FintekNews is pleased to offer the 12th installment of our weekly feature column "3 Questions". Each week, we feature a thought leader within a unique sector of fintech and ask them to answer just 3 questions for our audience in their vernacular. This week we are pleased to introduce you to Scott Mills, President of William Mills Agency.  The firm is the nation’s largest independent public relations and content marketing firm to the financial industry.


Scott Mills. APR

President            
William Mills Agency    
www.williammills.com

How did you personally become involved in fintech?

My father, Bill Mills Jr., actually started the firm in 1977, after working within the financial services industry. After graduating from college, I worked in the entertainment industry for a few years before making my way to the agency. What was initially thought as a short-term job has turned into a career.

What area/s of fintech do you believe will grow the most in the coming 5 years?

I believe that technology/analytics that enables learning and creates a “customer of one” experience will become very much the norm. The app, Waze, figured out that in the morning I’m probably going to work, therefore it pops up as a suggestion on my phone when I get in the car. Banking and payments will also figure out how to fine tune the customer experience within 5 years.  (However), the more I learn how the industry works, the more I’m reminded that nothing happens until you have at least two people agree on something. Innovation is far more likely by fostering relationships, than by betting the farm on a new platform.

What are the biggest problems facing the fintech industry in the future?

Federal and state government’s understanding of the industry is critical if we are going to get regulatory oversight and compliance right. Associations like the EFTA (www.efta.org) are doing a good job educating government on payments issues and unintended consquences.

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Scott Mills is President of William Mills Agency. He is responsible for guiding the account teams, monitoring tactical activities as they relate to the strategic plan, day-to-day management of the agency and customer service.