Sal Rehmetullah is the founder and CEO of Worth, a technology company focused on building the next generation business credit score.
The financial industry is in the midst of a data revolution, and small businesses stand to benefit in a big way. With the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) 1033 Rule, financial institutions are now required to grant consumers and businesses greater access to their financial data upon request—ushering in a new era of transparency, innovation and (let’s be honest) a bit of scrambling for compliance.
For banks, fintechs and financial service providers, this is not just another regulation to check off the list—it’s a massive shift in how financial data is shared and controlled. Those who adapt quickly won’t just comply; they’ll thrive in a more competitive, customer-centric world.
So, what exactly should financial institutions be doing to stay ahead of 1033? Here’s a practical game plan.
1. Build secure and standardized data access.
At the heart of 1033 is the idea that customers should be able to access and share their financial data easily and securely. That means financial institutions need to develop standardized APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that facilitate safe data sharing—not just for compliance but to stay competitive.
How To Get Started:
• Adopt secure API frameworks like those promoted by the Financial Data Exchange (FDX).
• Partner with trusted fintechs that specialize in data access and protection.
• Ensure your data-sharing methods meet robust security and privacy standards.
2. Make data portability a priority.
But 1033 isn’t just about access—it’s about portability. Small businesses should be able to seamlessly transfer their financial data between institutions, making switching banks or integrating with new financial platforms easier than ever.
What You Can Do:
• Invest in user-friendly dashboards that allow customers to manage their data access.
• Work with data aggregators that streamline the portability process while maintaining compliance.
• Educate customers on how they can leverage their data for better financial opportunities.
3. Strengthen consumer consent and data governance.
With greater data access comes greater responsibility. Financial institutions must implement clear, user-friendly consent mechanisms to ensure that small businesses (and all customers) are fully in control of who has access to their data and for what purpose.
How To Achieve This:
• Develop transparent, easy-to-read consent agreements (ditch the legal jargon).
• Use identity verification tools to prevent fraud and unauthorized data sharing.
• Regularly audit who has access to customer data and ensure compliance with data governance best practices.
4. Leverage AI-powered tools to make data work for customers.
While 1033 ensures small businesses can access their financial data, most don’t have time to analyze spreadsheets of transaction history. I recommend that financial institutions go beyond compliance and use AI-driven analytics to turn raw data into actionable insights that help small businesses make better financial decisions.
Put It To Practice:
• Deploy data analytics tools that provide businesses with real-time financial insights.
• Partner with platforms that specialize in helping small businesses understand their financial health and borrowing potential.
• Offer customized financial products based on a business’s unique data trends.
5. Future-proof compliance by staying agile.
Regulations evolve, and 1033 is just the beginning of open banking in the U.S. Financial institutions that remain flexible and proactive—rather than waiting for new compliance deadlines—will be in a much stronger position.
How To Get Started:
• Designate an open banking task force within your institution.
• Stay engaged with industry groups and regulatory updates to anticipate future changes.
• Continuously iterate on your data-sharing policies and technologies to stay ahead of the curve.
More Than Compliance; A Competitive Edge
Dodd-Frank 1033 is more than a regulatory box to check—it’s a massive opportunity to strengthen relationships with small businesses, build trust and offer better financial services. Institutions that embrace this shift with secure, user-friendly and insightful data-sharing strategies will gain a competitive edge in the evolving financial landscape.
The key is to move beyond compliance and create real value for small businesses. In the end, those who make life easier for their customers will be the ones who win.
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