Buy now, pay later or BNPL, is the latest cautionary payments tale for community banks. Much like digital wallets, its appeal—with instant gratification and integrated payment at checkout—has taken hold with Gen Z and millennials.
Community banks’ focus on next-generation digital solutions was on full display during a recent symposium hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors.
Generation Z already outnumbers millennials and baby boomers and in a matter of years they’ll become the most financially powerful generation in our lifetimes. This generation represents a huge opportunity for community banks
April may be Financial Literacy Month, but at Community Spirit Bank our focus on providing young people with a strong foundational knowledge of money management concepts and skills remains a priority throughout the year.
Since its debut, Bitcoin has experienced spectacular fluctuations in value. While some accept the risks that come with such swings, others are working to blend the potential benefits of cryptocurrency with enhanced stability mechanisms. These digital currencies are collectively known as stablecoins.
After 12 fully immersive weeks and hundreds of meetings with community bankers, core vendors, regulators and venture capital firms, the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator 2021 cohort revealed a glimpse into the future of banking with high-tech solutions tailored for community banks and their customers.
If you don’t know what third party cookies are, you’re in luck. They’re on their way out. But you’re not completely off the hook — first party cookies and first party data still matter — now more than ever.
Countries are racing to create central bank digital currencies, or so it appears from the constant stream of reports, articles, and speeches by officials. Various surveys show 86 percent of central banks are actively researching an official digital currency. So, what exactly is a central bank digital currency?
ICBA and The Venture Center gave particular attention to identifying innovative back-office solution providers for this year’s ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator cohort. These solutions run the gamut from robotic process automation for online lending to cybersecurity oversight through an automated governance solution.
Last year I flew to Little Rock, Ark. to participate in the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program and found it to be a meaningful and constructive use of my time. But this year’s virtual forum raised the bar to a whole new level and allowed me to bring my entire team into the process — something we were all excited about.
In a world where technology has made it possible for instant gratification in customer and business relationships, community banks have had to find new ways to expand and deepen customer connections.
Recently, ICBA Bancard, in partnership with TCM Bank, released the white paper, “Cultivating the Strategic Value of Credit Card Rewards Programs. ICBA Bancard President & CEO Tina Giorgio continue her discussion with rewards expert Damon Moorer, president and CEO of TCM Bank, about rewards programs.
Having the right rewards program to match your existing and targeted cardholder customer base is more important than ever. That’s why ICBA Bancard, in partnership with TCM Bank recently released, “Cultivating the Strategic Value of Credit Card Rewards Programs,.
Studies show most Americans have too much debt and not enough savings. Being prepared doesn’t have to be a chore or a burden. With a few simple steps you can start stockpiling a nest egg that will carry you through life’s unexpected twists and turns.
Economic security rapidly evaporated for many households in 2020 as the coronavirus imposed an indelible mark on our nation’s economy. While the consequences were unprecedented, data continues to affirm the vitality of community banks.
In a time of ambiguity, you take notice when there’s unilateral consensus, as was the case at last month’s ThinkTECH Policy Summit. During the summit, assembled regulators, legislators, and community bankers all agreed that community bank innovation will drive the future of financial services.
Community bankers have hit the ground running this year with another round of Paycheck Protection Program lending, Economic Impact Payment processing, and the everyday business of supporting local communities during the pandemic.
In our industry if you’re not moving forward, you’re in danger of falling behind. It’s why we created the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program—to foster community bank innovation.
We have had to juggle countless responsibilities this year—to our families, to our businesses, to our communities, to each other. With so many simultaneous demands, we have had to make no shortage of sacrifices.
As we near the close of 2020, we’re all crossing our fingers and hoping that 2021 brings a stronger sense of stability and normalcy. No matter how we define it, “normal” will differ dramatically from this point forward.
