Digital transformation in banking isn’t just about speed or features — it’s about trust, continuity, and regulatory strength.
As traditional institutions look to modernize their core systems, IT leaders face critical decisions about where to invest, how to manage risk, and who to trust as a long-term partner.
At this stage, it’s not just about knowing why change is needed — it’s about deciding how to do it safely, securely, and strategically. Here are some key evaluation factors banks should consider when selecting IT infrastructure solutions and partners.
What’s Driving Urgency in Modernization
Modernization is no longer confined to customer experience initiatives. It now includes:
- Resilient backend infrastructure that enables API-driven services
- Advanced threat detection systems to reduce fraud and data breach risk
- Cloud-native platforms that enable real-time data processing and rapid deployment
- Compliance-ready environments that support evolving regulations like Section 1033 (open banking), CRA modernization, and Basel III updates
In a Gartner Insight Survey 2024 of U.S. regional banks, 68% of respondents cited an “…inability to integrate legacy systems with modern APIs…” as a key barrier to new service rollouts. Institutions are no longer asking if they should modernize. Instead, they’re asking how to make it work without breaking what already exists.
What to Look for in a Digital Infrastructure Partner
1. Security-First Architecture
Any infrastructure solution must be built around:
- End-to-end encryption
- Secure Identity Access Management (IAM)
- Proactive compliance with FFIEC and GLBA guidelines
- Resilience against DDoS, phishing, and lateral attacks
Per the American Bankers Association ABA Banking Journal’s Tech Risk Brief 2025, cyberattacks on regional banks rose 22% year-over-year — and 41% of breaches originated from unsecured third-party connections. And as noted in Gartner’s Financial Infrastructure Risk Bulletin 2025, “Banks must ensure their modernization partners not only meet security standards — but build them into every layer of design and delivery.”
2. Interoperability with Legacy Systems
Banks operate across a wide spectrum of legacy platforms, from mainframe-based cores to decades-old customer databases. Your partner must be capable of:
- Staged deployment with rollback options
- API gateway configuration
- Support for both on-prem and hybrid cloud models
- Data normalization and secure migration
Anchor Bridge Innovations specializes in modernization without disruption. That means no forced migrations, no downtime, and no broken integrations.
3. Compliance-Ready Design
Solutions must align with:
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- FDIC third-party risk guidelines
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) mandates
- Basel III liquidity and operational risk requirements
Avoid vendors who treat compliance as an afterthought. At ABI, regulatory expectations shape every project from Day 1 — not as a final hurdle, but as a core design constraint.
4. True Lifecycle Support
Digital transformation isn’t a one-time event. Your partner should provide:
- Long-term monitoring and optimization
- Help desk support with financial-sector SLAs
- Ongoing updates to maintain compliance and threat readiness
- Training and change management support for internal teams
Look for relationship-driven firms that invest in your uptime — not one-size-fits-all integrators with rotating project teams.
Practical Steps for Evaluation
Use these steps to pressure-test potential partners:
- Ask for sector-specific case studies with measurable ROI and compliance outcomes.
- Evaluate the onboarding roadmap — how do they manage pilot phases, testing, and rollout?
- Request documentation early — including data handling protocols, SOC 2 reports, and integration diagrams.
- Interview their support team — not just the sales reps.
If the answers aren’t clear, the risk is.
Why Banks Choose ABI
ABI was founded by engineers who understand regulated environments and critical infrastructure.
We offer:
- Compliance-centered architecture
- Seamless legacy integration strategies
- Private, hybrid, or public cloud deployment options
- Full white-glove support, 24/7/365
We don’t disappear after go-live — we stay engaged to ensure operational resilience and regulatory success.
Need help evaluating the right infrastructure partner for your institution’s digital journey? Download our checklist, “10 Non-Negotiables When Choosing a Modern IT Partner for Banking,” designed specifically for banks navigating high-stakes modernization.
Or if you prefer, connect with one of our banking-sector architects to discuss how ABI ensures secure transformation without service disruption.
About Anchor Bridge Innovations
Anchor Bridge Innovations is a high-tech Value-Added Reseller founded by seasoned IT professionals. We deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready technology solutions tailored to the needs of small and mid-sized enterprises. By partnering with top-tier OEMs and next-gen innovators, we offer a full spectrum of services — including data infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, automation, and networking — all backed by white-glove support from planning through post-deployment.
At ABI, we don’t just sell technology — we’ll help you modernize securely without sacrificing regulatory strength.