Raddon Roundtables have become a cornerstone for strategic dialogue, peer learning and actionable takeaways among financial institution leaders, and our recent sessions were no exception. Held across several regions this spring, the Roundtables brought together a wide range of professionals from community-based institutions to explore today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities in the financial services space.

These events weren’t just about exchanging pleasantries or rehashing familiar talking points. Attendees consistently highlighted that one of the most valuable aspects of the Roundtables is the depth of discussion – both among peers and with the Raddon team. The environment fosters open, candid conversations that provide not only insights but also practical tools participants can immediately take back to their organizations.

As one participant put it, “Because we use our data, we get to share and collaborate with our peers in a way that doesn’t happen in other networking formats. Every time I leave, I leave with something that changes how we do something at our institution.”

Raddon’s Research-Backed Approach

What sets the Raddon Roundtables apart from other industry events is the foundation of research and analytics that guides each discussion. Our insights and benchmarks inform the conversation, but it’s the collaborative spirit that gives the sessions their edge. Attendees engage in robust discussions about how their organizations are responding to current economic conditions, redefining strategy and transforming delivery models.

Unlike more generalized conferences, the Roundtables encourage institutions to challenge each other and learn from real-world examples. Participants leave with both macro-level frameworks and tactical takeaways, from data-driven strategies to on-the-ground success stories. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the key topics and lessons from our recent sessions.

Key Themes and Takeaways

One central theme woven throughout the Roundtables was economic uncertainty and how that requires a sharper focus on earnings, financial wellness and long-term consumer engagement. With the first quarter showing negative GDP growth and softening labor markets, concern over a possible recession was top of mind.

Figure 1: Uncertainty creates concerns for both consumers and businesses

GDP Growth for Q1 2025 Was Negative

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

Participants explored several strategic imperatives:

1)      Financial Wellness as a Strategic Priority

Many institutions shared how they’re investing in tools, partnerships and campaigns to support member wellness, especially during economic headwinds. It’s no longer just a social good, it’s a business imperative.

2)      An Integrated Delivery Ecosystem

The discussions around delivery models were especially rich. Attendees weighed how to balance branch evolution (including location and design strategy and staffing models) with digital transformation. The consensus: Institutions must deliver a seamless, hybrid experience where in-person and digital touchpoints support – not compete with – each other.

3)       Attracting Younger Demographics

For long-term viability, targeting Gen Z and younger Millennials came up repeatedly. From modernizing brand voice to offering more flexible and tech-forward products, financial institution executives recognize that staying relevant to younger consumers is essential for sustainable growth.

4)      Deposit Growth with Precision

Conversations around deposits zeroed in on profitable and sustainable growth, including how to price strategically, monitor cost of funds and deploy data-driven marketing to attract and retain deposits. Generational differences in deposit behavior also came into focus, with institutions sharing what works – and what doesn’t – for different age segments.

Figure 2: Use of online savings accounts by generation segment

Nearly half of Gen and Millennials now using online savings accounts

Source: Deposits and Investments, Raddon Research Insights, 2024

5)      Lending Strategies and Risk Management

With loan growth slowing, financial institutions are focusing on lending efficiency and risk. Participants shared how they’re using their data to better understand creditworthiness, streamline the application process and improve the borrower experience.

6)      Payments and Primary Financial Institution (PFI) Status

Payments took center stage in several discussions, especially around strategies to become the “top of wallet” in digital wallets. Increasing use of credit cards and checking accounts was highlighted as a critical path to strengthening PFI status and boosting cross-sell opportunities.

7)      Innovations in Collections and Member Experience

One of the more interesting conversations came from an institution that shifted its collections strategy to use text messaging instead of phone calls for some of their collection efforts. The result? Higher engagement, more timely payments and even thank-you notes from individuals, something that one participant said she “never thought she’d see in collections.” Another organization echoed the same, crediting their team’s kinder, more empathetic approach with improved outcomes and a stronger relationship with struggling consumers.

Looking Ahead

If you missed out on this round of Raddon Roundtables, don’t worry – more are on the horizon. The next series of events promises to build on the momentum with even deeper dives into timely topics, fresh research and the same engaging, peer-driven format that has made these sessions so impactful.

Whether you’re looking to refine your deposit strategy, navigate economic headwinds or transform your consumer experience, Raddon Roundtables offer a space to think critically, collaborate meaningfully and leave with tools you can put into action.

Stay tuned to the Raddon Events page and make sure your institution is at the table for the next round of insights and innovation. 

• June 24 – Irvine, CA
• June 25 – Sacramento, CA
• September 9 – Portland, OR 
• October 14 – Chicago, IL
• October 16 – Minneapolis, MN
• October 22 – Madison, WI

Registration for our last four events of the year will open in the coming weeks. Please mark your calendar to save the date!

• November 5 – Philadelphia, PA
• November 6 – Washington, DC
• November 19 – Atlanta, GA
• November 20 – Orlando, FL