What Banking Needs to Become

In this quarter's Strategy + Business Magazine, Vanessa Wallace and Andrew Herrick discuss the significant changes in the banking industry over the past few years and how bank's business models, capabilities and practices must change as well. In their very good article, they emphasize that the purpose of banking and the needs of the customer have remained relatively consistent with regards to safe havens for savings and consistent access to credit for investment.

The environment has changed, however, with the competitive landscape changing, the regulations increasing and the public trust eroding. In addition, the times of high growth have ended.

CDs Being Promoted as Alternative to Stock Market

In this period of economic uncertainty and stock market variability, many financial institutions are promoting Certificates of Deposits (CDs) as the safe, predictable alternative. Continuing the theme of 'safety and soundness' that began in late 2008 and early 2009, firms like Citibank, Bank of America, ING and many smaller financial institutions are emphasizing the guaranteed rate of a CD. Taking this product a step further, Ally Bank is promoting a CD with a guaranteed rate but no early withdrawal penalty while Capital One is paying a $100 bonus for deposits to CDs or their High Yield Savings account of $10,000 or more.

I expect the marketing of CDs to escalate in the next couple months as banks try to capture their share of the IRA contribution inflow.