Make your ambition a reality: Building a private banking relationship in the digital age

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Bank on ambition: CIBC is a trusted partner for individuals and families who need more than off-the-shelf solutions. With a deep commitment to private banking, CIBC excels at serving clients whose financial needs are anything but ordinary. Plan for even the most ambitious possibilities.*

At the heart of a strong banking relationship is feeling supported to ask questions and receiving reliable answers. This may seem simple, but in reality, the number of private banking clients who feel anxious about asking “stupid questions,” aka questions everyone has but is afraid to ask for their perceived simplicity, is significant.

From the ordinary questions to the extraordinary inquiries, it’s imperative for a private bank to remain up to the task of today’s age of information. This includes meeting their clients’ needs for strong, trusting relationships; a long history of financial planning expertise; and a thriving digital offering of relevant capabilities.

To further understand how today’s CFO, business owner, or other prospective private banking client can find a bank that suits their unique needs and ambitions, we sat down with a bank that’s been doing it for decades and a leader who’s helped manage, cultivate, and help clients achieve their ambitions for over 30 years: Daniel Sullivan Jr., Managing Director, Head of Private, Personal, and Digital Banking at CIBC US. CIBC is known for tailored banking solutions. Now, with their enhanced digital platform, they’re empowering clients to achieve their financial ambitions.

Here are some foundational questions answered and complex takes clarified to help demystify the private banking space. No more assumptions—just answers for your financial ambitions from those who understand this ever-evolving space best and whose core differentiators evolve with it.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Keeping up with the times and remaining timeless

Modern-day banking looks a lot different than it did 20 years ago, mainly because of the plethora of information now widely accessible online. This age of information means private banking clients can throw their questions into a search engine or AI tool and receive endless resources in a matter of seconds.

However, a buffet of information isn’t always actionable. You may see potential solutions for your question, but do you have the expertise to implement the right one effectively? The answer, usually, is no. Like any game plan, you need a coach to help you run point and an organization that listens, thinks creatively, and, most importantly, delivers.

And that caring coach persona (aka the one you root for in sports movies) is one CIBC works to embody every single day. We asked Sullivan how CIBC meets this challenge in the age of information while also evolving as a bank to rise to the digital occasion.

CFO BREW: In today’s information-rich environment, how does private banking empower individuals to make confident financial decisions?

Daniel Sullivan: “Private banking is fundamentally about understanding each client’s unique situation and aspirations. With so much information available, it’s easy to feel uncertain about which advice is truly right for you. That’s why we invest in deeply understanding each client’s personal passion, helping them cut through complexity, and focusing on what matters. At CIBC, we support clients with both digital tools for convenience and direct access to experienced bankers for personalized guidance. Whether you’re considering a major purchase, funding a business, creating liquidity against an illiquid asset, or planning for the future, having a dedicated team that understands your financial profile makes all the difference in translating information into meaningful action.”

CFO BREW: Which private banking capabilities have stood the test of time, and which newer digital solutions are most valued by business owners and professionals today?

DS: “Personal relationships, deep expertise, and genuine listening are timeless hallmarks of private banking. Even as technology evolves, these remain core to our approach. What’s changed is the way we deliver our services. Business owners and professionals increasingly rely on digital platforms for seamless transactions, real-time account access, and secure communication. At CIBC, we’ve invested in tools that allow clients to manage their finances on their terms, without sacrificing the personal touch that’s always been our cornerstone. We value personal relationships and work with individuals and families with that same mindset. It’s this combination—trusted relationships and innovative digital solutions—that enables us to support clients as their needs and expectations evolve.”

Tech that powers relationships and expertise

Digital innovation is imperative to servicing a global client base, as it allows clients to bank wherever they are by having their financials at their fingertips.

And blending human expertise with this kind of digital innovation allows CIBC to advise their clients and enable them to complete their day-to-day banking activities anytime, anywhere.

CIBC’s recent investments in digital banking and the CIBC US Mobile Banking app have resulted in a digital experience that’s more intuitive, secure, and personalized than ever before. For example, clients benefit from clear navigation, advanced security protocols—including biometric authentication and real-time fraud alerts—and new features that enable seamless financial management from anywhere.

“At CIBC, we draw on the expertise and innovation of a global bank to deliver exceptional digital experiences for our US clients,” Sullivan said. “By leveraging proven technology and insights from across our enterprise, we’ve tailored our solutions for the US market—providing intuitive navigation, advanced security, and seamless financial management. Our global vision, combined with local expertise, truly sets us apart.”

CFO BREW: On innovating digital banking and delivering bespoke financial strategies: What specific, newer digital innovations are currently built to take clients further, whether they’re delivered by CIBC or overarchingly within private banking?

DS: “What excites me most about the current landscape is how digital innovation is fundamentally enhancing our clients’ banking experience. At CIBC, our US mobile app is built on the same award-winning technology as our Canadian platform, recognized as the top performer among Canada’s largest banks in Surviscor’s 2025 Consumer Mobile Banking Experience review. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering best-in-class digital solutions.

“But it’s not just about technology for technology’s sake. We’re focused on integrating these capabilities into our relationship-driven approach. Secure mobile banking, real-time account insights, and advanced digital tools for wealth management are designed to extend our personalized service, making it easier for clients to view and manage their finances with direct access to expert advice, customized and tailored for the individual whenever they need it.

“Looking ahead, AI is accelerating innovation in private banking. It will help us anticipate clients’ evolving needs—such as major purchases or life transitions—and proactively offer tailored guidance. AI may also equip our bankers with deeper insights, enabling more relevant advice and supporting the development of unique products that align with clients’ goals. By pairing digital platforms with AI, we’re enhancing the experience for both clients and bankers.”

CFO BREW: How does your team remain prepared for such out-of-the-box or deeply tailored financial scenarios?

DS: “Our team is built with experienced relationship advisors who bring diverse expertise from top financial institutions and CIBC itself. We create new possibilities by integrating deposit and lending solutions tailored to individual clients. Whether it’s everyday banking or complex financing, clients benefit from our broad capabilities and deep experience. Our goal is to customize solutions that fit each client’s unique financial profile, delivering integrated private banking, investment management, and wealth planning solutions to help clients achieve their financial ambitions.”

Finding your fit, from a banker’s POV

You should be able to bank on your ambition—literally. You have goals and private banking has solutions, but the question is, which provider is your fit?

It’s about finding a relationship-driven approach and depth of experience that suits your needs. As the prospective private banking client, ask yourself: Which capabilities make you feel most supported? Are you a big fan of a robust digital operation, or do you prefer more face-to-face interaction?

We asked Sullivan more about finding the right private banking fit and how CIBC understands today’s requirements and differentiators.

CFO BREW: When looking for a private banking solution, what sets one bank apart from another? More specifically, which lesser-considered factors should a business executive, for example, think about when making this personal decision?

DS: “The real differentiator is cultural fit—working with a team that understands your values and long-term goals. For executives, it’s about building relationships with advisors who truly understand your ambitions and looking beyond individual relationships to the depth and continuity of the team. At CIBC, we support clients through all market conditions, adapting to evolving needs and delivering the high level of service they expect. Our commitment to culture and service is what sets us apart.”

CFO BREW: As we look to the future of private banking, where do you see incoming innovation, and where do you personally cultivate that on a team-leader level?

DS: “I see tremendous innovation ahead, especially as we serve the next generation of clients beginning their wealth journeys. We prioritize listening and agility to ensure our solutions reflect evolving client needs.

“True innovation blends digital capabilities with authentic human connection. While technology enhances convenience and insight, it’s personal relationships that make advice impactful. As a leader, I encourage our team to support clients and their families today and into the future.

“I’m excited for the future. At CIBC, we’re committed to empowering clients to reach their ambitions, wherever life takes them. By investing in technology and keeping relationships at the core, we’re redefining private banking in the digital age.”

Fuel your evolving ambitions—both the ordinary and extraordinary—with the right financial partner. Learn more about how CIBC can help you do just that.