Branch transformation seems like a win-win. Credit unions are able to reduce staff and their physical branch footprint to cut costs while providing customers access to alternative banking technology – which is how consumers like to do business anyway. But there is one problem nobody seems to be addressing.

All of the activities involved in branch transformation revolve around increased technology. Whether it's iPads, custom software, digital TV, touch screen computers, enhanced WiFi and so forth – a credit union's legacy system is not equipped to handle this demand. Especially with IT budgets being cut or remaining flat and with the branch employing less staff.

Some financial institutions do not have employees with the highly technical skill set that much of the self-service and digital banking trends require. Plus, keeping staff trained on that constantly updating technology is costly.