American Banker Magazine - July/August 2022

Reaching the invisibles

Millions of Americans have trouble accessing low-cost loans because they have thin or problematic credit histories. That could change as fintech innovations and new self-reporting tools give lenders troves of new data.

There are numerous groups that would love for financial institutions to embrace their causes. But executives need to think through the potential consequences of becoming politically active.

A heads-down approach is no longer viable, but that doesn't mean executives need to address everything. Clear guidelines help leaders to decide when to speak up.

Workers Credit Union installed a life-size hologram of “Olivia” in specialized locations to offload some mundane customer service tasks. It’s also catching the attention of passersby.

The Biden administration is poised to put its stamp on the banking regulatory landscape, but there are few slam-dunk solutions that will satisfy both the industry and a vocal Democratic base.

Under the leadership of new CEO Rob Holmes, the Dallas-based company has embarked upon a top-to-bottom transformation to become the "flagship financial services firm" of the Lone Star State. But can Holmes make progress quickly enough to satisfy impatient investors?

In her new book, “Direct: The Rise of the Middleman Economy and the Power of Going to the Source,” Columbia Law professor Kathryn Judge examines how middlemen offer — and often limit — consumer choice.