Credit unions (CUs) face challenges from FinTechs, prompting Bankwell, a $3.2 billion community bank, to appoint Ryan Hildebrand as Chief Innovation Officer. Hildebrand focuses on digital transformation and strategic collaborations to stay competitive. Bankwell partners with FinTechs and employs AI, like Sarah, to streamline small business lending, improving lead quality and customer engagement. Strategic partnerships, such as with Z Suite Technologies, enhance client offerings for homeowner associations (HOAs) and municipalities. Bankwell plans to launch small-dollar Small Business Administration (SBA) lending and deposit programs, aiming to reach more entrepreneurs. The bank's vision includes elevating customer experience through digital transformation, focusing on top-tier standards for account opening, online/mobile banking, and risk/fraud systems.