Articles by Craig Guillot

Craig Guillot is a business writer based in New Orleans. He specializes in technology and writes about IoT, cybersecurity and SaaS, primarily in the verticals of retail, manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare. He also enjoys covering economic development and global trade.

The Future of Fintech: 2024 Forecast, Trends & Risks

They're back: Silicon Valley Bank issues its first fintech outlook since its historic collapse – and works hard to see the bright side.

Fed Report Pinpoints Emerging Cracks in the Banking Sector

The October Financial Stability Report from the Federal Reserve treads a fine line between reassuring and concerned.

Cheat Sheet: Can Marketers Focused on Short-Term Wins Drive Long-Term Growth?

This BAI report offers advice to financial marketers struggling to juggle competitive threats and emerging tech.

Cheat Sheet: Does Michael Lewis’ ‘Going Infinite’ Go Soft on Sam Bankman-Fried?

Michael Lewis of 'Moneyball' and 'The Big Short' fame has penned the first inside account of the FTX scandal. But did unlimited access erode his objectivity?

Cheat Sheet: Understanding the CFPB’s Brief Against Apple and Google in Contactless Payments

The CFPB's latest report on big tech and contactless payments targets the Apple/Google duopoly. Here's everything you need to know.

How to Find the Right CRM System and Make the Most of It

For many community banks and credit unions, finding the right CRM system can feel like boiling the ocean. Where should they start?

‘It’s Like a Spigot:’ How SaveBetter Helps With Bringing in Deposits

Interest rates are up, and so is competition for deposits. Ponce Bank is one of more than 20 institutions that have partnered with the deposit marketplace SaveBetter to get more funding.

Use of .bank Domain on the Rise to Counter Phishing

Lookalike domains are getting more sophisticated and often trick consumers into sharing personal information. But a growing number of banks are switching from .com to .bank to thwart cyberthieves.

How Banks Can Turn Fraud Worries Into a CX Opportunity

Soaring fraud and identity theft are a chance to improve customer experience, as long as the remedies don't hinder digital banking speed.

Can You Handle the Truth? The Big Lessons Focus Groups Are Teaching Banks

Bank of America, Fifth Third and many other banks and credit unions bring in focus groups for product development and more.

New Consortium Seeks to Accelerate Small-Bank Tech Innovation

Helping community banks catch up with technology is the goal of a partnership between banks, a fintech VC firm and an asset manager.

Flexible Designs, Floorplans & Branding Help Future-Proof Bank Branches

In an environment of segmented markets and fast-changing consumer behaviors, flexible branch designs enable banks to respond quickly.

How Chase Plans to Revolutionize Rent Payments with a Digital Solution

The nation's biggest bank is about to disrupt rent payments (and fintechs) on a big scale with a modern payment system for property owners.

Behavior-Based App Helps Consumers Manage Rising Credit Card Debt

The app 'Debbie' is the Noom for credit cards. It uses behavioral psychology and habit-changing lessons to help consumers pay down card debt.

Chase Cancels Kanye, But Should Banks Engage in Culture Wars?

Controversial customers could present a reputational risk for banks. But should they close accounts and take sides in the culture wars?

Robo-Advisor Betterment’s ‘Challenger Mindset’ Drives Growth

Betterment’s president says differentiating its offerings led to growth in the consumer, advisor and employer markets.

How Emotion Drives Customer Loyalty in Banking

Customer loyalty to a financial institution comes from being treated like a person, not an account. Sounds obvious, but it's all too rare.

Big Risks from Unmonitored Use of Messaging Apps By Bank Employees

An SEC crackdown highlights the legal and reputation risks 'off-channel communications' pose for all banks. Here’s what to do.

Chase’s Playbook to Beat PayPal and Square in Digital Payments

Integrating digital payments and small business services with banking is why the megabank is less 'scared' of big fintechs now.

Community Banks Fatten Tech Budgets to Enhance CX

Community and midsize banks and credit unions are investing in technology to add digital capabilities and improve their customer experience.

Accelerating Bank Growth With the Right Digital CX & Brand Strategy

Should you create a new digital bank brand to attract new customers? The answer is, 'It depends.' Here’s some insight for figuring it out.

Costly Truth for Banks: Cash Payments Are Down But Not Out

Consumers and businesses are inching closer to a cashless world. Closer, but not all the way, and that presents some challenges for banks.