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SRM Perspectives on Key Industry Trends

Ben Mrva

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Breaking Down Concerns for Credit Union Leaders

Posted by Ben Mrva on Apr 25, 2023 11:08:00 AM

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It’s an understatement to say that 2023 has been demanding for credit unions.

A flurry of interest rate hikes has created balance sheet challenges. The recent failures of two large banks, and the voluntary liquidation of another, have created questions about the public’s underlying confidence in the financial services industry.

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Topics: Digital Banking, Vendor Contract Negotiation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Deposits, CFPB, Overdraft Fees

Crypto, BNPL, and Regulation: Key Trends to Watch in the Coming Months

Posted by Ben Mrva on Jul 28, 2022 11:14:00 AM

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The first half of 2022 was eventful for banks and credit unions, and there’s no reason to expect the pace to slow. Financial institutions must monitor changes to the payments ecosystem while simultaneously dealing with rising interest rates, eroding consumer confidence, and potential cracks in credit quality.

Here’s a quick summary of what the team at SRM sees as the key trends in financial services and how these trends might play out over the balance of the year.

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Topics: Payments, Cryptocurrency, Digital Assets, Overdraft, BNPL, CFPB

The Banking Trends That Will Define 2022, Part Two

Posted by Ben Mrva on Dec 28, 2021 9:30:00 AM

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In a recent post, we discussed two trends we anticipate driving strategy discussions for bank and credit union leadership teams in 2022. Our first trend breakdown focused on operational items – including back-office automation, loan originations, branch footprints, and artificial intelligence.

This blog will look at evolving customer trends that financial institutions (FIs) should address to maintain their valuable status as financial services providers of choice.

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Topics: Payments, Vendor Contract Negotiation, Credit Card, Cryptocurrency, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Buy Now Pay Later

Banking Trends That Will Define 2022, Part One

Posted by Ben Mrva on Dec 10, 2021 9:30:00 AM

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With changing economic conditions, inflation, COVID-19’s continued fallout, and escalating consolidation in the financial services space, predicting what’s to come in the new year is anything but certain. Despite the challenging environment, the consultants and analysts at SRM have identified key trends that will impact banks, credit unions, and fintechs in 2022.

Rather than scrambling to adjust as they play out throughout the year, we advise financial institutions to embrace the wave ahead and implement these trends into their 2022 planning.

Enjoy part one of two in our series on what’s in store for the year ahead.

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Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Automation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Loan Growth

How to Renew a Card Processing Contract

Posted by Ben Mrva on Nov 17, 2021 9:30:00 AM

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Every relationship – even long-term ones – needs an occasional tune-up.

Banks and credit unions that want to stay at the top of their game must change with the times, evaluate longstanding agreements with third parties, and incorporate cost savings whenever and wherever they can. Those efforts can free up funds to pursue growth strategies, including adding or expanding digital capabilities.

Periodic reviews can also help financial institutions determine if their providers are meeting the conditions of their contracts. A fresh set of eyes from an outside advisor can help evaluate exceptions, reduce processing fees, and negotiate potential marketing bonuses.

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Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Credit Union Vendor Management, Case Study, Credit Card Processing

Budgeting for 2022 | 5 Key Considerations for Your Vendor Contracts

Posted by Ben Mrva on Oct 5, 2021 11:00:00 AM

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Budgeting and planning season is usually a routine time for evaluating your business priorities and associated costs. However, while some banks and credit unions have already set their 2022 budgets, others are still calculating forecasts or waiting for more data.

Too often, management teams and boards plug vendor costs into their annual budgets and forecasts without questioning whether those contracts can be improved. This is undoubtedly a more complex task than ever as we face the coming winter months and the uncertainties surrounding the lingering impact of COVID-19.

There is, however, one area that is a sure opportunity for cost savings in your budgeting cycle – vendor contracts.

Banks and credit unions tend to plug vendor costs into their budgets and forecasts without questioning whether those contracts can be improved. This is often a mistake.

The truth is, no matter what the economic conditions, it is possible to reduce vendor costs without switching vendors or impacting service levels.

Here are 5 questions to ask when it comes to vendor contracts during this critical budget season:

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Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Budgets

Banking on a Good Problem to Have | The Deposit Influx Wave

Posted by Ben Mrva on Mar 9, 2021 12:15:00 PM

DepositInfluxBlog_ImageWe are now living through a highly unusual economic scenario.

Dubbed a K-shaped recovery by some, a severe economic downturn has arrived hand-in-hand with a sudden and significant inflow of consumer deposits.

The reasons behind this phenomenon are debatable. The broad-brush US approach to government stimulus/relief certainly plays a role, but no bank or credit union leaders saw this coming as PPP funding scenarios began to unfold. The result is a bizarre banking dynamic that’s a far cry from the challenges of recent years. Gone are the days of fighting to grow deposits by more than low single digits per annum. In 2020, it was not unusual for institutions to have registered checking balance growth of 15-25%. One client we’re aware of saw deposits grow unexpectedly by $1 billion.

From a bank or credit union’s perspective, a historic, pandemic-grade deposit influx may be the proverbial good problem to have, but it’s a problem nonetheless.

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Topics: Credit Union Deposit Management, Deposit Influx, Deposit Strategy, Banking Management

Three Virtual Ways to Continue Doing Business at CUNA GAC and Other National 2021 Conferences

Posted by Ben Mrva on Feb 25, 2021 9:30:00 AM

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Raise your hand if you miss in-person conferences.

SRM has attended hundreds of state, regional, and national events over the years. Still, last year’s GAC (Government Affairs Conference hosted by CUNA) was especially memorable because it was the last major destination event we attended before social-distancing measures went into effect.

Since then, the credit union conference scene and SRM’s participation has had to adapt to the virtual world.

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Topics: CUNA GAC 2021 SRM Participation, Virtual Conferences

The 2021 Outlook | A Return to Normal, Without Returning to the Past? Part 2

Posted by Ben Mrva on Feb 16, 2021 9:36:00 AM

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In a recent blog post, we elaborated on several trends that our payments experts expect will impact the banking industry in 2021 - including trends regarding digital banking investments and the branch’s evolving role with consumers.

Let’s continue that conversation by exploring additional factors directly related to the retail banking industry’s current environment, specifically:

  • The ongoing shifts in payments preferences
  • Battening down for the next economic wave
  • Changes in the regulatory climate

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Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management

The 2021 Outlook | Will Banking Return to Normal, Without Returning to the Past?

Posted by Ben Mrva on Jan 25, 2021 9:00:00 AM

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Now that we’ve closed the book on 2020, we can count on a swift change to the financial services landscape, right? The answer is yes…and no.

With the ongoing vaccine distributions and a new administration in Washington, there’s even more reason to expect the new year to bring new behavior. On the other hand, conditions don’t turn on a dime simply because the calendar flipped to January.

With that in mind, SRM’s payments experts have identified several trends we expect to drive financial services dynamics in 2021. Although their full effect is unlikely to be visible early in the year, banks and credit unions must consider these trends in setting priorities for 2021 and beyond.

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Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management

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