There’s no question the pandemic has changed how people interact with their bank. Consider the insights from a study conducted last summer by Texas-based fintech Self Financial, which found a third of respondents opened an online-only bank account in the past 12 months. More than half believe online banks will eventually outnumber traditional banks, and 46 percent believe the way people currently bank needs to change. [Continue]
It is undeniable that COVID-19 has changed the way people live and work. The hallmarks of community banking — the one-on-one interactions and personal touch — have been redefined. How can bankers maintain strong relationships with their customers while lobbies are closed and social distancing measures are in place? [Continue]
The Paycheck Protection Plan drove customers and revenue to community banks in large numbers last year, leading many to see 2020 as a banner year for small banks. With the second round of PPP in 2021, that trend should continue. But let’s not start celebrating yet. Banks that administered PPP successfully may enjoy gains for the short-term, but at what cost? [Continue]
Despite the pandemic, banks are flush with deposits, and loan demand, including a Paycheck Protection Program, that has kept bankers busy. Liquidity isn’t a problem. But as conditions change as a result of the pandemic, bankers must ask themselves: How can I capitalize on what I already have? [Continue]
When the CARES Act was signed into law in March of 2020, it introduced the Employee Retention Credit as an alternative to employers who didn’t meet the criteria for a PPP loan. It provides a 50 percent credit on qualified wages of an eligible employer. Guidance has evolved since the ERC was first released, offering an opportunity for some banks to qualify. [Continue]
2020 has been unprecedented on many fronts. The way in which community banks have risen to the myriad challenges is one of the many reasons we appreciate being part of the industry and helping navigate the evolving landscape. As we look toward 2021, there are several recurring themes we are helping clients anticipate and manage. [Continue]
Unlike the previous economic crisis just over 10 years ago, and the recessions that preceded it, the current downturn has mostly spared the banking industry. Indeed, though it is not necessarily reflected in the share prices of publicly traded institutions, many US banks have strong balance sheets and are poised for growth. And that includes community banks. [Continue]
When an organization is the victim of a cybersecurity breach, the immediate concern is the compromised data. The damage to brand reputation, potential lawsuits, regulatory fines and stringent compliance oversight are sure to follow — carrying a hefty price tag — all of which is a sober reminder that the breach itself is only the beginning of a long road ahead. [Continue]
Don’t know where to start with vendor contracts? Here are three steps designed to help your institution get started on a path to ensure value-driven vendor results on your next vendor contract renegotiation and/or technology evaluation endeavor. [Continue]
For many banks, the impact of the economic shutdown stemming from the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 continues to create significant challenges. Amidst this however, it is important that management and the board continue to focus on the following key issues. [Continue]