If there is one battlefield in banking that a commercial bank needs to win to profitably grow, it is treasury management functionality. Because treasury management is tied to deposit balances, fees and retention, getting this product right is critical to capture high balance and profitable customers. In this article we review current customer expectations and...

In banking, complex problems often have many moving parts: regulatory change, technology shifts, customer behaviors, competitive dynamics, pricing pressures. It’s tempting to jump into solutioning the primary visible symptoms (e.g., “our margins are shrinking”) and assume you’ve solved the issue. But what if you’ve only tackled the tip of the iceberg? When it comes to...

We often talk about “frictionless banking,” making it easy for the customer to open an account or add deposit balances. However, as banks design future products, they should consider taking into account the “Ikea Effect” to help increase customer lifetime value. In this article, we explain what the Ikea Effect is and how to apply...

If managing loan pricing is a college-level course, deposit pricing is a master’s. Given the complexity, managing analyzed checking, however, is a PhD. level effort. There are all the dynamics of traditional accounts plus often two different interest rates, the ability to offset fees, and a variety of adjustments. We covered the basics of account...

In this episode, Chris Nichols is joined by Samer Saab of Alloy Labs to explore the growing tension between a traditional “debt mindset” and a more forward-looking “equity mindset” in banking. While banks are built to minimize risk and protect principal, that same instinct can limit innovation, partnerships, and long-term growth. Samer shares practical ways...

In this episode, Chris Nichols sits down with Jack Henry’s Lee Wetherington to unpack the biggest strategic shifts facing community banks today. From deposit pressures and the rise of small business banking to the growing importance of data strategy and payments, the conversation highlights how banks must rethink their approach to growth. The discussion makes...

In this episode, Caleb Stevens talks with Eva Daniel, founder of The Speak Shop, about why effective communication is a critical leadership skill. Eva shares why every professional should have a signature message, common mistakes leaders make when presenting, and how thoughtful storytelling and structure can dramatically increase clarity and credibility. Tune in to learn...

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Udell, a former community banker turned AI advisor, to break down what AI actually means for banks today and how to start using it in practical ways. Ben shares how bankers can use AI to save time, sharpen decision-making, and enhance relationships. From turning voice notes into...