Pete Hilger on Turning Data Connectivity into a Growth Engine
We recently sat down with Allied Solutions CEO Pete Hilger to discuss why data connectivity has become one of the most critical growth strategies for financial institutions today. As industry dynamics, technology, and member expectations evolve at unprecedented speed, one reality is clear: data now sits at the center of every strategic decision.
This conversation complements an upcoming America’s Credit Unions GAC speaking engagement featuring Mark Rodriguez, Allied Solutions SVP, which explores how modern data connectivity helps financial institutions reduce complexity, eliminate vendor lock-in, and move faster—without sacrificing security. At the heart of both discussions is a shared perspective: institutions that can seamlessly connect data across core, lending, payments, and fintech systems are better positioned to unlock insights, operate with agility, and innovate with confidence.
Banking data is more layered and complex than ever. This isn’t just about messy data—it’s about constraints that hold institutions back at the exact moment connectivity matters most.
Blind Spots and Butterfly Effects in Data Integration
Demand for seamless, digital-first experiences has exposed a growing gap between account holders’ expectations and the realities of legacy technology. That gap is creating decision-making blind spots across the industry. As Pete Hilger explains:
"The younger generations’ needs, combined with a very fast and changing world, make the challenges of data integration even more intense. The most significant technology blind spot is the integration of core, LOS, and claims systems. This constraint locks the industry into technologies that don’t meet current or future needs."
It isn’t just the volume of data slowing institutions down—it’s fragmented data. The downstream impact of fragmentation is felt well beyond IT:
This butterfly effect is no longer an IT problem alone. The pace of digital evolution and the sheer scale of enterprise data demand an organization-wide strategy. Dave Hilger, Allied’s Chief Strategy and Technology Officer, underscores the urgency: “The ability to quickly and efficiently adapt our technologies to meet market needs is critical.”
Why Simpler Integration Is the Way Forward
The solution to messy data isn’t adding more technology, it’s simplifying how existing systems connect.
Connectivity-as-a-Service (CaaS) accelerates data aggregation across legacy environments while minimizing complexity within financial institutions’ tech stacks. Rather than multiplying systems, CaaS enables cleaner, faster, and more secure integration.
Pete notes that the industry is at a pivotal moment in the digital transformation journey—one defined by the need for unified, real-time data. He points to Allied Solutions’ strategic investment in PortX as a direct response to this inflection point:
"Long-term client success is our core strategy, and we continually evolve our technologies to improve quality and enhance capacity. PortX’s pre-built library of APIs delivers fast, secure, and proven integrations for our credit union and banking clients. This industry-leading solution enhances our ability to make data more meaningful. As a top shareholder in PortX, we have a voice in direction and development, strategically aligning our solutions with our clients’ needs and goals."
This isn’t just philosophy, it’s an AI-forward approach backed by meaningful investment. As an investor-distributor, Allied ensures clients have access to future-ready tools, actionable insights, and preferred pricing.
Turning Connectivity into Competitive Advantage
PortX is the only AI-powered gateway solution purpose-built for banks and credit unions. More than 200 financial institutions already rely on PortX for smarter, simpler integrations. Together, Allied Solutions and PortX help institutions:
- Streamline API development and integrations without heavy IT dependency or long timelines
- Deliver real-time insights that accelerate offers, reporting, and insurance visibility
- Modernize—not multiply—existing tech stacks while maintaining control and data quality
- Accelerate fintech partnerships and M&A integration
- Create connectivity without complexity through controlled, automated workflows
These capabilities are financially backed by industry leaders who bring both vision and scale to enterprise integration.
Read the full announcement about Allied Solutions’ strategic investment in PortX, the vision behind it, and what it means for the future of data integration.
Three Mindset Shifts for Smarter, Simpler Data Integration
- Less is more: Stack integrations, not technology
Digital transformation stalls when institutions add tools instead of solving connectivity. Consolidating integrations—not expanding the stack—creates efficiency and unlocks clean, usable data. - Play the long game: Integration is just the beginning
Connectivity provides the clearest view of risk and opportunity yet. From there, institutions can grow non-interest income, mitigate risk, and lay the foundation for open banking. - Trust the process: The missing piece of transformation
When investing in CaaS, Pete encourages institutions to “stretch and test the limits of what’s been possible,” understanding there will be a learning curve. Like cleaning out a junk drawer, the work can’t be avoided—but the outcome is transformative.
AI alone isn’t the answer. AI-infused integration is.
The lesson is clear: digital transformation isn’t about upgrading technology, it’s about taking smart, deliberate steps toward seamlessly connected enterprise data.
Are you ready for the beginning of simpler integration? Book a demo today.