CCG Catalyst's Paul Schaus Named a 2026 Top Consultant by Consulting Magazine

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CCG Catalyst Consulting today announced that Managing Partner and CEO Paul Schaus has been named a 2026 Top Consultant by Consulting Magazine, one of the profession's most prestigious individual honors. Schaus was recognized for his deep financial services domain expertise and a career dedicated to delivering differentiated outcomes for banks, credit unions, and fintechs.

Since 2000, Consulting Magazine's Top Consultants program has identified the most influential practitioners in the consulting profession, distinguishing those whose work produces measurable client impact, advances firm capabilities, and shapes the broader industry. Selections are made through a rigorous editorial judging process that demands quantifiable results, documented outcomes, and demonstrated expertise. Out of hundreds of nominations submitted nationally, only a small percentage are named honorees each year.

Schaus brings more than 30 years of experience as a banker, management consultant, and strategist, including more than 20 years in bank executive management and 15 years in consulting. Under his leadership, CCG Catalyst has advised more than 600 clients across the United States, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia on business planning, core modernization, payments, digital transformation, mergers and acquisitions, and technology selection. The firm is widely recognized as a thought leader in AI in banking, digital transformation, and core modernization, and has managed complex core system conversions for institutions ranging from community banks to regional and global banks.

Among his work, Schaus led a core banking assessment and vendor evaluation for a USD 5B+ universal bank modernizing a capital-markets-centric core, directed a mid-tier US regional bank through a future-state architecture blueprint and phased modernization roadmap, and personally guided more than 35 de novo bank launches, including two he started and managed through to strategic acquisition. He has also negotiated hundreds of technology and services contracts, saving clients millions in pricing and service-level terms.

Schaus also founded the Bankers Fintech Council, a collaborative platform developed in partnership with CCG Catalyst and the Arizona Bankers Association that connects traditional financial institutions with fintech innovators. The Council convenes community, regional, and money-center banks alongside representatives from the US Department of Commerce, international trade delegations, state governments, and Arizona State University to address regulatory compliance, technology integration, and competitive strategy.

This recognition follows Schaus's selection as one of The Consulting Report's Top 25 Financial Services Consultants and Leaders in 2025 and adds to CCG Catalyst's firm-level recognition as a Fastest Growing Firm by Consulting Magazine. He also serves as a judge for the Fintech Futures Banking Tech Awards, Banking Tech Awards USA, and Paytech Awards.

"I’m honored to be named a 2026 Top Consultant by Consulting Magazine," said Schaus. "This recognition reflects the work we do every day at CCG Catalyst — helping financial institutions navigate an increasingly complex landscape with clarity and conviction. Thank you to my clients and colleagues who make this work meaningful."

Schaus and fellow honorees will be celebrated at the Top Consultants awards gala on June 25, 2026, at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.

About CCG Catalyst Consulting

CCG Catalyst Consulting is a leading management consulting firm for the financial services industry with a focus on Banking, FinTech and Credit Unions. CCG Catalyst advises clients on business strategy related to operations excellence and products including lending and retail, mergers and acquisitions, digital transformation and strategy, technology, and advanced analytics. The firm develops practical insights catered to individual client needs that mobilize their business and drive tangible results. Its continued accelerated and notable growth since its inception in 1998 has been recognized by Consulting Magazine as one of the nation’s fastest growing firms and by BankNews who awarded them the 2017 and 2018 Innovation Award for its Catalyst 4D™ methodology. CCG Catalyst has deep expertise and an extensive client roster that spans the financial services industry. For more information visit: www.ccg-catalyst.com. Follow us on X @CCGCatalyst and connect on LinkedIn.