Cornerstone Advisors Acquires Next Step, Inc.

A new partnership means enhanced advisory services and growth opportunities for both firms.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — Cornerstone Advisors, a leading authority on driving revenue and profitability improvements for mid-size financial institutions and fintech firms, announced today that it has acquired Orlando, Florida-based Next Step, Inc., a professional services team providing technology consulting services to banks and credit unions.

Executives from the two companies jointly affirmed that the acquisition will accelerate the strategic expansion of the combined firms, enhance professional growth opportunities for all employees, and add depth to both organizations’ shared vision of helping banks and credit unions deliver competitive services to their customers.

“Both of our firms are motivated by a nationwide reputation for superior client service,” said Cornerstone Chief Executive Officer Scott Sommer, “and adding Next Step’s complementary experience in core banking systems, implementations and contract negotiations to Cornerstone’s existing service offerings creates a combined firm with an unmatched level of service that will help our customers remain prosperous.”

“This partnership is a positive and exciting development for Next Step that will enable us, as part of the Cornerstone team, to continue in our passion for improving the strategies, technologies, and operations of our clients,” said Next Step Founder Peter Jeye. “I am confident that Next Step’s clients, employees, and contractors will benefit greatly from this expansion to our portfolio of services.”

About Cornerstone Advisors

Cornerstone Advisors, a management and technology consulting firm, shows banks, credit unions, and fintech's how to reach the next level of performance through smarter technology decisions, reengineered critical processes, and meaningful business strategies.

About Next Step

Next Step provides complete core, digital banking, and essential ancillary system selection, contract negotiations, conversion management, and process improvement services for growing financial institutions. The company helps customer-focused banks and credit unions select not only the right system but also achieve the best vendor agreement, an outstanding conversion, immediate positive customer impact, and the greatest efficiency from the new technology.

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