The unsung heroes of mortgage lending
In a vast—and largely digital—lending landscape, big banks and FinTechs often hog most of the financial glory. They’re more visible and have slick advertising that suggests they’re the best and safest [...]
SWBC News Archives
5 contact center technologies you need for success
Integrating technology into modern contact centers isn’t just a trend, it’s a necessity. For credit unions, leveraging tech is essential for enhancing contact center operations and improving member experiences. The right tech can [...]
Burnout may cause sea of troubles for contact centers
In the world of credit unions, where trust and relationships are vital, member service reigns supreme. Often, your contact center is your frontline, where member questions are answered, problems are resolved, and relationships are established [...]
Curtailing the flight of the contact center agent
Maintaining a high standard of service has never been more important for financial institutions, and contact centers play a pivotal role in this ecosystem, often being the first point of contact for members. However, the [...]
In a digital age, smaller financial institutions must offer… lollipops?
Recent bank failures have cast an unfair light on smaller financial institutions. The shuttering of Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate Bank, and Signature Bank in March 2023 left many account holders across the nation toiling over [...]
Car sales may spike, but are members ready for vehicle ownership?
Rebates, discounts, and special financing for qualified buyers are some of the ways auto dealers are getting consumers to browse showroom floors this year. With the average age of vehicles currently on the road topping [...]
Capturing non-interest income (without offending your members)
Nothing rubs credit union members the wrong way quite like hearing the “F” word. That’s right, fees. Minimum balance fees, monthly service fees, account inactivity fees, ATM fees, insufficient funds fees. Imposing too many [...]
2023 auto industry outlook: How it affects credit unions
The automotive industry has been in a unique state in the wake of challenges brought on by the pandemic. Elevated interest rates and the rising cost of vehicle ownership continue to present challenges for members, [...]
Leveraging LPI for success in the mortgage industry
Like most markets these days, the mortgage industry is facing considerable economic headwinds as high inflation and the threat of a recession make it difficult to pin down—let alone lower—mortgage rates. According to [...]
Boosting employee benefits: Why HRAs are a smart choice
Taking care of employees is crucial for attracting and retaining top-tier talent. A progressive company culture, competitive salaries, and traditional benefits will always be a strong foundation for a great workplace. But if there’s [...]
Inflation’s impact on the housing market
Everything happening in our economy today hinges on inflation. If inflation continues to fall quickly, robustly, and smoothly, we can expect the U.S. economy to rebound well. Consider it a softish landing, as the [...]
Call center strategies that enhance CX and drive revenue
As your credit union’s member base expands, it is important to ensure your call center operations remain efficient while providing the level of service existing members have come to expect. According to Statista, 40% [...]
Why addressing mental health at work matters
People are a lot more comfortable discussing mental health, these days, and we think that is a good thing. Not just for employees who benefit from improved states of mind, but also for employers who [...]
Which risk management program is right for your loan portfolio?
Across the board, the largest asset a financial institution has is its loan portfolio. But each financial institution is unique regarding its business goals and borrower demographics; therefore, finding the right loan risk management program [...]
A BNPL borrower strategy that builds relationships
Times may be tough financially, but that does not mean consumers are skimping on necessities or sacrificing luxuries to get by. Many are leveraging a popular lending concept that facilitates short-term split payment options to [...]