Howard Levine, EVP, Head of Consumer Banking, oversees the Private Client Group, Wealth Management, Business Banking, Retail Banking, and Amerant Mortgage. He has served in executive positions in banks throughout South Florida.
Q: How have banks and banking changed over the years, and how has that impacted customers?
A: New technology is the biggest change that banking has experienced over the years. The fact that you can do your banking online today, in addition to visiting a financial center, has changed the game. Moreover, payment services like Zelle and Venmo have made money movement instantaneous. These enhancements have allowed customers to “consume” banking in their own way.
Q: To what do you owe your longevity in the banking industry? What advice do you have for young professionals in the industry?
A: I attribute my longevity in banking to the fact that I get to meet very interesting people each day. In my role, I get introduced to the bank’s most sophisticated and successful customers. I love hearing their stories about how they have achieved success in their fields.
Q: How can banks stay competitive in this difficult market?
A: The constantly evolving world of banking and finance has landed in a very interesting spot. How do we continue to serve our customers while adapting to the technological changes that make banking less personal? No matter if rates are rising or inflation is affecting the market, customer service and relationship-driven partnerships must remain constant—and are key. By offering personalized service, we can go beyond being merely personal—we rise to the level of collaborative partnerships with each and every customer.
As originally featured in Boca Magazine.