Financial decisions made today impact a person’s future. Whether it’s credit, debt, or saving, these decisions require knowledge. Banks pool deposits (funds) and lend them out as loans. They do this through a process called maturity transformation.
In other words, banks convert short-term liabilities into long-term assets by selling securities to the market for cash.
Business Customers
Many small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) turn to banks for help with their finances. However, if they work with their financial institution early and often, they can take advantage of key services that help them grow.
Bankers must break out of their traditional transaction role and demonstrate that they understand SMEs’ priorities and pain points. This is especially true for SMEs seeking more capital to invest in growth.
Getting money matters right is the key to business success. Without a solid financial base, a company isn’t a business; it just supports a hobby.
If a business has to rush projects or burn through cash to make ends meet, it will eventually hit the wall.
Credit Unions
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives prioritizing members’ needs over profit gains. This means they often offer lower loan rates, more competitive savings account interest rates, and fee-free personal checking accounts.
Unlike banks, which are for-profit organizations and must return earnings to stockholders, all credit union members own a share in the institution and have a vote in how it’s run. In addition to various personal banking services, many credit unions offer specialized loans that help people build or reestablish their credit.
According to a former banker, Donald Guerrero, many credit unions also commit to local communities by sponsoring events, charities, and volunteer programs. They may also lend money to small businesses and community development projects that would not qualify for traditional bank financing.
These efforts strengthen the sense of community and encourage economic growth in underserved neighborhoods. In addition, credit unions are required to keep higher reserves than banks, allowing them to weather financial storms more easily.
Personal Customers
With the constant growth of economies worldwide, there is always a need to hold money and make monetary transactions. Banks and credit unions employ people who help customers with their banking needs. These people manage their customers’ accounts, loan them money, and offer many other services.
For entrepreneurs, a banker is often their main source of guidance. They ask questions about the best way to grow their business, which financial products they should use, and even for the recommendation of a reliable lawyer or accountant.
For some customers, banking terminology is a foreign language, and it is the personal banker’s job to help them understand the process.
Banks treat all their customers equally, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, or personal appearance. The employees at a bank or credit union must have excellent sales experience and a good understanding of math equations, particularly the percentage rate of interest.
Nontraditional Services
It’s easy to see why many consider banking a career for those who enjoy dealing with large amounts of money and carefully accounting for the funds under their care. Bank employees often handle and oversee much more than that and are responsible for various services.
Some banks try to break out of the transaction role and become more engaged with their customers. This can be done in several ways, including offering lower fees, greater transparency, and additional services.