NEWS
NEWS
Wipfli research reveals banks and credit unions see cybersecurity as a challenge
Wipfli , a top 25 advisory and accounting firm , has published the results of two industry surveys from the banking and credit union sectors that provide insights into current market challenges .
Based on the data , the surveyed financial institution leaders describe challenges such as cybersecurity , talent shortages and Digital Transformation maturity as continuing to shape strategies and priorities in 2025 .
“ This year ’ s findings underscore an industry at a critical juncture – embracing AI and Digital Transformation while navigating persistent challenges like cybersecurity and talent shortages ,” said Anna Kooi , Wipfli ’ s Financial Services Practice Leader . “ Financial institutions that stay focused on strategic goals and leverage data-driven insights are best positioned to lead the way .”
Banks displayed solid strategic priorities , like increasing investments in cybersecurity and growing traction for Banking-as-a- Service and embedded banking . Yet many financial institutions also say net interest margin compression , core deposit growth and the economy / regulatory environment could get in the way of continued growth and market share .
“ It ’ s critical for banks to integrate their data tools strategically and intentionally ,” Kooi said . “ With shrinking margins , most mid-market banks can ’ t afford costly mistakes from siloed technology decisions . Investing in scalable , pragmatic technology architecture is essential .”
Over half of surveyed credit unions are increasing their investments in cybersecurity , as 49 % of credit unions experienced an increase in fraud in
2024 , with 76 % identifying unauthorised access to their networks or data in the past year .
Zilch Travel : A new era in travel , powered by lastminute . com
Zilch , the FinTech payments innovator of the world ’ s first adsubsidised payments network ( ASPN ), has announced the launch of Zilch Travel . This new partnership will make booking and paying for holidays easier and more rewarding . app . Customers can earn up to 3 % back in rewards on their travel bookings or can opt to spread the cost of their trip with interest-free payments over six weeks or three months – always with complete transparency and no hidden fees .
Powered by lastminute . com , the European Travel-Tech leader in Dynamic Holiday Packages , this new white-label partnership will enhance Zilch customers ’ experience of seamlessly searching , booking and paying for holidays , hotels and flights in the Zilch
Travel is one of the largest household expenses , yet it ’ s also a non-negotiable annual priority , and in 2024 , it hit an all-time high . This surge has made travel a rapidly growing category for Zilch , with a remarkable 140 % year-on-year growth as customers seek smarter , more flexible ways to fund their trips .
Alessandro Petazzi , CEO of lastminute . com , said : “ By investing in flexible financial solutions and leveraging our technology to enhance customers ’ travel experience , we can unlock a world of possibilities for holidaymakers . We ’ re delighted to partner with one of the UK ’ s leading FinTech companies by powering their new Zilch Travel service .
“ This new offering will seamlessly combine lastminute . com ’ s cutting-edge platform for booking holiday packages , hotels , and flights with Zilch ’ s fantastic , flexible payment options . This will allow consumers to earn cashback rewards or spread the cost of their holiday purchases interest-free .
6 www . intelligentfin . tech