Experience Matters: The ROI of a Refreshed Bank Branch
By Tom Kennedy Digital banking may be faster, but it hasn’t replaced the physical branch. Instead, it has redefined its purpose and value in the customer experience. While mobile and online banking continue to grow, research shows that customers still value in-person experiences for important financial decisions. In fact, a recent J.D. Power study revealed…
Is it Time to Realign Your Legacy Consumer Liquidity Strategy? Yes—Now More Than Ever.
By Tim Barrett With rising consumer expectations, growing competition, and ongoing economic uncertainty, banks can no longer rely on outdated, one-size-fits-all overdraft programs or legacy small-dollar loan offerings. Yet many institutions are still using ad hoc or legacy systems that lack transparency, adaptability, and actionable insight. If your overdraft system assigns limits or manages old…
Bank-Directed Account Opening: A Strategic Imperative for Community Banks
By Amruta Dongre Community banks are uniquely positioned to offer personal, relationship-driven banking experiences. However, they often face stiff competition from larger institutions and fintech companies that have invested heavily in digital capabilities. One critical area where community banks can gain a competitive edge is in the account opening process—specifically, automating and streamlining their bank-directed…
The CFPB is on Life Support —But Compliance Shouldn’t Be
By Tom Oscherwitz In recent weeks, the Trump administration has significantly reduced funding for federal financial regulators. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is struggling to operate, with its staff unable to access their headquarters, supervisory exams suspended, and enforcement cases being abandoned. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) fired 700 employees on the last…
A Night of Hope: Michigan Banks Support Families Facing Blood Cancer
By Greg O’Neil On the evening of April 25, 2025, the historic Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, transformed into a beacon of compassion and community. I had the honor of attending a fundraising gala for the Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (BCFM), an event that drew powerful support from across the banking and legal…
Is There a Playbook for Romance Scams? Often YES.
By Stuart Best and Sara Costanzo An attractive stranger with a fake name and profile photo reaches out online and strikes up a connection. He/she sends messages daily. The stranger quickly profess his/her love for you. The stranger builds up a sense of trust. Then, the trap is set. The stranger start asking for money…
The M&A Landscape: Don’t Get Burned by Your Technology Contract
By Rich Carty Contracts and Bank Sales: Key Negotiation Insights for Executives What should boards of directors and executives consider when negotiating with their major technology vendors if they are considering an acquisition, or planning to sell their bank in the next several years? Recently, a CEO client approached us to manage her technology contract…
What New U.S. Banknotes Mean for Banks’ Counterfeit Prevention
By Rachel Gruber Even though we are only a few months into 2025, banks and other financial institutions (FIs) in the U.S. must already be looking ahead to a major shift in cash security. Starting in early 2026, the U.S. Federal Reserve will begin rolling out a new series of banknotes every two years, first…
Double-Sided Spoofing: What to Know About the Latest Fraud Threat Targeting Commercial Banking Customers
By Jaime Macumber Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, evolving their tactics faster than most organizations can keep up. New Federal Trade Commission data reveals a 25 percent increase in financial losses due to fraud over the previous year, primarily because of the rising success of more elaborate imposter scams. One of the latest threats targeting…
Leveraging Payment Sovereignty & Growth Opportunities To Help Banks Be More Competitive
By Emmanuel Proust Banks and financial institutions in the U.S. continue to face significant challenges in order to remain competitive. Their ability to overcome these hurdles, while understanding where the opportunities for expansion can be identified through advanced payment technologies, will be critical to realize growth in the coming years. Furthermore, the diverse U.S. payments…