RETHINKING REVENUE How Community Banks Are Adapting to a Changing Financial Landscape BY RELIABLE PAYMENTS Community banks have long served as economic anchors for small towns and urban neighborhoods alike. But as interest margins tighten and traditional revenue models face increasing pressure, bank leaders are re-evaluating how to maintain profitability while staying true to their local mission. One growing area of interest? Merchant services. Not just as a line item but as a strategic component of broader financial resilience. SHIFTING EXPECTATIONS FROM BUSINESS CLIENTS Today’s small businesses are looking to their banks for more than just loans and deposit accounts. They expect integrated solutions that help them operate more efficiently, accept payments securely and gain financial visibility in real time. Banks that can provide or even facilitate those services are increasingly seen as trusted partners, not just service providers. “Business owners are navigating complex operational demands. When a bank can simplify one piece of that, like payment processing, it builds trust that goes far beyond transactions,” says Patrick Gallagher, founder & CEO of Reliable Payments. THE ROLE OF MERCHANT SERVICES For many banks, merchant services were once considered a “set-it-and-forget-it” offering. But as tools and technology have evolved, 22 The CommunityBanker
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