By W.B. King
While Fiserv has long offered training and consulting services to credit union and banking employees, the Milwaukee-based fintech and payments company recently announced a full suite of new course offerings at its newly launched Fiserv University.
“In a time when institutions are looking to increase the efficiency of their staff, Fiserv wanted to provide more resources to facilitate staff retention, streamline new associate onboarding and help financial institutions get the most out of their technology investment,” Doug Donofrio, head of credit union solutions, told Finopotamus.
The impetus to create Fiserv University, Donofrio explained, was a direct result of financial institutions that have taken previous educational offerings, but were seeking more options.
“Fiserv University expands the training and consulting resources available to financial institutions and captures the impact of training through measurable data training so financial institutions can focus their training,” he said.
“With a dashboard that compares training completed with support inquiries, a university 100-400 level course structure, product certifications, and fully customized consulting engagements to promote business growth, Fiserv University can help institutions meet their specific needs and goals,” Donofrio added.
Courses Options
While the University announcement was made in May 2024, more than 300 financial institutions have taken some form of course work already this year, he noted. “We expect similar demand for these types of sessions within the new Fiserv University format.”
Currently, courses for Fiserv product certifications are available, with flexible options for financial institution staff to take on-demand classes. “There is also a schedule of live, instructor-led and in-person educational events, which go deep on specific topics with Fiserv experts,” Donofrio told Finopotamus.
“To have a competitive edge, financial institutions must optimize technology use. That requires a workforce that is well-versed in processes, capabilities and best practices. On-demand access to role-specific technology training can accelerate the time to effectiveness for new employees and those in new roles,” said Marc DeCastro, research director, International Data Corporation (IDC) Financial Insights.
Framingham, Mass.-based IDC offers analysis and insights designed to help IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based technology decisions. “Training and consulting services with trackable, measurable components fuel operational excellence, and are key to building a high-performing institution,” DeCastro added.
Instructor Experience
According to Donofrio, Fiserv University academic offerings include:
A curated curriculum including role-specific learning and technology optimization training.
Consulting services focused on enabling efficiency gains, streamlining pathways to growth, and compliance and risk management.
Performance scorecards to evaluate effectiveness through measurable results.
The University has approximately 50 instructors, each of whom have a minimum of four years of banking experience and two years of training experience, he noted. Instructors and consultants, he added, have also earned various certifications, including Six Sigma Process Improvement and Performance Consulting. “Members of our consulting team have multiple years of experience in banking, back-office operations, Fiserv applications and client training.”
Course topics will change to reflect the evolving marketplace, Donofrio said. Those students completing courses will receive tangible certifications and digital badges. When it comes to course costs, he said product certifications follow a tiered pricing model based on asset size of the organization. “This means there is no limit to the number of seats, and an entire institution can participate in training for one flat rate.”
In 2023, more than 3,700 financial institutions took training courses from Fiserv. The company also offers an average of 125 customized best practices consulting sessions per year. “We expect this number to grow with the launch of Fiserv University as we continue to expand the available training options, courses and events to meet the unique needs of our clients,” Donofrio offered.