BID® Daily Newsletter Archives

March 2023

With two banks closing their doors, and a digital run on other financial institutions, consumers and businesses alike are concerned about access to their accounts. We provide strategies to strengthen your position with your customers, your community, and the financial industry.
After a dearth of M&A deals within the financial services sector last year, what will 2023 activity look like? We provide six tips on how institutions can both successfully strike a deal and then see it through.
There are more ways than one to discern whether the US economy is in or headed for a recession. Instead of looking for the usual suspects, here are eight unconventional indicators that a recession is coming.
The average cost of a data breach in the finance industry is estimated to be $5.97MM. Increasingly, financial institutions are using so-called white hat hackers to test the security of their systems. We discuss how they can help you improve your cybersecurity and protect your CFI and customers.
Helping business clients of every size is at the core of CFIs and their missions. CFIs have a little-known tool that can help their SMB clients: the employee retention credit (ERC). We break down what this refundable tax credit is, who may qualify, and how it can help your customers.
Small businesses are increasingly doing business across international borders, and in need of international banking support. We discuss how CFIs can best serve their customers’ cross-border banking needs and stay ahead of the competition.
Cybercriminals are continuously finding new ways to break through financial institutions’ defenses. We look at the increasingly important role of multimodal biometrics in a CFI’s security solution as well as the benefits and challenges of using biometrics for authentication.
Independent contractors can be a great way to bridge skills gaps, access in-demand talent, or get full expertise from a part-time approach. Managing these workers is an art that comes with tips and tricks. We share some here.
Zelle is reworking its refund policy regarding fraud, a change that could potentially prove costly for CFIs. Before jumping ship from Zelle, however, organizations need to be aware of both the benefits and drawbacks of the service and how customers would react to losing the payment service.
TikTok is more than just a site filled with entertaining videos. It has also become a go-to source of financial advice for younger consumers. We provide five tips on how to leverage this social media platform to connect with Gen Z.
Who says CFIs can’t innovate? We feature a number of very creative CFIs that are coming up with novel ways to serve their customers. Then we detail some pointers on how to best innovate in a safe and sound manner.
Using sophisticated digital solutions, alternative lenders are gaining small business customers, sometimes at the expense of CFIs. Here are some tips to help CFIs look for signs of defection and respond.
The tactics that cybercriminals use are ever-changing. Keeping your customers and your institution protected against cyber fraud requires staying on top of the latest trends and making sure everyone knows what to look out for.
As economists warn that recession is inevitable, CFIs should actively take steps to best prepare themselves and their customers to weather a significant economic downturn.
Incentives are effective tools for motivating employees. As the economic environment changes and liquidity tightens, make sure the incentive programs you have in place support your organization’s current goals and make sense for your staff.
As regulators shift their focus areas for this year’s audits, CFIs should pay particular attention to the new areas that have caught the eyes of regulatory agencies. Knowing what each particular regulator is focusing can be key to acing regulatory exams.
Branches-on-wheels are not just for disaster recovery anymore. More CFIs are using them for a whole host of purposes — including serving “bank deserts” in both rural and urban areas, hosting financial literacy classes, and marketing their brand along the way. We discuss how to use these mobile branches effectively.
March 07, 2023 - Rethinking SMB Lending
Small businesses have been at the heart of the post-pandemic economic recovery, but high inflation and hiring challenges are contributing to a negative outlook for them. By rethinking the lending process, CFIs can support SMBs through these tough times, while also increasing their own revenue opportunities, cutting the cost to serve, and minimizing risk. We explore how.
Though the clock is ticking down to the ultimate cessation of LIBOR, the banking industry’s adoption of SOFR has been slower than regulators might have expected. We discuss reasons for the delay and legislation that can ease the process.
The collection of data is only increasing. By 2025, the world’s collective data repository will reach 175 zettabytes (which is a trillion gigabytes), further necessitating the need for intelligent document processing. We discuss why shared services and intelligent data processing matter to your institution, particularly how they can positively impact your relationships with your customers, employees, auditors, and other stakeholders — and ultimately your bottom line.
CRA-regulated CFIs play a crucial role in supporting low- and moderate-income communities and small businesses. We discuss how institutions can ensure compliance with the Act, and how it is evolving to meet the needs of today’s world.
Due to inflation and rising interest rates, liquidity is tight, and is expected to get tighter this year. Effective liquidity management strategies can help CFIs take advantage of a more attractive rate environment. Here are a few ideas that may help.

February 2023

02/28/2023 - The Importance of Managing Your AI Risks
As AI becomes an increasingly important component of the financial world, regulators are stepping up their oversight of its risks. Now is the time for CFIs to look at potential risks that may exist within their AI programs and pre-emptively look for ways to mitigate any risks in anticipation of heightened regulatory oversight.
02/27/2023 - Wealth Management: In-House or Third Party?
By offering wealth management services, CFIs find they can provide a one-stop shop to handle more of their customers’ financial needs, ultimately building loyalty. Institutions can develop their offering by building their own teams or through partnerships/outsourcing. We give you some examples of organizations that have succeeded with these different models.
02/24/2023 - Should You Pursue Brokered Deposits?
With rising rates for CDs, and a competitive deposit market, should your CFI pursue brokered deposits? We weigh the advantages of brokered deposits against their risks.
02/23/2023 - Land Prices Pinch Pipeline of New Farmers
Faced with volatility in the stock and real estate markets, investors (including private equity firms) are turning to farmland as global commodity prices grow. That’s keeping some people from going into farming and means that established farmers are sitting on an increasingly valuable piece of collateral. We discuss how CFIs can support existing and new farmers.
02/22/2023 - Will Retaining Top Talent This Year Cost You?
As CFIs look to retain and hire top talent this year, they may need to spend more to keep their top performers happy. A recent survey projects a 4.6% salary increase as companies balance inflationary pressures and competition for high-performing employees. We take a look at what that means for your institution.
02/21/2023 - Preventing Wire Fraud Through Verification
Wire fraud is an ongoing problem for CFIs and their customers. Implementing multiple verification methods can help combat this. We explore a variety of options and provide the pluses and minuses of each one.
02/17/2023 - RegTech Can Make Compliance Easier, Faster, and Cheaper
RegTech can help CFIs handle compliance-related tasks, manage vendors, and arrange records so they’re easily searchable and accessible. We look at RegTech and its uses that you might consider for your own institution.
02/16/2023 - Telling Your ESG Story (Without Greenwashing)
Regulators are cracking down on big banks for greenwashing and “social washing”. We provide three steps to help leverage your green and social credentials to build trust and loyalty.
02/15/2023 - Is the US Moving Toward a Cashless Society?
Americans are using cash less frequently and making payments more often by credit card or through payment apps. Yet, many CFI customers still like having cash as an option. To compete with fintechs in a future where less cash changes hands, CFIs will need to provide both advanced digital capabilities and a willingness to handle cash banking as well.
02/14/2023 - Why Truly Understanding Generation Z Is Key
Attracting Generation Z customers requires a thorough understanding of the unique needs and challenges of this group, as well as the ability to demonstrate such knowledge in ways that will resonate.
02/13/2023 - Getting the Most from Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance can be part of protecting against digital crime. We discuss how it can protect financial institutions and their customers against financial losses and provide other resources if and when a cyberattack occurs.
02/10/2023 - How Customer Security Fears Impact Use of Mobile Banking
Financial customers remain wary of mobile apps, even as usage continues to grow. We discuss how CFIs can address consumer security concerns to help them feel comfortable using financial apps.
02/09/2023 - Algorithms: Loan Approval Efficiency Vs. Customer Sentiment
Algorithms are becoming a mainstay in loan approval processes, but studies show that interaction with tech doesn’t do much for customer satisfaction. Overcoming this challenge might involve CFIs adding back a dash of what they do best into their automated processes: the human touch. We discuss how this can be accomplished.
02/08/2023 - Start Preparing for the FedNow Service
By 2H 2023, the Federal Reserve is expected to debut its instant payment service FedNow. The service is intended to work between financial institutions, in contrast to consumer-centric payment apps. We take a deep dive into the details.
02/07/2023 - Ways to Convert Loyalty Programs to Customer Loyalty
Customer rewards programs matter. Converting loyalty programs to loyal customers necessitates simplicity, creative thinking, and ongoing awards. Anything short of this will leave customers flat and see them jump ship for other financial institutions with more appealing rewards programs.
02/06/2023 - Earned Wage Access Can Benefit Both You and Your Customers
With inflation at a historic high, American workers are finding it more difficult to wait to be paid on the standard biweekly schedule. Earned wage access is a direct deposit payroll strategy addition that can give employees access to their pay as soon as they’ve earned it.
02/03/2023 - Support the Charities That Are Right for Your CFI
A recent study says that a financial institution’s lack of support for local charities would push customers to move their accounts elsewhere. We explore how your CFI can pick charities that make the greatest impression on your customers.
02/02/2023 - Customers Want More Personalization: How CFIs Can Deliver
Businesses in practically every industry today are personalizing their messaging to their customers. However, personalization efforts in the financial services industry are lagging behind those in other industries. CFIs can reap a number of benefits by creating more personalized experiences for customers.
02/01/2023 - Help Protect Your Customers Against Generational Fraud
While fraudsters will try any and all methods across every generation, certain practices for each generation typically bear the most fruit. CFIs should be aware of the types of online fraud that each generation is most susceptible to, then educate their customers on ways to not fall prey.

January 2023

01/31/2023 - What Makes a Bank One of the “Best Banks to Work For”?
The annual Best Banks to Work For list from the American Banker showcases financial institutions that strive to treat their employees well. A reputation as a good workplace can help in both recruitment and retention efforts. We reveal what some of the banks on the list have in common.
01/30/2023 - Preparing for an Economic Downturn
Economic forecasts for 2023 include a soft landing, stagflation, and recession. No matter which proves to be accurate, CFIs should prepare for the worst by assessing and taking steps to effectively manage risk.
01/27/2023 - Guidelines for M&A Are Evolving
The regulatory environment for banking M&A is evolving. Regulatory agencies are assessing the current competitive environment with an eye toward improving measures of competitiveness. While much remains uncertain, the recent merger of U.S. Bank and Union Bank offers some insights that may benefit banking institutions.
01/26/2023 - Increasing Employee Engagement with a People-First Culture
Job seekers have the advantage across most industries, including the financial industry. By increasing employee engagement and creating a people-first culture, CFIs have an opportunity to keep high performers and stand out from the competition. We explain what employee engagement means and how you can practice it.
01/25/2023 - Greater Income and Control with Credit Cards as a Service
CFIs that want to issue credit cards have a new alternative to the agent bank model and the cost of investing in their own credit card-issuing system. They can leverage CCaaS fintechs. CFIs get more income and control — customers get broader product offerings and a more digital experience. We explore this option more.
01/24/2023 - The Value of Mining Proprietary Data
Data mining has become increasingly important for tailoring products and services to the needs and desires of customers. But not all data is created equal and CFIs should take steps to utilize customer information that others do not have access to.
01/23/2023 - Rising Interest Rates May Shut Some CFIs out of FHLB Funding
Some CFIs are finding that rising interest rates are causing their current calculated asset levels to show up as negative under the tangible capital rule used by Federal Home Loan Bank. Financial organizations across the country are asking for relief.
01/20/2023 - Catching the Last Wave of the ECIP Plan
The federal government is investing more than $8.28B in community development financial institutions and minority depository institutions through the Emergency Capital Investment Program. See how your CDFI or MDI can benefit before the application deadline Jan. 31.
01/19/2023 - Adding Supply Chain Financing to Your Offerings
Supply chain financing had already gained speed prior to the pandemic, but activity has picked up substantially over the past two years. What CFIs should know about the rise in supply chain financing and why they may want to consider adding it into the fold.
01/18/2023 - The Rise of Contactless Payments
While many daily tasks are beginning to resemble pre-Covid life, some habits picked up during the pandemic are likely to continue, including the use and expectations of contactless digital payments. We explore how to embrace this perpetual payment trend as it continues into 2023.
01/17/2023 - Three Major Trends in IT Spending
Trends in IT spending are constantly changing among CFIs. They also serve as the best roadmap for where the banking industry is heading. We provide an update on the latest investments financial IT teams are prioritizing, including three major trends.
01/13/2023 - Combatting Impostor Syndrome
With more than 50% of employees working remotely these days, a lack of regular face-to-face interaction between workers has led to an increase in what is known as “imposter syndrome,” where people begin questioning whether they are right for their jobs. By stepping up intentional communications with employees, managers can reduce the likelihood of losing good workers to such doubts.
01/12/2023 - What Does the Future Hold for Payments?
Fueled by innovation, emerging technologies, and customers’ changing expectations, the payments space is evolving at a rapid pace. We look at some of the top payments trends and suggest ways in which CFIs can ensure they make the most of these opportunities.
01/11/2023 - Now Is the Time to Consider BaaS
Challenging economic conditions coupled with the boom in embedded finance mean that BaaS is an attractive opportunity for CFIs seeking growth. We look at the BaaS market, various key success factors, and how some CFIs are capitalizing on this opportunity.
01/10/2023 - How CFIs Can Effectively Compete Against Neobanks
Nimble neobanks have an edge in the world of digital banking. But CFIs have advantages in the real world of finance, stemming from their traditional, brick-and-mortar businesses. Those traditions can help level the playing field.
01/09/2023 - As CD Rates Rise, Pressure Mounts on Banks to Keep Up
The latest Fed rate hikes have some challenger banks offering CD rates above 4%. CFIs may be reluctant to compete at that level, even as deposits outflows happen, but there are strategies CFIs can use to help convince good customers to leave deposits where they are.
01/06/2023 - Social Payments Have Moved from a Luxury to a Necessity
According to the Federal Reserve, 83% of consumers, ranging from the Silent Generation to Gen Z, routinely use mobile payment apps and digital wallets. Some users even keep a balance in these apps, treating them like makeshift checking accounts. With the popularity of social payments crossing the generational divide, integrating with social payment apps is a necessity for financial institutions to remain competitive.
01/05/2023 - What CFIs Should Know About the OCC's New Strategic Plan
The OCC has released a new strategic plan that prioritizes stronger, more modern community banks. Understanding where the regulator is emphasizing change within its own operations, and where it believes the biggest risks to consumers lie, is the best way to prepare for any likely regulatory changes to come.
01/04/2023 - Why Open Banking Is Growing Globally
Global open banking activity is predicted to reach $124B by 2031. From enhanced security to meeting customer desires, there is no shortage of reasons why US financial institutions should embrace it.
01/03/2023 - Externships Provide a Way to Plug IT Skill Shortages Remotely
As CFIs seek to plug gaps within their IT skill sets, externships provide a novel approach to supplementing expertise, identifying promising technology offerings, and recruiting qualified young employees.

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