consumer-finance

Labeling a quarter of the U.S. population as un- or underbanked may be derisive, but naming rights still go to those who control the financial services market - banks.

Not adjustable rate, variable rate. Unlike the ARMs we know here in the U.S., Canada's VRMs solve the vexing trade-off between monthly payment risk and interest rate risk. The product deserves a close look here south of the border.

Lending to American consumers, businesses and other entities is, as best practiced, far from a simple business. Going beyond this to dabble in opaque markets will inevitably degrade the competence with which banks' basic business is conducted.

Many borrowers with great credit can't get financing rates commensurate with their low risk. There's a major opportunity for banks to generate attractive returns by providing fairly priced student loans to these customers.

Also, it's OK just to make transactions easier and cheaper, even if consumers don't "graduate" to a bank account. And eight other lessons from the premier conference in this space.