Market Newsdesk

Finance Efficiency and AI Success Start With Data Quality: Hackett Reveals Top Master Data Management (MDM) Providers

Report finds leading MDM technologies improve data standards that enable finance organizations to increase staff productivity (3X) and reduce finance costs (45%)

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Hackett Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HCKT), a leading generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) strategic consultancy and executive advisory firm, has released its latest Digital World Class^® Matrix, focusing on the MDM software marketplace. The report reveals leading vendors in the space and examines the critical relationship between Gen AI and MDM and governance.

Improving data standards has a transformational impact on finance organizations, driving a 3X increase in staff productivity and a 45% decrease in finance costs – critical efficiencies because finance leaders are increasingly being asked to do more with less. At the same time, these leaders are also being tasked with spearheading their organizations’ digital transformations, which now largely focus on leveraging AI-enabled technologies. However, leading organizations are quickly realizing that data quality is a key requisite to maximizing the benefits of AI. Likewise, high-quality data is critical for lagging organizations striving to establish excellence in their transactional processes. All of these factors create a compelling business case for investing in solutions that enable data standardization.

The Master Data Management Digital World Class^® Matrix provides an in-depth guide to the leading software providers and the impact of their solutions on companies’ operations, generating accurate transactions, preventing fraud and improving revenue assurance. The report evaluated 16 software vendors for their capabilities and the value delivered to clients based on vendor briefings and customer data input across 26 different value criteria.

The report evaluates MDM vendors based on their capabilities and value realization. Capability ratings assess a vendor’s capacity to enable effective governance and management of critical data domains – including customer, supplier, product, and employee through core functions like data modeling, acquisition/integration, quality, security, user interface, and analytics.

Value realization ratings measure vendors’ impact on key MDM performance metrics such as data accuracy, record creation speed, issue resolution and overall user adoption. Among end users assessed, 58% create new master records within two hours, 55% maintain duplicate records at 10% or less, and 75% have improved data visibility and intelligence.

Top vendors are excelling in the top three stated software selection objectives:​ improved data accuracy and consistency, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced decision-making. Leading solutions offer intuitive data modeling with intelligent data integration, along with key functionality of data match/merge, enrichment and deduplication. Select vendors are excelling with data security/privacy and delivering real-time dashboards.

All vendors are integrating AI into their platforms, including natural language interaction, automated data management and low-code/no-code development. Gen AI specifically enhances data accuracy by identifying and correcting errors while automating reconciliation. AI technology provides intelligent recommendations for data stewards, allowing them to focus on strategic tasks rather than repetitive data management activities.

“Organizations are rapidly learning that to fully exploit Gen AI-enabled applications, they must be fueled by timely and accurate data,” said Bryan DeGraw, associate principal and senior research director for Finance Market Intelligence at The Hackett Group. “Early adopters of MDM platforms are realizing significant improvements in critical process metrics such as time to create new records, data integration accuracy and deduplication. The benefits of MDM software are quickly realized in transactional processes such as order processing, customer billings, supplier payments and general accounting. Benefits continue to be achieved through improved forecast accuracy, reports and predictive analytics.”

By using this comprehensive analysis, functional professionals in finance, procurement, information technology, and human resources can make informed purchasing decisions aligned with the strategic priorities and critical metrics they seek to impact through improved master data governance and management.

MDM Digital World Class^® assessments are part of The Hackett Group’s full 68-page report. The assessments should be read in the context of the entire report. A 33-page MDM Digital World Class® Matrix Report summary report is also available complimentary with registration. Inquiries about purchasing the full MDM Digital World Class® Matrix report can be made by visiting our Market Intelligence webpage.

The Hackett Group does not endorse any participant, vendor, product or service depicted in its research. This research should not be considered as advice that a buyer select only those participants based on their ranking or position on The Hackett Group’s Digital World Class^® Matrix. You should not rely upon any material or information within this research as a basis for making any business, legal, financial or any other decisions. Any such reliance shall be solely at buyer’s risk. The Hackett Group research publications consist of the opinions of its research organization and should not be interpreted as factual statements. To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Hackett Group disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability, suitability or fitness for a particular purpose. The information contained in this research is provided on an “as-is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. The Hackett Group assumes no responsibility or liability for damages of any kind arising from any information, data, content, materials, or references within its research, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, and punitive damages.

About The Hackett Group

The Hackett Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HCKT) is an IP and platform-based, Gen AI strategic consulting and executive advisory firm that enables Digital World Class® performance. Using AI XPLR™ and ZBrain™ – our ideation through implementation platforms – our experienced professionals help organizations realize the power of Gen AI and achieve quantifiable, breakthrough results, allowing us to be key architects of their Gen AI journey.

Our expertise is grounded in unparalleled best practices insights from benchmarking the world’s leading businesses – including 97% of the Dow Jones Industrials, 89% of the Fortune 100, 70% of the DAX 40 and 55% of the FTSE 100.

Trademarks

The Hackett Group®, quadrant logo, and Digital World Class® are the registered marks of The Hackett Group®.

Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Statements

This release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements including without limitation, words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” or other similar phrases or variations of such words or similar expressions indicating, present or future anticipated or expected occurrences or outcomes are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may impact such forward-looking statements include without limitation, the ability of The Hackett Group to effectively market its digital transformation, our ability to transition our capabilities to support generative artificial intelligence (AI)-related consulting services and solutions and other consulting services, our ability to effectively integrate acquisitions, including the LeewayHertz acquisition into our operations, our ability to manage joint ventures and successfully cooperate with our joint venture partners, competition from other consulting and technology companies that may have or develop in the future, similar offerings, the commercial viability of The Hackett Group and its services as well as other risk detailed in The Hackett Group’s reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Hackett Group does not undertake any duty to update this release or any forward-looking statements contained herein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250326906285/en/

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Florida

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Data Management Technology Software Finance Consulting Artificial Intelligence

MEDIA:

Logo

Interactive Brokers Expands Crypto Trading with New Tokens

Trade Solana, Cardano, Ripple, and Dogecoin Alongside Stocks, Options, Futures, and More – All on One Platform

GREENWICH, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Interactive Brokers (Nasdaq: IBKR), an automated global electronic broker, today announced the addition of four popular cryptocurrency tokens to its trading platform: Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Ripple (XRP), and Dogecoin (DOGE). These new tokens join Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH), providing investors access to some of the most actively traded digital assets. SOL, ADA, XRP and DOGE are available to clients with an account at Zero Hash LLC, and SOL is available to clients with an account at Paxos Trust Company.

Eligible clients of Interactive Brokers LLC (IB LLC) and Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited (IB UK) can seamlessly access crypto trading on the same platform they use for stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, mutual funds, and more across 160+ global markets. This allows investors to establish spot cryptocurrency positions and hedge their exposure with crypto futures, options and ETFs. Investors benefit from a unified interface that displays all balances and positions in a single view, simplifying portfolio and cash management.

“Adding these new tokens gives our clients even more flexibility to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of opportunities across digital assets,” said Steve Sanders, EVP of Marketing and Product Development at Interactive Brokers. “Combined with our low-cost structure and powerful trading tools, this expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to offering clients a comprehensive and efficient trading experience.”

Interactive Brokers offers some of the lowest cryptocurrency trading costs in the industry, which are less than leading cryptocurrency exchanges and online brokers. Based on monthly volume, commissions range from 0.12% to 0.18% of trade value, with a minimum of just $1.75 per order. Clients pay no added spreads, markups, or custody fees, ensuring transparent pricing on every trade. A cryptocurrency cost comparison chart is available here: Cryptocurrency Trading (IB LLC) and Cryptocurrency Trading (IB UK).

Clients trading crypto through the Interactive Brokers platform can:

• Hold both USD and cryptocurrencies in their crypto trading account
• Trade cryptocurrencies 24/7
• Place non-marketable limit orders for greater control over execution
• Withdraw crypto to an external wallet for added flexibility

Explore Cryptocurrency trading on Interactive Brokers’ platform at:

US: Cryptocurrency Trading (US and countries served by IB LLC)

UK: Cryptocurrency Trading

Cryptocurrency trading is available to eligible clients of Interactive Brokers LLC and Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited. Product and feature availability may vary depending on region.

The best-informed investors choose Interactive Brokers

Zero Hash LLC is a FinCen-registered Money Service Business and a regulated Money Transmitter that can operate in 51 U.S. jurisdictions. Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC are licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

About Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.:

Interactive Brokers Group affiliates provide automated trade execution and custody of securities, commodities, foreign exchange, and forecast contracts around the clock on over 160 markets in numerous countries and currencies from a single unified platform to clients worldwide. We serve individual investors, hedge funds, proprietary trading groups, financial advisors and introducing brokers. Our four decades of focus on technology and automation have enabled us to equip our clients with a uniquely sophisticated platform to manage their investment portfolios. We strive to provide our clients with advantageous execution prices and trading, risk and portfolio management tools, research facilities and investment products, all at low or no cost, positioning them to achieve superior returns on investments. Interactive Brokers has consistently earned recognition as a top broker, garnering multiple awards and accolades from respected industry sources such as Barron’s, Investopedia, Stockbrokers.com, and many others.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250326324171/en/

Contacts for Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. Media: Katherine Ewert, [email protected]

KEYWORDS: Europe United States United Kingdom North America Connecticut

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Finance Cryptocurrency Professional Services Asset Management Fintech

MEDIA:

Logo

Fifth Third Named to America’s Most Innovative Companies 2025 by Fortune

CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Fifth Third (Nasdaq: FITB) has been named to America’s Most Innovative Companies 2025 by Fortune and Statista. This is the second time in three years that Fifth Third has been recognized by Fortune for its innovation.

“It’s a privilege to again be named as one of America’s Most Innovative Companies by Fortune,” said Jamie Leonard, chief operating officer at Fifth Third. “This recognition underscores our relentless dedication to innovation excellence and providing outstanding services and solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

America’s Most Innovative Companies honors 300 companies, headquartered in the United States, transforming industries from the inside out. The list’s ranking is built on three pillars: product innovation, process innovation and innovation culture. Companies receive a score in each of these pillars, with each dimension accounting for a third of the total score.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies^® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ^® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250326836078/en/

Derek Cuculich (Media Relations)

[email protected]

Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)

[email protected] | 513-534-2345

KEYWORDS: United States North America Ohio

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Asset Management Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

Logo

The Baldwin Group Announces Signing of $110 Million Note Purchase Agreement in Connection with Launch of Debut Baldwin-Sponsored Reciprocal Insurance Exchange

TAMPA, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The Baldwin Group, the brand name for The Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc. (“Baldwin” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BWIN), announced today that, in connection with the anticipated launch of its debut Baldwin-sponsored reciprocal insurance exchange, Builder Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (“BRIE”), BRIE has entered into a note purchase agreement to raise $110 million of surplus financing through the issuance of surplus debentures (the “Notes”). $95 million of the Notes will be funded by an affiliate of Gallatin Point Capital LLC (“Gallatin Point”), with the remainder funded by affiliates of Baldwin. The closing of the note purchase agreement and funding of the Notes is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions including applicable regulatory approvals.

“We are extremely excited about the signing of the note purchase agreement with Gallatin Point, a leading financial services investor, which will enable the successful launch of BRIE with $110 million in committed surplus notes,” said Trevor Baldwin, Chief Executive Officer of The Baldwin Group. “Launching BRIE represents a meaningful milestone in our continued journey to vertically integrate across the value chain and bring innovative, third-party risk capital solutions to market in support of more efficient risk transfer outcomes for our clients.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Baldwin on the launch of BRIE,” added Matthew Botein, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Gallatin Point. “Baldwin’s growth over the past decade has been remarkable, and we are excited to be able to support them through our capital investment as they continue to create innovative insurance solutions for their clients and further grow their builder-sourced homeowners book of business.”

As previously disclosed, BRIE will focus on providing capacity for Baldwin’s builder-sourced homeowners book of business, enabling Baldwin’s affiliated managing general agency (“MSI”) to accelerate the transition from its existing carrier partner. At this time, MSI has fully satisfied all conditions necessary to extend the term of its existing Program Administrator Agreement with its existing carrier partner, which will continue to support the book through the transition.

Additionally, an affiliate of Baldwin will serve as the attorney-in-fact (“AIF”) of BRIE. Baldwin does not expect to consolidate BRIE’s or the AIF’s financial results. As such, the Notes would not represent additional debt of Baldwin or its affiliates.

Insurance Advisory Partners LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Baldwin and placement agent for the Notes. Troutman Pepper Locke LLP served as legal counsel to Baldwin, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP served as legal counsel to Gallatin Point, in connection with this transaction.

ABOUT THE BALDWIN GROUP

The Baldwin Group, the brand name for The Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BWIN) and its affiliates, is an independent insurance distribution firm providing indispensable expertise and insights that strive to give our clients the confidence to pursue their purpose, passion, and dreams. As a team of dedicated entrepreneurs and insurance professionals, we have come together to help protect the possible for our clients. We do this by delivering bespoke client solutions, services, and innovation through our comprehensive and tailored approach to risk management, insurance, and employee benefits. We support our clients, colleagues, insurance company partners, and communities through the deployment of vanguard resources and capital to drive our organic and inorganic growth. The Baldwin Group proudly represents more than three million clients across the United States and internationally. For more information, please visit www.baldwin.com.

ABOUT GALLATIN POINT

Gallatin Point Capital LLC is a private investment firm with a primary focus on making opportunistic investments in financial institutions, services, and assets. Gallatin Point aims to form highly collaborative partnerships with its investors and with management teams of its portfolio companies, seeking to combine the right capital with the right managerial competencies in order to maximize the outcome for all stakeholders. More information about Gallatin Point can be found at www.gallatinpoint.com.

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which represent Baldwin’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and may include statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or Baldwin’s strategies or expectations. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “potential,” “outlook” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements.

Factors that could cause actual results or performance to differ from the expectations expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Baldwin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in Baldwin’s other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at: www.sec.gov, including those risks and other factors relevant to the business, financial condition and results of operations of Baldwin. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All forward-looking statements and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Baldwin or to persons acting on behalf of Baldwin are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Baldwin does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250326635328/en/

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Bonnie Bishop, Executive Director – Investor Relations

The Baldwin Group

813.259.8032 | [email protected]

MEDIA RELATIONS

Anna Rozenich, Senior Director – Enterprise Communications

The Baldwin Group

630.561.5907 | [email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Florida

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Insurance Finance

MEDIA:

Logo

Synovus Financial Corp. publishes 2024 Annual Report

COLUMBUS, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE: SNV) has published its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a year marked by strong financial performance, strategic growth and resilience.

“I am filled with immense pride in what our bank has accomplished for our clients and the communities we serve,” said Kevin Blair, chairman, CEO and president of Synovus. “We’ve entered 2025 with strong momentum, ready to seize new opportunities and accelerate strategic growth to benefit all stakeholders.”

Read the Synovus 2024 Annual Report to learn more about how the company delivered on its purpose and is well-positioned to achieve sustainable outperformance.

Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company based in Columbus, Georgia, with approximately $60 billion in assets. Synovus provides commercial and consumer banking and a full suite of specialized products and services, including wealth services, treasury management, mortgage services, premium finance, asset-based lending, structured lending, capital markets and international banking. Synovus has branches in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee. Synovus is a Great Place to Work-Certified Company. Learn more about Synovus at synovus.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250326434562/en/

Media Contact

Audria Belton

Media Relations

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Georgia

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Asset Management Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

Logo