Johnny Beverton
In our latest episode, Jessica Keene, a Senior Consultant at Empiric's New York office, spoke with Crystal Brown, an experienced independent contractor currently working with M&F Bank in Atlanta, USA. They discussed Crystal’s extensive experience with nCino, the changing face of digital transformation in financial institutions, and advice for those looking to build a career in the nCino world.
Crystal's nCino Journey: From Bank User to Strategic Advisor
Crystal's view of nCino comes from all sides. Back in 2013, she was working at a bank when the platform was introduced. "Everyone was so excited, there was so much buzz around nCino because it was so new," she remembers. That early experience set her on a path to nCino itself, where she worked as a Project Manager. Now, she's an independent contractor, using what she's learned to advise financial institutions like M&F Bank, a community minority institution which has been established for over 100 years. Having been an end-user, a vendor, and now a consultant, she's seen nCino's effects across the financial sector. She describes it as "definitely a full circle moment.”
Digital Transformation and the Rise of AI in Finance
The talk shifted to what’s next for digital change in finance. Though cloud computing is still vital, Crystal stressed how much more important AI is becoming - she thinks AI will change things in three main ways: enhanced cybersecurity through stronger defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats; improved operational efficiency via automation and process streamlining; and a richer customer experience enabled by personalized financial advice and solutions. Crystal summed up what everyone many are thinking: “Everyone’s talking about AI and how to use it in banks.” She also thinks nCino will continue to improve through improvements to existing functionality, expansion of its capabilities, and the formation of strategic partnerships, with the potential to become a leader in the application of AI within the financial services industry.
Challenges and Opportunities in the nCino Market
Crystal highlighted a unique challenge within the nCino ecosystem: the need to navigate two technical environments simultaneously. “When you’re in the nCino ecosystem, you’re also in Salesforce,” she explained. This dual expertise creates a complex but rewarding professional environment, where success depends on mastering both platforms and understanding how they interconnect.
However, technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. Crystal stressed that the most effective nCino professionals combine their technical skills with a deep understanding of organisational goals and business strategy. They need to translate technical capabilities into tangible business value while staying ahead of industry trends. “nCino professionals who can master not only the technical side but also align tools with an organisation’s strategic vision will stand out,” she said.
Advice for Aspiring nCino Professionals
For those looking to enter or advance in the nCino space, Crystal shared practical advice. She recommended starting with a strong foundation in Salesforce, suggesting Salesforce Trailhead as an essential resource. From there, professionals can explore nCino Community resources and nCino University materials to build specialised knowledge. Staying informed through industry publications like American Banker and pursuing relevant certifications can also help validate expertise.
Crystal also highlighted the supportive nature of the nCino community, encouraging professionals to engage in networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities. This collaborative environment, she noted, is a valuable asset for career growth.
The Value of Specialist Recruitment Agencies in the nCino Market
Crystal shared how specialist recruiters have helped shape her career path, particularly praising their market expertise and ability to match professionals with fitting roles. She spoke about her work with Empiric, noting how our nCino-focused team's technical understanding had proven valuable throughout her professional journey.
Wrapping Up
Crystal is enthusiastic about several things happening within the nCino world. She highlighted the company's growing partnerships with other software vendors, explaining how these collaborations are extending the platform's reach and capabilities. She also talked about the potential of AI, especially how it can help financial institutions anticipate and proactively address customer needs, moving away from simply reacting to issues. Finally, Crystal praised nCino's ability to stay agile and flexible despite its continued growth. She pointed out that many companies lose this agility as they get bigger, but nCino has managed to become even more agile.
Ready to Navigate the nCino Landscape? Empiric Can Help
Empiric links organizations with experienced nCino specialists and helps professionals find nCino career opportunities at leading financial firms. We have connections with key people in the industry and access to roles you won't often see advertised. We support both employers and candidates throughout the hiring process, using our market knowledge and industry relationships to help them reach their goals.
Be sure to watch the complete interview above. If you are keen on exploring exciting nCino opportunities or building your own team, browse our current global openings across the various nCino modules here: https://empiric.com/ncino
Be sure to connect with Jessica on LinkedIn.
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