Wolters Kluwers exec: Tech must be purpose built

Those types of technology include “the creation of digital assets in all lending areas including mortgage,” Meirink noted. The division also developed SaaS tech applications that enable community banks and other community bank lenders to touch close to 10 million-plus US jobs through the Paycheck Protection Program the US federal government enacted during the coronavirus pandemic.

“They use our technology and software to help facilitate that process in a safe and compliant manner,” Meirink noted.

Community connections

Meirink views his job, in part, as making sure his team members know the work they’re doing and the applications they’re building impact the broader economy and local community. While the division has a CTO, Meirink stays closely involved with major tech initiatives, such as the SaaS application launched to support lending with the Paycheck Protection Program in 2020.

“I was on three calls a day as we were taking the product to market and we did 14 product releases in seven days, to ensure that our customers were ready to meet the needs of small businesses and their communities,” Meirink said. “There was a lot of urgency. There are moments like that, to really zoom in and be part of the product management team to bring something to market in my role with the organization.”