Commercial banks are at a crossroads. On one hand, they’re tasked with delivering dependable, risk-managed financial services. On the other, they must evolve rapidly to meet the demands of a digitally fluent, speed-focused clientele.

Increasingly, banks are finding fresh energy and innovation in an unexpected place: the tech and fintech sectors.

If your institution is trying to grow its commercial lending practice, it might be time to consider candidates who didn’t come up through banking but instead built their careers designing user-friendly apps, managing risk models with AI, or launching digital platforms in fintech.

Here’s why.

The Skills Tech and Fintech Talent Bring to Commercial Lending

1. Data-Driven Decision Making
   Tech and fintech professionals are well-versed in using data and analytics to inform business decisions. In commercial lending, this translates into sharper credit analysis, faster loan underwriting, and predictive risk modeling. AI-driven tools are already transforming how financial institutions assess borrower quality. Candidates from tech fields are often more fluent in these tools than their traditional banking counterparts.
2. Customer-Centric Innovation
   User experience is king in the tech world. Fintech, in particular, has built its reputation by simplifying financial services and removing friction from customer interactions. When you bring in someone with that mindset, you’re also bringing in a new way to look at your loan origination process, client onboarding, and relationship management
3. Agile Execution and Adaptability
   Tech teams move fast. Agile methodology is second nature to them. In an industry where lending processes can be bogged down by bureaucracy and siloed operations, someone who’s used to shipping updates weekly and iterating constantly brings a much-needed sense of urgency and flexibility. That kind of mindset is invaluable when transforming internal processes or launching new lending programs.

Why Cross-Industry Hiring Makes Strategic Sense

You gain perspective
When all your talent has walked the same professional path, blind spots are inevitable. Cross-industry hiring introduces new ways of thinking, challenging your team to ask better questions, re-evaluate stagnant procedures, and bring more creativity into client solutions.

You accelerate digital transformation
Digital transformation isn’t just about software; it’s about people. The right tech-minded hire can not only bring in new tools but also change how your team thinks about automation, efficiency, and customer engagement. This is especially true in mid-sized or regional banks, where digital maturity may lag behind larger institutions.

You future-proof your team
As the industry evolves, so do the skills required to stay competitive. Candidates from tech and fintech backgrounds bring hybrid skill sets that blend finance, technology, and user experience—making them ideal for the next generation of commercial banking leadership.

What to Look for in Non-Traditional Candidates

Of course, not every tech or fintech hire is going to thrive in a bank setting. Look for candidates who:

• Understand regulated environments or have experience in compliance-heavy industries
• Are familiar with B2B client relationships, especially in financial services
• Show an aptitude for stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration

At The Anderson Search Group, we help banks identify and attract high-potential candidates from a variety of industries who can deliver results immediately while helping you innovate for the long term.

Ready to Think Outside the Resume?

If you’re looking for talent who can bridge the gap between traditional banking and next-gen thinking, The Anderson Search Group is here to help.

Let’s find your next difference-maker.