PayThink

A recap of the informed opinions (and the discussions they generated) on BankThink this week.

Credit unions now have many initiatives to better understand each member, including improved marketing and member loyalty. Unfortunately, many CUs are running into an unexpected challenge: inaccurate data.

A credit union executive benefit is often designed as a 457(f) plan. While there are alternatives to a 457(f) approach for which funding may be mandated (such as collateral assignment split dollar), a 457(f) type of benefit does not have to be "funded."

It's advice that comes from someone who spent years inside credit unions before leaving for another industry and then returning (at least in part) in a new gig offering consulting.

Many card issuers think they only have two options when it comes to EMV—keep all issuance in house or outsource.

Any bill that does not return with provisions reinstating affordable housing goals and lowering down payment requirements is still a failure, writes the head of the National Urban League.

Today's harsh regulatory environment is sapping community banks of the time, money and staffers they previously dedicated to financial literacy efforts.

The words ‘payment’ and ‘innovation’ don’t always go together, nor should they.

Banks should view the recent influx of regulations on small-dollar credit loans as a chance to develop products that are at once profitable and safe for consumers.

By strengthening direct consumer oversight, Bitcoin may shift consumer protection from law and regulation to reputation and trust, and even to mathematical proof of good service.