Skip to main content

AI is trendy, but CUs can't fall into the common trap of pursuing trendy technologies only because everyone else is using them.

The past few years have been filled with complexity and change in the banking industry, which has also triggered a shift in how credit unions use artificial intelligence. We have witnessed an incremental increase in the use of AI in all aspects of banking, as it can reduce labor costs, increase efficiency and productivity, and help credit unions provide better service for their members. Traditionally, credit unions only leveraged AI to automate routine internal processes, like compliance, underwriting or fraud detection, but recent technological developments have led to AI now also being used for front-office purposes, like member service.

This trend will continue this year, as members of credit unions will default primarily to digital channels when searching for solutions to match their financial needs. When it comes to AI, we have seen consumers get particularly excited about features like uniquely tailored services or offerings that anticipate their needs, such as chatboxes or 24/7 customer service bots that can proactively start conversations and provide relevant information and recommendations at any time. Customer relationship management in banking was previously mainly conducted by humans, but AI is now leading the way.

Simply put, AI is trendy. But credit unions need to be careful not to fall into the common trap of pursuing trendy technologies only because everyone else is using them. Known as the shiny object syndrome (SOS), the want rather than need to implement AI can be more detrimental than beneficial for a multitude of reasons.

For starters, investing millions in data infrastructure, AI software tools, data expertise and model development due to a fear of missing out and without actually having a need or long-term strategic plan is an expensive and futile proposition. Even with a plan, acquiring AI without understanding its complexity or conducting a comprehensive proof of concept is wasteful, as the technology will be hard to implement and manage in the long term. One of the biggest mistakes credit union executives make is view AI as a technology with immediate returns, while in reality, months or years can pass before the technology starts bringing in the big wins that executives expected. Being strategic and cautious about acquiring technology should be the norm for all credit unions but is particularly crucial when it comes to AI.

Moreover, AI technology is still far from perfect, especially when it comes to customer service support. This deficit might not be a deterrent for big or medium-sized banks, as their focus has never been on delivering a personalized banking experience for their customers. But many credit union members have specifically chosen to bank with credit unions due to their ethos of caring for their communities and uniquely tailored member service offerings. If credit unions jump on the AI trend and start replacing humans with a substandard customer service bot, without conducting an in-depth market research and analysis beforehand, they gamble losing the essence of what differentiates them in the market.

So, what can credit unions do to avoid falling in the SOS trap?

 Continuing Reading

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Update: First Responder Credit Unions Academy (FRCUA) Udates

In an ongoing effort to keep your FRCUA education current, modules are continually updated to reflect current NCUA and other regulatory agency requirements. As an example, BSA 26 now includes  Artificial Intelligence and BSA,  Elder Financial Exploitation,  Pig Butchering & BSA, and Executive Order –  Free and Fair Banking.

Mortgage Rates Tick Down

MCLEAN, Va.--Mortgage rates moved slightly lower this week, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging 6.56%, Freddie Mac reported. “Mortgage rates are at a 10-month low,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Purchase demand continues to rise on the back of lower rates and solid economic growth. Though many potential homebuyers still face affordability challenges, consistently lower rates may provide them with the impetus to enter the market.” The 30-year FRM averaged 6.56% as of Aug. 28, down from last week when it averaged 6.58%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.35%. The 15-year FRM averaged 5.69%, unchanged from last week. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.51%, Freddie Mac said. ____________________________________________ Check out NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board

SIGN UP FOR YOUR CUSTOM HEALTH INSURANCE SOLUTION TODAY

 https://bizu65.allstatehealth.com/?password=demo ____________________________________________ Check out NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board

Many CUs Likely to Face New Operating Challenges "Michael Moebs"

04/08/2024 09:04 pm By Ray Birch LAKE FOREST, Ill.—The trend lines don’t lie: Financial institutions charging high overdraft fees will likely face operating challenges in the near future and may even be forced to merge if they don’t follow the market trend of lowering their OD charge. Michael Moebs, economist and chairman of Moebs $ervices, is offering that forecast following his company’s new overdraft study, which has found overall net OD revenue for 2023 was down 5.7%, with banks dipping by 8.1% to $31.4 billion, thrifts falling by 28.6%. and credit unions actually increasing net revenue 2.2%. The study further reveals the m...

Wendelville Fire Chief Andrew Pilecki re-elected to FASNY board

Andrew Pilecki, the current fire chief of Wendelville Volunteer Fire Company, has been re-elected to the board of directors of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. Pilecki has been a member of the fire service for more than four decades, including the past 22 years as a responder with the Wendelville company. Previously he was an active member of Columbia Hook and Ladder Co. He’s also a former assistant director of emergency management for the City of North Tonawanda. FASNY directors serve five-year terms of office. During his first term, Pilecki was instrumental in supporting the association’s pandemic response, championed fire company recruitment and retention efforts, and worked to amplify the needs of Western New York’s volunteer fire service at the state level, according to FASNY. “I’m honored to be re-elected and to continue advocating for the men and women who volunteer their time, risk their safety and serve their communities across the state,” Pilecki said. “...