Mobile Banking Updates - Jan 30

No Need for Mobile Banking Here, But Make Room for Horses
"Here's a banking market with strong credits, successful businesses and little need for expensive technology. But leave room in the parking lot for horse and buggy. A group in Pennsylvania has asked for approval to establish Bank of Bird-in-Hand, which would be the first de novo bank in the U.S. in more than two years. Named for a nearby town, the bank is located "right smack in the center of the Plain community," says Craig Rodenberger, marketing director at Ephrata National Bank in Ephrata, Pa., referring to so-called Plain People groups like the Amish and Mennonites."

Say goodbye to more bank branches
"Overall, banks closed 2,267 branches last year and opened only 1,149, according to research firm SNL Financial. That resulted in a total loss of 1,118 branches nationwide -- the highest level since 2005, when the firm began tracking closures. Looking to cut costs, many banks are aggressively shuttering branches they deem unnecessary and encouraging customers to shift to online and mobile banking instead, said Nancy Bush, a bank analyst and contributing editor at SNL."

Community Financial Credit Union Goes Mobile to Make Banking Even Easier
"Community Financial Credit Union members can now access their accounts at any time from just about anywhere with the credit union's recently unveiled mobile banking - including downloadable apps for iPhone(R) and Android(R) phones. Mobile banking from Community Financial, located in in Plymouth, Canton, Northville and Novi; as well as Gaylord, Hillman and Lewiston, is another way the credit union is making banking easier for its members. With Community Financial, mobile banking is available in three ways: Mobile Apps, Mobile Web and Text Banking."

Genisys Mobile Banking
"Take a Genisys branch with you wherever you go! The Genisys Android app allows you to manage your accounts on the go. Check balances, transfer money, deposit checks, check rates and search for free ATMs all from your Android device. Registration can be done right on the device. On the logon page simply click "Register here" and follow the simple steps from your device. A first time login will receive an activation code by email, phone, or text message."

Mobile Banking Updates - Jan 27

ING Bank Slaski releases corporate mobile banking app
"ING Bank Slaski has launched a mobile banking application for corporate customers - ING BusinessMobile for iOS and Android platforms is based on the Comarch Mobile Banking solution. The system is designed primarily for corporate customers as it offers convenient and quick transaction authorization. In addition to the four-eye principle, it allows to create secure transactions on the basis of pre-defined and templates orders."

First Niagara launches mobile banking app
"First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FNFG) launched a new mobile banking app for iPhones, Android phones, and BlackBerrys. The app allows users to access account information, pay bills, execute internal transfers, and find branch and ATM locations. The banking company plans to add more features throughout 2013, including remote deposit capture, person to person payments, and an iPad app."

Mobile banking users set to almost double
"A new report from Juniper Research finds that over one billion mobile phone users will have made use of their mobile devices for banking purposes by the end of 2017, compared to just over 590 million in 2013. While the forecast of one billion users represents just under 15% of the mobile subscriber base, Juniper notes that around half of all mobile subscribers remain unbanked, with limited access to traditional financial services."

Era of online and mobile banking
"Banks are killing off branches by the thousands. Overall, banks closed 2,267 branches last year and opened only 1,149, according to research firm SNL Financial. That resulted in a total loss of 1,118 branches nationwide -- the highest level since 2005, when the firm began tracking closures. Looking to cut costs, many banks are aggressively shuttering branches they deem unnecessary and encouraging customers to shift to online and mobile banking instead, said Nancy Bush, a bank analyst and contributing editor at SNL."

If You Use Chase Mobile Banking, You’re Probably Richer than All Your Friends Who Don’t
"The world of banking has changed significantly over the past few decades, especially with the introduction of mobile and online banking. With this technology, individuals can take a more active role in their finances. In fact, it appears that banking online has not only made it easier for people to track their transactions, but according to a new study, bank customers are actually saving more money when they jump on the digital bandwagon."