Jim Perry

Tell us your story:

"I’m a senior strategist at Market Insights. We’re a consulting firm that uses data analysis and research to help our clients clarify choices based on data about their customers and markets. I joined the firm 19 years ago and I’ve had to opportunity to work with hundreds of community banks and credit unions throughout the US on everything from growth strategy to marketing to culture. I've helped promote and amplify the work of innovative fintechs that successfully partner with those community based institutions. I’ve also been speaking at industry events across the country on topics like consumer behavior and leadership and diversity.

I have been included on Onalytica's list of "Top 100 Fintech Influencers" and have presented at conferences throughout the U.S. on many topics including diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging and outreach to the LGBTQIA+ community. I have shared insights as a guest on top industry podcasts such as Breaking Banks, Banking Transformed Podcast, One Vision, and American Banker Podcast; and am one of the founders of the Fintech Book Club on LinkedIn.

Thousands of community banks and credit unions follow my daily social media posts and weekly emails for industry trends and the latest news on mergers, fintech, marketing and much more. I have also been cited by Deluxe as one of the 20 leaders in modern banking that every community banker should follow."

Impact:

"I’m a proud and happily married gay man. And while I certainly don’t speak for the entire community, I know from personal experience that LGBTQIA+ Americans still struggle for financial equality. Some of the discrimination we experience is subtle or unintentional, like forms that haven’t been updated to be gender neutral. But some of the discrimination is explicit.

A few years ago, my husband and I went to our bank for a home equity loan to remodel our kitchen. The branch manager and loan officer knew us both, assured us that all looked good. Unfortunately, the appraiser that they contracted with saw our rainbow flag and set home value so low that the bank had to deny our loan. Same-sex couple are 73% more likely to be denied a home loan – not by policy, but by unspoken prejudice.

Since that time I've been speaking publicly about the importance of DEIB and challenging the bank and fintech community to take a stand for equality. I've leveraged my network to increase the presence and profile of LGBTQIA+ individuals within financial services and worked to make sure the needs of LGBTQIA+ consumers are included on conference agendas. In the past year I have moderated panels at Finovate (both Spring & Fall in the US) and Money2020USA's RiseUp & Amplify initiative."

Advice:

"There are a growing number of out and proud LGBTQIA+ individuals and vocal allies in positions throughout the fintech ecosystem. Connect with them and learn from their journeys. Participate in the networks that exist for the community within fintech workplaces and at events and conferences. But most importantly, be yourself. The industry needs your authenticity."