Perhaps the biggest issue in financial services during the last half of calendar 2015 – along with the Federal Reserve’s December decision to raise interest rates – was the Europay, Mastercard, Visa or EMV Chip Card. While major institutions like Chase and stores like Target made the transition with their customers, recent surveys reveal that 56 percent of Americans don’t … [Read more...]
On Higher Rates: Don’t Panic; Embrace Potential Opportunities
The old “I’ve got good news and bad news” joke may be in play for community banks when it comes to the Federal Reserve’s decision last month to raise interest rates. While bigger banks make money off trading and fees, net interest margins are critical for community banks and their shareholders. Net interest margins (NIMs) are the difference between the interest earned on … [Read more...]
Challenging Times and New Opportunities in the New Year
The Gallup organization offered some insights in March 2015 that still resonates as community banks and credit unions enter the New Year. And while for the kids and their music, it may be “all about that bass,” for community and regional banks, the key to success is the customer experience, according to Beth Youra, a senior consultant for Gallup. “Regional and community … [Read more...]
Feeding Uncle Harry’s gift to the Pig
It’s the time of year when parents, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and friends fatten kids’ wallets with holiday cash. For most kids, those greenbacks may as well be on fire. They can’t wait to score the hottest video game, basketball shoe or high-tech gadget. If the 25th is a day for opening presents, the days after Christmas are filled with the not-so-pleasant sounds of … [Read more...]
Five Lessons from Bedford Falls
When “It’s a Wonderful Life” debuted in theaters in 1946, it didn’t exactly pack the same box office punch as say, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” In fact, while not a flop, it didn’t measure up at the box office. It garnered five Oscar nominations, but didn’t come close to breaking even financially in its initial run. Looking back across more than 70 years, that may come … [Read more...]