FinTech Innovation Expert, Arvest Executive LauraMerling Joins VenCent Speaker Roster

VenCent 2023 offers a unique opportunity to hear from digital transformation
expert Laura Merling about new innovations in banking

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 17, 2023) – Laura Merling, chief transformation and operations officer for Arvest Bank, will join a premier speaker lineup during VenCent 2023 and share insights about her experiences in banking’s digital transformation. The Summit, slated for August 14-15 in Little Rock, Arkansas, will connect banking leaders, fintech innovators, and influencers from around the world and spotlight solutions for today’s biggest challenges in financial technology.

“I’m excited to be a part of this second annual and highly successful event for The Venture Center,” Merling said. “It’s an engaging event where the participants and presenters both can gain connections and insights. The Venture Center is really putting Arkansas on the map as the place to connect with fintech entrepreneurs and industry experts.”

Merling’s expertise in using technology solutions to disrupt existing business models, improve customer experience and create operational efficiency makes her a must-see at VenCent. Since joining Arvest last year, she’s already set into motion the bank’s multi-year transformation strategy, which includes adopting a next-gen banking platform, enhancing digital payments and leveraging artificial intelligence to transform bank customer experience and bank operations.

“Laura Merling is an exciting addition to our speaker lineup at VenCent,” said Arthur Orduna, executive director of The Venture Center. “She brings a broad perspective on digital transformation, extending beyond the usual focus on retail banking to areas such as agriculture lending and commercial banking. Her approach of tying innovation back to business transformation goals perfectly aligns with the goal of VenCent – focusing on and presenting real-world, impactful solutions..”

Merling joins a list of influential VenCent keynote speakers, including:

• John Buhrmaster – President & Chief Executive Officer, 1st National Bank of Scotia
• Jill Castilla – President & CEO, Citizens Bank of Edmond
• Michael Coyne – Chief Innovation Office, Axiom Bank
• David Peterson – Chief Innovation Officer, First National Bankers Bank
• Reed Luhtanen – Executive Director, U.S. Faster Payments Council

For the full list of speakers, visit vencentsummit.com.

VenCent Fintech Summit will, for the second year, provide attendees firsthand access to cutting-edge advances in fintech and insights from financial policymakers. Unique to Little Rock, the inaugural event concluded in 2022 with more than 400 in attendance as the first gathering of its kind to connect financial leaders, industry influencers and fintech entrepreneurs. Registration is open now. Visit vencentsummit.com to learn more.

Also new to the event in 2023 is VenCentMatch, an exclusive speed networking breakout option for bankers and fintech innovators to make intentional connections in real time. Over the course of the two-day event, these rotating one-on-ones will accommodate targeted pitches from fintechs, maximizing every moment to potentially secure new partnerships with banks.

Since it began in 2015, The Venture Center has connected more than 10,000 bankers with early-to-growth stage technology companies, impacting revenues, brand, culture, and growth.

About The Venture Center

The Venture Center’s immersive accelerator programs are designed to accelerate the growth of early-to-growth-stage companies and help validate their solutions for real-world problems. Our methodology provides a unique opportunity for early-to-growth stage fintech companies to connect with financial institution executives, receive investment, and learn from a comprehensive curriculum aiding in strategically addressing go-to-market, business, and finance challenges. Learn more at www.venturecenter.co. Follow The Venture Center on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (@VentureCenter), and Instagram.