Virtual Digital Innovation Development Program

Hosted by the Washington Bankers Association, in partnership with the Wisconsin Bankers Association and several other states, this comprehensive 6-part virtual series has been designed for professionals in the banking industry who are directly responsible for, or involved in, building, managing, and overseeing fintech partnership programs.

Program Dates & Workshop Topics:

• September 10, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT: The Financial Institution as a Fintech Platform & Roles, Responsibilities, and RACI
• September 11, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT: Strategic Planning and Board Alignment & Payment Rails and Operational Infrastructure via the Sidecar
• September 17, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT: Fintech Application and Underwriting & Legal Architecture and Control Enforcement
• September 18, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT: Policy, Procedure and Training Readiness & Operational Launch Through a Sidecar Core
• September 24, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT: Ongoing Monitoring and Compliance Oversight & Data Security, Privacy, and Incident Response
• September 25, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT: Audits, Examinations and Ongoing Due Diligence & Program Review, Profitability and Exit

Available Live & On Demand – This course is offered LIVE and will remain available on-demand through November 13, 2026. Perfect for catching up on any missed sessions!

Download the brochure to review the session descriptions and more details.

Speaker Profile:

Kevin Johnston is the Chief Banking Officer at Braid, where he leads the integration of fintech infrastructure for community financial institutions. With extensive experience in financial services, he is committed to helping banks modernize their operations through sustainable, compliant, and profitable fintech programs. Johnston is known for championing the “sidecar-core” approach, enabling banks to bring fintech programs in-house without relying on traditional middleman BaaS providers. He also drives educational initiatives, such as the Fintech Integration Leadership Series, guiding bank executives on payment modernization and regulatory best practices. At Braid, he focuses on transforming experimental fintech projects into disciplined business lines that fuel deposit growth and long-term revenue.

Homework and Mentors:

Participants are required to complete 6-8 hours of homework. This prepares them to best understand the topics, challenges them to be proactive in their learning, and to seek out the advice of key individuals within their own institution when needed. After completing their individual assignments, participants then discuss within their class to compare notes and learn how their peers approached the questions. Each student is also paired with an executive-level mentor from their bank, who works with them to reinforce the classroom learning experience. Mentors are a required part of the program, and act as a sounding board to assist in understanding new concepts.

Registration Information:

Registration for this 6-part virtual series is $1,000/attendee. Registration will be managed by the Washington Bankers Association online.