Tomorrow is my last day as a technology reporter at American Banker. I leave with a lot of affection (!) for bank technology and awe at the creativity of the fintech space. This beat was less about reacting to news and more about digging up nuggets and trends to make my own news, or to elaborate on a slice of the industry that deserved a closer look, such as the evolving risk of banking-as-a-service. Here are a few of my favorite stories and topics over the last 4.5 years: -making your branches, apps and websites accessible to people with disabilities is really about making them accessible to all customers: https://lnkd.in/eZMaFzsP & https://lnkd.in/edhjBf9w -what *is* a stalk market? https://lnkd.in/eXCjqW5G -one of the neatest pitches I received was from a software firm banks use to estimate property boundaries that was generating controversy in the surveying world: https://lnkd.in/ej7QkXRr -sending customers debit cards with their preferred names is a good place to start, but not where you should stop: https://lnkd.in/evePd4pQ -social media influencing raises questions about calculating ROI, authenticity, and the power of entertainment in suspending disbelief, e.g. https://lnkd.in/eGzAAGYc & https://lnkd.in/ev-vHx5c -Rodney Hood mentioned that the smallest credit union in America had $200,000 in assets, and I had to know more: https://lnkd.in/gVj5_RWX -the intersection of agtech, fintech and bank tech is a growing trend: https://lnkd.in/emZ9J9Yd -the privacy policies of family-oriented neobanks are uncomfortably murky: https://lnkd.in/eW2kAtNz -answering the question I ask myself every time I wrote about a First, a First National, etc: why do so many bank names sound the same? https://lnkd.in/esF3NfaD -"I like to listen to other banks share their digital transformation," said John Reyes, Jr. of Bank of Guam. "It's that reassurance we're not that far behind." https://lnkd.in/ey9xyQ4Q -it took me two years to find a credit union active in BaaS and willing to talk about it: https://lnkd.in/ezG2D_3r
Andrew W. Grant
11h
Oh wow! Just seeing this; will miss reading you and looking forward to what’s next!
Sathish M.
2w
@Miriam - this list is exactly the reason you have so much more to offer and not leave:) I loved my conversations with you, enjoyed the deep thought provoking questions … wishing you continued success!
Debra Cope
2w
It always makes me sad when American Banker, a publication I know and love well, loses one of its superstar reporters. It is definitely a place where talent flourishes. Miriam, your industry knowledge combined with crackerjack reporting skills made you a tremendous asset to "the paper," as I still call it. I can't wait to hear what's next for you and I know you will shine wherever you go! Go forth and do American Banker proud!
I loved working with you on so many articles and that we had the chance to meet in person 🥰 Best of luck in your new adventure, hope our paths cross again ☺️
Wishing you the best of luck in your next chapter. I have enjoyed our interactions with state regulation issues and hope to stay in touch!
Miriam, I wish you well in your next chapter of life. Thank you for all the great articles you've written about MBF Industries., Inc., in leading the way for mobile bank branches. We're genuinely grateful you dug up this nugget 😎
I want to express my sincere appreciation for your outstanding work and insightful articles at American Banker. Your coverage of bank technology and fintech has been incredibly informative and engaging. I enjoyed sharing my thoughts about the industry and listening to your insights and questions.
Allan Rayson
2w
You are amazing and it has been a pleasure working with you over the last few years! Cannot wait to see what you do next and please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you!
Director of Digital Banking at Javelin Strategy & Research
2wMiriam, add me to the list of people who (1) lament the loss of a knowledgeable journalist who found stories rather than waiting for them, (2) wish you the best in whatever the next phase of life is, (3) can't wait to hear what's next for you, and (4) are confident you will thrive if you decide to take your considerable skills out of journalism. (It takes one to know one.) The variety of well-wishers in this thread is a testimony to your ability to connect with a lot of smart people and make an impact. Congrats, Miriam!