Amid the era of digital transformation, credit unions and financial institutions are finding profit-driving applications for the treasure troves of data that have been at their disposal for several decades. This data is providing a new perspective in consumer behavior, preventing disasters and thefts, and unlocking the secrets of money movement. And now, big data is poised to make big changes to consumer lending. Let's take a closer look at three ways it's already happening.

A lot has changed for credit unions within the past two years. Many have evolved their delivery models to support more digital, remote communications while still aspiring to offer a special, personal member experience. However, achieving this level of digital prowess takes a strategy that can quickly and easily adjust to uphold specific undertakings, like paycheck protection, skip-a-pay programs, and contactless transactions. Members still require personal connection even while online and those who aren't already acclimated to digital channels need more education, connection, and security understanding to get comfortable. So, what else has changed in the credit union world, and what does the future hold?

In a not-so-distant past, digital payments revolutionized commerce. Today, however, commerce is poised to revolutionize the way money is moved. From manual and paper-based, payments are speeding toward automation, paperless, cloud-based solutions to simplify the buying and selling process.

The world of payments is on a fast-paced roller coaster to an all-digital destination. The already speeding locomotive received a jolt of energy via COVID-19, which further increased the demand for digital, online, contactless, frictionless, and speedier payments. While most generations show an interest in digital payments, it comes as no surprise that the largest push is being generated from the rear.

Though face-to-face interactions have always been more personal, credit union members today are leaning more towards digital interactions. Whether it's due to the pandemic or advances in technology, there is no one clear-cut cause. But it's the reality credit unions need to face and accept. For example, a recent study showed that between December 2020 and May 2021, 95% of Gen Z used mobile banking. And according to the Credit Union Journal, "70% of likely bank account applicants would prefer to submit a digital application." So whatever type of banking a credit union member is interested in, it's important for them to be able to conduct their business online if they so desire. Application programming interfaces (APIs) can help make that possible.

Digital transformation is no longer a buzzword that all the cool financial institutions are using. Instead, COVID-19 has escalated it from a nice-to-have, wishful thinking strategy into a must-have for credit unions to remain competitive. At the very heart of any effective digital transformation is a metamorphosis that transforms how your credit union interacts with members. In the act of doing so, it should modernize and simplify processes while generating efficiencies and improving KPIs, such as the credit union's efficiency ratio. While COVID-19 has escalated the importance of digital transformation, it has also highlighted key problems credit unions face.

The past 18 months have brought unexpected challenges to credit unions of all sizes. The severity of these challenges varies by credit union and some peer groups were more affected than others. Digital transformation became a real topic, instead of wishful thinking or “clickbait” for marketing companies. We quickly learned which credit unions were prepared for a digital transformation and those that were not.

In the current digital age, it is crucial for credit unions to provide members with convenient and effective digital banking solutions. As more and more members turn to online banking to pay bills, shop online and send or receive money, credit unions who fail to adapt to the times risk losing lifelong members.

While it’s obvious that digital banking solutions are a necessary part of running a successful credit union, deciding which digital payment network to offer your members may not be. One of the most popular digital payment networks serving credit unions and their members is Zelle. The payments network boasts exceeding one billion payments within twelve months, setting a new record. Let’s have a look at why Zelle has become so popular.

In the closing months of 2019, there were several reports released that touted the current and projected growth of the peer-to-peer (P2P) payment solutions market. Solutions like Zelle, Apple Pay, and Venmo were overwhelmingly increasing in adoption by consumers. There were high expectations and we have no doubt they were accurate. But, in November of last year, we had no idea what 2020 had in store.

Mobile payments are making person-to-person transactions incredibly simple and efficient. With a few clicks of an app, members can pitch in on a birthday gift, pay their landscaper, or check out at the drugstore. With the increased demand, there are plenty of providers popping up to meet it but not all are created equal. Some apps require you to hold funds in the app, while others link directly from bank account to bank account. While these payment channels may be highly convenient, it's important to educate your members on ways they can make sure their money goes where they want it and that they receive the money they are owed.