Blue Ridge Bank names Fed employee Muetzel as fintech president
Kirsten Muetzel has been named president of Blue Ridge Bank’s Fintech division. Mrs. Muetzel is responsible for overseeing the Fintech division, managing a portfolio of partners, strengthening regulatory compliance, and working to advance Blue Ridge’s fintech strategy as a lead partner for Banking as a Service partners.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kirsten to our team,” said Brian K. Plum, CEO of Blue Ridge Bank, NA. fintech industry knowledge and business acumen. Her knowledge base has grown from a banking regulator working with banks in the fintech space, to being a leader in a fintech, to advising banks increasing their efforts in the area. Kirsten will be instrumental as we continue to build the necessary infrastructure to support current partnerships while preparing the foundation to build future success.”
“I am excited to join the tech-forward team at Blue Ridge Bank and help shape the future of community banking. There are still significant opportunities for banks to develop relationships with fintech firms and create new revenue streams while improving products and services to existing customers.” Kirsten Muetzel said: “Community banks are uniquely positioned to positively impact their local markets while also reaching new markets through these partnership activities. Many of these fintech events are focused on improving access to financial services, which can make a real difference to someone’s day-to-day life, thereby inspiring me.”
Muetzel has over a decade of experience working with the Federal Reserve System, including overseeing banks involved in BaaS and related partnerships. Additional experience includes being Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer for fintech companies. Prior to working with the Federal Reserve, Ms. Muetzel at Goldman Sachs and Arthur Andersen. She holds a BSBA degree in accounting from the University of Arizona, an MBA from Columbia Business School and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University. Mrs. Muetzel has maintained an active role in volunteer work with a variety of organizations throughout his career.
