BID® Daily Newsletter Archives

November 2024

The ROI of educating key talent far outweighs the cost to replace them. We discuss turnover trends and how banking education options can set you up for long-term success.
The FDIC is proposing a rule that would change the definition of “deposit broker” and expand the types of exceptions allowed. We outline how the proposed rule could significantly impact banking operations.
As regulatory requirements increase, regtech can help you stay compliant while also lowering costs and increasing efficiency. We discuss possible use cases.
The ABA’s Economic Advisory Committee projects a slowdown in the US economy, but the threat of a recession remains, due to labor market and consumer credit quality concerns. We provide details.
As European financial institutions prepare to adhere to the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act, CFIs may find value in using these rules and regulations to help shape cybersecurity initiatives.
Technology continues to be a strategic priority for many CFIs; however, it is not without its challenges. We summarize some of the key themes highlighted in Bank Director’s 2024 Technology Survey and consider what they mean for CFIs.
CFIs have a unique opportunity to diversify their portfolios and manage risk by participating in shared national credits, also known as syndicated loans. Learn about the key advantages CFIs can gain.
Sales data suggests a gap between buyer and seller price expectations in M&A. CFIs can maximize value by finding strategic business combinations that leverage both sides’ strengths and minimize weaknesses.
APIs are a standard part of every CFI’s technical tool kit. They’re also a potential opening for cyberthieves. API security measures can help keep CFI data safe.

October 2024

10/31/2024 - A Closer Look at SMB Loan Fraud
SMB lending fraud is on the rise. We discuss recent survey results on trends and provide steps CFIs can take to help keep this type of fraud in check.
10/30/2024 - Cross-Border Payments: Opportunities for CFIs
Despite rapid growth in cross-border payments, there are still challenges in areas such as currency conversion, fees, security, and settlement delays. We detail possible solutions.
10/29/2024 - The Importance of Bluetooth Security
As Bluetooth usage becomes more prevalent and scammers increasingly use it as a way to hack people’s devices, CFIs should pay closer attention to related security measures.
10/28/2024 - Inherit Client Relationships from Aging Baby Boomers
As baby boomers age, they will pass their assets to their heirs. CFIs want to inherit those professional relationships. We discuss best practices for nurturing relationships with the next generation.
10/24/2024 - Charge-Offs Are Rising: What CFIs Should Watch Out For
While asset quality is strong, rising charge-offs in CRE and credit cards suggest it’s time for CFIs to revisit risk management strategies. We discuss the trend and responses to consider.
10/23/2024 - How Has CECL Adoption Affected Credit Loss Allowance Levels?
The impact of CECL has been different for small and large CFIs, reflecting the differences in portfolio composition and pre-existing accounting practices between these institutions. We discuss contributing factors.
10/22/2024 - Your Board Needs a Tech Committee — Here’s Why
Board technology committees can help businesses take a proactive approach to technology, helping them more quickly identify and implement technological advancements. We detail best practices for board technology committees.
10/21/2024 - CSBS Survey Highlights Top Risks and Challenges
The 2024 CSBS Annual Survey of Community Banks reports regulatory burdens, cost of funds, and cybersecurity as the top challenges facing community bankers. We highlight the survey’s key findings.
10/17/2024 - Safeguard Customers From Check Washing
CFIs can help protect customers from check washing scams by offering practical tips and encouraging safer payment options. We detail how.
10/16/2024 - Crypto Fraud Is Growing Rapidly
While the number of fraud complaints related to cryptocurrency schemes is still small compared to all complaints, the dollar losses have skyrocketed, eclipsing all other types of financial fraud losses.
10/15/2024 - Are Small Business Deposits Back on the Rise?
BAI recently hosted a webinar featuring insights on current trends and projections for small business deposit growth. We look at some of the key information from the webinar.
10/10/2024 - Why CFIs Don’t Hedge (and Why They Should)
Hedging can alleviate interest rate risk, but many financial institutions have qualms about using it. We explain common concerns bankers may have and discuss the benefits of dipping a toe in anyway.
10/09/2024 - 2025 Strategic Planning Priorities: A Q&A with PCBB’s CEO
We talk with PCBB CEO Curt Hecker to get his take on strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond. We discuss fintech partnerships, risk management, leadership qualities, and more.
10/08/2024 - Leaves of Change: Navigating Economic Market Trends
Just as leaves turn colors each fall, the economy is changing, too. We highlight key indicators such as rate cuts and spending trends to understand what this fall has in store.
10/07/2024 - Jingles Aren’t Just for Cereal Brands and Fast Food
A well-crafted jingle embeds itself in the memory of potential and existing customers, creating an emotional connection. We discuss how to create a jingle and how to use it.
10/03/2024 - Writing a Recipe for Success with Embedded Finance
Embedded finance is gaining traction among retailers and merchants, providing potential new revenue sources for CFIs. We discuss the opportunities and risks of getting into the embedded finance market.
10/02/2024 - Branches Still Rule When It Comes to SMBs
Small business owners may be warming to digital banking, but for the foreseeable future, they still want branches and a banker they can trust.
10/01/2024 - The Advantages of Using AI Behind the Curtain
The back office isn’t the sexiest place a CFI can use AI, but it might be the spot that makes the biggest impact. We explore which back-office tasks can benefit from using AI.

September 2024

09/30/2024 - The Rise of Credit Union-Bank Acquisitions
A growing number of credit unions are acquiring banks, expanding beyond traditional mergers with other credit unions. Industry analysts decode why banks are appealing acquisition targets for credit unions.
09/26/2024 - Seven Standards to Shape Your Customer Experience
A new set of global standards has been developed to help organizations better measure customer experience and identify areas for improvement.
09/25/2024 - Facial and Palm Recognition Tech Enhances Biometric Payments
Ongoing advancements in biometrics have added convenience and additional security for consumers and retailers alike. As demand for biometric payment options increases, it gives CFIs another opportunity to provide additional services for business customers.
09/24/2024 - Are Deposit Costs Finally Easing?
After the first interest-rate cut in over a year, we look at the outlook for deposit costs and offer five strategies for CFIs to maximize the opportunities in this uncertain environment.
09/23/2024 - Preparing for the Shift to Mobile IDs
Mobile driver’s licenses are quickly picking up speed, offering many benefits such as ease of use and new online security measures. But they are not without their challenges.
09/19/2024 - Enhancing Security of Your Branches
CFIs are making ground protecting themselves and customers against digital threats, but they also face physical security issues. Here’s what CFIs should do to assess and improve their physical safety.
09/18/2024 - Guest Article: AI Expert Talks Barriers to Adoption
We invited Kendra Ramirez, CEO of KR Digital Agency and an AI strategy leader, to address common employee qualms regarding AI and how to create a robust AI policy.
09/17/2024 - Untapped Customer Potential in a Growing Education Sector
The US education sector is expected to grow steadily by 2028. We look at opportunities for CFIs to target this sector and provide examples from CFIs already serving this market.
09/16/2024 - The Promise and Challenges of Central Bank Digital Currencies
Central banks are working to make CBDCs and stablecoins a reality. From access to transparency and security measures to technology issues, we review the benefits and the challenges that CBDCs pose.
09/12/2024 - What Do Small Businesses Really Want From Their FI?
BAI surveyed 600 small business owners to find out their banking preferences and what they want most from their financial institutions. Take these insights to heart to attract and retain more of them.
09/11/2024 - 5 Tips To Improve Your Digital Lending Efforts
Driven by digitalization, the lending landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. We summarize the Digital Banking Report 2024 on the state of digital lending and explore strategies to bolster it.
09/10/2024 - Why You Should Keep Offering Checks Amid Retailer Bans
Target is the sixth major retailer to ban checks, due to low usage, high processing costs, and fraud. However, check usage remains a force within certain pockets of the economy.
09/09/2024 - The Force-Multiplier Effect of Rate Cuts on Housing
If interest-rate cuts begin this fall, experts predict an uptick in home sales and refinancing, which should create a butterfly effect within the economy as homeowners prepare their new homes. We discuss the potential trend and impact on CFIs.
09/05/2024 - P2P Payment Fraud Is on the Rise: How To Combat It
P2P payments have become increasingly popular, but their most convenient attributes also make them ripe targets for fraud. We discuss tips CFIs can provide customers to avoid becoming victims.
09/04/2024 - Survey: Credit Risk Leaders Plan Rapid AI Adoption
A survey of senior credit risk executives revealed generative AI will impact 80% of credit risk assessments within two years. We discuss how generative AI can help CFIs manage credit risk.
09/03/2024 - The Impact of Uninsured and Novel Bank Charters
Certain states allow uninsured banks to have charters and sometimes access to a Fed master account. We discuss what this might mean for the financial industry and CFIs.

August 2024

08/29/2024 - This Cross-Selling Strategy Can Enhance Effectiveness
Cross-selling isn’t a new tactic, but as competition from non-banks grows, it has become increasingly important. Thoughtfully approaching the way your organization uses cross-selling tactics can boost both revenue and customer satisfaction.
08/28/2024 - Sap to Syrup: Refining Data into Actionable Insights
The ever-increasing amount of data CFIs collect offers huge opportunities — along with sizable challenges. We look at how institutions can efficiently utilize this information to make smart business decisions and achieve positive results for all stakeholders.
08/27/2024 - Top Lenders Get It: Small Businesses Want Advice
Top CFI lenders actively help their small business customers and borrowers navigate headwinds. We explore successful lending strategies from several CFIs and highlight the importance of giving business customers advice.
08/26/2024 - Why the Banking Industry Is Investing in Private Credit
As traditional lenders scale back lending to small- and medium-sized businesses, private credit is facing a boon of activity. We discuss why some large banks are investing in private credit.
08/22/2024 - Banking Differences Across Generations: A Quick Guide
There is more to generational differences than birth years. Being aware of the shared preferences among specific demographic groups can help CFIs’ efforts to tailor product offerings and marketing efforts to these individuals more effectively.
08/21/2024 - Rising CRE Risks Loom Within the Banking Industry
Risk within CRE lending portfolios may be higher than the banking industry realizes. We discuss rising sources of risk and how stress testing can help CFIs proactively identify trouble spots.
08/20/2024 - Need Capital? Try Selling Your Branches and Leasing Them Back.
Some CFIs are generating capital by selling branches and leasing them back from the buyers. What pluses and minuses does this strategy involve, and how should CFIs that are interested proceed?
08/19/2024 - Are Your DEI Efforts Half-Baked?
If you’re putting energy into DEI projects, it’s important to know if your efforts are creating results. Here’s what you should measure and how.
08/15/2024 - Take Your Strategic Planning to the Next Level
There’s more to strategic planning than setting goals. We discuss what separates the most effective strategic plans from the rest and provide tips on how to make progress year-round.
08/14/2024 - Having Misgivings About the Cloud? So Are Your Peers.
Cloud computing is ubiquitous, but it comes with drawbacks. We discuss why some companies have begun to repatriate some of their operations and storage from the cloud to onsite facilities.
08/13/2024 - Banking on the Rise of Voice Technology
Voice banking, boosted by developments in AI is gaining traction. We discuss the benefits of voice banking and where improvements are needed to increase value for banking customers.
08/12/2024 - AI Could Be Eating Up All Your Electricity
Financial institutions are leveraging AI to gain powerful insights, but it requires enormous electrical power. Some are finding ways to reduce energy consumption as costs increase and stakeholders demand sustainability.
08/08/2024 - How To Stop Criminals from Hitting the Jackpot at Your ATM
ATM crime is on the rise, and many thieves now empty an ATM of cash using malware, a method called “jackpotting.” Here’s how to help keep your CFI’s machines safe.
08/07/2024 - Six Fintech Trends You Can’t Afford To Ignore
The rise of new technologies and the rapid adoption of everything digital solidifies fintechs’ roles in financial services. We highlight six fintech trends and suggest how CFIs can capitalize on them.
08/06/2024 - Survey: Bankers Anticipate Growth on the Horizon
Most bankers expect their institutions to grow in the coming year. Big banks are more optimistic than small ones, but a positive outlook appears throughout the industry, according to a new survey.
08/05/2024 - Tips for Enhancing Your Enterprise Risk Management Framework
Discover how Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) can transform your CFI by holistically addressing risks and uncovering opportunities. Learn essential ERM framework components, risk assessment tips, and strategies for effective implementation.
08/01/2024 - The SBA’s New Working Capital Pilot Program Launches Today
Small businesses are struggling to access capital, despite strong demand. The SBA just launched the Working Capital Pilot Program, in the hopes of bridging the gap.

July 2024

07/31/2024 - Identity and Access Management: A Gate Against Internal Threats
Not all cyber threats are external. That’s why it’s imperative to periodically review which employees have access to which systems. We detail best practices of identity and access management.
07/30/2024 - What Changes to the Regulated Interchange Cap Could Mean
The Federal Reserve has proposed shrinking the regulated interchange cap for debit cards, but banking associations and merchants oppose the change. We summarize each side’s response.
07/29/2024 - AI Boosts Payments Insights & Efficiency
Generative AI transforms payments by enhancing customer service with smart chatbots and supporting staff with efficient tools. Discover how AI-powered solutions improve insights, spending checks, and internal operations.
07/25/2024 - Will the Fed Expand Operating Hours of Fedwire and NSS?
The Federal Reserve is considering keeping its Fedwire® Funds Service (Fedwire) and the National Settlement Service (NSS) running seven days a week, including holidays. We detail the potential benefits and costs.
07/24/2024 - Can the Thriving Life Sciences Sector Help Your CRE Portfolio?
As concerns about the CRE market continue, many CFIs are reevaluating their CRE lending portfolios. Could lending to CRE clients in the life sciences market be a rewarding niche opportunity?
07/23/2024 - The Blue Screen of Death and Business Continuity
Recent infrastructure failures emphasize the need for robust business resumption plans in banking. We look at eleven practical tips for enhancing business continuity and disaster relief plans, ensuring operational resilience and maintaining client trust during disruptions.
07/22/2024 - Using Geolocation for Security and Target Marketing
Access to users’ real-time geographic location information allows CFIs to boost security measures and improve relationships with younger customers. We discuss geolocation data strategies that could benefit your CFI.
07/18/2024 - Do You Need a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer?
As AI usage increases, so does the need for greater oversight. Is a chief artificial intelligence officer the answer? We weigh the pros and cons of CAIO positions in banking.
07/17/2024 - The FedNow Service: One Year After Launch
With over 800 participating institutions, the FedNow Service has gained momentum one year post-launch. We provide an update on its place in the payments industry.
07/16/2024 - Is the Hospitality Industry Rebounding?
The hospitality industry has seen an uptick in activity, but challenges remain that CFIs should not forget about. We review the improvements and setbacks that the hospitality industry is experiencing.
07/15/2024 - Work Friction: The Real Cost and How To Eliminate Time Wasted
Work friction is a common source of frustration for both employees and customers. We explain the cost of work friction, where to look for it, and how to remove it.
07/11/2024 - Six Strategies To Build Trust with Customers
A recent survey on trust in financial services signals that US financial institutions could do more to build trust and customer loyalty. We explore six strategies to help do so.
07/10/2024 - Key Takeaways from a Wiperware Cyberattack Simulation
What happens to your institution during a wiperware cyberattack, when all your data files are wiped clean? Recently, financial professionals participated in a tabletop simulation of wiperware scenarios. Global Resilience Federation Chairman Bill Nelson shares surprising results from the exercise and tips to help your institution plan for recovery from wiperware attacks.
07/09/2024 - “Are We There Yet?”: The Saga of the Economy So Far in 2024
While rates haven’t moved in a while, data shows some important trends moving in the right direction. We discuss consumer sentiment, the housing market, and the general economy.
07/08/2024 - Will Plastic Bank Cards Be Obsolete by 2028?
Bank cards don’t have to be traditional plastic; Mastercard says that by 2028, they shouldn’t be. We discuss environmentally friendly alternative materials along with eco-conscious initiatives for plastic cards in the meantime.
07/03/2024 - Responding to the Changing Demographics of Business Ownership
Increasing business ownership among minority groups results in greater opportunities for wealth, productivity, and job creation within their communities. We explore ways you can better support these businesses.
07/02/2024 - Six More Strategies To Boost Deposits
As interest rates remain high, the battle for healthy deposits continues. We look at what else CFIs can do for their consumer and commercial customers, aside from chasing high rates, to attract and retain deposits.
07/01/2024 - Climate Risk Management Lessons from the Fed’s Pilot Analysis
The Federal Reserve recently published the results of its 2023 pilot climate scenario analysis conducted with six of the largest US banks. We discuss some of the Fed's key findings.

June 2024

06/27/2024 - Don’t Overlook the Risks of AI-Backed CRMs
AI-backed CRM systems offer major benefits, but they also involve risks. We outline the challenges of using AI for customer service and share training and security tips to minimize risks.
06/26/2024 - Faster Payments, Faster Fraud? Not So Fast!
Faster payments haven't led to more fraud for two CFIs, thanks to effective risk mitigation and FedNow's security features. We highlight their experiences and the security features deterring fraud.
06/25/2024 - The Crucial Role of Information Security Officers
Information security officers are in short supply, yet in high demand. We look at steps to reduce turnover, prepare for the possibility of an ISO’s departure, and ease the stress if one leaves.
06/24/2024 - Are Digital Payments the Solution to Rampant Check Fraud?
CFIs of all sizes employ various strategies to successfully prevent and detect check fraud. But could another strategy be to go upstream and encourage business customers to adopt digital payments?
06/20/2024 - Automated Compliance: Streamlining CFI Regulatory Management
Ditch manual efforts in ensuring companywide compliance with evolving regulations. We explore how automation simplifies compliance, minimizing errors and boosting efficiency with cloud-based policy management.
06/18/2024 - Embedding DEI for Employees and Customers
Discover effective strategies for CFIs to understand and respond to the diverse needs of both customers and employees, fostering inclusivity in the workplace and community.
06/17/2024 - The Perks of Partnering with Local Schools on Financial Literacy
Partnering with schools for financial literacy programs can help you build relationships with future customers and even staff. We provide examples of successful school-CFI collaborations.
06/13/2024 - Tips and Strategies for New and Seasoned Leaders
Quality leadership can be the difference between jobs that workers love and jobs they hope to leave. We provide tips to help you successfully tackle management roles.
06/12/2024 - Benefitting from the Ease of International Expansion
As online commerce continues expanding for small businesses, so does the revenue potential for CFIs that process foreign transactions. We provide strategies to educate your SMB customers about going international.
06/11/2024 - Regulators Have a Watchful Eye on Your Fintech Partnerships
A spate of regulatory actions against banks for compliance deficiencies in their fintech partnerships has bankers concerned. We discuss recent consent orders and provide tips on managing third-party vendor risk.
06/10/2024 - The State of Agricultural Lending in Mid-2024
As we approach the second half of 2024, the agricultural industry remains under pressure from mixed economic and demand headwinds. Despite these challenges, farmers are expressing more interest in agricultural loans to grow their available funds. CFIs should prepare to meet this increasing demand.
06/06/2024 - Boost Customer Engagement with Two Proven Conversation Starters
Learn the FORD and HEFE methods to improve customer engagement by starting meaningful conversations. These simple yet effective techniques could enhance relationships and potentially increase sales.
06/05/2024 - Your Smart Devices May Be an Invitation to Hackers
Wi-Fi-enabled smart devices are convenient, but they can also provide hackers an avenue into your system. Learn which devices are most vulnerable and how to protect them from cyberattacks.
06/04/2024 - The Pros and Cons of Embedded Finance
Embedded finance offers new revenue opportunities for CFIs, but understanding its risks and benefits is crucial before adoption. We detail the pros and cons here.
06/03/2024 - Is It Time to Ditch Loyalty Programs for Fractional Shares?
Fractional share programs provide an attractive alternative to traditional loyalty programs and could be more effective with customers. Should your institution consider implementing one? We go into the details.

May 2024

05/30/2024 - What Does CFPB’s 1033 Regulation Mean for You?
The CFPB is finalizing a rule that allows consumers and their representatives to access and share consumer data through secure interfaces. We explain the benefits and challenges of its implementation.
05/29/2024 - The Changing State of Board Age Restrictions
Mandatory retirement age restrictions for boards are declining. We explore recent trends, the reasons behind the changes, and alternative strategies.
05/28/2024 - Show Potential Customers What Your Mobile App Can Do
With mobile banking gaining popularity, offering a test-drive, demo, or trial of your app can help you gain new customers. We discuss possible strategies and examples from other institutions.
05/23/2024 - Data Mining Makes Retailers a Promising Target
Data mining isn’t new, but financial institutions are finding new ways of using it to provide retailers with more effective marketing options and an added revenue source for themselves. We review one such high-profile service and what it could mean for data usage in the future.
05/22/2024 - Boosting Revenue Through Cost Management
Cost management can be an effective way to boost revenue, but it needs to be done with a comprehensive approach. If organizations fail to look at all the ways cuts could impact employees and the customer experience, cost-cutting measures could ultimately prove costly. We provide tips on how to evaluate costs and their impact on your CFI’s cost reduction goals.
05/21/2024 - Tips for Enhancing Your Current Succession Plan
A CFI’s ability to succeed long term depends heavily on its leaders, making it critical to have a robust succession plan. We provide tips on how to create an effective succession plan.
05/20/2024 - Should You Offer Business Customers Subscription-Based Banking?
The banking subscription model is gaining traction. We discuss some of the benefits of a subscription service for both CFIs and their business customers and suggest ways in which to ensure a successful implementation.
05/16/2024 - 2024 Is the Year of Green Bank Initiatives
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act is doling out $27B for energy efficiency projects. Disadvantaged communities in your bank’s footprint could be in line for an infusion of capital. We discuss what the impact could be on you and your business customers.
05/15/2024 - The Makings of a Successful Board of Directors
To perform its essential oversight role, a board of directors should bring together the competencies and qualities necessary to help guide an organization toward success. We discuss some essential skills and attributes for a CFI’s board.
05/14/2024 - How Will Bank M&A Shake Out in 2024?
Bank M&A activity in 2023 was dismal, but early indicators have shown that activity should increase in 2024. Three bankers gave their take during a recent webinar hosted by Bank Director and Ardmore Banking Advisors Inc. We discuss which factors are driving M&A this year and what CFIs should consider before inking a deal.
05/13/2024 - The Growing Threat of Deepfakes
Advancements in AI are making deepfakes a growing threat for financial institutions. Knowing the red flags to look for and educating employees and customers about such threats need to be a major part of CFIs' security measures.
05/09/2024 - Balancing Act: Branches and Digital Banking
For some of the largest banks in the US, branch openings outnumbered closings for the first time in a decade in 2023. Yet, branches are still being closed across the country, as digital banking gains popularity. We look at the reasons behind large banks' decisions to open new branches, even as online banking gains momentum, to learn how institutions are adapting to meet the diverse needs of today's banking customers.
05/08/2024 - Lessons Learned from Recent Fraudulent Wires Targeting CFIs
Recently, two of our customers were targeted in a fraudulent wire transfer scheme, with one unusual twist — the victims weren’t the CFIs’ customers, but the CFIs themselves. We provide details on how this cyberattack unfolded, as well as tips to protect your CFI from similar threats.
05/07/2024 - Research: Millennials & Gen Z Aren’t Interested in Management
Gone are the days when everyone’s career aspiration included becoming a manager. As more and more people decide they do not want the workload or burden of management positions, organizations need to rethink their approach to promoting people to management positions and training them for such responsibilities.
05/06/2024 - The Opportunity Set of Digital Payments for Kids
As a growing number of retailers and service providers go cashless, there is a rising need for digital payments for kids — a multi-billion-dollar opportunity that few financial institutions have tried to meet. We discuss the benefits of creating a digital payment option for children under 13 and how to get the word out if you decide to throw your hat in the ring.
05/02/2024 - Help SMBs Boost their Financial Literacy
Over 40% of business owners consider themselves financially illiterate. CFIs have an important role to play in boosting financial literacy among their business customers. By providing educational resources, expert advice, and financial tools, they can support business customers in building more sustainable businesses while also strengthening their relationships.
05/01/2024 - Bank Director Survey Reveals Top Strategic Challenges
The results are in, and according to the Bank Director’s 2024 Risk Survey, the banking industry’s top challenges center around deposit pricing, liquidity management, and regulatory requirements. We review the survey’s findings to uncover the factors driving these challenges forward.

April 2024

04/30/2024 - Gamification Opportunities for CFIs
By combining technology, psychology, and economics, gamification is redefining how people engage with their money. It is proving an effective tool to enhance the customer experience and drive engagement. We explore the core principles of gamification and look at some of its applications that could be of interest to CFIs.
04/29/2024 - Striking the Right Balance in Digital Customer Communications
Maintaining regular communication with customers is important, but if done incorrectly, it can be detrimental. Finding the right balance in communication frequency and the type of content presented is critical.
04/25/2024 - Community Banking Stories #4 — Community Engagement & Support
Community banks and the people who work for them are often fantastically giving toward their communities. Every April, we observe Community Banking Month, publicizing the efforts that community banks make to serve the people and businesses around them. This article, the last in our 2024 Community Banking Month series, highlights creative and committed community engagement and support programs, including charitable giving.
04/24/2024 - Meeting the Needs of Fast-Growing Business Customers
CFIs looking to grow their business may want to focus on the growing needs of small- and medium-sized businesses that are also looking to scale. We spotlight three financial institutions that are doing just that.
04/23/2024 - Solving B2B Payment Issues for Your Small Business Customers
For small business customers, waiting for payments can take a while — often at least 30 days. Checks and invoices get lost or go to spam folders and vendors charge fees to transfer funds. Doing more to remove these pain points can help strengthen existing relationships and allow your small business clients to have better cash management. We discuss ways to help small business customers get paid quickly and easily.
04/22/2024 - Opportunities in a Growing Equipment Financing and Leasing Space
In response to inflation, higher interest rates, regulatory capital increases and declining demand, some banks have pulled back on lending for equipment leasing and financing. That’s created opportunities in equipment finance and leasing for interested CFIs.
04/18/2024 - Community Banking Stories #3 — Technology & Strategy
Every April, we observe Community Banking Month, publicizing the efforts that community banks make to serve their communities. This article celebrates community banks that are unwrapping new technology and fresh strategies, including developing an AI-based employee information resource, using machine learning to assist with loans and accounting tasks, and using banking product incentives to encourage customers to donate to their communities.
04/17/2024 - The Taylor Swift Effect on Small Businesses
Taylor Swift’s popularity extends well beyond her Eras Tour, with her fans providing a boost to businesses that don’t even have a direct connection to the tour. The benefit to small businesses could also spill over to their community bankers.
04/16/2024 - OCC & FDIC Propose Policy Changes To Enhance M&A Transparency
The OCC and FDIC have each proposed rules to enhance transparency around their processes of reviewing M&A transactions under the Bank Merger Act. We summarize the details of each agency’s proposal and provide resources to review and comment on the suggested changes.
04/15/2024 - The Keys to a Better Onboarding Process for Business Clients
We talk about the need for CFIs to have a quality digital onboarding process. But what exactly makes an onboarding process convenient, and how does it impact the overall customer experience? We explain the qualities a CFI needs in its onboarding process to compete successfully for new customers and keep existing ones.
04/11/2024 - Community Banking Stories #2 — Educational Efforts
Every April, we celebrate Community Banking Month through a series of BID articles that showcase the efforts of local banks to serve their communities, support their staff, and enrich the customer experience. In this second of four articles in our Community Banking Stories series, we highlight examples of community banks supporting educational initiatives.
04/10/2024 - Cloudy with a Chance of Sunshine: A Snapshot of the Economy
Once again, economic data is filled with sunshine, but general market sentiment continues to function as cloud cover. We discuss consumer sentiment, the housing market, and the general economy.
04/09/2024 - Empowering Communities with Funding and Grants Literacy
Taking a more hands-on approach to educating organizations within your community on securing funding — even when it is from outside avenues, such as federal grants — can help CFIs strengthen ties to their communities and foster goodwill that can pay off down the road.
04/08/2024 - The State of CRE — Challenges and Opportunities
The commercial real estate sector experienced significant headwinds during 2023. Fortunately, early signs suggest a more stable, and in some cases positive, market in 2024. We review the outlook for the industry and suggest ways in which CFIs can manage risk and continue to support their CRE customers.
04/04/2024 - Community Banking Stories #1 — Wellness & Development Efforts
Every April, we celebrate Community Banking Month through a series of BID articles that showcase the efforts of local banks to serve their communities, support their staff, and enrich the customer experience. Some community banks have responded by beginning or increasing their efforts to support well-being and development of both their employees and their community.
04/03/2024 - Loan Participations Plant the Seeds for Lending Growth
Why is now a beneficial time to consider a loan participation? Peter Dewes, PCBB’s Senior Vice President and Senior Lending Officer, shares his insights for community financial institutions to consider.
04/02/2024 - Optimizing Payments with Key Principles and Customer Focus
The right payment platform can create substantial opportunities for a CFI — and a CFI can use what it learns from finding the right payment platform to help business clients do the same. We discuss the factors a CFI should consider when selecting a payments platform.
04/01/2024 - The Risky Side of Fintech Partnerships
Partnering with fintechs is a good way for CFIs to quickly enhance their online services and offerings. But such partnerships can also create unintended risks for CFIs, a reality that has spurred regulators to step up oversight in this area.

March 2024

03/28/2024 - How Big Banks’ 2024 Stress Testing Scenarios Can Help You
The Federal Reserve has released its 2024 stress testing scenarios: its primary tool to assess the largest banks’ fiscal health resiliency by estimating losses, net revenue, and capital levels under hypothetical recession scenarios. This year’s severely adverse scenario includes unemployment reaching 10%, a widening spread on corporate bonds, and dramatic declines in asset prices. We summarize the scenarios and determine how they can help CFIs devise their own tests to improve their capital planning and risk management.
03/27/2024 - Feed Audrey II without Sacrificing Your Customers
Financial institutions dealt with economic uncertainty, higher interest rates, more expensive funding, lower loan demand, and concerns about credit quality in 2023. Yet they continued to grow loans overall. There are some indicators that the lending market could begin growing again. We discuss what factors would contribute to this change.
03/26/2024 - Nurturing Loyalty with Small Business Customers
Small business customers have no shortage of financial service options, from traditional banks to fintech offerings. Fostering loyalty among this group not only requires providing them with added value, but with the sense that your CFI understands their individual businesses and their unique needs.
03/25/2024 - You Could Become Part of the Boom in Women-Owned Businesses
Women are launching businesses at a more aggressive rate than men, yet lending disparities continue to favor men as entrepreneurs. With women-owned businesses representing $2.7T in revenue, CFIs should be actively targeting this group.
03/21/2024 - Boosting Benefits for Small Business Customers
Providing added value for business customers can be as simple as sharing existing resources within your organization such as conference room space or wi-fi. We discuss some options of nontraditional benefits you can provide to help your small business customers.
03/20/2024 - Eight Ways To Drive Deposit Growth Without Raising Rates
Is getting into an interest-rate war the only way for CFIs to compete for deposits at higher interest rates? We review alternative strategies for keeping up with aggressive offers from online banks and other competitors.
03/19/2024 - Crossing the Digital Divide on a Budget
CFIs don’t need to spend massive amounts of money on technology to remain competitive against the banking industry’s largest players — they just need to be strategic and intentional when it comes to where they spend on technology and the steps they are taking to prepare for the future.
03/18/2024 - Using Retention Bonuses Effectively
When used correctly, retention bonuses can be an effective tool to help financial institutions hold on to key employees who may be looking to leave — at least long enough to find replacements. But retention bonuses are not without their flaws, so their use should be intentional and methodical. We discuss a few use cases of retention bonuses and their effectiveness.
03/14/2024 - Deposit Growth Tops the List of Three Challenges for 2024
For banks, the big three issues for 2024 are deposit growth, customer acquisition, and digital enhancement. Those three are perennial list toppers. We discuss why that is and how 2024 will shape your approach to meeting those priorities.
03/13/2024 - How You Can Support the Thriving Gig Economy
The gig economy is a fast-growing sector that CFIs cannot afford to ignore. We discuss some of the primary ways in which institutions can ensure they meet the needs of these self-employed customers.
03/12/2024 - Unlock More Profitable Customer Relationships
When it comes to pricing deposits and loans in a competitive market, CFIs must correctly strike a delicate balance between each customer’s needs and their own profitability. Relationship pricing, based on customer profitability, can play a critical role in determining the best loan structure and deposit rates to maximize a customer’s lifetime value to your CFI. We provide insights on what factors to consider as you price products based on customer relationships, as well as the impact of adopting relationship pricing on your institution.
03/11/2024 - Are You Ready if a Private Equity Firm Shows Up at Your CFI?
Private equity firms and other private investors are showing more interest in CFI deals. We detail what CFIs should consider in the event a PE offer arrives and how to prepare if your CFI accepts a PE investment.
03/07/2024 - The 2024 Agricultural Lending Landscape
CFIs continue to dominate agricultural lending, but lending on the whole is down and unlikely to rebound in the immediate future. We discuss why CFIs should continue actively engaging with agricultural borrowers and what they should know about the trends facing this sector.
03/06/2024 - Now Is the Time To Prepare for ISO 20022
ISO 20022, a new messaging standard by the International Organization for Standardization, enhances communication between financial institutions and customers. Benefits include improved fraud prevention, AML/KYC practices, and efficiency in payment processing. As the November 2025 deadline for compliance looms, we discuss why starting migration now is of benefit to you.
03/05/2024 - Help Business Customers Align Capital with Strategic Plans
Higher interest rates and the cost burden they impose are driving a cycle of deleveraging and cash conservation at many companies. Small business owners are balancing the need to offset higher interest expenses and lessened credit availability while also addressing competing demands for strategic growth. We provide tips for how CFIs can help their business customers align their capital with their strategic plans.
03/04/2024 - New Regulations for Minority- and Women-Owned Small Businesses
Compliance under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act will likely pose the biggest burdens on the smallest institutions subject to the new rule. While there are still efforts to block it, the compliance deadline is quickly approaching. We delve into what you should know to start compliance efforts before the regulations take effect.

February 2024

02/29/2024 - Digital Academies Aren’t What They Used To Be — They’re Better
Digital academies for workplace training have been around for years, but not all employers or workers have been on board. As organizations seek to plug skills gaps internally, new approaches to digital academies are proving extremely successful.
02/28/2024 - To Convert or Not Convert Your Core
The decision to convert to a new core banking system is a monumental one. There are many reasons to make the leap so that your institution can continue to grow, though a “rip and replace” may not always be the right option. Determining whether an upgrade to your existing system could save you money, and may buy you time for even more evolved systems to come to market.
02/27/2024 - Five Ways To Shore Up CRE Lending Right Now
It’s not clear if or when the CRE market will return to pre-pandemic levels, but experts say there are steps that banks with significant exposure to the space can take to help mitigate losses. We suggest five ways to navigate the slump.
02/26/2024 - Keeping Check Fraud in Check
Despite advances in technology, check fraud is on the rise across the US. Given the significant impact on CFIs and their customers, we suggest ways in which CFIs can reduce exposure to fraudulent activity.
02/22/2024 - Is It Time To Rethink the Traditional Performance Review?
Although annual performance reviews are the norm at most companies, many employees dread the process. Changing your CFI’s approach to performance reviews and how often they happen can be the key to more effective discussions and better feedback. Read on for tips on how to optimize the review process and help employees and managers alike find more value in these meetings.
02/21/2024 - The 7 Rs of Risk Management Strategy for CFIs
The OCC recently published its autumn statement on key risks facing the federal banking system. We summarize these risks and suggest ways CFIs can mitigate them to improve their institution’s resilience.
02/20/2024 - Banking on Stability: Hedging Strategies for CFIs
Economic indicators suggest that the Fed is likely to ease monetary policy by lowering the Federal Funds Rate at some point this year. We discuss what factors could influence the Fed’s decisions and how hedging strategies could benefit your CFI in this changing market.
02/15/2024 - Spot Key Customer Triggers To Enhance Your Marketing Strategy
As expectations for personalized financial services grow, CFIs have an opportunity to peg relevant messaging to life and business events. Institutions can use starting key milestone triggers for marketing activity in near real time. We review some examples of what major triggers could be for both consumers and business customers as well as what types of products and services to market to that customer in response.
02/14/2024 - Helping SMBs Juggle Success in a High Interest Rate Environment
Although the Fed has kept interest rates steady since mid-2023 and may cut them sometime this year, they’re still the highest they’ve been in many years, and they continue to impact small businesses across all industries. We discuss three ways in which CFIs can support their small business customers as they navigate the high interest rate environment.
02/13/2024 - Using Composable Banking To Keep Up in a Digital World
Bank tech is a rapidly changing landscape. Composable banking — building banking solutions through use of multiple APIs and plug-and-play platforms — offers a way for CFIs to more easily and effectively stay abreast of the latest trends.
02/12/2024 - Rising CRE Lending Opportunities in Senior Housing
Due to an aging population, demand for senior housing is expected to grow. As occupancy rates rise and margins improve following a pandemic slump, investment in the sector should rebound. We consider the lending environment, the size of the opportunity, and what it takes for a CFI to succeed in this market.
02/08/2024 - Five Ways To Use Slower Economic Times to Your Advantage
Every economic downturn creates both pain and opportunities. Rather than scaling back or doing nothing, CFIs should consider adopting strategies that will position them for growth when the economy inevitably recovers. We discuss five places to invest during a downturn that can provide you with good return on investment
02/07/2024 - The Benefits of a Flexible Retirement Approach
The desire for more flexible work arrangements isn’t limited to younger generations. As CFIs strive to hold on to longtime senior employees who may be heading for the exit to retire, flextirement is an option that may allow them to hold onto key employees longer and ensure a smoother transition to the next generation of employees.
02/06/2024 - The Risks Lurking in the AI Shadows
Employees using unapproved, public generative AI poses a major security risk for your business. We review what shadow AI is, how it leaves your business vulnerable, and what you and your employees can do to minimize the risk.
02/05/2024 - Niche Lending: It Pays To Step Out of Your Lending Comfort Zone
Niche lending can be extremely lucrative — if executed correctly. We highlight some niche industries that are bringing success to other CFIs and provide guidance on how to identify unique, profitable niches in your area.
02/01/2024 - NFIB Survey: It Isn’t the Best of Times for Small Businesses
According to a new NFIB survey, pessimism prevails among small business owners. We discuss the challenges that small businesses noted in the survey and the potential impact on CFIs.

January 2024

01/31/2024 - New Virtual Currency Scam Targets CFIs and Their Customers
Federal authorities have issued an alert about a financial scam called “pig butchering", in which victims are lured into investing in phony schemes, often involving crypto currency. The losses can be significant. We provide tips on how to identify these scammers, if they contact you.
01/30/2024 - Bringing the Cloud Down To Earth
Cloud migration holds big promise for financial institutions. But it’s not as easy to get started with the cloud as it looks. We discuss the current state of business cloud migrations and what pitfalls and challenges to be aware of before migrating to the cloud.
01/29/2024 - Mining Data for Hidden Revenues
Without the right tools and analytical approach, customer data is unlikely to have any significant impact on CFIs’ overall profitability. But when artificial intelligence is used to help segment data into meaningful information, there are multiple ways it can be used to help organizations enhance their relationships with existing customers and boost their overall profitability.
01/25/2024 - Another Great Niche: Banking Nonprofits
More and more CFIs are courting nonprofits as customers, offering loans and other products and services. We discuss some of the unique financial needs of nonprofits and provide examples of how some CFIs are working with these customers.
01/24/2024 - Preparing for a Potential Downturn in Consumer Spending
Economists are predicting a downturn in consumer spending this year along with a slowing economy. We discuss strategies CFIs can use to prepare themselves and their small business customers for the impact.
01/23/2024 - Help Your Business Customers Get a Grip on Cash Management
A new study from Capgemini shows that business customers are increasingly in need of help with cash management. We discuss the biggest cash flow challenges for businesses and what solutions CFIs can offer those customers.
01/22/2024 - What’s the Outlook for M&A in 2024?
Bank Director’s 2024 Bank M&A Survey explores FIs’ attitudes towards M&A. Although enthusiasm for a deal is somewhat flat, stagnant earnings may motivate FIs’ management and their boards to partner with other institutions in search of low-cost deposits. We discuss possible M&A trends for this year.
01/18/2024 - 2023: We Stayed Afloat — and 2024 Might Be Even Better
Contrary to popular belief, the Global Financial Crisis in 2023 didn’t happen — and likely won’t happen in 2024. We detail topline reports summing up year-end data and share expectations for the market this year, particularly for the banking sector.
01/17/2024 - Duration Hedging as a Shield Against Rising Interest Rates
A CFI’s bond portfolio can face serious risk when interest rates rise. Duration hedging can help moderate that risk, but many financial institutions don’t use it. We review the most common duration hedging strategies to consider for interest rate risk mitigation.
01/16/2024 - Here’s How You Can Emulate the Best Companies To Work For
The Great Resignation may be over, but CFIs should still find ways to attract and retain hard-working employees — especially those who are excited to grow their careers within the institution. CFIs looking for ideas to accomplish this can emulate the 2023 winners of best banks and companies to work for.
01/11/2024 - Do You Need a Chief Happiness Officer?
Employers have begun swapping conventional executive titles with new, trendy alternatives. But it’s not just about the titles — the roles themselves are changing as well, something younger talent with a yearning for a purpose-driven culture especially craves. We explore why these new executive roles may help you get a leg up on the competition for key talent.
01/10/2024 - The Value of Reimagining Commercial Payments
Global B2B activity is poised to reach $111T in 2027, yet businesses are looking to nontraditional providers to fill their needs. Now is the time for CFIs to take a fresh look at their commercial payment services and revamp them to attract business customers with B2B needs before they land elsewhere.
01/09/2024 - Chatbots May Be Too Nice for Their Own Good
Bad actors can prey on a chatbot’s desire to be helpful, gaming its algorithms to provide access to customer accounts or financial systems. We discuss the risks of a chatbot that hasn’t been set up properly and what measures are being taken to make your CFI safer, if you deploy a chatbot.
01/08/2024 - Become Your Business Customers’ #1 Choice
Business banking is most CFIs’ bread and butter. But many businesses have more than one banking relationship. To become a customer’s primary provider, CFIs will have to develop the ability to provide full cash visibility, multibank reporting, and multibank transactions.
01/04/2024 - Get the Best Results from Fintech Partnerships
Over the past three years, nearly half of all banks formed a partnership with a fintech, and 91% of banks have said that fintech partnerships are important in driving business strategy. What factors should CFIs consider to help those partnerships run smoothly and productively?
01/03/2024 - How Should You Determine Executive Bonuses?
Finding the right amount to award your executives for bonuses can be a challenge. Compensation committees that use discretion in determining incentive payouts risk receiving criticism from investors and proxy advisory firms, whose policies tend to prefer formulaic incentive plans. However, discretion is an important feature of many banks’ annual incentive plans that, if used appropriately, can enhance the relationship between executive and CFI.
01/02/2024 - Don’t Overlook the Sensory Experience at Your Branches
As CFIs strive to make branches and in-person experiences for customers more appealing, the importance of the sensory experience should not be overlooked. We discuss why factoring in those experiences makes good sense.

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