New Tools for Evaluating Your Cybersecurity Solutions & Vendors
I saw down with Richard Stiennon to talk cybersecurity, what FIs area doing well, and what they can improve on -- and how he can help.
I sat down with my colleague Richard Stiennon, founder of IT-Harvest, an database for cybersecurity vendors and solutions. In his analysis, financial institutions are typically leaders in implementing cybersecurity. In this conversation, we talked about the specific requirements financial institutions have for cybersecurity solutions, the variety of vendors and why the business side of an FI should work earlier and often in the product development (or fintech partnership process) with cybersecurity teams to proactively address security-related issues. The complexity of security within FIs means possibly working with multiple teams.
CSOs, CTOs and others tasked with upgrading, replacing can use IT-Harvest and its analysis capabilities to evaluate already implemented cybersecurity vendor solutions or monitor & evaluate new solutions. IT-Harvest tracks well over 10,000 vendors - which makes the case that FI CSO/CTOs may a lot of providers if they rely only on their own searches or various report products such as Waves or Magic Quadrants.
I’ve seen earlier iterations of IT-Harvest and even without the new AI-powered capabilities, it’s more than a static database of vendors and solutions. Every subscriber can customize views, extractions, and analysis. Plus, you get access to a human - Richard Stiennon - to support specific your FI or VC or fintech partner’s requirements.
Who writes PivotAssets?
I’m an independent analyst, strategic advisor & consultant (& a former Gartner analyst). I’ve worked in and covered the banking industry for over 2 decades.
My aim is not to confirm what you know (and you are plenty smart!) but to challenge you & give you a fresh perspective & analysis on the transformation that is —and isn’t happening - in the industry.
How can I help you?
Want more insights and analysis on small innovations, ghosting customers, hidden tribes and leveraging your bank’s legacy? Need help positioning your digital banking solution or fintech to meet the demands of today’s banking environment? I have my own firm PivotAssets.
To collaborate with me: I can analyze your GTM strategy or sales or VC presentation, help you prepare for your first vendor briefing or your first funding pitch meeting. I also write piece of thought leadership relevant to your business, solutions or technology. I also organize and moderate webinars series, podcast or panel.
Contact me at stessa@pivotassets.co or via LinkedIn.
I’m also available for inquiry and strategy sessions via Third Eye Advisory.
Me, Elsewhere
FinVino. Ivo Spigel and Nick Holland and I have co-founded this new banking/fintech retreat for CxOs coming to Hvar, Croatia in 2026. opportunity to explore the intersection between banking and the wine industry - two legacy industries facing disruption and innovation. Follow our LinkedIn page for details. Interested in sponsoring this event? Send me an email, direct message!
Fintech Book Club - Our next discussion will feature our look at Rik Coeckelbergs' new book "A New Ethos in Banking" July 11 at 10:00 EDT. Join us on LinkedIn Live! In April we discussed Customer-Centric Innovation in Finance by Erin B Taylor and Anette Brolos.
I’m an expert advisor at Third Eye Advisory.
Theodora Lau, Barb Maclean, Efi Pylarinou and collaborated on this unorthodox, diverse perspectives about financial services & the year to come.
I spoke with Theodora Lau and Barb Maclean on their podcast One Vision about smart banking & hidden tribes.
I moderated a great panel of folks for a conversation on innovation. We cut through the hype and share practical advice for making your digital transformation efforts pay off. We definitely talked about the importance of small innovations.