Dawn Wotapka

Dawn Wotapka is a communicator who lives for a great story, no matter how it is told. An Army brat who graduated from NC State University and NYU, Dawn covered the housing crash and public companies for The Wall Street Journal. She enjoys running, overnight oats and business books.

Article

Is the bank branch’s reality virtual?

Apr 26, 2024

By Dawn Wotapka
Proponents say the metaverse is revolutionary. For banks, this might include transactional, retail and gaming VR experiences with a few familiar aspects of traditional branches.
Consumer Banking

Article

A digital payments powerhouse educates consumers on avoiding scams

Feb 12, 2024

By Dawn Wotapka
There are multi-channel approaches to fighting fraud. For Zelle, that meant tapping a Hollywood star.
Fraud Prevention

Article

DEI: 10 smart practices for these 3 important letters

Jan 5, 2024

By Dawn Wotapka
‘Avoid one-time initiatives,’ and other tips for banks and credit unions to step up diversity, equity and inclusion.
DEI & ESG

Article

Leveling up the bank marketing game

Dec 7, 2023

By Dawn Wotapka
Ten ways banks and credit unions can excel in their customer-centric communications and strategies.
Marketing & Sales

Article

The future of banking is AI

Oct 26, 2023

By Dawn Wotapka
Experts weigh in on how AI is impacting data analytics for financial institutions.
Technology

Article

Is the U.S. embracing open banking?

Sep 28, 2023

By Dawn Wotapka
In banking, fintech is yesterday’s news. Open banking is today’s hot topic.
Technology

Article

Today’s model branch: Technology and donuts

Apr 21, 2023

By Dawn Wotapka
Banks and credit unions know that if they want to thrive in the age of nimble fintechs, they need to change their physical presence.
Consumer Banking

Article

Deposit accounts in the fraud crosshairs

Mar 17, 2023

By Dawn Wotapka
The rapidly growing trend, driven by powerful technology, combines new (P2P payments) and old (check washing) into a vexing mix.
Fraud Prevention

Article

Today’s social media requires a deft touch

Feb 9, 2023

By Dawn Wotapka
Playing it safe may be over, but banks and credit unions still need to be thoughtful and strategic in their approach.
Marketing & Sales

Article

In banking, the future is data

Nov 11, 2022

By Dawn Wotapka
As institutions rely more on what they know about their customers, they also need to stay connected on a personal level.
Customer Experience

Article

Can tech make lending more inclusive?

Oct 13, 2022

By Dawn Wotapka
Use of AI and machine learning to process and underwrite loans promises more access for the underserved, but algorithms alone can’t do the job.
Technology

Article

In banking, bigger is bigger

Sep 1, 2022

By Dawn Wotapka
But to get to better, financial services providers must trade their traditional past for a more nimble future.
Consumer Banking

Article

Moving to mobile banking 3.0

Jul 28, 2022

By Dawn Wotapka
From partnering with fintechs to developing their own solutions, banks have a variety of options.
Consumer Banking / Digital Banking

Article

Opening closed networks: P2P payment innovation at community banks

May 11, 2022

By Dawn Wotapka
A 60-strong coalition of institutions is working together on CHUCK, similar to Zelle but without requiring the sender and receiver to use the same network.
Payments

Article

ESG is a banking trend to watch

Apr 27, 2022

By Dawn Wotapka
In a fast-changing world, the financial services industry doesn’t have much choice, but the path forward is still not clearly defined.
Consumer Banking

Article

Blockchain banks on the future

Mar 23, 2022

By Dawn Wotapka
Industry watchers say the technology has the potential to create “massive” disruption in financial services.
Digital Banking / Payments

Article

The near-term future of banking: More regulation

Dec 1, 2021

By Dawn Wotapka
Industry watchers have their eyes on consumers and crypto as prime areas for greater scrutiny and oversight.
Compliance, Regulation & Risk
Mature woman working from home during the quarantine due to Covid-19.

Article

Analytics: The engine driving personalization

Oct 13, 2021

By Dawn Wotapka
As banks look to offer a customized digital experience, they can start by making better use of the customer data they already have in hand.
Consumer Banking / Digital Banking
Mature woman working from home during the quarantine due to Covid-19.

Article

Can banks compete in a digital-lending world?

Aug 18, 2021

By Dawn Wotapka
The first step may be for banks and credit unions to fully accept the industry’s ongoing disruption.
Consumer Banking

Article

Back-office upgrades deliver more than operational efficiency

Jun 30, 2021

By Dawn Wotapka
Banks and credit unions can benefit from a modernized back office as they compete with digital-first institutions and address issues amplified by the pandemic.
Consumer Banking / Digital Banking / Technology

Article

A DEI roadmap for smaller financial institutions

Nov 18, 2020

By Dawn Wotapka
Local banks and credit unions can make meaningful strides in creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive company culture.
Consumer Banking / DEI & ESG / Talent & Workforce Management