By Kelly Flynn, National Director

Staying on top of changing consumer demands remains one of the top challenges for financial institutions today. Whether it’s a mobile app that allows members to better manage their transactions; the ability to receive text/SMS notifications on transactions over a pre-determined amount or outside of a specified geographical area; implementing card tokenization or rolling out new pin and chip card technology with new Euro MasterCard/Visa (EMV) cards, offering new technology to account holders will most likely involve substantial costs.

By Charles Shanley, Executive Vice President

Online resources continue to play a crucial role in consumer shopping preferences. As a result, more and more individuals are accessing financial services through digital channels. According to the Filene Research Institute, 50 percent of consumer’s report searching exclusively online for financial services products. What’s more, they are typically drawn to a specific product before settling on the right bank or credit union. And, according to a recent study from Accenture, 72 percent of consumers aged 18 to 34 would bank with Google and T-Mobile if they offered financial services.  

By J. Keith Hughey, Senior Consultant

I recently took part in the Independent Bankers Association of Texas' 41st Annual Convention in Galveston. Throughout the three-day event, I observed one speaker after another take a moment to thank various people – with kudos being directed to team members, family, mentors, Boards of Directors, the IBAT staff and leadership, along with the exhibit hall staff, event planners, food service staff, and assorted others – who in one way or another either had a hand in their achievements or in making the event and its many moving parts a rousing success.

By J. Keith Hughey, Senio Consultant

While your current board members may have been carefully vetted when they were first recruited to lead the institution, if they no longer represent your account holder demographic, fail to stay actively involved or lack the ability to make well-informed decisions that impact the bottom line, it may be time to re-evaluate the value they bring to the organization. Learn five steps you can take to improve the odds that your institution’s board is providing the leadership necessary to help you meet or exceed your strategic goals.

By Kelly Flynn, National Director

As the deadline approaches for transitioning to new, more secure EMV (Europay, Mastercard and Visa) debit and credit cards, many financial institutions are concerned about the time and expense that will be required to reissue new cards to their account holders. In reality, this deadline provides a tremendous opportunity to renegotiate debit and credit card, and card processing contracts to make sure your institution is getting the very best price, terms and services from your current vendors. In addition to providing your account holders with the latest in card fraud protection, learn how a contract review and renegotiation and benefit your bottom line.

By Keith Hughey, Senior Consultant

As financial institutions continue to face increased competition – along with regulatory and economic challenges – it is imperative that the board of directors is providing effective support and guidance on matters involving governance, policy and strategic direction. However, if board members aren’t actively engaged and participatory – or don’t possess the knowledge necessary to contribute to the discussion – their presence can have a negative impact on the institution.  Implementing a peer-to-peer review process can promote effective board involvement and support on-going growth opportunities for individual board members.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently announced another delay in any proposals regarding additional rules for overdraft programs, pushing the timeframe into 2015. And while such delays may have caused financial institutions to postpone implementation of an overdraft strategy, consumers with limited credit options continue to need access to low-cost solutions for accessing emergency funds. As regulators continue to consider their next steps, JMFA continues to provide a fully compliant overdraft solution that benefits financial institutions and their account holders.

Meet Jim Griffis, JMFA’s new regional director for New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Jim joins our staff with more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, operations, project management and new product implementation across multiple industries.

By Keith Hughey, Senior Consultant

As the financial services industry works to regain consumer trust following the 2008 financial meltdown, regulators and industry leaders have addressed the important role corporate culture plays in maintaining the respect of account holders and prospects. But a certain corporate culture doesn’t exist just because a values statement appears in the strategic plan. Maintaining a strong culture requires a commitment by leadership to demonstrate best practices and sound judgment in all situations, and to create a workplace environment that recognizes and rewards integrity and respectful behavior.

By John M. Floyd, Chairman & CEO

Following the implementation of Regulation E opt-in requirements on charging overdraft fees for electronic transactions, consumer advocacy groups have monitored overdraft program marketing techniques used in large banks. In some instances they identified situations where inconsistent, unclear or incorrect information was provided to account holders. Find out how to alleviate compliance concerns and strengthen account holder relationships.

Temporary staffing needs can be a source of stress for financial institutions. Plus, with ongoing challenges in the financial industry and long-time employees entering in their retirement years creating vacancies at bank and credit unions, retaining highly qualified employees is key. With proper planning and expertise in place, fulfilling any staffing needs that arise can be a smooth process.

By Kelly Flynn, National Director

EMV Chip technology will soon alter credit and debit card standards. This change presents an opportune time for financial institutions to review card brand vendor contracts and discover possible savings and better terms, while providing stakeholders with a peace of mind.

By Keith Hughey, Senior Consultant

Make the most of your strategic plan to maintain a strong organization and achieve your goals. Many institutions believe that they are covering all the bases, however, many unknowingly omit certain initiatives that can make all the difference in staying profitable and competitive. Find out what your plan may be missing.

By Jan Southern, Senior Consultant

While the use of technology and mobile capabilities for accessing financial services is on the rise, having a balanced approach is necessary in order to maintain an effective high tech/high touch customer service strategy.

By Charles Shanley, SPHR, CFS, Executive Vice President, Recruitment Services

As Baby Boomers continue on their path to retirement, financial institutions have an opportunity to re-populate many of their open positions with energetic, eager candidates from the Millennial workforce. But the tool book is different for successfully recruiting these candidates.