Author: Emily Twillman

Planning for 2026: 5 Strategic Moves Every Community Banker Should Make Now

Planning for 2026: 5 Strategic Moves Every Community Banker Should Make Now

As we approach the final stretch of 2025, community banks are facing a pivotal moment. The financial landscape is evolving rapidly — driven by customer expectations, regulatory shifts, and the accelerating pace of technology. To stay competitive and relevant, 2026 planning must go beyond budgeting — it must be about investing in transformation.

Here are five key strategies to help your bank plan smarter, operate leaner, and grow stronger in 2026:

1. Shift the Mindset: From Expense to Investment

Too often, digital upgrades are viewed as costs rather than catalysts. But automation, workflow optimization, and digital banking tools are investments in long-term efficiency and growth. Every hour saved from manual processes is an hour that can be redirected toward customer service, business development, or innovation.

📌 Tip: Build your 2026 budget around ROI-driven initiatives — not just cost containment.

2. Prioritize Online & Mobile Banking Enhancements

Customers expect seamless, secure, and intuitive digital experiences. Whether it’s applying for a loan, depositing a check, or managing accounts, your mobile and online platforms must be fast, easy, and reliable.

• Invest in mobile-first design
• Integrate personalized financial tools
• Ensure real-time support and alerts

📌 Tip: A better digital experience doesn’t just retain customers — it attracts new ones.

3. Automate Document Imaging & Tracking

Manual document handling is a silent profit killer. It slows down operations, increases error rates, and frustrates both staff and customers. By digitizing and automating document workflows, you can:

• Reduce processing time
• Improve compliance and audit readiness
• Enable remote collaboration

📌 Tip:  Incorporate regular risk assessments and contingency planning into your digital roadmap to safeguard against disruption.

4. Modernize Back Office Item Processing

Legacy item processing systems are often clunky, slow, and expensive to maintain. Upgrading to modern solutions can:

• Accelerate clearing times
• Reduce operational risk
• Lower infrastructure costs

📌 Tip:  Faster processing = faster access to funds = happier customers.

5. Build a Culture of Continuous Learning

Technology alone isn’t enough. Your team needs to be empowered to use it effectively. Invest in training programs that help staff:

• Embrace new tools like AI
• Understand data insights
• Deliver exceptional digital service

📌 Tip:  A well-trained team is your most valuable asset in a tech-driven future.

Looking Ahead

2026 isn’t just another year — it’s a chance to redefine how your bank delivers value. By investing in the right technologies and strategies today, you’ll be better positioned to:

• Save time
• Grow revenue
• Deepen community loyalty

At CSPI, we’re here to help you make that leap — with solutions that are smart, scalable, and built for community banks.

About CSPI

Amp up your digital banking experience with our powerful solutions suite! Our cutting-edge Online & Mobile Banking features a fresh, new UI that’s sleek, intuitive, and ready to impress. With Aurora Advantage Core Platform, Document Imaging, Item Processing, Remote Deposit Capture, Managed Services, and seamless API integrations, we empower financial institutions to automate processes, boost efficiency, and deliver an unmatched user experience. Don’t settle for average—partner with us and bring industry-leading, game-changing digital solutions to your members and unmatched support they can rely on.

Connect with CSPI on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Building a Strong Risk Management Culture: Protecting Your Credit Union from Financial Misconduct

Building a Strong Risk Management Culture: Protecting Your Credit Union from Financial Misconduct

In today’s financial landscape, fostering a culture of accountability and strong internal controls is essential to protecting your credit union from financial risks, including fraud and embezzlement. A solid risk management framework isn’t about distrust—it’s about creating a transparent, well-governed environment where everyone is aligned with ethical best practices.

1. Strengthening Internal Controls

A well-structured system of checks and balances is key to mitigating financial risks. Consider implementing:

• Clear Segregation of Duties – No single individual should have unchecked authority over financial transactions, vendor payments, or account reconciliations.
• Dual Approvals for Large Transactions – Requiring multiple approvals for high-value payments adds an extra layer of oversight.
• Regular Internal Reviews – Periodic financial reviews help identify discrepancies before they become major issues.
• Access Controls – Limiting access to sensitive financial systems ensures that only authorized personnel can perform specific actions.

2. Promoting Transparency and Oversight

Encouraging transparency across all levels of the credit union strengthens trust and accountability. Boards and leadership teams can:

• Encourage Open Communication – A culture where employees feel comfortable raising concerns leads to proactive problem-solving.
• Perform Routine Audits – Independent and forensic audits help maintain confidence in financial operations.
• Ensure Timely Financial Reporting – Delayed or missing financial reports may signal underlying issues that need immediate attention.

3. Recognizing Red Flags in Financial Activity

Being aware of unusual financial patterns can help identify risks early. Some key warning signs include:

• Unexplained or Repetitive Transactions – Unusual or duplicate payments to vendors or internal accounts.
• Significant Lifestyle Changes – Rapid increases in personal wealth without a clear explanation.
• Resistance to Oversight – Avoidance of audits or financial reviews may indicate a need for further scrutiny.

4. Encouraging Ethical Leadership and Employee Accountability

A strong risk management culture starts with leadership setting the tone for integrity and ethical decision-making. Boards and executive teams should:

• Lead by Example – Demonstrate transparency in financial decisions and adhere to all internal policies.
• Implement Whistleblower Protections – Employees should have a secure, confidential way to report concerns.
• Provide Risk and Compliance Training – Educating staff and leadership on ethical business practices reduces vulnerabilities.
• Implement a CEO Succession Plan  – Avoid over-reliance on one executive.

5. Leveraging Technology for Fraud Prevention

Using automated fraud detection tools can help credit unions monitor transactions in real time. Consider:

• Expense Monitoring – Review actual spending to budget and track accounts payable and expenses.
• Audit Trail – Utilize automated log change activity and review transaction approvals.
• Fraud Detection – Implement internal suspicious activity tracking and monitor hidden transactions.
• Dual Controls – Utilize built in dual control settings for loan funding, employee reimbursements, accounts payable and investment tracking.

A Culture of Trust and Accountability

Risk management isn’t about suspicion—it’s about building a resilient, well-governed institution that serves its members with integrity. By reinforcing strong internal controls, fostering transparency, and leveraging technology, credit unions can create an environment where financial integrity thrives.

About CSPI

Amp up your digital banking experience with our powerful solutions suite! Our cutting-edge Online & Mobile Banking features a fresh, new UI that’s sleek, intuitive, and ready to impress. With Aurora Advantage Core Platform, Document Imaging, Item Processing, Remote Deposit Capture, Managed Services, and seamless API integrations, we empower financial institutions to automate processes, boost efficiency, and deliver an unmatched user experience. Don’t settle for average—partner with us and bring industry-leading, game-changing digital solutions to your members and unmatched support they can rely on.

Connect with CSPI on LinkedIn and Facebook.

10 Tips to Safeguard Online Banking for Account Holders

10 Tips to Safeguard Online Banking for Account Holders

During International Fraud Awareness Week, we’re highlighting measures to implement to protect your account holders and ensure a secure banking experience.

Online banking offers unmatched convenience, but it’s essential to keep your account holders data secure from fraudsters. Implementing these ten tips can help safeguard your customers financial data and provide peace of mind:

1. Strong Password Enforcement

Require account holders to create strong passwords using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

2. Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

To provide an additional layer of protection, require MFA for accessing online and mobile banking platforms. This ensures only authorized users can log in. CSPI supports SMS text messages, Google Authenticator and email notifications. MFA can be configured to only prompt when accessing from a new IP address or a set period of time.

For your commercial account holders, SMB’s may also benefit from adding another layer of security protection utilizing a DUO token environment.

3. Regular Account Monitoring Tools

Encourage users to monitor transactions to detect and address unauthorized activity promptly. As a bank admin, ensure you are reviewing the User Reset List and User Contact Changes reports.

4. Real-Time Transaction Alerts

Encourage or require account holders to enable real-time alerts for transactions and account balances. These alerts notify users of any account activity, helping account holders stay informed and identify suspicious actions immediately.

5. Device Security Standards

Encourage users to keep devices up-to-date with the most recent operating systems and security patches.

6. Secure Connections Only

The financial institution can designate specific IP addresses to block, ensuring that access to online banking is restricted from unauthorized or high-risk locations.

7. Debit Card Management Features

To enhance account security, we partner with debit card providers to deliver tools to block and unblock debit cards through our mobile and online banking platforms, allowing you to deactivate your card when not in use.

8. Phishing Awareness and Reporting

Educate account holders about phishing scams and encourage immediate reporting of suspicious messages. Our systems never request sensitive information like passwords or PINs via email or text.

9. Automatic Logout for Inactivity

For added protection, we enforce automatic session timeouts for all online banking platforms, ensuring accounts are not left open if users forget to log out.

10. Continuous Fraud Education

Actively share fraud prevention tips, tools, and updates to keep account holders informed about evolving threats.

During International Fraud Awareness Week and beyond, we’re committed to empowering FI’s with the knowledge to keep account holders’ data secure. Your security is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to providing robust safeguards to protect your financial information. By adhering to these requirements and leveraging our security tools, you can enjoy peace of mind with every banking transaction.

Protecting your accounts is our priority. Together, we can outsmart fraudsters and build a safer banking experience.

Join Us for an upcoming FREE Webinar!

Scheduled Tuesday, December 17th at 2:00 pm CST. Register here.

About CSPI

Amp up your digital banking experience with our powerful suite of solutions! Our cutting-edge Online & Mobile Banking features a fresh, new UI that’s sleek, intuitive, and ready to impress. With advanced Document Imaging, Item Processing, Remote Deposit Capture, Managed Services, and seamless API integrations, we empower your institution to automate processes, boost efficiency, and deliver an unmatched user experience. Don’t settle for average—partner with us and bring industry-leading, game-changing digital solutions to your customers and unmatched support they can rely on.

Connect with CSPI on LinkedIn and Facebook.