![ESG-Blog-Image[19]](https://blog.srmcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ESG-Blog-Image%5B19%5D.png?width=932&name=ESG-Blog-Image%5B19%5D.png)
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors play an increasing role in bank and credit union decision-making. Climate considerations, whether the result of government mandates, shareholder activism, or environmental shifts, have altered risk assessment models. Additionally, the prospect of regulators adding ESG metrics to examination criteria is gathering steam.
Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Gen Z, Brand Loyalty, ESG, Climate Change
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Financial institutions (FIs) of all sizes struggle to recruit and retain younger employees and customers – a challenge exacerbated by the rise of neobanks that offer enhanced experiences, streamlined processes, and faster decisions.
Topics: Payments, Vendor Contract Negotiation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Rewards Programs, Gen Z
![Loyalty_WP_Blog_Image[61]](https://blog.srmcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Loyalty_WP_Blog_Image%5B61%5D.jpg?width=932&name=Loyalty_WP_Blog_Image%5B61%5D.jpg)
So many assumptions about banking – and business in general – have shifted over the past 20 months that it’s reasonable to question whether long-held beliefs about consumer loyalty need to be revised as well.
Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Branding, Loyalty, Sustainability
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Most of the excitement surrounding cryptocurrency has focused on Bitcoin and similar altcoins. This is understandable, as this asset class accounts for over 95% of the market value assigned to digital currencies and has been responsible for eye-popping returns in recent years.
Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Cryptocurrency, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, DeFi, Stablecoins, CBDC
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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.
Topics: Payments, Vendor Contract Negotiation, Credit Card, Cryptocurrency, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Buy Now Pay Later
![NCUA-Crypto-Blog-Image[61]](https://blog.srmcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NCUA-Crypto-Blog-Image%5B61%5D.png?width=932&name=NCUA-Crypto-Blog-Image%5B61%5D.png)
The National Credit Union Association delivered an early gift to the institutions it regulates – guidance for handling digital assets such as cryptocurrency.
A growing number of credit unions have shown interest in offering crypto services to their members. Still, many have been reluctant to take the plunge without parameters from the NCUA. The agency’s guidance should provide some comfort for leery executives.
Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Cryptocurrency, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, DeFi, Digital Assets
![Trends_2022_Blog_Image[84]](https://blog.srmcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Trends_2022_Blog_Image%5B84%5D.png?width=932&name=Trends_2022_Blog_Image%5B84%5D.png)
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.
Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Automation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management, Loan Growth
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This year’s Money 20/20 conference marked a notable return to large-scale in-person industry events, as thousands of professionals gathered in Las Vegas to discuss all things fintech. It’s unsurprising yet ironic that this group, finally able to meet face-to-face, focused on digital solutions enabling remote commerce.
Here’s an overview of key takeaways from four days of in-depth discussions with clients and other experts in this dynamic sector.
Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management
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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.
Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Credit Union Vendor Management, Case Study, Credit Card Processing
![Chip_Shortage_Blog_Image[18]](https://blog.srmcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Chip_Shortage_Blog_Image%5B18%5D.png?width=932&name=Chip_Shortage_Blog_Image%5B18%5D.png)
The global supply chain has drawn more mainstream attention over the past year than in generations – or perhaps ever. Supply chain issues have affected everything from shipping container shortages to automobile production to gaming consoles to, believe it or not, credit and debit cards.
A critical factor in most of the items previously mentioned is an ongoing shortage of silicon chips. Such chips are a building block for virtually all electronic products enjoyed by consumers worldwide.
We believe this supply risk should be on the radar of every financial institution, given the importance of keeping customers equipped with active payment cards. With effective planning, issuers can minimize the potential impact on their organizations.
Topics: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Vendor Management, Credit Union Vendor Management
