Operations Services
Optimal performance is determined by what’s under the hood, and what’s in the tank. Our operational and strategic services make sure you keep running smoothly, powerfully and in the right direction.
Got questions? We can help.
No matter what’s happening in the financial world or in the world-world, we’re here to make your life easier. Let’s talk.
Strategic & Capital Planning
Systems Implementation
Keeping pace with the rapidly changing and competitive banking world isn’t easy. You might need a coach to help keep you fit, prepared and in the game. This is where we come in. We work alongside your staff to both plan for, manage and implement needed changes with minimal disruption. Like any good coach, we have proven strategies and processes for strategic plan implementation, regulatory order assistance, project planning and implementation, technology consulting and operational assessments. We take your success seriously, because we know you do too.
Operations Assessment & Process Improvement
If you’ve ever wondered if your institution can perform at a higher level, the answer is probably “Yes.” We’ll take a look from top to bottom, inside and out and identify areas for improvement. That means we evaluate your Board and organizational structure, management and staff, operational and technology factors and give you the facts. Then we help you craft and execute a plan for real improvement. Stop wondering and let’s get to work.
Core Vendor Services
Are you stuck in a long-term contract that is not in your best interest? Let us help you evaluate the finer points of vendor contracts, negotiating better pricing and terms and potentially saving your bank hundreds of thousands of dollars. We have working relationships with all of the major vendors, and are able to help you with everything from issue resolution, contract evaluation, new contract negotiation, due diligence, vendor relations, budgeting and cost management.
Marketing & Design
Any good strategic plan should include a strategy for appealing to customers. It should address new market entry, name changes & design systems, mergers and acquisitions, post-integration conversions and even regulatory order agreements. We can provide guidance on marketing objectives and critical communications, help you implement action plans to stand out from the crowd and keep your customers happy.
Read More →
Regulatory & Intervention Consulting
Navigating the world of regulatory agencies can feel like a game of Donkey Kong, with something new thrown at you around every corner. Lucky for you, we spend day in, day out figuring out all the different levels, getting to know the players and learning to anticipate many of the “hot buttons.” We can help you manage your relationship with regulators, address their concerns, prepare for exams, mitigate risks and prepare applications. We’ll help you be the new high scorer.
Director Training
DD&F has developed a highly successful Board of Directors training program that has been approved by various state banking regulators and meets their director training requirements. We facilitate customized planning retreats and training sessions to help directors understand what’s at stake for them and the bank, and we assist with the development of a comprehensive strategic plan.
Board Briefing: Q1, 2025 (Free download)
IT Governance
In today’s fast paced digital landscape, cyber-attacks and data breaches have become constant threats, grabbing headlines and causing significant concern. Regulators are demanding greater and more verifiable compliance with FFIEC standards and cyber security insurance carriers will deny claims if these standards are not met. We can provide oversight and/or implementation of your IT Governance Strategy.
Read More →
Conversion Project Management
Conversions are no joke. They can quickly become overwhelming to management and the team responsible for leading the initiative. If you are planning a conversion, whether due to M&A or a new core system upgrade, our team of experts can work with you to ensure success, regardless of complexity. We serve as project manager to manage timelines and expectations, conversion tasks, coordinate with other third-party services, change processes as it relates to best practices and customer experience impact, and coordinate staff communications and training.
Management Strategy
An independent third-party can perform an assessment to determine if management methods are effective, operations are maximized, and any unknown issues are identified. We have a proven process that strives to improve overall management performance and find operational efficiencies. How? We conduct a thorough analysis of company management objectives, assess company performance, recommend improvement techniques, assist with change implementation, and monitor progress.
Customer Service Improvement
Actions speak louder than words – especially in customer service. Do you know what message you are sending? If your goal is to have every employee embrace a service-minded culture, provide a distinctive customer experience that exceeds expectations and elevates your company above your competitors, then you’ve come to the right place. Let our experts help you make sure your customer experience delivers the perfect message.
Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
An MSP is a third-party company that assumes the ongoing, day-to-day responsibilities, maintenance and monitoring of a range of processes that are outside of a typical bank’s skillset – usually pertaining to IT. While this might seem like a bit of a luxury, an MSP can actually be a lifesaver – freeing up your staff to become more productive and more profitable. Lean on our expertise to help you choose the right partner and negotiate the best contract.