Move over Chip plus pin! There is a new wave of super smart cards hitting the market and they are already certified by MasterCard and Visa. These cards not only add an additional layer of security which can assist a financial institution in complying with the FFIEC guidance, these cards can also be used to access more than one account, and more.

If the attendance at International Consumer Electronics Show is any indication of consumer confidence and the economy, then get ready for a fantastic 2012.

On Sunday, Jan. 8, the International Consumer Electronics Show pre-conference press events begin and ABA Banking Journal will be there covering them. CES is always a great place to restore your vision because of all of the innovation present.

Using 21st Century technology is an exciting space to be, and some financial institutions are getting it! The Digital Native is not a new topic of this blog; and as I prepare to attend the Consumer Electronics Show in early January, of course, the anticipation is starting to build. The good news is that some financial institutions are also causing me to feel a sense of anticipation by virtue of what they are beginning or, in a few cases, continuing to do in the Digital Native space. Here are just a few examples:

What could be the worst thing to happen while taking a vacation or at least a few days off? You guessed it… NO internet! I took a few days off around Thanksgiving and when we arrived at our destination, I exited the car, unlocked the cabin, checked my smart phone and realized… DEAD ZONE! No worries, the cabin has internet with a wireless router.

When it comes to banking technology, more and more banks are developing smart phone applications (apps), which allow you to perform basic banking functions. Apps are and are going to continue to be the way of the future. Customers are now able to connect with their bank on levels that they have never been possible before. Although Apps present a unique ability, they also offer a unique challenge and can even open your bank up to potential fraud in ways that they have never imagined before. To better understand the potential risks, we need to understand what an app can do.

Complaints abound when it comes to devices, apps, and smart phone manufacturers knowing what we are doing when we don’t know that they know! Hmmm, isn’t that 21st Century CRM?

This past week the world experienced the passing of Steve Jobs. Headlines everywhere have thanked Steve Jobs for his innovation and vision. No doubt he will be missed, but Apple fans should not worry, Steve Jobs left plans for the next version of each Apple product. Steve Jobs footprint will remain for generations. Thank you, Mr. Jobs, for inspiring creativity and the pursuit of excellence!

Recently I completed a business trip to Silicon Valley, and like attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), there is always something new to learn when you visit the center of the known computing galaxy.

Product delivery and the corresponding customer experience today is primarily a one- dimensional event. Oh and it’s boring, too! Let’s face it, bank technology is very slow to keep up with innovation and when it does, it is usually a single version.