2022 Pivots Your CU Should Make

Posted on June 6, 2022 at 8:00 am.

Credit unions are resilient and creative, and 2022 is the perfect year to flex those strengths to create growth for your business. There are lots of 2022 pivots your credit union should make this year.

Some of these pivots are likely already in the works in your branches and on your websites, while others may have passed just under your radar for the year. Either way, these items should make their way to the top of your priority list in the coming months.

Shifting Payments Preferences

Convenience and automation continue to help drive the demand for accessible payments. These payments preferences have shifted drastically in light of the pandemic, but they also offer a lot of benefits to the users, namely the ability to access and use your money anywhere, anytime.

The challenge here is security. As non-traditional payment methods are offered by more banks and credit unions, these payments preferences must ensure that your members’ private information is not being stolen or corrupted.

The supply chain shortages of credit and debit cards have also affected payments preferences in recent months. The shortage of the digital chips for these cards and countless other technologies has been going on since late 2020, which likely means your members’ new payments preferences will be sticking around.

As part of your credit union’s 2022 pivots, you should consider doing a comprehensive audit of your payment services to see what your members are using the most (and the least).

Loan Growth Initiatives

Many financial institutions are seeing an upward trend in household deposits to their branches, and fewer loans are being applied for and created. To bolster your loan growth this year, another worthwhile 2022 pivot is digital marketing touting your lending services.

For example, 2022 has seen incredible growth in the real estate market, with some areas having houses for sale for just a few days before they find a suitable and willing buyer. To capitalize on this fast-paced market, you need a quick way to increase your credit union loan growth.

IMS Integration offers online loan applications that are designed to incorporate your CU and its brand elements. You can offer these services electronically and collect all the information you need to start the loan process with your most tech-savvy members.

The Digital vs. Branch Debate

The paradox that was created by the pandemic is that we needed to implement and increase technology-based solutions quickly, but that focus has also created a huge desire for human interaction.

Credit union branch visits will likely never reach pre-pandemic levels in the near future, if at all. However, after two years of heavily automated and digital transactions, your members are also craving sincere, thorough interactions with your staff.

With that in mind, it’s important to tailor your branch spaces to maximize these person-to-person interactions and create a space to foster communication and financial advice. Even if you are offering web loan applications and self-service forms, many of your members will still prefer to talk to a live person, either at your branch or over the phone. Your credit union 2022 pivots in this area should aim to shift the use of your physical space to better serve the members who want in-depth financial education and counsel.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency investments have been growing steadily for several years. They’ve also recently seen a huge spike in investment interest. And many people would prefer to control these investments via their preferred financial institution rather than third party and other digital banking vendors.

2022 pivots in the cryptocurrency game have even seen big businesses like Subway, Twitch, AT&T, Starbucks, Home Depot, and more accepting bitcoin for their products and services in-store and online.

Just as you’d want your members to choose their CU credit or debit card to pay for those transactions, your credit union should be moving to capitalize on the rise in crypto’s popularity.

Addressing Staffing Issues

Employee turnover issues are affecting the financial industry just as it has been affecting other industries like hospitality, food service, and healthcare.

For credit unions, this can not only create staffing issues due to your business’s inability to provide remote work options at the volume that other industries can, but it can also affect your regulatory compliance.

It’s important to assess the potential risks of losing specific members of your teams, maintaining resources to fulfill compliance requirements, and more.

The Best of Your 2022 Pivots: Elegant Member-Facing Digital Solutions

Serving your members is the mission and goal of every credit union. And that means creating amazing customer service opportunities, both in your branches and online.

Your credit union has likely spent years, even decades, perfecting your in-person services, and IMSI has done the same thing when it comes to providing top-tier online support and services to credit union members.

IMS Integration has everything from elegant member-facing solutions like Online Courtesy Pay, Web Loan Applications, Online Self Service forms, and account opening to sophisticated professional services that include custom web development as well as batch and UI scripting to ensure your website runs smoothly and offers your members the best in online credit union and banking services.

War in Ukraine

Many industries are wondering how far the effects of the war between Ukraine and Russia will spread. We have already seen a hike in gas prices, and the supply shortages caused by the pandemic will also compound any issues furthered by the ongoing conflict.

Many countries are cutting ties with Russia, making it difficult for them to retrieve any assets or benefits of commerce from these areas. And since Russia has already been accused of interfering in American politics, many businesses are concerned that we are about to get hit with an increasing number of cyberattacks originating from the Russians.

As far as credit union-specific dealings, the Ukrainian National Credit Union Association has partnered with its members to help send aid to those affected by the war. According to their website, “the Ukrainian American credit union movement in the United States exceeds 100,000 family memberships…our asset base has surpassed $4 billion.”

Of the trending credit union topics we are talking about in this article, this one is likely the most volatile, as the war could potentially have global repercussions regarding economic stability, and the rise of military involvement from various countries.

A recent article from the Credit Union Times talks about the issues the Ukrainians face as their towns are invaded and destroyed. There is looting and the sparse reports from the region include insights into a near-total collapse of all cashless payment options in the country. Relief efforts in the country are being debated currently to help even the playing field and allow for credit union depositors to be treated the same way bank depositors are treated.

In early March, the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and the World Foundation for Credit Unions have launched campaigns to aid Ukraine, including the creation of the Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund, and many other credit union organizations have created funds that collect and disburse donations from all over the world to aid in relief efforts.

Credit unions across the world are being encouraged to help by providing monetary donations and using their platforms to help show Americans where and how they can donate through their CU memberships.

Economy, Financial Inclusion, & Fee Income

The economy is another trending credit union topic right now, and that has been the case since the pandemic began. With the huge global events that have taken place in the last few years, it’s hard not to be wary of market shifts and other economic indicators.

Many credit unions have been focused on creating opportunities to aid in the recovery from the pandemic, especially for those who live in underserved areas.

And one tactic that many credit unions have embraced is the reduction or elimination of overdraft and other complicated fee systems. These fees can actually harm credit union efforts geared toward increasing financial inclusion.

We’ve previously shared our insights that explain why the era of overdraft fees is ending. However, the discussions around these topics and the push for more financially inclusive initiatives mean that reducing or eliminating your overdraft fees is the most likely path forward. And that means your credit union will have to analyze their specific branch data to adjust their programs to account for this loss of an income stream.

The Struggles of Opening New Credit Unions

Though there are many difficult things to navigate this year, there are some trending credit union topics that center around how we can make it easier for new credit unions to open their doors.

For example, Village Financial Credit Union is a Black-led credit union that was set to open in 2019, but after several setbacks – including a global pandemic – the leaders of this enterprise are hopeful they will be able to open their doors in North Minneapolis by early 2023.

As we continue to strive for financial inclusion, it will become more important to create and look for opportunities to increase the presence of reputable credit unions in areas that are historically underserved.

Use Optimized Tools to Navigate Trends in the Credit Union Sector

Navigating trending credit union topics have long-lasting implications for your CU. And that’s why you need cutting-edge solutions that have been tailored to credit union needs.

Luckily, IMS Integration can help augment those offerings with elegant, member-facing solutions that include: Make a Statement, Online Courtesy Pay+, Online Self-Service Forms, and Trial Balance+.

How Credit Union Membership Is Changing

Posted on March 21, 2022 at 8:00 am.

Written by Devon Wilson

Credit unions have made massive pivots throughout the pandemic. And now, more than two years later, it’s time to take stock. Credit union membership is evolving, just as credit union services and online offerings are also expanding into new territories.

In 2021, credit unions added 4.7 million new members, which is a 23.6% increase when compared to the corresponding period in 2020, according to a CUNA Mutual Group study reported by American Banker.

But the growth is not universal across all credit unions. Those that have seen growth in their membership numbers year over year, even during the pandemic, have maintained that growth through innovation. Adapting to virtual solutions and online banking services has been a huge differentiator. Credit union membership is changing, and here’s how it will affect your branches and operations.

Mortgage Lending and Increased Hiring Offer Promising Results

The pandemic created supply chain issues all over the world. And we are seeing those issues play out in several industries, at different paces. For example, there was recently a shortage of computer chips reserved for use in vehicles, which then affected credit unions and other financial institutions.

Auto loans were on the decline as the high prices, small incentives, and sparse showrooms were affecting the desire and ability of consumers to car shop and apply for auto loans. The chip shortages are decreasing in severity, but they are expected to last into 2023 and beyond.

But there are other credit union-related areas that are experiencing rebound and growth. The housing market is a hot topic, and that means mortgage lending is helping drive credit union membership increases.

The other factor positively impacting credit union membership is the increase in hiring. Businesses are continuing to rebound after the last few years of hardship.

When the excitement around the housing market slows down, auto loans are expected o bounce back. That coupled with the expected 3.6 million new jobs being created in 2022 will mean your credit union’s value proposition will continue to increase in the coming months.

Data-Driven & Cybersecurity-Focused Approaches Resonate with New Audiences

Another consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is the increase in cybersecurity breaches. And increasing your cybersecurity approaches to create robust programs has actually been shown to resonate heavily with potential members of all ages. According to Flex, 30% or more of people studied in an Adobe Analytics report, regardless of generation, ranked security as their number one banking concern.

There are also big benefits in revamping how you store and use member data. Your credit union has a huge collection of member insights at your fingertips, but many technologies that store this data need to be updated or replaced in order to make the most of the information stored there.

And this use of targeted member data analytics also feeds into your credit union’s value proposition. Credit union membership thrives on personalization. There’s great power in tailoring your apps, customer service, and member access and transactions to fit everyone’s preferences or lifestyle.

Personalization is not so much a luxury for your credit union anymore – it’s a necessity that facilitates growth.

Increased Connectedness & Crypto Solutions are on the Horizon

The surge in the popularity of cryptocurrency also highlights opportunities for credit union membership growth.

Smaller institutions and credit unions will now have avenues built by NCUA regulations and guidance to help kickstart CU crypto services. Credit unions have an opportunity right now to build crypto programs before they become widespread amongst the small financial institutions.

Between COVID and a growing number of Gen Z members dominating the customer experience space, connectedness is also a priority. This means you need more than just online offerings; you need digital solutions that are available in your physical spaces.

Branch strategies had to be re-evaluated during COVID, and now it will be done again. This time, the goal will be to connect each member’s experience to create seamless solutions. By prioritizing connectedness, credit unions can also increase efficiency in workflows, both on the member side and the employee side.

Physical and digital touchpoints will continue to become more unified.

Credit Union Membership Growth is Rooted in Leveraging the Right Technology

Technology is the medium through which you can market to, communicate with, and ultimately, serve your current and future credit union members. And that’s what IMS Integration was built on.

We have everything from premier solutions for Keystone users (Infuzion, Web Loan Applications, Online Accounting Opening, and more) to professional services like custom web development and electronic forms.

Frequent regulation and compliance changes and the rapid-fire technology trends affecting how everyone does business, IMSI wants to help lighten your credit union’s load. Whether you need forms, notices, or letters, we have the expertise to be able to deliver. Or take advantage of our well-honed industry experience to create a member-forward website experience that both satisfies current members and also encourages member growth.

Check out our website for more information on these and other services, or contact us today if you have questions.

The Emergence of Cryptocurrency at Credit Unions

Posted on February 28, 2022 at 8:00 am.

Written by Devon Wilson

There’s big news in the cryptocurrency and credit union industries. In the last several months, new developments in policy have made it so that federally insured credit unions are now able to partner with other fintech and third-party companies to provide digital asset services. That means cryptocurrency might be headed for your credit union if it’s not there already.

Current Cryptocurrency Trends

Cryptocurrency, in its most simple form, is very different than traditional forms of currency. It is a digital asset that can be transferred without the assistance of a financial institution. The appeal stems from its almost unlimited availability. Unlike certain forms of traditional currency – credit and debit cards, cash, checks, and the like – access to cryptocurrency only requires access to the Internet.

And since Internet access continues to stretch to even the farthest reaches of our planet, cryptocurrency is growing right along with it.

It also creates opportunities for those who are unbanked or underbanked. You don’t have to have or create a relationship with a financial institution to trade in crypto.

But many savvy consumers who have invested cash and other assets into the cryptocurrency of their choice wish they could do their crypto-based business through their primary financial institutions.

And other companies are taking notice of these trends and jumping on the trend. Businesses of such caliber as Microsoft, PayPal, Shopify, and Home Depot are now accepting certain forms of cryptocurrency, as are credit card giants like Visa.

By opening credit unions up to the world of uninsured digital assets, they can create a new revenue stream that continues to captivate more and more of their members.

The Path to Cryptocurrency at Credit Unions

Many big banks have been offering cryptocurrency-related services for well over a year. It was only a matter of time before smaller institutions and credit unions were able to take advantage of these assets.

The NCUA stated that federally insured credit unions can facilitate “member relationships with third parties that allow FICU members to buy, sell, and hold various uninsured digital assets with the third-party provider outside of the FICU.”

Over 100 million people are credit union members, and many of them are already investing in cryptocurrency. But what does that mean for your credit union?

Right now, more than 10,000 different types of cryptocurrencies exist in the world. And that means your credit union will have some decisions to make.

One big risk associated with uninsured digital assets is the volatility associated with them. According to CUInsight, Bitcoin – the most recognizable form of cryptocurrency – jumped to more than $60,000 in April, but its value fell by half before the end of May. This risk provides a great opportunity, though. The institutions dealing in cryptocurrency right now are doing business in an unregulated industry.

And that means tons of startups are handling these important assets with little or no experience in risk management. While cryptocurrency is often presented as a safe asset and less vulnerable to fraud than other currencies, this isn’t necessarily true. Access to your digital assets is granted by way of a digital key. But if that key is lost or stolen, your entire crypto portfolio can be taken from you in one fell swoop.

Credit unions have been operating under regulatory and compliance guidelines for decades, and risk management is the name of the game in this field.

While it’s important to weigh the risks and rewards associated with creating a cryptocurrency program at your credit union, it’s a sort of “get on the train or you’ll miss it” type of situation. People are searching for crypto-friendly banks and financial institutions. That high demand must be taken into account when you are weighing your options for future financial offerings.

Your CU Options

If you and your credit union believe cryptocurrency is a necessary offering in the coming years, there are several options that can help streamline the process and mitigate risk.

You can partner with a third-party provider. In this situation, your credit union acts as a proxy or middle man: the currency is run through the external provider, but can be viewed through your credit union accounts or via a related mobile app.

You could also provide crypto custody services. These include things like safekeeping, analytics, asset servicing, lending, pricing and valuation, trading, payments, and settlements and collateral, says CUInsight.

And, just like with any other credit union offering, you’ll need a resident expert. Whether that means you add a cryptocurrency-savvy employee to your staff to help field questions and give sound financial advice, or you feature an out-of-house expert and partner with their services, having a face to put with the cryptocurrency movement at your CU can help tremendously.

Investing in credit union-based cryptocurrency services is also a great way to increase your brand reputation and to break the mold that has held credit unions back for years: the belief that credit union technology is outdated or slow to evolve.

By situating your credit union at the forefront of digital banking transformation, you can draw in new crowds and members.

IMSI Has Comprehensive CU Solutions

Technology and innovation are what IMSI does best. We are here to help you close the gap between tech-savvy big banks and local, community-based credit unions.

IMSI wants to partner with you to bring your team – and ultimately, your members – the best credit union experience from top to bottom. That’s why we offer elegant, member-facing web solutions like Make a Statement, Online Courtesy Pay, Online Self Service Forms, and Trial Balance.

Check out our website for more information, or contact us today if you have questions.

The Era of Overdraft Fees Is Ending

Posted on February 21, 2022 at 8:00 am.

Written by Devon Wilson

Banks and credit unions have been charging overdraft fees for decades. Recently, many financial institutions have scaled back or eradicated the practice entirely. And many more institutions are poised to do the same. Facing harsh criticism from generations of banking members, it seems the era of overdraft fees is ending.

Since these fees often prey on the financially unstable and other demographics near the poverty line, credit unions and banks are removing overdraft fees in order to evoke trust and entice prospective members and clients to bank with them. Here’s what you need to know.

The Overdraft Fee Rules Have Changed

One big change in the overdraft fee argument is the implementation of Regulation E of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA).

In 2009, The Federal Reserve Board made an amendment to Regulation E.

The amendment prohibits institutions (financial or otherwise) from charging “overdraft fees for ATM and one-time debit card transactions unless the consumer opts in or affirmatively consents to the institutions’ overdraft services.”

While this helps limit predatory banking practices, many believe there is still more room to be made for transparency in banking fees and charges.

In the last few years, many banks and financial institutions have reduced or removed their overdraft fees and other penalty-based revenue programs.

In an article from the Regulatory Review, and according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), 80% of revenue from overdraft fees comes from less than 10% of banking members. That means this small number of members is charged overdraft fees 10 or more times every year.

Thanks to initiatives and awareness being spread around this topic, more and more savvy bank and credit union members are opting to have their financial institution simply decline any charge that puts their accounts in overdraft status.

The Effect of Ousting the Overdraft

In a report about non-interest income, the Filene Research Institute found that revenue created by overdraft programs and overdraft protection services is shrinking. This is due to increasing regulatory pressures and evolving consumer expectations, as well as the financial industry’s struggle to maintain a wholesome reputation in light of these practices.

Predatory banking is turning members and potential members off. Members see them as indicators that a credit union or bank is looking to profit off financially vulnerable individuals in their communities.

Regulation and reputation are powerful tools. They can turn the tide against something that was once considered a staple of the banking business.

But as we’ve seen before, a reputation problem for big banks is often what makes credit unions so powerful today. Smaller institutions, and especially credit unions, have been providing financial literacy resources and education to their members since inception.

Many big banks can direct prospects’ attention away from these topics by flashing shiny new technology. However, there are credit union partners like IMSI looking to support reputable credit unions by providing them with the best in web development, industry expertise, and superior customer service.

Moving Your Credit Union Forward

Historically, overdraft fees incurred from big banks were much higher than credit union fees. But that trend is changing. Now, most overdraft fees – whether from a big bank or a local credit union – are about the same price.

Many financial institutions are creating new, less predatory practices to replace the overdraft system. Many are creating “low balance alerts.” These and other preventative protocols warn credit union members that they are approaching the limit of their account’s funds.

There are also the many products and services credit unions already offer to help those living paycheck to paycheck find ways to improve their financial situation over time.

Community outreach and financial education are great tools that can be more heavily marketed to replace the declining revenue that was collected from overdrawn accounts.

It’s true that everything has its season, and it looks like the season of overdraft fees is ending. Overdraft fees started in the 1990s but look to be on their way out.

Make a Statement at Your CU with IMSI

Make a Statement is not just a catchphrase – it’s a valuable service that IMSI provides to credit unions around the country. Our Make a Statement tool creates portable print and electronic documents delivered electronically and integrated behind Internet banking.

Similarly, Online Courtesy Pay+ is your online solution for electronic enrollment. It is fully integrated with your core systems. Online Courtesy Pay+ handles regulation-required member notifications like opt-ins and other Regulation E-affected processes.

Check out our website for more information, or contact us today if you have questions.

Moving to Conversational Banking

Posted on January 31, 2022 at 8:00 am.

Written by Devon Wilson

Digital transformation has been moving financial institutions from traditional banking models to online banking models and beyond. As member needs grow and change with the advancement of technology, the approach to customer service must evolve with it. Part of the transition from traditional banking to the future of banking involves the inclusion of conversational banking.

Traditional banking is based on a one-to-one model of financial customer service – and while this practice is still important when mixed with technology that can increase efficiency, convenience, and member experience. Let’s discuss what conversational banking is and how it could benefit your credit union.

What Is Conversational Banking?

For the last several years, and especially throughout the multiple waves of the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen exponential growth in conversational user interfaces: messaging apps, chatbots, voice-activated software, and more. These tools are a great opportunity for bridging the gaps between the old-school benefits of one-on-one banking conversations, meetings, consultations, and Q and A sessions versus the convenience of online banking and drive-thru ATMs.

Conversational banking stems from this need for banking members to communicate via technology with the brands and services they use and buy from. The foundation of this banking style is built on interactions between members and non-human interfaces. But just because a live credit union representative isn’t talking to your member, that doesn’t mean the interaction can’t be intuitive and helpful in much the same way as a phone call or a discussion with a credit union employee.

When done correctly, you can leverage the power of conversation to help your members find the solutions they need and navigate those conversations to also recommend other products, services, and solutions. Rather than replacing interactions between members and credit union employees, these methods can augment and enrich the member experience.

The Benefits

One of the biggest benefits of conversational banking is that it lends itself to widening a credit union’s omnichannel approach. You can increase the number of touchpoints in the member journey, increasing the chances that your credit union solutions and insights can create a positive impression on members and potential members.

The use of hybrid technologies also helps cater to different types of member preferences. You can incorporate more phone calls and on-premises visits for those members who would prefer speaking to a live credit union representative. And for those who would prefer to use self-service channels over visiting a physical branch location or making a phone call. Digital solutions continue to gain popularity as online and mobile banking is a more convenient and safer option for people today.

It’s also important to remember that personal service doesn’t necessarily mean face-to-face. Conversational AI software and applications can often be as satisfying for online members and prospects as other methods of communication with a brand or financial institution.

Conversational Banking + Superior Software = CU Success

Your members want to have control of their banking needs, but they also want to be able to depend on you when they need financial education or advice. IMS Integration has a host of premier solutions for Keystone users that can help keep your credit union competitive and relevant compared to fintech and big bank institutions. You can take advantage of online offerings like web loan applications, online account opening services, Infuzion, and reward checking by leveraging our expertise in Keystone, Java, JavaScript, and other credit union-specific professional and comprehensive services.

By partnering with IMS Integration, you will be able to streamline operations so you can optimize your conversational banking assets and spend more time helping your members when they need you most.

Check out our website for more information, or contact us today if you have questions.

Exploring the Buy Now Pay Later Boom

Posted on January 24, 2022 at 8:00 am.

Written by Devon Wilson

We often talk about the differences between older and younger generations, and we can add another trend to the list of factors that divide them: the surge in buy now, pay later program participation among younger Millennials, and Gen Z.

Let’s explore the BNPL boom and its role in the future of banking.

Why is BNPL Gaining Popularity?

As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, more and more we are seeing checkout prices being listed as “$349.99 now, or $29.17 per month for 12 months” or “4 payments of” a much more manageable amount. And younger shoppers are loving it. Buy now pay later is gaining popularity.

The younger members of the Millennial and Gen Z populations are not fans of credit cards, and their buying habits back this up. For example, in 2021, 12% of the 18- to 34-year-olds surveyed said they used BNPL for holiday purchases, compared to 0% of the 65 and older demographic, says CNBC. Overall use of the buy now pay later method was up nearly 30% year over year.

But why is BNPL so attractive to younger shoppers? Because it costs less than using a credit card, they say.

The attractiveness of BNPL comes from the idea that shoppers can create a bit more flexibility in their medium-sized purchases. Purchases that fall in the $100-700 range can be split into a handful of smaller payments that are spread out over the next few months, or even over a year. It eases the burden these occasional purchases bring, without incurring the high interest fees one would be stuck with if they used a traditional credit card.

It can be useful for more than just low-income shoppers, though. BNPL often is being used by those who are financially stable, but who want the predictability of the plan without having to incur costly fees or go through a long or drawn-out loan application process.

And, says CU 2.0, younger generations crave financial stability in a world that has been exceedingly unstable for them, they want solutions that leave no surprises. While a loan amount or balance is always available, banking members don’t know what the actual cost of their purchase will be until they pay off the full amount – and this depends on the frequency of payments (and whether the member pays in variable amounts), initial loan amounts, interest rates, the member’s credit score, and more. And if a member puts that purchase on a credit card but doesn’t pay off the full amount during the next billing cycle, the end expense is, once again, a variable and often a much higher price tag at the end. But with BNPL, the total cost is given upfront, and the timing or amount of the payments made will not change that.

How CUs Can Use BNPL Plans to Their Advantage

Credit unions looking to capture and engage more younger members can implement programs and offerings that follow this ultra-convenient and straightforward buy now pay later idea by using account data history for current members, and by advertising these services in a friendly, quick, digital offering.

More and more businesses have these BNPL plans built into their websites either on product pages on somewhere in the shopping cart or checkout process.

Focusing on smaller, more upfront methods of creating recurring payment plans for your members can help differentiate you as a credit union that is both up-to-date on the current trends and also committed to helping and educating members so they can become more financially sound.

Digital Solutions for Rapidly Evolving Banking Trends

IMS Integration wants your credit union at the forefront of digital transformation. From online account opening to web loan applications and Skip a Pay, our solutions are tailor-made for credit unions, because we know that your CU has unique needs and goals for the new year.

Check out our website for more information, or contact us today if you have questions.

Tips for Streamlining Credit Union Operations

Posted on December 20, 2021 at 8:00 am.

Written by Devon Wilson

As credit unions become successful, they grow in size and complexity. And streamlining credit union operations sometimes gets put on the back burner, especially when your leadership has other things to worry about – like a global pandemic.

So let’s go through some top tips for streamlining credit union operations.

When To Start Streamlining Credit Union Operations

Business growth and substantial industry or environment changes are all primary catalysts for investing time and money into streamlining credit union operations.

The first step in a successful streamlining process is to recognize opportunities. Good leaders are not people who know everything, they’re more often people who know when to delegate tasks or defer programs and services to experts in other fields. Here are some ways to capitalize on those experts and opportunities.

Outsourcing Isn’t a Bad Thing

As a whole, the word “outsourcing” conjures images of entire factories and businesses moving their operations to other countries, typically in the pursuit of lower production costs. But your credit union doesn’t need that drastic of a change.

With the digital transformation that has arisen from the coronavirus pandemic also comes a huge shift, for many professionals, to gig work. There are so many more industries and professions being represented by freelancers than ever before, and this is often a great solution when your credit union is focused on streamlining. Are there duties or roles that have once-a-month, quarterly, or yearly tasks? These tasks, especially if they are in highly regulated fields like IT and accounting, can be easily outsourced to ease the burden on your teams without battling staffing issues or spending loads of time interviewing and hiring new full-time employees.

Consolidate Data Systems and Digital Tools

Do you remember the iPhone commercials about how smartphones offer seemingly endless solutions for anything and everything you could need in a day? The ones where every situation or problem was met with the phrase, “There’s an app for that.” This is more true now than it has ever been – there are dozens of tools, apps, and other digital solutions for any problem or request you’ll ever have.

But not all solutions are created equal. In fact, having too many solutions present in your credit union operations offers a great opportunity to pare down and focus on only the most effective tools. For example, Keystone is a popular digital solution with lots of built-in tools that can make your credit union’s online presence more accessible and more desirable for your members and employees. IMS Integration offers a line of Keystone solutions that include web loan applications, correlation solutions, online account opening, Skip a Pay, and more.

Look for Automation Opportunities

When looking for opportunities in streamlining credit union operations, automation is a powerful tool, if chosen wisely.

Repetitive, redundant, and tedious tasks are great candidates for automation.

Kickstart Your Streamlining Initiatives with IMSI: Keystone Infuzion

Oftentimes, streamlining your credit union operations means finding digital tools to help increase efficiency while keeping costs and employee hours down. IMS Integration offers comprehensive services and solutions from credit union experts. Our latest Keystone tool, Infuzion, was developed to streamline complex functions without the need to develop scripts or understand or build Java.

Request a consultation today for more information about our Keystone solutions, professional services, and credit union solutions.

Preparing Credit Union Employees for the Holiday Season

Posted on November 22, 2021 at 8:00 am.

Written by Devon Wilson

Like last year, 2021’s holiday season is going to present some unique challenges, many of which are – at least in part – caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Labor shortages and supply chain disruptions are going to make for some challenging interactions, and your credit union will not be immune. Here are some ideas for preparing your credit union employees for the holiday season.

Upgrade Your Tech Game

The 2020 holiday season was a record-breaker in terms of tech use. More people than ever turned to online solutions to shop for gifts, check in with family members, and so much more.

IMS Integration is dedicated to creating top-of-the-line tech-based solutions to help keep your credit union ahead of the curve. With items like web loan applications, online account opening, and Skip a Pay, your members can manage their funds at their convenience and adjust their financial plans to accommodate holiday spending and income changes. Our new Infuzion offering is an extremely powerful tool, developed to streamline complex functions without needing to develop scripts or build Java.

What does all this mean? Your employees will have more time to help with other member needs during the holiday season.

Acknowledge Changing Trends in Member Habits

According to PCSU, there are several trends to be aware of so you can meet or exceed holiday goals. These are great initiatives you will want to make sure your employees are aware of and working to educate your member base about.

The first is that October and November are great months for credit line increases, providing members with more flexibility and larger scope and volume of purchases, including lines of credit with the purpose of finishing

The second pertains to top-of-wallet behaviors. November and December are good months to run promotions and campaigns that bring certain cards and programs back as top priorities.

And the third trend is more geared toward the first of the year. In January and February, your employees should turn their attention and focus to offering balance transfers and convenience checks, helping members to find and take advantage of lower rates once the holidays have ended.

Plan Ahead

Many sources across industry disciplines are reporting that the “holiday season,” rather than being contained to November and December, is actually becoming a 3-4 month endeavor that starts just as August ends.

To help your employees have the tools and resources they need to succeed through these busy months, it’s important to plan ahead.

Auditing past years’ activities, brainstorming new and modified ways to handle the increased demand for products and services, and even hiring seasonal help can be beneficial as you prepare credit union employees for the holiday season.

Don’t Dismiss Team Morale Checks

The holidays, while often touted as the most wonderful time of the year, are often harder for many people, especially those who deal with customers face-to-face (or screen-to-screen). While it’s important to prepare your credit union employees for the holiday season by giving them the professional tools and insights they need, you also need to be aware of the state of team morale and mental health.

While it’s important to celebrate with your team, it’s also a good idea to check in with your teams. If someone isn’t feeling particularly cheery, allow them to take the space they need, even if it means they won’t be attending the company Christmas lunch or holiday dinner. You can even move the celebration to after the new year, so your staff can enjoy the festivities outside of the stress that comes with the frenzy of holiday activity many industries are affected by.

Give Your CU a Great Gift, Too

IMS Integration has a range of professional services that are customized to you. UI and Batch Scripting in Keystone, custom web development, and custom electronic forms are a great gift to give your credit union for the new year. Let our expertise make things easier for you and your employees in future holiday seasons. Request a consultation today for more information about our credit union solutions.

4 Takeaways from ‘Digital-First Banking Trends Report’

Posted on September 20, 2021 at 8:00 am.

Written by Devon Wilson

SilverCloud recently published the “Digital-First Banking Trends Report” (you can download the free report here). There is a ton of insightful information in the report, so we wanted to go through a few of the best takeaways, which include mobile banking, technology adoption, and more.

Customer Self-Service

SilverCloud reports that the average daily use of knowledge bases on bank and credit union websites increased by 69% year over year from March 2020 to March 2021. Current and future credit union members will now expect to be able to find banking solutions, applications, and answers to their questions through your website or mobile offerings.

A list of some of the most common topics in self-service offerings include transfers, cards, lending, hours, and appointments. IMS Integration has a number of solutions like web loan applications and online account opening that can help bolster your credit union’s self-service programs.

Mobile Banking

A lot of the self-service growth was taking place on mobile apps and platforms in the last year as well. And mobile users were doing a lot more than just checking account balances, they were looking for help with products, technology, and even just general support.

The more streamlined your credit union’s website and mobile interfaces are, the easier it is to attract and retain members. The increase in work-from-home opportunities and other remote events and meetings means that it’s becoming less convenient to have to swing by the bank or credit union to drop off a pay stub or withdraw cash. There’s even a continued rise in smart wallet use – forget paying with cash or card, many people enjoy the simplicity of paying by phone.

Chatbots

With 24-7 tech comes the need for 24/7 support. Thankfully, you don’t need to start hiring night shift chat or hotline managers to keep up with your members’ needs.

“Chatbot usage on bank and credit union websites and mobile apps increased 272% year-over-year, says SilverCloud. Their study even showed that those who used chatbots over more rudimentary search bar inquiries typed an average of 14 words and found helpful answers to mid-tier and slightly more complicated questions. Your members are no longer seeing chatbots as glorified search bars – they’re using this evolved technology to find answers to questions that normally would require a person-to-person phone call. This evolution helps increase the effectiveness of your credit union’s self-service offerings while lowering your call volumes.

IMS Integration also has a number of automation options like batch and UI scripting that can be customized to your credit union while still providing efficient solutions for your teams.

Appointment Scheduling

While walk-ins are still welcome, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has created a high demand for more pre-scheduled appointments, up 107% from 2020, while walk-in numbers have decreased by 55%.

The following appointment types saw growth since last year: business banking, retail banking, investments, and auto loans. Only appointments for checking and savings declined – no doubt affected by the huge leaps in technology and self-service availability we mentioned above.

Keep Up with Tech Trends in Banking

IMS Integration has a large selection of online and backend solutions to help keep your credit union up to speed on the latest and greatest advancements in the banking industry. Our Corelation solutions and new Infuzion tool are making customized tech solutions look easy.

Request a consultation today for more information about our credit union solutions.