It’s 2015 and 66% of Americans are still angry at megabanks for their role in the 2008 financial crisis¹. In particular, among Gen Y – also known as millennials – there is a strong dislike of the megabanks. In fact, 1 in 3 millennials are open to switching from their megabank in the next 90 days². Consumers young and old are ready to move on.

People are embracing uniqueness in their community. The enthusiasm of green and “eating local” movements that have increased the popularity of farmers markets is spilling over into retail and banking as well. Seventy-eight percent of Americans believe banking locally is important¹. This eat local, bank local, support mom & pop shop mindset is exciting. It’s empowering consumers to vote with their wallets and highlighting the importance of community.

What do these important trends in consumer opinion mean for community financial institutions? It means now is your window of opportunity.

You Have A Secret Weapon

You possess an inherent advantage: you’re community-based. You have the ability to tap into that consumer trend towards community unlike the megabanks. Credit unions are uniquely positioned to shine because of their history and strong ties to their market. The deep relationships you’ve built with your members provide valuable insight into what’s important to your prospects and your community.

The environment is ripe to take back some market share and draw younger prospects’ attention. Why would account holders want to bank with someone they still blame for the financial meltdown? Especially when they can bank with a pillar of the community that values its members and treats people right?

People who bank at financial institutions are more loyal than their megabank counterparts – 93% of Americans banking locally trust their institution compared to 42% of megabank customers who believe their bank takes advantage of them¹. That trust in community financial institutions is well-earned and game-changing.

Identify Your Opportunities

In every industry, including banking, consumers are choosing the product first and then where they’ll get it. Think about the last time you bought a computer. If you’re like most Americans, you already had a brand in mind. You didn’t start your by searching the term "computer," you probably started with something like Dell™ or MacBook Pro®. That’s because brand names have power – 73% of Americans say brand names are important when choosing where to bank. That jumps to 81% among Gen Y¹.

Megabanks have used marketing to convince consumers that it takes the resources of a megabank to deliver the products they want. We all know this is untrue. We just have to give consumers a reason to believe a local business has equal or better products. That’s when employing a national brand makes strategic sense. Whether it’s co-branded credit cards or Kasasa-branded reward accounts – national brand products outperform.

Yes, there are challenges facing community financial institutions. But there is also a perfect storm of obstacles for megabanks, too. Americans are tired of feeling marginalized and want financial institutions that put the customer first. Megabanks can’t compete with community-powered financial institutions on relationships. Now is the time to capitalize by leveraging your strengths, elevating your brand, and showing how you can compete.

¹”Consumer Banking Insights Study,” Kasasa & Harris Poll, 2013

²”The Millennial Disruption Index,” Scratch/Viacom Media Networks, 2013

Originally published on CUInsight.com on November 20, 2014.