Javelin Strategy & Research Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in 1998, Javelin Strategy & Research is a research-based advisory firm specializing in the digital financial ecosystem. The company provides strategic insights to financial institutions, payments companies, technology providers, fintechs, and government agencies. Javelin's mission is to help clients make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving digital financial landscape. The firm's independent insights result from a rigorous research process that assesses consumers, businesses, providers, and the transactions ecosystem.

Acquisition by Escalent

In December 2019, Javelin was acquired by Escalent, a top human behavior and data analytics firm. This acquisition expanded Escalent’s presence in retail and small business banking, complementing its market-leading financial services expertise. Javelin continues to operate under its established name, maintaining its commitment to delivering independent and rigorous research.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives and Specializations

Javelin focuses on providing actionable insights in several key areas:

Digital Banking: Analyzing trends and technologies shaping mobile and online banking experiences.

Payments: Examining consumer transaction behaviors, payment technologies, and strategic developments.

Fraud & Security: Monitoring and mitigating security threats to protect customer accounts and identities.

Wealth Management: Aligning technology investments with strategic goals and investor preferences.

These specializations enable Javelin to assist clients in navigating the intersection of business strategy and technology across various financial services sectors.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Javelin Strategy & Research was acquired by Escalent on December 30, 2019. Prior to this acquisition, Javelin operated as an independent entity. Specific details regarding funding rounds and investors prior to the acquisition are not publicly disclosed.

Pipeline Development

Research and Publications

Javelin regularly publishes comprehensive research reports, scorecards, and white papers that address current and emerging trends in the financial services industry. Recent publications include:

2024 Cyber Trust in Banking Scorecard: Released in September 2024, this report highlights privacy as a key driver in establishing and maintaining cyber trust.

2024 General-Purpose Reloadable Card Program Scorecard: Published in August 2024, offering a consumer-based analysis of the competitive reloadable open-loop card market.

2024 Authentication and Identity-Proofing Vendor Solutions Scorecard: Released in February 2024, evaluating vendor solutions in authentication and identity-proofing.

These publications provide clients with data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies and Methodologies

Javelin employs a rigorous research process that combines deep digital channel evaluations with consumer experience feedback. This methodology uncovers strategic gaps and opportunities, evaluates the performance of clients' digital investments, and recommends areas for further investment. The firm's approach is characterized by:

Rich and Extensive Experience: Analysts with deep expertise in their subject areas.

Independent Perspective: Unbiased insights based on proprietary survey data.

Forward-Looking Thought Leadership: Guidance that anticipates future industry trends to inform strategic decision-making.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Jacob Jegher: President of Javelin Strategy & Research. With extensive experience in digital banking, fraud & security, and payments, Jegher leads the firm's strategic direction and research initiatives.

Mark Schwanhausser: Director of Digital Banking. Specializing in mobile and online banking, Schwanhausser provides insights into retail banking trends and technologies.

William Trout: Head of Digital Wealth Practice. Appointed in December 2020, Trout brings nearly 20 years of financial services experience, focusing on digital advice delivery, platform automation, AI development, and portfolio management.

Leadership Changes

Recent Appointments

William Trout: Joined as Head of Digital Wealth Practice in December 2020, enhancing Javelin's capabilities in wealth management research and advisory services.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The financial services advisory market is characterized by rapid technological advancements and evolving consumer behaviors. Key trends include the increasing adoption of digital banking solutions, the rise of fintech innovations, and heightened focus on cybersecurity measures. The market is competitive, with firms striving to provide actionable insights that help clients navigate these changes.

Competitor Analysis

Javelin Strategy & Research faces competition from several firms offering similar advisory services:

Mercator Advisory Group: Specializes in payments industry research and advisory services, focusing on credit, debit, prepaid, and emerging technologies.

Celent: Provides technology research and advisory services to financial institutions, with expertise in banking, insurance, and securities.

Edgar, Dunn & Company: Offers consulting services in payments and financial services, focusing on strategy development and market analysis.

These competitors, along with others like Forrester and TABB Group, contribute to a dynamic and competitive landscape in financial services advisory.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Acquisition of Mercator Advisory Group

In March 2022, Javelin Strategy & Research expanded its capabilities by acquiring Mercator Advisory Group. This acquisition enhanced Javelin's expertise in payments industry research and advisory services, allowing the firm to offer more comprehensive insights to its clients.

Operational Insights

Competitive Advantages

Javelin's distinct competitive advantages include:

Independent and Rigorous Research: Providing unbiased insights based on proprietary data.

Comprehensive Coverage: Addressing a wide range of topics within the digital financial ecosystem.

Experienced Leadership: Led by industry experts with deep domain knowledge.

These factors position Javelin as a trusted advisor in the financial services industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Future Roadmap

Javelin Strategy & Research aims to:

Expand Research Offerings: Continuously develop new reports and scorecards to address emerging trends.

Enhance Digital Wealth Capabilities: Leverage the expertise of the Digital Wealth Practice to provide deeper insights into wealth management.

Strengthen Industry Collaborations: Pursue strategic partnerships and acquisitions to broaden service offerings and market reach.

By building on its current strengths, Javelin is well-positioned to navigate the evolving financial services landscape and deliver value to its clients.