SPECIAL
REPORT
Community
Banking 2005
No matter how small the hamlet
it’s located in and or how few zeroes are
used to describe its asset size, today’s
community bank is subject to many of the strategic
and operating challenges familiar to larger institutions.
Our special report focuses
on three of the most pressing concerns. We begin
with an analysis that suggests that smaller banks
are just as effective as larger institutions
in drawing customers online — but are paying
more to provide the channel. Next, we describe
how community banks — whose defenses are
believed to be more easily compromised — are
bracing for all-channel fraud attacks. Finally,
many smaller banks have been years in preparation
for image exchange. How ready is the rest of
the industry? Community banks have unique insights.
Online
Cost and Service Issues Intersect with DDA
Growth Plans
BY TERENCE
ROCHE
Commoditization of the Internet product prompts a re-assessment
of banking and bill pay contracts. With delivery costs and usage
rationalized, institutions can focus on effective execution and
marketing to win and retain customers.
Paperless & Restless:
Smaller Institutions Need the Large to Catch
Up
BY CLINT SWIFT
Much of the industry’s experience in imaging checks resides
with smaller institutions. The business case is easier to make
and the technology can more than meet their needs. In order to
be able to exchange images on a grand scale, however, these image
trailblazers need the large banks to become equally image-enabled.
Familiar
Faces — or Shadowy Figures?
BY KAREN EPPER
HOFFMAN
New threats, including new account fraud and identity theft, added
to check fraud challenges, make smaller institutions more vulnerable
to fraud losses. Experts urge more vigilance.
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