Public Relations vs. Business Reality
I recently received a LinkedIn message from a former colleague who had attended an industry meeting on ESG issues. My first reaction was surprise that these meetings are still being held, since…
The Current Customer Comes First
We all tend to focus on the “shiny new thing.” In banking that could be a new product, an emerging technology (e.g, AI), or a new market segment / geography. But the first priority of every bank…
Doing Effective Due Diligence
This week and next we’ll focus on issues related to due diligence. As M&A activities are likely to increase in 2023, excellence in due diligence is critical for sellers but in particular for acquirers. Yet, there are at least…
Putin Defeated by Maurice
As all readers know, Putin has managed to put strains on and inflate all aspects of our national economy. But Putin was unprepared for the resourcefulness and persistence of one man: Maurice. Let me explain how this Miami man undermined the Russian war machine.
Small Business Banking in 2015 and Today
A few days ago, I read an email from someone at a Fintech who had come across a 2015 BAI article I had written on banking small businesses. He thought the article was still relevant. I didn’t remember much of what I had written, but when I reviewed it…
Small Business: Abandoned Again?
Industry experts expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates by up to 75 basis points. A Financial Times survey of economists reveals that 70% predict a 2023 recession. Inflation remains high and maybe going…
How can banks win in the small to mid-size business market?
VIDEO: A few weeks ago, Ned Miller, a friend, colleague, and expert in all things community banking invited me to join his podcast. The topic centered on…
For the 100th Time: Small Businesses Offer Banks a Great Opportunity
I mentioned to a consulting friend that I had seen a BAI executive report with the title “Big Stakes in Small Business Banking” followed by the tag line “SMBs…
Has the Pendulum Swung Too far?
Two decades ago many banks focused on developing their own technology solutions rather than relying on third party technology providers. The idea was that developing bespoke solutions would better serve their customers rather than offering a “canned” solution…
Putting Money Where Your Corporate Mouth Is
Over a decade ago I remember sitting in a banking conference listening to a “consultant” speak about his company’s focus on helping banks capture and exploit overdraft fee income. The penalty charges were significant. Those fees took advantage of…
Load More