With success comes additional scrutiny. A recent Federal Reserve survey indicates that three-quarters of Americans are familiar with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, and nearly 10% had accepted such a deferred payment offer in the past 30 days. A modernized take on installment lending for the digital age, BNPL's rapid rise has attracted the attention of lawmakers, regulators, and companies with various stakes in the payments ecosystem.
Topics: Apple Pay, Chase Pay, Buy Now Pay Later, BNPL, CFPB, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Bank Regulation, Credit Union Regulation
Reflecting on Key Challenges & Opportunities in 2022
Over the past year, SRM's experts have shared dozens of blogs, providing insight into industry-relevant topics.
We've covered a wide range of themes, including fintech trends, crypto, lending and deposit strategies, critical regulatory headwinds, and ESG programs.
Topics: Fintech, Vendor Contract Negotiation, Interchange, Buy Now Pay Later, Digital Assets, Overdraft, credit card competition act
CFPB’s Buy Now, Pay Later Stance Should Comfort Banks, Credit Unions
Banks and credit unions interested in offering Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services should be pleased with the latest report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Many FIs have been reluctant to dive into the popular consumer offering, largely due to uncertainty over the regulatory environment. SRM asserted in a recent report that banks and credit unions have the experience and tools necessary to handle regulatory scrutiny.
Topics: Payments, Vendor Contract, Buy Now Pay Later, BNPL, CFPB, Credit Cards
How to Firewall Risk in a Buy Now, Pay Later Product
In our recent report, we made the case that banks and credit unions consider Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) as part of a holistic suite of payments products.
While a study from IntraFi Network found that four out of five small banks and credit unions are reluctant to get into BNPL, SRM believes that traditional FIs have the infrastructure to handle compliance requirements from agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Topics: Payments, Buy Now Pay Later, BNPL, Credit Union Vendor Contracts, Bank Vendor Contracts, Point-of-Sale
BNPL: Why Banks and Credit Unions Need to Pay Attention
Financial institutions of all sizes are under pressure to find new revenue sources and solidify their status as customers' trusted financial advisors. One would think FIs would race to participate in a lending category projected to grow significantly in coming years – and one where 70% of consumers indicated in a recent survey that they'd prefer access through their bank.
That isn’t necessarily the case. Surprisingly, a study by IntraFi Network found that 80% of community banks and credit unions have no plans to introduce Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. A new SRM report details why FIs should closely examine this opportunity – not only as a revenue generator but also to defend current and future business.
Topics: Fintech, Vendor Contract Negotiation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Buy Now Pay Later, BNPL, Consumer Lending
Is BNPL a Missed Opportunity for Financial Institutions?
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) has emerged as one of the most discussed and fastest-growing areas in consumer lending. What has been surprising is the unwillingness of many financial institutions to add it to their product offerings, according to a recent survey by IntraFi Network. Though BNPL upstarts like Klarna and Affirm continue to claim new territory, the survey indicates that 80% of community banks have no plans to add these services.
Topics: Digital Banking, Vendor Contract Negotiation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Buy Now Pay Later, BNPL, Installment Loans
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.
Topics: Payments, Vendor Contract Negotiation, Credit Card, Cryptocurrency, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Buy Now Pay Later
It will be difficult for financial institutions to boost revenue in 2022 – many will need to be more innovative than ever to add customers, book loans, and bring in fees.
Interest rates should remain low next year, and competition will intensify as loan demand returns. Customers’ shifting preference for digital channels will require tech investments that will further pinch bottom lines.
Financial institutions are looking at niche businesses, acquiring loan portfolios, and creative revenue strategies to offset those pressures. Here’s a look at some tactics being employed.
Topics: Fintech, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Buy Now Pay Later, Cannabis Banking, Revenue