PayThink

The Iran conflict is more likely to have an indirect effect on banks, one that may take years to show up as the ramifications filter through the economy

The responsible gathering of data on consumers is intrinsic to the verification tools that keep everyone safe from identity theft and other forms of fraud. Blanket attacks on "data brokers" will harm consumers, not help them.

The threats posed by financial criminals, from fraudsters to money launderers, are evolving at a pace that far outstrips the education of bankers charged with combating them. That needs to change.

Decisions about the kind of blockchains to use in rolling out banking products creates future path dependencies. It's important that banks get this decision right.

A negative work environment with unhappy employees is going to adversely impact the customer experience, even when employees don't voice their dissatisfaction out loud. Bank managers need to create a positive culture.

Showing up for clients is still crucial, but using AI to deliver on financial goals matters more, says Altruist's CEO.

The headlong rush to apply AI to all sorts of internal systems runs the risk of damaging consumer trust in the industry. Banks should look to their history and be deliberate about how they integrate AI into their systems.

As geopolitical threats loom, the U.S. needs a better-coordinated AML strategy. The Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network should take the lead in implementing needed reforms.

Banks are deploying extremely powerful AI systems but expecting generalist employees to operate them safely and consistently without redesigning workflows around the technology. That virtually guarantees a bad outcome.

Doubling down on what has worked in the past — especially if it's still working now — may inadvertently trap banks into business models ill-suited for the future. Smart bankers make room for change before it is forced on them.