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competition
Nov 6, 2023
More and more CFIs are partnering with fintechs to automate and improve their ag lending practices. We share details of how such partnerships are enhancing banking relationships with farmers and ranchers.
Oct 25, 2023
A successful transformation for any organization necessitates more than deciding that change is needed. CFIs should carefully think through long-term goals, make sure leadership has a shared vision, and allocate appropriate resources before setting out to make meaningful change within their institutions.
Sep 18, 2023
Private equity firms are actively targeting the lending market for small and midsize businesses, and they have deep pockets to use in their pursuit. In order to remain competitive, CFIs must focus on and highlight their expertise in this area.
Aug 31, 2023
As the banking industry has pulled back its lending activity, nonbanks, such as private equity firms, have moved in to fill the lending gap among large syndicated loans. We discuss what this could mean for CFIs and their participation in the syndicated loan market.
Jul 5, 2023
Digital-only spinoffs are becoming an increasingly popular way for CFIs to test new products and technologies, expand their reach, and target new demographics. We review the pros and cons of digital-only offshoots, and look at examples of CFIs currently experimenting with this new model.
Jun 15, 2023
Digital banks are known for superior customer service, as well as easier and faster digital capabilities. CFIs can combat this by enhancing their own digital channels. We detail some best practices on how to accomplish that.
Aug 13, 2019
In our fourth "Inquiry and Insight" issue, Steve Brown answers questions on phishing, CECL and online lending competition.
Jun 7, 2023
Pay by bank, a service that allows consumers to log into their bank accounts during an online purchase rather than entering a credit card, will debut as a new efficient payment method this year at online US retailers. While the service is more secure and eliminates the need for retailers to store consumer credit card data, it also means no fee revenue for credit card issuers.
Apr 24, 2023
The financial industry’s largest players are gearing up to introduce a new digital wallet aimed at competing with behemoths like PayPal and Apple Pay. Though it is still unclear how everything will play out, CFIs should keep a close watch on what they are planning while continuing to focus on their own digital offerings.
Apr 13, 2023
For CFIs to successfully compete with digital-only competitors, they first need to understand what draws people to such non-traditional banking in the first place. We dive into who is switching to neobanks and fintechs, as well as what services you can provide to retain these customers.
Jan 27, 2023
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.
Jan 31, 2022
Around 55Ys ago, the USPS ended its postal banking services. Yet, a new USPS check-cashing pilot program seems to be indicating a possible resurgence. The stimulus checks from the pandemic shined a light on the issues for the unbanked in accessing these funds. Now, with some bipartisan momentum, USPS could become a competitor to many community financial institutions. We unpack the details and give some insights.
Nov 25, 2019
Google recently launched a program for small businesses called Stride. Are they trying to grab your customers?
Aug 22, 2019
CRE lending competition is heating up, mainly due to nonbank lenders. We give you an update.
Nov 13, 2018
Half of community banks cite decision speed as a competitive advantage over big banks for small business loans. How to ensure this advantage will last.
Aug 21, 2018
Big banks are bowing to pressure from fintechs and offering fee-free mobile-only accounts. We give you the details on what is happening and how best to compete.
Mar 5, 2019
What can community banks do to keep their business customers in this fierce, non-relenting competitive landscape?
Oct 21, 2020
The Department of Justice is reviewing its bank merger guidelines. The results could help smaller institutions.
Feb 7, 2023
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.
Sep 17, 2018
Fintechs like Square and PayPal have been successfully wooing merchants to use their credit and debit card payment processing systems. What can you do to fight back?
Jan 10, 2023
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.
Jan 11, 2022
A number of challenger and foreign banks have recently exited or scaled down their presence in the US. N26 is the latest casualty. What’s behind these less-than-successful attempts to come to terms with the US retail banking landscape? We look at the lessons community financial institutions can learn from this apparent exodus.
Nov 1, 2021
Google has announced it is ending its embedded banking experiment, Google Plex. But with many other big nonfinancial brands making forays into the space, and embedded finance startups receiving over $4B in investment this year alone, it seems likely that embedded banking is here to stay. We explore what this could mean for community financial institutions.
Jan 6, 2020
Today we answer questions from bankers on public banks, core deposits and Google's checking accounts.
Dec 7, 2018
Although there has been talk of the post office getting into the banking business, according to a new Treasury report, this is not happening right now at least.
Sep 19, 2018
As you work on updating your employee benefits for 2019, you may want to know what other companies are doing. Some benefits are being cut and others are being added. Some of these changes may surprise you.
Sep 24, 2018
The surge in fintech activity has many possible repercussions for community banks. What the latest advancements mean for your bank.