Results include
Economic Indicators
Sep 19, 2023
Bottom Line: Housing starts fell sharply in August, much more than expected, hitting the lowest levels since the pandemic. The aways-volatile multifamily sector led the declines, though, suggesting the magnitude of the decline was likely just normal volatility. That said,...
Jun 22, 2023
Bottom Line: Claims were steady again last week, holding near the highest levels since early in the pandemic. There were slight negative revisions to the prior week's data, but no states reported significant issues. Texas officials reported that layoffs were...
Aug 4, 2022
The pandemic may have driven more people to digital banking channels, but CFIs shouldn’t go overboard overhauling all of their branches to strip away essentials — particularly human staff. Branch design going forward should be a mix of styles, depending on customer makeup and geography, with a “hub and spoke” approach that is flexible to accommodate changing characteristics.
Feb 27, 2024
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.
Feb 12, 2024
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.
Aug 22, 2023
Despite lower foot traffic since the pandemic, there is a renewed focus on branches as FIs find that customers still want human interaction for more complex operations. To complement the digital services they offer, CFIs should focus on transforming their branches from transaction-based sites to advice centers.
May 9, 2023
Thefts of mailed checks have soared since the start of the pandemic as stimulus checks attracted crooks and accelerated check fraud schemes. We discuss why and what to look for to prevent mailed check theft from affecting your customers.
Mar 7, 2023
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.
Jan 19, 2023
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.
Jan 18, 2023
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.
Nov 23, 2022
The pandemic caused many smaller companies to adopt digital technologies that expanded their ability to reach customers across the US and in other nations. Many of the companies say that cross-border commerce is a way to grow businesses and keep up with the competition. As a result, CFIs with international payment solutions may have opportunities to strengthen relationships, add new customers, and grow fee income.
Oct 27, 2022
Mobile banking use increased dramatically during the pandemic and its growth is projected to continue for years to come. CFIs need to respond to the evolving mobile needs and wants of customers and small businesses. We cover current trends in mobile banking that customers are looking for.
Sep 20, 2022
After two years of post-pandemic recovery in the CRE market, there are signs of a cooling off, driven by rising rates and fears of a recession. This leaves leading financial institutions with high CRE concentrations exposed and subject to greater scrutiny by regulators. We provide four strategies to manage CRE in this current market uncertainty.
Sep 9, 2022
Pandemic shutdowns accelerated the adoption of self-service technologies. Now, more and more customers at CFIs expect such services in both digital channels and inside branches. We explore some of the most popular DIY technologies.
Aug 1, 2022
CFIs have been successful in expanding relationships with small business owners who came to the institution during the pandemic for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Indeed, some PPP borrowers even moved their entire banking relationship over to the CFI. We look at some of the ways CFIs have been able to deepen those relationships.
Jul 20, 2022
In this second part of our summary of the FDIC 2022 Risk Review, we take a closer look at the FDIC’s findings on potential credit risks for the banking industry and community financial institutions. While credit conditions for banks have improved in 2021, we examine the increased credit risk in certain sectors and markets linked to pandemic-related challenges, rising inflation and the war in Ukraine.
Jun 15, 2022
In addition to email and telephone, businesses began using video conferencing and instant messaging at high volumes, as a result of the pandemic. Fast-forward to today and financial institutions are faced with the problem of adequately documenting employee communications across all of these channels. To begin addressing the problem, it’s important to understand the challenges that these platforms present and how to solve it.
May 19, 2022
Anti-money laundering practices have been under more scrutiny as the pandemic ushered in more digital payments and cryptocurrency activity. Now, with the invasion of Ukraine, anti-money laundering measures and OFAC compliance tops regulators’ lists. Here are important risks to look out for and reminders on how to continue strengthening your practices to mitigate these risks.
Apr 26, 2022
A full economic recovery in the various CRE sectors is crucial both for community financial institutions and their customers. The overall CRE market seems to be making a recovery after the pandemic's impact, especially the industrial sector. We highlight this sector and explore whether it will stay strong through the end of 2022.
Apr 8, 2024
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.