12/09/2025

Four Ways Training Helps FIs Tackle Payments Inefficiencies

Payments Hot Tip: Four Ways Training Helps FIs Tackle Payments Inefficiencies

When it comes to payment processing, banks and credit unions are plagued with inefficiencies in the operational chain. From rapidly evolving fraud threats to outdated or weakened internal controls to fragmented data, legacy technology, and resource constraints, inefficiencies persist for financial institutions(FIs) due to manual processes, a lack of integrated systems, and a struggle to keep up with the industry’s consistent evolution.

Four ways training creates efficiencies for FIs

Fortunately, training equips FIs with best practices for compliance, as well as fraud detection and prevention. Through scenario-based and role-specific learning programs, training strengthens internal controls and enables staff to identify red flags and emerging fraud schemes. Additionally, ongoing education ensures employees understand regulatory requirements and maintain awareness of evolving threats.

In short, training and education help staff to:

1. Recognize and prevent exceptions through better verification and controls.
2. Respond quickly to anomalies and urgent requests.
3. Automate and streamline exception handling using digital platforms and structured messaging.
4. Institute regular audits and process reviews to identify vulnerabilities.

This knowledge then allows FIs to resolve exceptions and address inefficiencies faster by:

1. Automating exception workflows and using centralized management platforms.
2. Adopting industry standards (e.g., ISO 20022) for structured messaging.
3. Integrating real-time fraud detection and anomaly monitoring.
4. Developing exception protocols and clarifying decision-making.

Key takeaway

Robust, ongoing training and education are essential for FIs to modernize payment operations, reduce fraud, minimize exceptions, and deliver efficient, secure services. Specialized courses and certifications from SFE equip staff with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate today’s complex payments landscape.

For more information on ways to maximize payments efficiencies, sign up for SFE’s 2026 Education Plan, which provides a year’s worth of critical payments learning at a 50% savings.