Cornerstone Advisors was formed by some of the financial industry's most respected strategy and technology consultants. Our goal is to continue building an advisory firm that is legendary for the value we bring to financial services clients. The Cornerstone team defines success by how well we can improve the strategies, technologies and operations of our clients - and how well this translates into improved financial performance.

Cornerstone professionals have worked with hundreds of financial organizations over the past decade, including nationally and internationally recognized institutions. We have advised large regional banks, community banks, start-ups, insurance companies, credit unions and finance companies.

Cornerstone applies a unique best-practices approach in our consulting services. Here are a few of the features that set us apart:

• Proven Best Practices

The demands of running a business on a day-to-day basis make it practically impossible for financial services professionals to stay apprised of emerging competitive leaders, keep abreast of industry best practices, and know which technologies can provide the functionality to scale their organizations for future growth.

To provide our clients with reliable peer comparisons, Cornerstone maintains a database of detailed information on the technology, performance, and spending practices of mid-size banks, and we utilize this information to generate benchmark assessment for our clients.

Cornerstone publishes The Cornerstone Report: Benchmarks and Best Practices for Mid-Size Banks, an in-depth exploration of best practices and technology trends for banks with assets of $1 billion - $30 billion, and The Cornerstone Report: Benchmarks and Best Practices for Credit Unions, a similar peer information analysis for credit unions with $350 million or more in assets. These studies represent some of the most specific, reliable peer information created for these industry segments.

• Proven Project Management Process

Financial institutions can rapidly become overwhelmed by stakeholder requests for new projects that can quickly lead to budget overruns and increased project failures. The Cornerstone team has developed a unique Project Management Methodology designed to help our clients establish a formal process for project identification, analysis, cost justification, approval, and implementation.

In addition, we provide training in this methodology so that Project Management can become a key professional discipline within our clients' institutions.

• Proven Communication Plan

Cornerstone Advisors recognizes the importance of timely communication and an open exchange of ideas and information. Through scheduled conference calls, frequent status reports and in-depth deliverables and presentations, Cornerstone keeps our clients up-to-date on the details, progress, and outcome of their engagements.

Serving as a trusted advisor and outside set of eyes, it is Cornerstone's goal to keep your organization on top of the financial landscape - quickly and cost-effectively.

• Proven Quality Assurance

The Cornerstone team provides a unique approach to solving business problems because we spend our time face-to-face with clients, tackling new issues, and jointly pursuing new opportunities and lines of business. Our overriding focus on adding value has allowed us to build long-term, meaningful relationships with our client base, and we believe our reputation in the industry speaks for itself.

Cornerstone Advisors, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, extends professional services to clients across the nation.