Modern banking found its roots during the Renaissance period casted by the European merchant banks. Their success was due in large part to their aggregation, absorption and deployment of information about borrowers, structures and markets. In the 21st century, banking again is being advanced due to insights developed by vast amounts of information and data, this time gathered and managed through new technologies and models, in quest of efficiency, improved risk management and improved portfolio performance. New entrants into the business of banking operate outside of existing regulatory structures, and may enjoy a level of competitive flexibility compared to existing commercial banks. Might this portend the end of the so-called modern commercial banking model, or might it serve as a strategic imperative for the banks to adapt to innovation?