The industry is abuzz with talk of Web services, XML, SOAP, .Net, WSDL - all neat new ways of describing the perpetual lie in technology: "Someday soon, computer systems will integrate seamlessly with one another." If business areas and I.T. groups do not work together on designing a Web infrastructure, we all will get the technology environment we deserve. [Read more]
The strategic talk about cash management is partially lip service. Helping businesses manage their money is the world's second oldest profession, but our industry struggles to fully respect and integrate cash management into our core business. if your bank has the stomach for a real cash management strategy, I offer this action plan. [Read more]
Our industry is obsessed with "relationship banking." Well, I have a confession to make: I am an un-bundler. At this moment, I have "relationships" with 14 financial service providers. And I share with everyone around me a common indifference to the notion of a "total financial solutions provider." From an industry standpoint, this concerns me because banks are pinning the industry's future on the expected success of relationship banking. [Read more]