Julie Esser

We're proud to be a #CDFI, and join the other CDFI's and Responsible Lenders across the country in making real change! Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) have turned ripples of finance into waves of change for individuals, businesses and social enterprises across the UK.  They provided opportunity and built resilience for disadvantaged communities and those excluded from mainstream finance. In 2023, lending from CDFI's hit a record high of £287 million - and CDFIs now operate at 31 times the scale they did in 2003, when the sector lent £9.2 million. This growth reflects how CDFI's fill widening needs seen for the right finance at the right time.  Here’s what CDFIs achieved in 2023: - Supported 4,546 start-ups and SMEs with £102m of loans.  - 12,135 jobs were created or safeguarded.  - 99% of businesses had been declined by another lender.  - 371 social enterprises were supported with £119m of loans.   - Households saved £29m in interest repayments compared to high-cost lenders.   - CDFIs lent £66m to 85,208 individuals.  - CDFIs identified a total of £601m of unclaimed benefits for 143,050 customers. Read more about the impact of CDFIs’, plus lots of customer stories in: https://lnkd.in/eWSFydQ2 #RipplesToWaves #ResponsibleFinance #CDFIs Responsible Finance 👏

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Discover the power of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs): We’re sharing the essentials: - What are CDFIs and how do they operate? - What does the current CDFI market look like? - Where do CDFIs source their capital? - How are CDFIs paving the way for a more equitable future? - How can CDFIs be included in client portfolios? Dive in and see how CDFIs are making a difference. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/enRY9ECw #ImpactInvesting #CommunityDevelopment #CDFI #SocialFinance #EconomicEmpowerment

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The distinction between "digitizing" and "transforming" can make or break your institution's competitive edge. While digitizing processes boosts efficiency, true digital transformation reimagines operations, decision-making, and customer service by leveraging data as a strategic asset.   In this brand new article by Chris Muracco, MBA, you'll learn about: ✔ The crucial difference between digitizing and transforming. ✔ The shift from viewing data as a byproduct to treating it as a core asset. ✔ Using data to personalize experiences and proactively meet customer needs. ✔ Exploring effective fintech partnerships, digital-only branches, and more.   Learn why institutions that harness the power of data to transform their bank not only improve efficiency, but also drive innovation, boost customer satisfaction, and uncover new revenue streams.   Read the full article here!  https://lnkd.in/eY3rwhPS #communitybanking #dataanalytics #digitaltransformation

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BNY's recently published, "2024 Voice of Community Banks Survey" looks at some of the challenges and opportunities facing community banks and provides some insights into where these critical financial institutions are focusing their strategies and resourcing. The accompanying report, authored by Shofiur Razzaque, Head of Community Banking & Solutions at BNY, discusses the results and focuses on digital transformation, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and customer engagement, emphasizing the critical importance of adopting modern technology while balancing the demands of regulatory requirements and the evolving needs of customers. The survey of more than 100 community banks nationwide, indicates that these institutions are increasingly prioritizing digital transformation by investing in AI, machine learning and data analytics to modernize operations and personalize services in order to stay competitive with larger institutions. With an emphasis on accelerated technical innovation in these areas also comes a heightened focus driving innovation and governance strategies around information security and data management to mitigate the expanding risks associated with these emerging technologies. When asked to identify the top challenges their institutions face in the next five years, “cybersecurity emerged as the leading long-term concern [27%], followed by customer acquisition and retention, and data management and analytics [24%].” Explore more insights from the full report: https://lnkd.in/d3VrHJTZ #CommunityBanking #DigitalTransformation #Cybersecurity #AI #DataManagement #BankingInnovation #CustomerEngagement #BNYMellon #cybersecuritymonth

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Ag lending partners - if you have questions on risk management, regulatory and compliance, new tools and technologies, your secondary lending partner should be your go-to resource. More than just a source of capital, secondary market partners should serve as your agriculture industry experts, partnering with you to help grow your ag loan portfolio and better serve your clients. Click the link below to read our newest article on this topic, "How to Optimize Secondary Market Partnerships," via Bank Director: https://ow.ly/lI2050S7osg

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North American Fintech Coalition is proud to introduce Janusea, a vital member helping to transform the community financial institution space. Janusea fills a critical gap by connecting credit unions and community banks with today’s most innovative fintech solutions. Many fintech providers struggle to integrate with the legacy core systems of financial institutions, facing years of development work to achieve meaningful connections. Janusea addresses this challenge head-on. Through their secure, fully hosted platform, Janusea bridges these worlds, enabling seamless collaboration between financial institutions and fintechs. Their platform accelerates speed to market, offering the freedom to choose the best solutions from a diverse range of providers, with sustainable API integration that works with any financial institution. We at the North American Fintech Coalition believe Janusea's approach strengthens the ecosystem, empowering financial institutions to thrive in an era where agility and technological adaptability are key to success. For more information, contact Masako Long, Vice President of Sales, or visit www.janusea.com. #NAFC #Janusea #integration #coreintegration #creditunion #creditunions #communitybank #communitybanks

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North American Fintech Coalition is proud to introduce Janusea, a vital member helping to transform the community financial institution space. Janusea fills a critical gap by connecting credit unions and community banks with today’s most innovative fintech solutions. Many fintech providers struggle to integrate with the legacy core systems of financial institutions, facing years of development work to achieve meaningful connections. Janusea addresses this challenge head-on. Through their secure, fully hosted platform, Janusea bridges these worlds, enabling seamless collaboration between financial institutions and fintechs. Their platform accelerates speed to market, offering the freedom to choose the best solutions from a diverse range of providers, with sustainable API integration that works with any financial institution. We at the North American Fintech Coalition believe Janusea's approach strengthens the ecosystem, empowering financial institutions to thrive in an era where agility and technological adaptability are key to success. For more information, contact Masako Long, Vice President of Sales, or visit www.janusea.com. #NAFC #Janusea #integration #coreintegration #creditunion #creditunions #communitybank #communitybanks

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North American Fintech Coalition is proud to introduce Janusea, a vital member helping to transform the community financial institution space. Janusea fills a critical gap by connecting credit unions and community banks with today’s most innovative fintech solutions. Many fintech providers struggle to integrate with the legacy core systems of financial institutions, facing years of development work to achieve meaningful connections. Janusea addresses this challenge head-on. Through their secure, fully hosted platform, Janusea bridges these worlds, enabling seamless collaboration between financial institutions and fintechs. Their platform accelerates speed to market, offering the freedom to choose the best solutions from a diverse range of providers, with sustainable API integration that works with any financial institution. We at the North American Fintech Coalition believe Janusea's approach strengthens the ecosystem, empowering financial institutions to thrive in an era where agility and technological adaptability are key to success. For more information, contact Masako Long, Vice President of Sales, or visit www.janusea.com. #NAFC #Janusea #integration #coreintegration #creditunion #creditunions #communitybank #communitybanks

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North American Fintech Coalition is proud to introduce Janusea, a vital member helping to transform the community financial institution space. Janusea fills a critical gap by connecting credit unions and community banks with today’s most innovative fintech solutions. Many fintech providers struggle to integrate with the legacy core systems of financial institutions, facing years of development work to achieve meaningful connections. Janusea addresses this challenge head-on. Through their secure, fully hosted platform, Janusea bridges these worlds, enabling seamless collaboration between financial institutions and fintechs. Their platform accelerates speed to market, offering the freedom to choose the best solutions from a diverse range of providers, with sustainable API integration that works with any financial institution. We at the North American Fintech Coalition believe Janusea's approach strengthens the ecosystem, empowering financial institutions to thrive in an era where agility and technological adaptability are key to success. For more information, contact Masako Long, Vice President of Sales, or visit www.janusea.com. #NAFC #Janusea #integration #coreintegration #creditunion #creditunions #communitybank #communitybanks

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North American Fintech Coalition is proud to introduce Janusea, a vital member helping to transform the community financial institution space. Janusea fills a critical gap by connecting credit unions and community banks with today’s most innovative fintech solutions. Many fintech providers struggle to integrate with the legacy core systems of financial institutions, facing years of development work to achieve meaningful connections. Janusea addresses this challenge head-on. Through their secure, fully hosted platform, Janusea bridges these worlds, enabling seamless collaboration between financial institutions and fintechs. Their platform accelerates speed to market, offering the freedom to choose the best solutions from a diverse range of providers, with sustainable API integration that works with any financial institution. We at the North American Fintech Coalition believe Janusea's approach strengthens the ecosystem, empowering financial institutions to thrive in an era where agility and technological adaptability are key to success. For more information, contact Masako Long, Vice President of Sales, or visit www.janusea.com. #NAFC #Janusea #integration #coreintegration #creditunion #creditunions #communitybank #communitybanks

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North American Fintech Coalition is proud to introduce Janusea, a vital member helping to transform the community financial institution space. Janusea fills a critical gap by connecting credit unions and community banks with today’s most innovative fintech solutions. Many fintech providers struggle to integrate with the legacy core systems of financial institutions, facing years of development work to achieve meaningful connections. Janusea addresses this challenge head-on. Through their secure, fully hosted platform, Janusea bridges these worlds, enabling seamless collaboration between financial institutions and fintechs. Their platform accelerates speed to market, offering the freedom to choose the best solutions from a diverse range of providers, with sustainable API integration that works with any financial institution. We at the North American Fintech Coalition believe Janusea's approach strengthens the ecosystem, empowering financial institutions to thrive in an era where agility and technological adaptability are key to success. For more information, contact Masako Long, Vice President of Sales, or visit www.janusea.com. #NAFC #Janusea #integration #coreintegration #creditunion #creditunions #communitybank #communitybanks

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North American Fintech Coalition is proud to introduce Janusea, a vital member helping to transform the community financial institution space. Janusea fills a critical gap by connecting credit unions and community banks with today’s most innovative fintech solutions. Many fintech providers struggle to integrate with the legacy core systems of financial institutions, facing years of development work to achieve meaningful connections. Janusea addresses this challenge head-on. Through their secure, fully hosted platform, Janusea bridges these worlds, enabling seamless collaboration between financial institutions and fintechs. Their platform accelerates speed to market, offering the freedom to choose the best solutions from a diverse range of providers, with sustainable API integration that works with any financial institution. We at the North American Fintech Coalition believe Janusea's approach strengthens the ecosystem, empowering financial institutions to thrive in an era where agility and technological adaptability are key to success. For more information, contact Masako Long, Vice President of Sales, or visit www.janusea.com. #NAFC #Janusea #integration #coreintegration #creditunion #creditunions #communitybank #communitybanks

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North American Fintech Coalition is proud to introduce Janusea, a vital member helping to transform the community financial institution space. Janusea fills a critical gap by connecting credit unions and community banks with today’s most innovative fintech solutions. Many fintech providers struggle to integrate with the legacy core systems of financial institutions, facing years of development work to achieve meaningful connections. Janusea addresses this challenge head-on. Through their secure, fully hosted platform, Janusea bridges these worlds, enabling seamless collaboration between financial institutions and fintechs. Their platform accelerates speed to market, offering the freedom to choose the best solutions from a diverse range of providers, with sustainable API integration that works with any financial institution. We at the North American Fintech Coalition believe Janusea's approach strengthens the ecosystem, empowering financial institutions to thrive in an era where agility and technological adaptability are key to success. For more information, contact Masako Long, Vice President of Sales, or visit www.janusea.com. #NAFC #Janusea #integration #coreintegration #creditunion #creditunions #communitybank #communitybanks

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Check out the newest blog post by our Advisory Board member, George Collins, on the #FHLBank System's relationship with community banks. In today's post, he debunks the argument that community banks rely so heavily on the FHLBs that any reform to the system would devastate these small lenders. #FHLB #communitydevelopment #bankreform https://lnkd.in/eWBTn6CA

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Upgrade Your Legacy Core Banking System with BaaSFlow! At BaaSFlow, we understand the challenges that Depository Institutions face when it comes to modernizing legacy core banking systems. According to a recent article by the Kansas City Fed, there are three primary scenarios for modernization: Incremental Upgrades, Replacing the Core, and Adopting a New Digital Core. Incremental Upgrades: For institutions looking to enhance their existing systems gradually, BaaSFlow offers modular solutions that seamlessly integrate with your current infrastructure. Our technology ensures minimal disruption while significantly improving performance and capabilities. Replacing the Core: If a complete overhaul is necessary, BaaSFlow's state-of-the-art core banking platform provides a robust, scalable, and future-proof solution. We streamline the transition process, ensuring a smooth and efficient switch with minimal downtime. Adopting a New Digital Core: For those ready to embrace a fully digital banking environment, BaaSFlow's cloud-native, open-source technology is the perfect fit. Our platform supports advanced digital services, enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency. Why BaaSFlow? 1) API Driven, Cloud Native; 2) Cost-Effective Solutions: We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality; and 3) Tailored Approach: We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and deliver customized solutions. Upgrade your core banking system with confidence and ease. Choose BaaSFlow for a seamless, cost-effective, and future-ready solution. https://lnkd.in/eQ8yH6xX #CoreBanking #BankingTechnology #DigitalTransformation #BaaSFlow #FinancialInnovation

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To all #CDFI #CreditUnions Worried About Losing Certification: The CDFI Fund's revised CDFI Certification Application WILL NOT result in the loss of your certification, if you contact us now. CU Strategic Planning was at the forefront of advocacy to ensure the revision had the flexibility for credit unions to maintain CDFI Certification. Since then, CU Strategic Planning has been actively working with over 100 credit unions to ensure their recertification success. This includes creating advisory boards, community development mission statements, providing product design insights and defensible justification of product attributes. Most powerfully, with the depth of that expert consulting (not available through a technology company alone), we took a giant leap forward by merging two leading organizations to create a profound alliance with Callahan & Associates, Inc. the national leader in data analytics for credit unions. CU Strategic Planning is now a Callahan & Associates company leveraging the power of the most trusted data system in the movement. As THE credit union CDFI certification experts, we are and have been for the last 16 years working to ensure every credit union serving people of modest means can attain and retain its CDFI Certification. If you believe you are in jeopardy of losing your certification, come to the experts. No one has certified more credit unions as CDFIs than CU Strategic Planning. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gbvdeYpe Schedule a call: https://lnkd.in/gr_FemEV

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