Published: September 1, 2026
The challenge
Fifth Third Bank is one of America’s largest and fastest-growing financial institutions, with more than 1,500 financial centers and approximately 80 high-rise, high-density facilities across the United States. Referred to internally as financial centers, 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.
The solution
A 24/7 mission-critical operation
At the heart of Fifth Third’s security strategy is a centralized 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 standardized on March Networks video surveillance and enterprise management software.
Built on a long-term technology foundation
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 modernization 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.”
Exterior visibility that changes outcomes
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 centers.
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.
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 neighborhoods, and a visible commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen in every market Fifth Third serves.
Modernization without disruption
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 analog cameras while preparing the environment for future IP, hybrid, and cloud adoption.
“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.
Video beyond traditional security
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.”
The result
A trusted partnership, built for what’s next
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.
