Fifth Third Bank, one of the largest financial entities in the United States, is faced with the challenge of merging growth with security. As it expands from its Midwestern base into Southeastern and Western markets, it aims to maintain a robust security framework without compromising on compliance or employee safety across its 1,500-plus financial centres and approximately 80 high-density facilities.
Central to Fifth Third's security strategy is a 24/7 Security Operations Center, which serves as an internal emergency response hub. This facility is crucial in managing employee-reported security concerns with immediate live support, video, alarms, and coordination with law enforcement. "Our Security Operations Center is the 911 center for Fifth Third," stated Darrin Steinmann, Vice President at Fifth Third, emphasizing the centre's real-time response capabilities. Fifth Third Bank has standardised its video surveillance and management with March Networks' technology to support this growing security framework.
Partnerships with March Networks, dating back to 2004, have facilitated a progressive evolution of the bank's video infrastructure. Originally using 4000 Series recorders, Fifth Third has transitioned to the advanced X-Series platform across its branches and high-density locations. Currently, over 30,000 cameras and 1,100 recorders are managed centrally through a comprehensive platform that supports diverse surveillance needs, including specialised cameras for ATMs, teller zones, and external perimeters.
One of the key advancements in Fifth Third's security strategy is the installation of exterior cameras, now covering about 60% of its network. This initiative has enhanced the bank's ability to track incidents from interior to exterior locations, aiding in suspect identification and coordination with law enforcement. "Our exterior cameras have changed the game," said Jason Walter, Senior Security Strategy Manager at Fifth Third, highlighting improved apprehension rates and operational efficiency.
Fifth Third's commitment extends beyond immediate security concerns within its branches. The detailed video coverage assists law enforcement with investigations related to incidents on or near bank premises, reinforcing the bank's role as a responsible community partner. This approach has fostered safer environments and quicker resolutions to various incidents, supporting Fifth Third’s image as a cooperative entity in the community.
Continuing its technological innovation, Fifth Third Bank is in the midst of upgrading from its legacy systems to March Networks X-Series recorders. This strategic transition preserves the use of existing analogue systems while preparing for future IP and cloud adaptations. The latest advancements allow central management via the March Networks Command platform, enabling seamless updates and health monitoring without disrupting operations.
A unique challenge in certain climates has been addressed through advanced video analytics. Issues like ATM vestibule loitering can affect safety and customer experiences. The Operations Center's analysts utilise these analytics to mitigate such challenges effectively, ensuring compliance and response escalation when necessary.
The collaboration between Fifth Third and March Networks is portrayed as a longstanding relationship deeply rooted in mutual trust and innovation. As Fifth Third explores emerging technologies and continues its expansion, compliance and security remain at the forefront of every strategic decision. "I have worked with March Networks for over two decades," Steinmann reflected, signalling the importance of consistent support and adaptability in evolving security landscapes. This enduring partnership not only ensures a secure banking environment but also robustly backs Fifth Third's progressive growth trajectory.
The challenge: Fifth Third Bank is one of America’s largest and fastest-growing financial institutions, with more than 1,500 financial centres and approximately 80 high-rise, high-density facilities across the United States. Referred to internally as financial centres, these branches serve as the primary touchpoint for customers and communities. As the bank expands beyond its Midwestern roots into the Southeast and Western markets, its security operations must scale without sacrificing reliability, compliance, or employee safety.
“When we think about the branch of the future, we think about choices,” said Thomas Neltner, Director of Enterprise Workplace Services and Chief Security Officer at Fifth Third Bank. “March Networks gives us a strong foundation that lets us evolve at the right pace while maintaining the security and governance a bank requires.” That foundation is put to the test every day inside Fifth Third’s 24/7 Security Operations Center.
Security concerns arise
The solution: At the heart of Fifth Third’s security strategy is a centralised Security Operations Center that operates around the clock. It functions as the bank’s internal emergency response center, giving employees a direct line to live support when safety or security concerns arise.
“Our Security Operations Center is the 911 center for Fifth Third,” said Darrin Steinmann, Vice President and Director of Corporate Security Investigations, Security Operations, and Security Strategy. “When employees call with a concern, we respond in real time with video, alarms, and coordination with law enforcement.” To support this mission across a rapidly expanding footprint, Fifth Third standardised on March Networks video surveillance and enterprise management software.
Multi- sensor cameras
Fifth Third has partnered with March Networks since 2004. Over more than two decades, its video infrastructure has evolved through multiple generations of technology, from early 4000 Series recorders to the 8000 Series and now the X-Series platform. This long-term approach has delivered continuity, stability, and a clear path for modernisation at scale.
Today, March Networks supports more than 1,500 financial centers and 80 high-rise and high-density locations. The deployment includes more than 30,000 cameras and over 1,100 recorders, all centrally managed through a single platform. The camera environment is purpose-built for banking. It includes EL20 multi- sensor cameras for broad coverage, 360-degree cameras to eliminate blind spots, dome cameras for teller and lobby areas, and dedicated ATM cameras designed to capture clear facial images.
“When you are responsible for security across this many locations, you need technology you do not have to worry about,” said Jason Walter, Senior Security Strategy Manager at Fifth Third Bank. “March Networks gives us that confidence.”
Sharing critical information
One of Fifth Third’s most impactful initiatives has been the rollout of exterior cameras across its branch network. Now approximately 60 percent complete, the program delivers full perimeter visibility around financial centres.
That visibility has changed how the bank responds when incidents move beyond the branch interior. Teams can track suspects, identify vehicles, and share critical information with law enforcement in real time. “Our exterior cameras have changed the game,” Walter said. “They help protect our people, support law enforcement, and have driven apprehension rates above 80 percent.”
Faster arrests also improve cash recovery and reduce long-term financial impact. Beyond investigations, exterior cameras support day-to-day operations. Property management teams use video to assess storm damage, snow removal, vandalism, and hurricane impacts without sending staff into unsafe conditions. Legal, retail, and fraud teams rely on video to verify incidents and resolve claims more efficiently.
Law enforcement investigations
Security at Fifth Third extends beyond the branch itself. Exterior coverage has strengthened the bank’s role as a community partner, providing video that supports law enforcement investigations for incidents occurring on or near bank property. From pedestrian accidents to crimes in adjacent areas, Fifth Third regularly assists local agencies through lawful video requests.
The result is faster resolution, safer neighbourhoods, and a visible commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen in every market Fifth Third serves. Fifth Third’s technology strategy balances innovation with fiscal responsibility. The bank is midway through a multi-year upgrade from legacy 8000 Series DVRs to March Networks X-Series recorders. This phased approach extends the life of existing analogue cameras while preparing the environment for future IP, hybrid, and cloud adoption.
Health monitoring solution
“The on-prem foundation gives us the control and cybersecurity confidence we need,” Walter said. “That puts us in a strong position to move toward hybrid and cloud solutions on our terms.”
All locations are centrally managed through the March Networks Command platform. Security and IT teams can deploy firmware updates, apply patches, and monitor system health across the entire network without closing branches or disrupting operations. March Networks’ health monitoring solution also reduces unnecessary site visits by identifying issues remotely, helping lower operational costs and keep teams focused on higher-value work.
Customer experience challenges
Advanced use cases continue to emerge. In colder climates, for example, ATM vestibule loitering can create safety and customer experience challenges. Video analytics alert the Security Operations Center when someone remains in a vestibule without conducting a transaction. Analysts can verify the situation with live video, use two-way audio to request compliance, and escalate to law enforcement when necessary.
“When an employee is dealing with a critical incident, having someone live on the phone, watching the video, makes a real difference,” Steinmann said. “That support matters in high-stress moments.”
Safer banking environment
The result: The relationship between Fifth Third and March Networks spans decades and is rooted in trust, accessibility, and collaboration.
“I have worked with March Networks for over two decades,” Steinmann said. “They are not just a vendor. They are an extension of the Fifth Third family, and that level of access, support, and responsiveness matters.”
As Fifth Third continues to evaluate AI, analytics, and cloud technologies, governance and compliance remain central to every decision. A strong on- premise foundation gives the bank flexibility to adopt hybrid and cloud solutions, including platforms like Searchlight Cloud, which links video with teller and ATM transactions for more intelligence, while meeting the cybersecurity requirements of a large financial institution. The result is a safer banking environment, stronger partnerships with law enforcement, and a scalable security strategy that supports Fifth Third’s continued growth.
