Scarcity or prosperity: The efficiency ratio under attack
Many financial institution executives spend considerable time thinking about strategies to improve efficiency in order to improve overall profitability. [Continue]
The heart of banking still beats locally, but survival demands smarter strategy
There’s a fundamental truth in banking that gets lost amid the noise of consolidation and digital disruption: where you bank matters. [Continue]
The 10 biggest takeaways from working with community banks
After years of working solely in the world of fintechs and software startups, my transition to working with community banks has been eye-opening. [Continue]
Rethinking CD early withdrawal penalties
What would happen to investor demand in the bond market if U.S. Treasuries were subject to early withdrawal penalties similar to bank certificates of deposit? [Continue]
USDA, farm loan program need update to be ready for the future
There has been much focus recently on shrinking the size of, and increasing the efficiency of, the federal workforce. USDA will not be immune from these painful discussions. [Continue]
ROI on employee recognition is off the charts
As you cogitate current economic events, you may have concluded that you will need to do more with less to have a shot at staying even. [Continue]
Now might be the time for credit unions to be taxed
At least until the midterms, banking industry advocates have a better chance than ever to reshape the applicable tax policy. [Continue]
Rethinking digital account acquisition with high-yield savings
It’s a reality that many financial institutions are starting to face: The digital checking account boom is not as profitable as it might seem. [Continue]
Banking leaders must stand behind the CDFI Fund
On March 14, President Trump signed an executive order directing the CDFI Fund (and six other government programs) to reduce their operations to the minimum needed to perform their statutory duties. [Continue]
CUs: Let’s get serious about tax policy
Within hours of the Independent Community Bankers of America calling for credit unions with more than $1 billion in assets to pay income taxes, credit union advocates were crying foul. [Continue]