Digital Banking for the Modern Age

For community banks, digital transformation has moved from an industry colloquialism to a punch list reality. While we have always offered exceptional digital services that complement relationship banking, the emergence of artificial intelligence, the demand for integrated experiences and the 24/7 nature of banking have taken our plans to the next level. 

And therein lies the potential. While our tech stack historically has been a cost center, we must now think of it as an opportunity. Consider how data dashboards could deliver insights that allow your team to market to customers in ways that directly resonate with their preferences. Think about how a product like a personal finance manager may help your wealth management business by steering customers to market opportunities. Or look at small business products that integrate bookkeeping into your banking app, allowing customers to enter invoices and pay bills from one consolidated, secure location. 

Technology allows us to expand our services in ways that align with customer needs, and these offerings only scratch the surface of what is available. With core providers more open to fintech integrations, we can cast a larger net around the products and services that address a strategic need. 

To that point, our digital transformation efforts can also support the internal workings of our banks. The tech solutions my community bank has rolled out most recently are focused on helping detect fraud, which has become our biggest priority for the year. We have integrated new services to clamp down on attempted ACH and wire fraud, and we have real-time integrations that allow us to stay on top of transactions. We also have become a lot more proactive, using a new product that we found through ICBA’s ThinkTECH Accelerator
(icba.org/accelerator) to scan the dark web for customer information and take precautionary steps when we find something. 

Fortunately, as we continue to advance our digital offerings, ICBA has programs that help, and I encourage you to explore them. Come to ICBA LIVE (icba.org/live), March 6–9, 2026, and meet with providers. Sit in on the ThinkTECH showcases to learn about new technology offerings for community banks. Review the Solutions Directory (solutions.icba.org) for companies already vetted by ICBA. I, for one, am truly grateful to have ICBA as a partner as my bank grows its digital presence, one solution at a time.

It’s with that same sense of gratitude that I say I am thankful for this community of community bankers. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!