PITTSBURGH, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB), the holding company for First National Bank, announced it is among the first wave of banks to introduce Payment Switch, a service that enables customers to automatically move their recurring ACH or Debit Card payments to FNB using the FNB Direct Mobile Banking App. Payment Switch makes it easier for customers to establish a relationship with FNB, advancing the Company's strategy to become the primary bank for its clients. Continue Rea ...

Core Insights - The merchant economy is transforming banking by shifting focus from traditional banking services to integrated payment solutions that enhance customer relationships and provide actionable insights [6][65][74] Merchant Ecosystems - Merchant ecosystems create defensible scale for banks, offering continuous customer touchpoints and recurring fee income, while increasing switching costs for businesses that integrate their operations with a single provider [1] - Leading banks are repositioning themselves to occupy the operating layer of commerce, moving beyond merely financing transactions to integrating analytics and payment solutions into merchant platforms [2][6] Performance Metrics - The evaluation of merchant portfolios has shifted from cost-to-income ratios to metrics like throughput, retention, and share of wallet, indicating a new frontline of competition in merchant services [3][5] - The focus has moved from the number of accounts to the number of active terminals, reflecting the importance of transaction volume in retail banking [3] Technological Advances - Advances in cloud computing and data analytics enable real-time interpretation of transaction flows, turning them into actionable intelligence for banks [4][20] - The digitization of commerce post-pandemic has expanded acceptance networks, allowing small businesses to utilize various payment methods beyond traditional card rails [4] Strategic Shift in Banking - Merchant services have evolved from a back-office function to a strategic center of growth, with banks now required to orchestrate relationships rather than merely process transactions [11][12] - The role of relationship managers has transformed to focus on conversion rates and platform integration, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary teams in merchant services [12][13] Instant Payments - Instant payments have become a defining standard in the merchant economy, reshaping liquidity management and customer experience for both banks and merchants [15][16] - The shift to real-time payments requires banks to manage liquidity dynamically, responding to new expectations from merchants for immediate transaction confirmation [17][20] Embedded Lending - Modern merchants view lending as an embedded service integrated into daily transactions, allowing for contextual lending that activates based on real-time cash flow [22][24] - The evolution of lending from traditional methods to algorithmic assessments based on live transaction data enhances credit decision-making and reduces risk [23][30] Data Utilization - Data generated from transactions serves as a new form of collateral, enabling banks to assess creditworthiness through behavioral risk analytics rather than traditional metrics [28][30] - The ability to turn transaction data into predictive insights allows banks to anticipate merchant needs and provide timely support [41][46] Partnerships and Ecosystem - The future of banking will rely on strategic partnerships, where banks collaborate with technology firms and other service providers to create integrated solutions for merchants [59][60] - The emerging value chain in merchant banking emphasizes horizontal collaboration over vertical integration, focusing on the orchestration of services rather than unilateral control [52][53] Reliability and Trust - Reliability is becoming a key differentiator in the banking sector, with merchants prioritizing consistent service and operational resilience over cost [71] - The relationship between banks and merchants is evolving into a compact of shared data, responsibility, and growth, fostering a more integrated approach to financial services [72][76]

Core Insights - Coop Pank's financial performance in October 2025 reflects a stable interest rate environment and gradual economic recovery in Estonia, with a net profit of 2.2 million euros for the month and a year-to-date profit of 23.8 million euros, which is 16% lower than the previous year [6][7]. Financial Performance - The bank's loan portfolio increased by 15 million euros, reaching 2.03 billion euros, with home loans rising by 15 million euros and consumer financing increasing by 1 million euros [7]. - Customer deposits grew by 42 million euros, totaling 1.95 billion euros, with corporate deposits increasing by 31 million euros and private deposits by 1 million euros [7]. - The bank's return on equity was 11.6% in October, and the cost-to-income ratio stood at 55% [6][7]. Customer Growth - The number of clients increased by 1,700 in October, bringing the total to 224,000, while active clients rose by 1,400 to 106,800, marking a 10% growth in the customer base over the year [7][8]. Economic Context - Estonia's economy grew by 0.9% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, indicating a positive trend in economic recovery [2]. - The European Central Bank maintained its base interest rates at 2%, contributing to a stable interest rate environment [1]. Innovations and Initiatives - Coop Pank introduced several payment changes in October, including instant payments processed within 10 seconds and enhanced security features [4]. - The bank launched a cashback loyalty program in June, refunding 1% of purchases made in Coop stores, which has attracted new customers [5].

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