Alenka Grealish
Alenka has over 30 years of consulting and research experience in the banking industry with deep expertise in payments, transaction banking, and commercial banking. Her research focus is emerging tech, including AI/machine learning and blockchain/digital assets. She co-leads generative AI research across Celent. Within corporate banking, she analyzes innovation in treasury management services, trade finance, working capital finance, and the implications for customer journeys and experiences across segments. In addition, she examines the transformation of small business banking, including the digitization of the financial supply chain, fintech trends and players, and the potential for new business and revenue models. Ms. Grealish has advised top banks on their business and technology strategies. Her consulting work has included the development of a growth strategy for the treasury management business of a leading North American bank, examination of cross-border growth opportunities in treasury management for a top European bank, and the identification and evaluation of opportunities to enable small to medium-sized businesses to automate their payment processes. Ms. Grealish has been widely quoted in the media including Bloomberg News, Financial Times, and the Associated Press. She has given presentations at numerous conferences including Bank Administration Institute events, the NACHA Payments Conference, and the Association of Financial Professionals events. Ms. Grealish worked for The Boston Consulting Group for a total of 20 years. Prior to rejoining Celent, she was BCG's global segment manager for transaction banking and payments. She started her career as an associate economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Ms. Grealish earned her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, graduating Beta Gamma Sigma. She received her BA from Northwestern University and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with superior honors in economics.