Enterprise Strategic Planning

Developing, planning and tracking a bank enterprise strategic plan is an integral part in identifying, communicating and tracking the important, even critical objectives to achieve high performance. Our partners have demonstrated expertise in virtually every banking department. We have the ability to view the entire bank with an understanding of the critical dependencies that define synergy needed to gain optimum return on equity. We understand the requirements of each department and can identify support and products required to meet bottom line goals.

Integrating the strategic plan with the annual budget and forecast process is essential. Enterprise Planning is a methodology (backed up by technology) that assists an organization with creating and linking their strategic, financial, and operational plans into one cohesive strategy.

Data Processing Core and Ancillary Systems Selection, Implementation and Contract Negotiation

Just as banking models and strategies differ, so do the data processing systems that support them. The goal in selecting systems and the vendors who support them is to match up the products and services offered with the bank’s requirements. Financial goals, business models, and operating efficiencies are just some of the areas that need to be considered in the selection process.

Also, as financial institutions grow, a review of the core vendor relationship can be warranted to ensure bank data-processing costs, products, and service levels continue to meet the needs of the bank and its current and future customers.

Sentinel Project Management will assist you in making informed technology decisions, that will improve future operational and financial performance. We maintain a library of vendor comparisons and pricing models and will use these tools, along with our direct experience, to ensure your bank is well supported with the right products and services at a fair and reasonable cost.

Enterprise Risk Management

Managing risk across all bank products and services is a prudent endeavor for any financial institution. Containing risk at an acceptable level is the cornerstone of any strategic plan. The minimum criteria for risk management planning is presented in various regulatory publications, but most banks require a more robust risk management program to meet its financial, growth and regulatory goals.

Sentinel Project Management has a strong background of risk management planning, implementation, testing and success tracking. We are experienced in virtually all banking departments, products and services. Importantly, we will assist you in developing or fine tuning an enterprise risk management program that accounts for the interdependencies that occur between departments. 

Mergers & Acquisitions

Determining M&A pricing and value is dependent on accurately evaluating the systems, processes, product support, staffing, locations and vendor contracts of both parties to the transaction. This requires expertise in technology, deposit and lending operations, compliance, branching and vendor contracts.

The partners at Sentinel Project Management have decades of experience in the management and development of virtually all of the major banking departments and cost centers. We can provide an independent review of the banking operations of each party to the transaction and quickly identify areas where costs can be eliminated, exit penalties can be negotiated, conversion costs and staffing costs that can be eliminated. We will also assist the parties in implementing the process to combining the operations of the parties into a single enterprise consisting of the best and most cost-effective components of each bank.

Cyber & Information Security

Sentinel Project Management employs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework as a tool to improve the bank’s Cyber and Information Security risk profile. The NIST Framework consists of standards, guidelines, and best practices to manage cybersecurity related risk.  The Cybersecurity Framework’s prioritized, flexible, and cost-effective approach helps to promote the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure and other sectors important to the economy and national security.

Cyberspace and its underlying infrastructure are vulnerable to a wide range of risk stemming from both physical and cyber threats and hazards. Sophisticated cyber actors and nation-states exploit vulnerabilities to steal information and money and are developing capabilities to disrupt, destroy, or threaten the delivery of essential services.

Information Technology

Selecting and implementing the right systems can improve your operational processes and increase your overall efficiency. Finding the right technology answers can be a time consuming task, particularly with new technology emerging almost daily.

We take the time to identify all applicable platforms, the banks product mix, business objectives and support requirements. At Sentinel Project Management we implement technology solutions that improve your processes, save you money and manage risk.

Banking Operations

At Sentinel Project Management we strive to improve Operational Processes through the use of technology, core process reengineering, and alignment of organizational infrastructure.

The key is to design and transform the processes that power the operating models so that they closely align with the bank’s Strategic Plan, measurable business goals and customer expectations. We avoid saddling the bank with unmanageable complexity.

De Novo Launch Setup

Starting a new bank is not a cookie-cutter process. Instead, months of work completing hundreds of tasks are required to implement the unique set of products, services, procedures, vendors and systems that will result in the best opportunity for success. The key element in this process is experience, and that’s what we will deliver.

The partners at Sentinel Project Management have successfully steered many de novo banks to their commencement of operations, both as consultants and de novo executives. We have participated in the development of several different strategies focused on specific banking markets. We remain involved for a period of time after the bank opens to fine tune procedures to their optimum level. 

Vendor Management Program

Regulations require a financial institution's board and senior management to establish and approve risk-based policies and procedures to govern the bank’s outsourcing process.

SPM will review current Vendor Management Program documents, compare with regulatory requirements and recommend required changes.

SPM will review the Bank’s Vendor Management Program risk assessment for completeness and adherence to current regulatory requirements; recommend updates/additions as required.

SPM will analyze the Bank’s risk assessment process and documentation and recommend changes.

SPM will analyze the Bank’s vendor selection process and recommend changes.

SPM will analyze the Bank’s contract review and approval process and the Bank’s vendor contract monitoring and recommend changes.