Introduction

As Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Jay Leal leads our Technology Services team at Vantage Bank. He guides strategy, execution, and day-to-day operations across hardware, software, and infrastructure, both on‑premises and in the cloud. Jay also drives our fintech partnerships to power embedded banking and banking‑as‑a‑service, helping businesses integrate deposit accounts, cards, Fed payments, and cross‑border payments directly into their platforms through solutions like Vantage Collabs. Jay brings 30 years of technology and banking experience and has served at Vantage for about two decades. He’s known for connecting smart strategy with practical delivery, ensuring our systems are resilient, secure, and ready to scale. His work centers on creating seamless, modern banking experiences that help our customers move faster and operate with confidence. A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Journalism in Public Relations, Jay blends clear communication with technical depth. He’s been active in our communities and industry groups, including leadership roles with McAllen South Rotary Club, InfraGard Rio Grande Valley, Texas Exes, Leadership McAllen, and the Texas Bankers Association’s Technology Committee and Future of Banking Taskforce. At home, Jay enjoys photography, live music, Longhorn football, and BBQ. He and his wife, Kristina, are proud parents to their son, Luke.