Today's Financial Services (FS) industry demands cutting-edge expertise and innovative solutions to complex challenges from regulatory pressures and legacy system issues to AI transformation and digital disruption.
To address these market demands, our enhanced Financial Services team structure combines deep industry expertise with practical execution capabilities - bridging the gap between strategy and real-world implementation that has long plagued traditional consulting engagements.
"At North Highland, we recognize that financial institutions are struggling with consultancies that offer impressive strategies but fall short on execution. Our focus is turning strategy into tactical execution by bringing together deep Financial Services expertise with practical implementation skills. We've designed our team specifically to bridge that gap and deliver measurable business outcomes in this rapidly evolving landscape." – Michael Drews, Senior Managing Director
The Biggest Challenges and Trends Influencing Financial Services in 2025
Risk & Regulatory Pressure
The regulatory landscape is creating intense pressure for the industry. Organizational success demands adaptable compliance programs that can anticipate and respond to future changes. In response, we deliver forward-thinking strategies, such as AI-enabled Policy, Procedure, and Control Management Tools that help you understand impacts to your organization and maintain compliance.
Legacy Systems and Data Issues
Legacy systems and data issues are blocking innovation and increasing costs. Our experts can help you rationalize infrastructure and prioritize roadmaps based on quick wins and ROI, turning plans into actionable, measurable results. Digitizing your infrastructure doesn’t just reduce costs – it keeps costs down long-term.
AI Transformation Outpacing Talent
AI transformation is happening at breakneck speed and often outpacing talent and organizational adaptation. Harnessing the wealth of data available to Financial Service organizations can help avoid being left behind. Our team brings a proprietary Data Quality and AI Governance Framework that ensures organizational data is accurate, fit for purpose, and available for maximum impact. Already there? Those further along the AI maturity curve must implement governance frameworks that help manage and mitigate risk more effectively.
Digital Transformation and Technology Disruption
Rapidly advancing technologies have raised expectations for enhanced customer experiences and more streamlined operations, both of which require significant investment. This team knows how to leverage AI and other tools to meet the demands of the next generation. You'll be able to analyze customer interactions and improve service quality while providing secure digital banking services and personalized experiences.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction
Clients are facing challenges with traditional consulting approaches that prioritize activity over outcomes, leading to high costs and diminishing returns. Understanding your need for innovative, data-backed, and specialized services, our operating model focuses on cost optimization and tangible results. By addressing your specific needs, we help you navigate complex changes more effectively. Our streamlined approach ensures that every investment contributes directly to your operational efficiency and long-term success.
"To overcome these challenges, we enable our clients to build adaptable compliance programs, accelerate their digital evolution, utilize data to improve decision-making, and preserve critical knowledge while adapting to AI-driven changes." – Chelsey Dudash, Managing Director
Current Industry Gaps & Approach
We've identified two gaps in how Financial Services organizations approach change: Client Onboarding & Delaying Engagement.
Gap #1: Client Onboarding. Due to legacy technology and siloed organizational structures, financial institutions struggle to reduce onboarding time and administrative interactions with clients. As the first of many touchpoints you have with your clients, your onboarding journeys should demonstrate efficiency and speed to market. This team understands the dependencies between people and technology and designs streamlined experiences, eliminating manual processes and providing a seamless digital experience.
Gap #2: Delaying Engagement. Financial institutions often delay engagement with consulting services until issues escalate. We advocate for proactive collaboration, bringing industry expertise to identify and address potential challenges before they become significant problems. This aligns with our value+ promise of being a true partner to you, making working with us simple and bringing in the right experts when needed.
"Financial Services organizations are finding their largest consulting suppliers are ill-equipped and too fragmented to provide the fit-for-purpose solutions that they need to address today's fast-paced challenges. We've assembled this team specifically to deliver practical solutions that move beyond theoretical frameworks to measurable business outcomes." – Navid Ahdieh, Senior Managing Director.
Ready to transform your organization but don’t know where to start? We can help.
