Valley Bank Strengthens Leadership Team to Accelerate Partner Banking, Digital Innovation, and Customer Care
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partner bankingfinancial
Partner banking is when a licensed bank provides the behind-the-scenes financial services and regulatory framework for another company—often a fintech or non-bank platform—so that the partner can offer bank-like products (accounts, payments, lending) without being a bank itself. For investors, the arrangement matters because it shapes how the business earns fees, its dependence on a third party for regulatory compliance and customer trust, and its exposure to banking risks that can affect revenue and stability.
embedded bankingfinancial
Embedding banking means putting basic bank services — like accounts, payments, lending, or card issuance — directly inside non-bank apps or stores so customers can manage money without leaving the platform. For investors, it matters because it can create steady new revenue streams and stronger customer loyalty for the platform, much like a store adding an in-house bakery that keeps shoppers buying more and returning more often.
embedded financefinancial
Embedded finance integrates financial services directly into the products or platforms people use daily, such as online shopping or business software. It allows users to access services like payments, loans, or insurance seamlessly within those platforms, making transactions faster and more convenient. For investors, it represents a way for companies to generate new revenue streams and deepen customer relationships through integrated financial offerings.
fintechsfinancial
Fintechs are companies that use software and digital tools to deliver or improve financial services—such as payments, banking, lending, investing or insurance—often offering faster, cheaper or more convenient alternatives to traditional providers. For investors, fintechs matter because they can quickly reshape markets and capture growth like a new app that upends an old service, but they also face special risks from regulation, technology failures and intense competition.
human-centered designtechnical
A design approach that builds products, services and processes around real people’s needs, habits and feedback, using repeated testing and refinement to make sure solutions work in practice. For investors, it matters because user-focused designs tend to get adopted faster, cost less to fix later, and create stronger customer loyalty—like tailoring a suit to the wearer instead of guessing a size—reducing business risk and supporting more reliable revenue.
generative AItechnical
Generative AI is a type of computer technology that can create new content, like text, images, or music, on its own. It’s important because it can produce realistic and useful material quickly, which could change how we create art, write stories, or even develop new products. Think of it as a smart robot that can invent and produce things almost like a human.
New senior appointments advance Valley’s growth strategy across fintech partnerships, digital channels, and relationship-driven banking
MORRISTOWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Valley National Bank, a subsidiary of Valley National Bancorp (NASDAQ: VLY), today announced the appointment of three senior leaders: Rodrigo Suarez as Head of Partner Banking, Stephen Schroth as the Head of Digital & Assisted Channels, and Ed Montesdeoca to lead Customer Care & Strategy. Together, these appointments underscore Valley’s continued investment in innovation, customer experience and digital transformation.
Partner Banking is a key component of Valley’s long-term growth strategy, enabling the Bank to collaborate with fintechs, technology platforms, and financial services innovators to deliver integrated banking solutions. In his new role, Suarez will lead Valley’s partner banking strategy, overseeing fintech partnerships, embedded banking solutions, and payment platforms designed to support innovation-driven companies and unlock new sources of growth.
Suarez brings extensive experience building and scaling partner banking platforms. Most recently, he was Chief Banking Officer at Piermont Bank, where he built the Bank’s payments, fintech partnerships, and embedded banking business from inception into a platform generating hundreds of millions of dollars in deposits and billions in payment volume. Under his leadership, Valley will continue expanding its partner banking capabilities with a focus on scalable infrastructure, compliant innovation, and durable partnerships aligned with Valley’s relationship-driven approach.
“Rodrigo brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational rigor, and deep expertise in partner banking and embedded finance,” said Russell Barrett, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “As we continue to evolve our business model, his leadership will help us scale thoughtfully, strengthen our platform, and create sustainable, long-term value for Valley and our partners.”
Schroth brings more than 25 years of banking experience and deep expertise in digital product strategy, channel management, and experience design. He will be responsible for driving a cohesive, end-to-end digital and assisted channel experience for Valley’s customers. Schroth previously served as Executive Vice President & Head of Consumer Digital at KeyBank before founding Key Design Studio, the Bank’s first in-house human-centered design and innovation studio.
Montesdeoca brings more than 25 years of experience transforming and scaling operations for financial institutions, with a strong focus on customer experience and strategic execution. He will lead Valley’s customer care and strategy efforts, delivering exceptional customer experiences through strong service quality and operational discipline. He joins Valley from Capital One, where he served as National Service Executive for their Retail Bank and U.S. Card businesses, leading a global team of more than 5,000 associates. At Capital One, he also enabled the organization’s first generative AI initiatives within contact center operations to enhance automation and optimize customer journeys.
“Stephen and Ed bring deep expertise, fresh perspectives, and a strong track record of execution,” said Patrick Smith, Senior Executive Vice President and President of Consumer Banking. “Their leadership will help us elevate how we serve our customers, strengthen our capabilities across digital and service channels, and continue delivering on Valley’s promise of relationship banking.”
About Valley
As the principal subsidiary of Valley National Bancorp (NASDAQ: VLY), Valley National Bank is a regional financial institution with approximately $64 billion in assets. Founded in 1927, Valley has more than 200 offices nationwide and serves individuals, families, and businesses across New Jersey, New York, Florida, Alabama, California, and Illinois. Valley delivers a full range of consumer, commercial, and wealth management solutions designed to support everything from homeownership and business growth to long-term financial planning. Big enough to support complex financial needs and small enough to stay deeply connected, Valley is grounded in a relationship-led approach focused on understanding people first. That same relationship-led approach guides Valley’s commitment to community investment and responsible corporate citizenship. To learn more, visit www.valley.com or call the Valley Customer Care Center at 800-522-4100.
