Chris Doner, founder and CEO of Access Softek took part in panel 'Credit Unions and Changing Banking Preferences', published at FINOPOTAMUS by Roy Urrico.  

Third part: fintech products and accounts competing

Many tech companies are way ahead of the innovation curve when compared with small to mid-sized credit unions. How do these tech companies make sure they do not overwhelm these community financial institutions (FIs) with new products and services?

Actively seeking ways to collaborate with community financial institutions is one of the best ways to avoid overwhelming them with technology, Doner advised. “Again, community institutions understand the customer and they have the data insights at their disposal to enhance the relationship. Meanwhile, tech companies usually have cutting-edge technology that can help build these customer relationships.” Doner suggested, “Together, these two can create powerful services that not only increase member loyalty, but also make the FI much more competitive among both other FIs and tech companies who are against working with FIs.”

Doner said Access Softek’s approach is to have a powerful “out of the box solution” that will not overwhelm these community financial institutions, tied with a powerful programming tool that allows them to customize the solution to meet their specific needs.

“When financial services organizations and fintechs collaborate, they often bring innovative digital products to the marketplace,” Dahlgren maintained.

Dahlgren explained, “It’s the regional and large banks, with deeper resources and larger IT budgets, that are aggressively partnering with fintechs to enhance the customer journey.” He added that more than half (64%) of financial services organizations with less than $5 billion in assets said they are doing nothing on the fintech front, according to BAI research.

“Penny-wise, pound-foolish credit unions and small community banks are missing an opportunity to collaborate with a fintech, which often requires an up-front investment. This approach risks foregoing long-term dividends in the form of an enhanced customer experience that translates to a healthier bottom line,” Dahlgren said.

“The key to partnering with a tech company is finding the right one that fits your credit union,” Goldwasser said. The Payrailz vice president recommended credit unions look for a like-minded vendor that shares its values and understands its goals. “It can be overwhelming to be presented with so many different technology solutions available to your credit union, but the right vendor will connect you with the most useful ones and ensure they are tailored to work for your credit union and your members. As credit unions evaluate potential partners, they need to determine if a fintech is a friend that helps provide better member service or a foe that competes to serve the member.”

Everyone is coming for credit union members. Big banks, little banks, fintechs, venture capitalists, retailers, not to mention digital marketplaces like Amazon and Zillow. How can credit unions compete for accounts?

Dahlgren said, “It boils down to a question of trust.” He noted when BAI asked consumers in 2021 to rank their most trusted financial services provider, more than half (54%) said it was their primary finserv provider, such as a bank or credit union. The fintech PayPal was a distant second at 12%, followed by Apple and Amazon at 10% and 8%, respectively.

“The bricks and mortar of a branch provide consumers reassurance, especially amid the fear and uncertainty of a global pandemic,” Dahlgren said. “Credit unions and banks that provide a safe secure environment for customers, while providing them best-in-class digital and personal service, will carry the day against the growing field of competitors.”

Goldwasser emphasized how today’s leaders inside and outside the industry have convenience on their side. “The best retailers, the best banks and the best fintechs all offer services that make consumers’ lives easier. To stay ahead with consumers, credit unions must also add value and make members’ lives easier by offering the products and services they want and need. Beyond that, the most successful credit unions will be able to give members what they need before they even know they need it. Proactively helping members using tools like artificial intelligence and machine learning is and will be a key differentiator for credit unions.”

“Credit unions have credibility, access to member insights and a reputation of quality service. While many fintechs and retailers can scale quickly, credit unions can build better experiences,” said Doner. He emphasized credit union leaders can form relationships with individuals and provide more tailored and personalized service that is not attainable for non-industry players.

“Credit unions are trusted community institutions, non-profits, unlike fintechs and retailers, and actively seek to create positive interactions between members and the credit union,” Doner emphasized. “Bigger or new does not always mean better. With the right solutions, credit unions can stand up to non-industry players and succeed.”

About  Access  Softek, Inc.  

Access Softek sets the standard for the omnichannel digital banking landscape, having developed the first downloadable apps for mobile banking. Since that time, Access Softek has extended its track record of innovation to online banking, biometric authentication, real-time fraud prevention, and automated investing integrated directly into a financial institution’s digital banking platform, among many other innovative products. Now in its 35^th year, Access Softek has delivered industry firsts to over 400 bank and credit union clients from its Berkeley, California headquarters. Learn more at  AccessSoftek.com. 

Access  Softek  Contact:   

Anna Khalzova 

achaykina@accesssoftek.com 

604-499-7699