It's no secret that banks are renegotiating how they manage branches. Many are scaling back the number of branches, but others are also transforming the spaces with technology such as digital signage.

According to research from Markets.US, the digital signage banking market is expected to grow to $9.4 billion by 2034, up from $3.5 billion in 2024. The in-branch segment currently holds 56.8% of the market share as well.

In today's episode of the Bank Customer Experience podcast, Bradley Cooper, editor and podcast host, is joined by Joseph Parrillo, director of security solutions and Scott Smith, VP of strategic solutions at Cook Solutions to discuss how banks are using digital signage today and what makes it a game changer.

For example, banks are using digital signage not just inside the branch but in the drive-thru lane. By replacing legacy signage with a display, they are providing more information to customers and an overall improved banking experience.

This extends to the ATM and ITM screens as well, as Smith discussed how some banks are partnering with local businesses to give out their coupon QR codes to customers on the displays, providing an intriguing marketing opportunity.

Listen to the full podcast discussion above.

Between evolving customer expectations and pressure from other financial providers, community banks have struggled to maintain relevance in recent years.

In today's episode of the Bank Customer Experience Podcast, Bradley Cooper, editor of ATM Marketplace, spoke with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president of Shikatanai Lacroix Design and Marbue Brown, founder of the Customer Obsession Advantage and a former banker about how community banking is changing

When looking at challenges community banks face, Lacroix spoke about increased competition

"There's a lot more competition today with fintechs and consolidation," he shared in the podcast.

Brown agreed, stating many national banks are encroaching on community banks territory through a variety of activities even sponsoring local events.

"The natural advantage community banks have is being erased," Brown said.

The statement points to the power of community banking in general. Lacroix said one of the primary drivers of growth in banks is being able to provide relevant advice and have a strong local presence, whereas simply providing good products reduces loss.

Brown and Lacroix also discussed a number of topics related to community banking including:

• How are big banks coming into community banking spaces?
• How can employees train using AI?
• How can financial advice be credible?
• What role does community involvement play?
• What does Gen Z want from a branch?
• What role should the teller take?

Listen to the conversation in full above.

Despite the rise of digital payments, checks remain a valid form of payment, especially for businesses and individuals. With mobile deposit and ATM deposits, it's more convenient than ever to deposit a check. However, this brings with it a risk for fraud. In today's episode of the Bank Customer Experience podcast, Bradley Cooper spoke with Scott Fieber, chief strategy officer at Cook Solutions Group and Austin Smith, director of product development at Cook Solutions Group about how to prevent check imaging fraud without harming the customer experience.

In many cases, this topic is a balancing act for banks. They need to provide funds for deposited checks in a reasonable time frame, but they also have to be aware of individuals attempting to commit fraud by withdrawing cash before a check bounces.

During the podcast, Smith and Fieber discussed issues surrounding checks in detail include:

• Are ATMs seeing in an increase in check deposits?
• What are some of the ways people commit check fraud with ATM check deposits?
• How is Cook Solutions Group involved in check imaging?
• How can banks keep up with customer demands for funds availability while still preventing fraud?
• What are ways AI can help?