EP 133: DEMYSTIFYING THE LATEST TRENDS IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WITH JOST HOPPERMANN AND DON FREE

In this episode, we delve into the complex and ongoing journey of digital transformation in banking with two leading voices in the field: Don Free, formerly a lead analyst at Gartner, and Jost Hoppermann, formerly a lead analyst at Forrester. Now operating as independent experts at Angry Rabbit, Don and Jost bring candid insights into how digital transformation is unfolding across banking tiers and global regions. They explore why transformation cannot be treated as a one-off initiative but must instead become a core part of a bank’s operating model. A central theme is composability; both its potential and its pitfalls. Jost explains why composable architecture often fails to live up to expectations, citing architectural complexity and poor integration as common stumbling blocks. Together they highlight recurring mistakes made by banks on the digital journey, from ‘honeymoon trust’ in vendors, to superficial ‘core cloning’, to inadequate data governance. They argue for a more adaptive, evolutionary approach that blends strategic planning with flexible, modular architecture. The conversation is a timely reminder that digital transformation is not a destination. It is an ongoing, adaptive process essential for keeping pace with technological shifts and regulatory change.