On our final day in Kansas City, we’re recognizing innovation, reflecting on a milestone event, and exploring how to carry five decades of momentum into the future.
We’d like to extend a warm round of applause to the innovative banks, credit unions, and fintechs recognized as the 2026 Cobalt Award-winners. They are:
We appreciate their dedication to their communities, their passion for innovation, and how they empower people while supporting financial freedom.
“The Cobalt Awards celebrate organizations that are finding new ways to strengthen their communities through innovation. We’re honored to recognize this year’s winners for delivering solutions that improve financial access, enhance efficiency, and help people achieve better financial outcomes.” - Greg Adelson, President and CEO, Jack Henry
Yesterday’s conversations brought fresh thinking on data, AI, younger consumers, modern marketing, and the future of Jack Henry Platform™. Across the Main Stage, breakout sessions, and Tech Hall, one theme came through clearly: progress is strongest when strategy, technology, and human connection move together.
“For us, the biggest use case we’re hearing demand for right now is cross-border payments, because it eliminates some of the multiple hops in correspondent banking around the world.” - Erica Pilon, VP and Head of Corporate Strategy, Jack Henry
“A crawl-walk-run approach can give institutions a practical path to stablecoins. The use cases are many, and the infrastructure isn’t as challenging as it might sound.” - Peter Glyman, Founder and CEO, Coinbax
“In banking and financial services, we’ve been changing throughout history. We can change again. AI is going to add new capabilities and new channels for consumers. There’s nothing to be worried about – it’s just the next step. That’s why we’re bringing AI into more of our products.” - Keith Fulton, VP and Chief Data Officer, Jack Henry
The closing day began with a special Women in FinTech Breakfast Meetup, followed by another full slate of timely conversations and sessions.
On the Main Stage, Jack Henry’s Senior Director of Corporate Strategy, Lee Wetherington, was joined by Mastercard’s Ranjita Iyer to explore how the industry can evolve while maintaining the trust that anchors every relationship.
“The ceiling for technology to scale won’t be the technology itself – it will be trust.” - Ranjita Iyer, EVP, NAM Services, Mastercard
“According to research we did with Javelin a few years back, financial institutions are lucky to have, on average, only 25% of an existing customer’s or member’s total financial data." - Lee Wetherington
“Community institutions’ trust with consumers and members is their advantage." - Ranjita Iyer
The completed live and interactive LEGO® build provides a fitting symbol for the week: Individual contributions coming together to create something bigger.
Tonight we’ll wrap things up at Sporting Park for this year’s grand finale. Against the backdrop of Kansas City’s premier soccer venue, we’ll celebrate a golden anniversary, the global excitement surrounding the sport, and the community that has made this shared success story possible.
We might even try to sneak one past the goalie. ⚽️
Thank You for an Unforgettable Week in KC
To every attendee, speaker, exhibitor, sponsor, and team member: thank you. You brought the curiosity, expertise, and generosity that make Jack Henry Connect more than a conference. As we say cheers to 50 years, we’re reminded that our history is a shared one – and that the next chapter will be built together.
Catch Ya Next Year in the Mile High City
We’ll see you October 18 - 20, 2027, in Denver, CO. Until then, carry the ideas, connections, and momentum from Kansas City forward!
Missed the highlights from earlier this week? Catch up on Day 1 and Day 2. You can also watch our recap video below. Be sure to connect with us on social media for further highlights and updates on next year’s event!
Stay up to date with the latest people-inspired innovation at Jack Henry.
.svg)
