Don Sadler

Don Sadler is a Georgia writer who specializes in financial services. He has written content targeted to banks and financial consumers throughout his 30-plus year career.

Articles by Don Sadler

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All-Green Fraud: How Community Banks Can Detect and Stop It

All-green fraud—when fraudulent transactions pass every authentication check—is the top fraud challenge for community banks in 2026. Learn how behavioral biometrics, AI fraud detection, and employee training can protect your institution.

Top Legal Risks Facing Community Banks

Navigate the biggest legal risks facing community banks. Learn how to manage overdraft fees, Reg E compliance and cyber threats to empower your bank against lawsuits.

5 Essential Treasury Management Services for Community Banks

Discover five essential treasury management services community banks should offer to improve business cash flow, prevent fraud and strengthen commercial banking relationships.

Preparing New Directors for Community Bank Boards

Serving on a community bank board carries serious responsibility. This guide explains how a structured onboarding process helps new directors understand banking fundamentals, governance expectations and risk oversight.

Should Community Banks Offer Subscription Management?

Build your customers’ financial health by helping them manage their subscriptions in-app.

What Role Do Wealth Managers Play Amid Economic Uncertainty?

Community banks that offer wealth management can play a notable role in easing customers’ anxiety amid economic and financial uncertainty.

4 Regulatory Challenges Community Banks Face Today

The regulatory environment for banks feels like it’s being turned upside down, but the fundamentals of compliance and risk management remain the same.

CFO Roundtable: Interest Rates, Tariffs, Examiners

Amid the difficult economic environment community banks face today, our 2025 CFO Outlook survey shows a shift in priorities and thoughtful insight into changes to come.

WesBanco Offers a Key Lending Alternative for Times of Need

WesBanco prioritizes accessibility and practicality with FlexCash, a solution that offers affordable support for customers facing emergency expenses.

40 Under 40: 2025's Community Bank Leaders

Our seventh annual 40 Under 40 community bank leaders awards shine a light on inspiring people who take bettering their workplaces to the next level.

How Can Legal Expertise Smooth Succession Transitions?

Succession planning is complicated in all sorts of ways. An attorney or legal team can help iron out the issues and lay out documents that ensure long-term continuity for community banks.

2025 Community Bank CEO Outlook: Balancing Between Deposits and Loans

While the business of community banking is ongoing, a new year is always a good time to take stock of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Best Community Banks to Work For 2024

In a tight labor market, current and prospective employees are drawn to good pay, attractive benefits and, importantly, a sense of purpose.

The Pros and Cons of Offering Trust Services

Offering fiduciary services can add depth to your wealth management offerings, but it won’t be right for every community bank. Bankers and other experts weigh in.

When Should Your Community Bank Use a Staffing Agency?

If your community bank doesn’t have the time or resources to recruit for open or hard-to-fill positions, a staffing agency is one way to take the burden off your shoulders.

Could Freelancers Solve Your Bank's Staffing Problems?

During staff shortages, leaves and short-term projects, freelancers can fulfill the needs of your community bank in a variety of areas and concentrations.

CFOs' Tips on a Changing Environment

Community bank chief financial officers are currently facing one of the most challenging environments in decades. Independent Banker recently spoke with community bank CFOs to see how they are helping their banks flourish in this environment.

Why community banks are acquiring nonbanks

Acquiring a wealth management firm, fintech, title business or other nonbank organization can unlock new opportunities for community banks. But experts say that finding the right business to acquire can be tricky.

Why going public is still an option

In recent years, some community banks have made the decision to go public as part of their strategy for growth. In 2020, however, COVID-19 cast uncertainty over the market. But experts say community banks should chart their own path for growth.

Make sure your portfolio can navigate uncertainty

The strategists at Vining Sparks shed light on a winning portfolio management strategy as we head into the new year.

AI-Enhanced CRM for Community Banks: Predictive Insights, Personalization & Growth

Learn how AI-enhanced CRM for community banks uses predictive banking analytics, next best action recommendations, and generative personalization to improve customer relationships, boost cross-selling, and support compliant growth.

Up-and-Coming Bank Technology: Separating Innovation from Hype

Community bankers, fintech experts and consultants alike are keeping their finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest technology—with the goal of understanding what’s useful and what’s all hype.