Bank Innovation and singer Bonnie Raitt have at least in one mantra in common: Let’s give them something to talk about.
Over the last 12 months, we’ve tried to spark debates and spur ideas on Bank Innovation. And, you dear readers, have given us lot’s to talk about. What have we discovered resonates best with you and us? A bit of big bank bash talking/innovation advice. So without further ado, let’s celebrate the year with highlighting the 7 most commented on posts — some tied — on Bank Innovation in 2011:
7. Facebook to Seize Hold on Payments
Mark your calendars: July 1 is the day Facebook becomes a payments company.
July 1 is the day that all in-site apps that “involve third parties” must be “powered by Facebook Credits.” Last week, Facebook clarified what Facebook Credits will offer to developers, and they are valuable features, such as faster pay cycles and a new API, but the end result still appears to me as this: Facebook, and only Facebook, will own payments on Facebook.com…
Comments: 14
7. Why Banks Should Aspire to Become Better Looking
I’ve wondered for some time now: why does an average financial services branch have to look so, well, blah? Changing the typical doctor-inspired, brick-and-mortar branch look to a ski lodge-influenced look, for example, would instantly better the experience of a consumer frequenting the location…
Comments: 14
5. PayPal Still Minuscule Compared to the Big Boys
Sometimes a chart alone sparks a 1,000 words…
Comments: 15
5. Today Occupy Wall Street Became a Real Threat to Global Banking
It’s all fun and games until a protest movement goes global.
That’s exactly what happened today as the Occupy Wall Street shindig suddenly and unofficially spread to 1,500 cities worldwide, including more than 100 in the US. Officially, OWS, as the protesters call it, has become a threat to mainstream banking. This from several hundred people camped out in a concrete park near the southern tip of Manhattan…
Comments: 15
3. Banks, Learn from Netflix’s Mistake
Banks can learn a lesson from Netflix’s recent massive misstep in losing touch with its customers.
Announcing it would split its movie rental service into two different properties, the company lost hundreds of thousands of subscribers and even ended up reneging on its plan. The moral, put succinctly: In business planning, customer emotions can be as substantial as data…
Comments: 22
2. The Sad Truth About Innovation at Banks
If you are going to read one blog post this month about innovation at banks, and the challenges therein, I’d suggest this one by Chris Skinner over at The Finanser.
Chris makes some great/depressing points about the lack of true, well, bravery at banks…
Comments: 26
1. The Break-Up
For ending an eight-year relationship, I imagined a little drama, a little regret. But the reality of closing my checking account today with Bank of America after becoming annoyed with the idea of debit card fees (even though they won’t be imposed) ended up being one of the most anti-climatic endings of my life.
Comments: 30
Thanks so much, Carl! A very Happy New Year to you, too.