BankThink

Voice activation could give consumers increased visibility into their accounts and keep them connected to their bank.

Piggybacking on Sundie Seefried's letter ("Do Two-Thirds of Credit Unions Really Lack Relevancy Today?", CU Journal, Dec. 23), we also need to keep in mind the enormous political impact of small credit union volunteers and staff.

The two primary functions of banking should be to take deposits and to make loans; all other services should be supplementary to these two primary activities.

As mobile devices continue to pervade society, fully featured, adaptable technology that can provide an exceptional user experience will be the key to future mobile markets.

In the wake of the Target breach, I am struck by the almost universal lack of understanding of the essential issues at hand. Consumers are the primary victims, but merchants take a hit, too.

Risk Management Standards Debut; More Earnings

Bitcoin may no longer be a niche currency. A growing number of merchants, seeing the advantages of Bitcoin's near real-time, low-cost payment network, are beginning to accept the digital currency. Soon, many more merchants could start drinking the cryptocurrency Kool-Aid.

It is easy to see the stress tests as an annoying distraction to banks. However, if banks embrace them, these tests can be a useful arrow in the risk management quiver.

Earnings Season Continues

I would feel better about banking at a place that took an active role in educating the public on the financial system. I would also appreciate a complete breakdown on any puzzling paperwork, confusing mathematics or common mistakes when I sign up for an account.