Smarter Bank: Why Money Management Is More Important Than Money Movement to Banks and Credit Unions Paperback – January 30, 2015

A rather confusing read, are women to be reckoned with as important bank customers or not, are bank branches still necessary or not? With a study on each side and no clear conclusion, one can just read the newspaper for the same amount for "pro-cons".

Banking redefined from A to Z. Great insights by one of the most brilliant minds in the industry.

If you are interested in the banking industry (or one of Ron's relatives, as he cheekily notes in the introduction), you should read this book. It's rare to read a business book that is smart and entertaining, and even more rare when it's focused on just one industry, but this is one of those books.This book is a very sound analysis of the different dynamics currently forcing the banking industry to evolve, a thorough debunking of the many fads that are generating a lot of noise, and then the author's thoughtful parsing out of the trends that will drive the future of banking. As someone with a strong research and social science background, I was very impressed with the depth of thought. As the author notes, you may not agree with all of his conclusions, but the intelligence with which they are argued will definitely make you smarter.Also, the book is pretty damn funny. I laughed out loud a handful of times, which is a first for anything related to the banking industry.I would say this is a "must read" for anyone in the banking or credit union space.

There are many people willing to give advice to the banking industry. Few can do so with the foundation of knowledge, hands on experience or the sense of humor of Ron Shevlin. I have been a long time follower of Ron's writing, and was pleased he was able to combine his very serious perspective of the banking industry today, with very specific recommendations in a very easy-to-read format. Digging into the banking industry's challenges and opportunities, Ron makes it abundantly clear that the industry must become smarter. The worst option for banking is to do nothing.Not only is this book a must-read for all bank and credit union executives, but I strongly recommend following him regularly with his 'Snarketing 2.0' articles.

I have followed Ron's Snarketing blog for years and always appreciated his insightful wisdom written in an engaging style. This book has the same laser sharp insights written with just a hint of "snark" and that makes it a joy to read. Ron's subject is serious; even if you are not a part of the financial services industry, you would value the insight he provides. We all benefit from the service that financial institutions provide and Ron's powerful tome is right on target on how FIs can re-capture the trust of their customers. If you are a banking professional, READ THIS BOOK! If you know a bank or credit union executive, buy the book and give it to them as a gift ...

What makes Smarter Bank worthwhile is the same thing that makes all of Shevlin’s writing worthwhile. He writes with clarity, humor, and the right amount of skepticism. You’re never lost in a Shevlin piece, and more importantly you’re never bored. His years of experience and research with Aite Group are also a plus — you’re not just wading through a bunch of fluffy platitudes. Shevlin follows the evidence where it leads and cites it when it’s relevant. If you’re a banker who’s looking to help your institution thrive in the contemporary competitive landscape, you’d do well to hear Shevlin’s take on how to create a smarter bank.*Review cross-posted from MoneySummit.com