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/author/aaron-silva) on Nov 16, 2021 3:39:15 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Bankruptcy-Economic-Financial--374689021.jpg?width=767&name=bigstock-Bankruptcy-Economic-Financial--374689021.jpg) ](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-much-are-you-actually-overpaying-your-core-it-and-fintech-suppliers) *How much am I overpaying for core, IT, and fintech services? * It’s the most frequent question we’ve received since we started helping community banks and credit unions fight back against unfair vendor agreements over fourteen years ago.  Naturally, it’s a fair question to ask, but it’s impossible to provide a simple answer to such a complex financial question. Core banking agreements and fintech vendor contracts have so many nuances that it’s impossible to pinpoint the “right” price to pay for these services without hiring an expert armed with market intelligence to analyze your contract — there are just too many factors at play. [Read More](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-much-are-you-actually-overpaying-your-core-it-and-fintech-suppliers) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-much-are-you-actually-overpaying-your-core-it-and-fintech-suppliers#comments-listing) Topics: [Contract Negotiations](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/contract-negotiations), [Paladin Research](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research), [Fintech](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) ## [5 Ways The Paladin Bluebook™ Can Help Save You Millions](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/5-ways-the-paladin-bluebook-can-help-save-you-millions) Posted by [Aaron Silva](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/author/aaron-silva) on Nov 2, 2021 11:45:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hubfs/icon-paladin-bluebook.svg) ](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/5-ways-the-paladin-bluebook-can-help-save-you-millions) Many banks and credit unions face a growing dilemma: their core banking systems are outdated, complex, and inefficient.  When your core banking system predates the commercialization of the internet (circa 1992) — that’s a problem, don’t you think? [Read More](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/5-ways-the-paladin-bluebook-can-help-save-you-millions) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/5-ways-the-paladin-bluebook-can-help-save-you-millions#comments-listing) Topics: [Paladin Research](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research), [Fintech](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) ## [5 Mistakes To Avoid When Doing Business with New Fintechs](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-doing-business-with-new-fintechs) Posted by [Aaron Silva](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/author/aaron-silva) on Oct 27, 2021 11:45:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Curler-Woman-Series-582505.jpg?width=767&name=bigstock-Curler-Woman-Series-582505.jpg) ](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-doing-business-with-new-fintechs) If you’re a community financial institution, there’s a good chance that you’ve overpaid for banking system services at one point or another. For decades, the core legacy providers — Jack Henry, FIS, and Fiserv — gamed the system, strongarming community banks and credit unions into unfavorable deals with lofty prices, predatory terms, and limitations on technological access. In turn, smaller financial institutions have trouble competing with the bigger players.  [Read More](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-doing-business-with-new-fintechs) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-doing-business-with-new-fintechs#comments-listing) Topics: [Paladin Research](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research), [Fintech](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) ## [The Importance of Timing in a Successful Negotiation Strategy](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/the-importance-of-timing-in-a-successful-negotiation-strategy) Posted by [Aaron Silva](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/author/aaron-silva) on Oct 12, 2021 11:45:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![The Importance of Timing in a Successful Core IT or Fintech Negotiation Strategy](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Timing.png?width=767&name=Timing.png) ](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/the-importance-of-timing-in-a-successful-negotiation-strategy) Legacy core providers and fintech vendors know what they’re doing. They know how to manipulate contract negotiations and renewals to their advantage. Historically, smaller institutions haven’t had the resources to combat their tactics. That’s changing.  [Read More](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/the-importance-of-timing-in-a-successful-negotiation-strategy) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/the-importance-of-timing-in-a-successful-negotiation-strategy#comments-listing) Topics: [Paladin Research](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research), [Fintech](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) ## [CFO Exchange Peer Session Report 2021](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/aba-cfo-peer-exchange-session-2021) Posted by [Aaron Silva](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/author/aaron-silva) on Oct 6, 2021 1:00:38 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Aaron%20Bob%20Paladin%20fs.png?width=767&name=Aaron%20Bob%20Paladin%20fs.png) ](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/aba-cfo-peer-exchange-session-2021) Paladin fs recently moderated 2 peer discussion sessions with American Bankers Association’s CFO Peer Exchange virtual event. We moderated various breakout rooms and discussed questions around the topics of innovation, risk assessment, and the impact COVID19 had on bank technology with 100 community bankers from around the country. Read below to find out the key takeaways from these bankers on these topics. [Read More](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/aba-cfo-peer-exchange-session-2021) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/aba-cfo-peer-exchange-session-2021#comments-listing) Topics: [Paladin Research](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research), [Fintech](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) ## [How To Be Smarter Than Your Core IT Vendor](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-to-be-smarter-than-your-core-it-vendor) Posted by [Aaron Silva](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/author/aaron-silva) on Sep 28, 2021 11:45:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Paladin%20Blog%20How%20To%20Outsmart.jpg?width=767&name=Paladin%20Blog%20How%20To%20Outsmart.jpg) ](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-to-be-smarter-than-your-core-it-vendor) Your Core IT vendor knows their stuff — and they should, it’s what you pay them for. However, when core banking providers exploit that knowledge during contract negotiations, it’s a problem. Historically, Core IT vendors have nickeled and dimed community banks and credit unions with an arsenal of hidden fees and unfair terms. Unlike the major banks, these institutions don’t have the staffing or resources to counter vendors’ legal teams and IT expertise. The result: costly, one-sided contracts that heavily favor the vendors.  To combat unbalanced contracts and predatory terms, you have to outsmart your Core IT vendor, which isn’t as challenging as it may sound. How can you keep the experts honest? It starts with understanding your vendor and negotiation counter party. [Read More](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-to-be-smarter-than-your-core-it-vendor) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-to-be-smarter-than-your-core-it-vendor#comments-listing) Topics: [Paladin Research](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research), [Fintech](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) ## [How to Make a Merger Successful](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-to-make-a-merger-successful) Posted by [Bob Moreau](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/author/bob-moreau) on Mar 31, 2021 2:48:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-The-Sand-Lizard-Lacerta-agili-419592796.jpg?width=767&name=bigstock-The-Sand-Lizard-Lacerta-agili-419592796.jpg) ](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-to-make-a-merger-successful) Mergers are a common occurrence in the current community banking environment. In our discussions with bankers about strategic growth and possible acquisitions, we find that most are either active in the pursuit or at least open to possible merger opportunities. All bankers should be prepared and have core contract language in place to address being acquired as well as acquiring another institution before an acquisition opportunity is presented. Below is an actual case study showing many of the critical factors that need to be considered in a core contract for a successful merger. [Read More](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-to-make-a-merger-successful) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/how-to-make-a-merger-successful#comments-listing) Topics: [Paladin Research](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research), [Fintech](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) ## [Why Switching Sides Was The Best Career Move I Ever Made](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/why-switching-sides-was-the-best-career-move-i-ever-made) Posted by [Bill Finney](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/author/bill-finney) on Mar 8, 2021 6:18:59 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Why Switching Sides Was the Best Career Move I Ever Made](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Paladin%20fs%20Blog%20Header%20(1).png?width=767&name=Paladin%20fs%20Blog%20Header%20(1).png) ](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/why-switching-sides-was-the-best-career-move-i-ever-made) *My name is Bill and I spent the last 10 years employed for one of the “big three” providers of core software for community financial institutions in the United States.*  A re-read of that previous line aloud almost sounds like I’m part of a 12-step program.  Six months now after leaving and switching sides to a consulting firm that professionally negotiates for banks against my previous employer - has been sobering for sure. [Read More](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/why-switching-sides-was-the-best-career-move-i-ever-made) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/why-switching-sides-was-the-best-career-move-i-ever-made#comments-listing) Topics: [Paladin Research](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research), [Fintech](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) ## [Evercore 2021 Technology Outlook](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/evercore-2021-technology-outlook) Posted by [Todd Morgan](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/author/todd-morgan) on Feb 18, 2021 1:31:34 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Paladin%20Evercore%20Blog.png?width=767&name=Paladin%20Evercore%20Blog.png) ](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/evercore-2021-technology-outlook) We are not looking for opportunities to insult FIS, Fiserv, and Jack Henry. They are fine institutions that offer an array of products and services. When community banks and credit union executives share their candid remarks about the Big Three we bring that information, and more, to your attention. That is why the 2021 Evercore ISI Bank Tech Outlook report we participated in is so insightful. [Read More](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/evercore-2021-technology-outlook) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/evercore-2021-technology-outlook#comments-listing) Topics: [Paladin Research](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research), [Fintech](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) [All posts](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/all) [Next](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech/page/2) [Content Title](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech#) Description < Previous page Next page > ### Recent Posts ### Subscribe Here! ### Posts by Tag - [Contract Negotiations (34)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/contract-negotiations) - [Fintech (27)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech) - [Paladin Research (24)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-research) - [Fiserv (20)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fiserv) - [community banks (20)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/community-banks) - [Jack Henry (17)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/jack-henry) - [Credit Unions (13)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/credit-unions) - [FIS (12)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fis) - [Bank Tech Spending (8)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/bank-tech-spending) - [Editorial (8)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/editorial) - [Bank Technology (7)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/bank-technology) - [Fidelity (7)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fidelity) - [M&A (6)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/ma) - [Vendor consolidation (5)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/vendor-consolidation) - [vendor merger (5)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/vendor-merger) - [OSI (4)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/osi) - [Paladin Success Stories (4)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/paladin-success-stories) - [open banking (3)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/open-banking) - [bank events (2)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/bank-events) - [credit union events (1)](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/credit-union-events) [See all](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/blog/topic/fintech#) [![Paladin fs, LLC](https://blog.paladin-fs.com/hubfs/Paladin_September2019%20Theme/Images/logo-paladin-light.svg)](http://paladin-fs.com/) P.O. 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