Research

Some key catalysts for the next evolution of financial services are already obvious to the industry. But there are exogenous forces, both demographic and economic, that could pose existential threats to aspects of the business as conducted today. Inside, an examination of those potential sources of upheaval and ideas on how the industry might adapt.

Tariffs and other macro factors have introduced new uncertainty into international trade.

Tariffs and other macro factors have introduced new uncertainty into international trade.

Recent years have seen a transformation in credit-card customer acquisition. This report explores how consumers are interacting with the new expanse of marketing and acquisition channels and examines where opportunities and threats to issuers may lie.

Recent years have seen a transformation in credit-card customer acquisition. This report explores how consumers are interacting with the new expanse of marketing and acquisition channels and examines where opportunities and threats to issuers may lie.

The idea of a common digital identity for consumers has become more compelling amid the digitalization of the world's economy. Many bank and credit union executives consider it a natural fit, one the industry should be prepared to lead on.

The idea of a common digital identity for consumers has become more compelling amid the digitalization of the world's economy. Many bank and credit union executives consider it a natural fit, one the industry should be prepared to lead on.

Aside from BB&T-SunTrust, dealmaking got off to a sluggish start this year. But that may soon change, not just because of pressure to achieve scale. For many banks and credit unions, a technology-capability gap could be the determining factor.

It's a multibillion-dollar industry in a state of payments-regulation limbo and as a result, the U.S. cannabis business has mainly operated on a cash basis.

Person-to-person payments have become table stakes for institutions looking to attract and retain younger customers. The service may also be one of the keys to keeping big-tech insurgents like Amazon at bay.

Person-to-person payments have become table stakes for institutions looking to attract and retain younger customers. The service may also be one of the keys to keeping big-tech insurgents like Amazon at bay.

The industry's technology priorities and budgets are headed for a distinct shift in 2019. What's in: new initiatives in digital banking and analytics. What's not: new initiatives built on blockchain technology.

The industry’s technology priorities and budgets are headed for a distinct shift in 2019. What’s in: new initiatives in digital banking and analytics. What’s not: new initiatives built on blockchain technology.

Regulatory and demographic shifts have altered the path to credit for younger American consumers. Those shifts have opened up lending opportunities, particularly at the digital point of sale. Merchants, startups and financial institutions are all vying for a share of this (potentially very) lucrative business.

The outcome of the midterm elections stands to recast debate on topics ranging from regulatory relief to the GSEs and the CFPB. Inside, a look at how the direction of financial services policy could alter under the newly divided Congress.

While businesses' ability to transact internationally has expanded, the act of settling payments has gotten more complex, expensive and time-consuming. That means opportunity for companies that can provide solutions.

While businesses' ability to transact internationally has expanded, the act of settling payments has gotten more complex, expensive and time-consuming. That means opportunity for companies that can provide solutions.

The loyalty and rewards landscape is in a state of flux. Consumers are being bombarded with a bewildering range of options, and they are primed to jump ship when a better offer comes along – perhaps half have switched to a new credit card in the past year.

How banks are vying for leverage in the rewards space and where their points of vulnerability may lie.

Most lenders are staying the credit bureau course in underwriting but some are mulling changes, particularly when it comes to marketing.