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First Home Bank’s PPP pivot
First Home Bank doubled down on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) lending, dedicating its entire SBA lending division and dozens of other employees to delivering much-needed funds to businesses....
Jim Reber: Pick and roll
Multiple institutional relationships influence bond yields.
Chief risk officers on how they manage today’s risks
The more community banks grow, the more risk they take on. Chief risk officers are the ones behind the scenes making growth possible. Four CROs sound off on their increasingly important role within...
How your bank can attract and keep diverse talent
Community banks are close to the areas they serve, so it follows that having a diverse workforce that’s representative of their communities would be part of their mission. But it often requires a...
What you need to know about digital issuance
Instant issue cards are becoming more common at financial institutions, as they can maximize card usage and even attract customers. But another option, digital issuance, combines that speed with...
ICBA’s best-performing community banks of 2020
Independent Banker’s annual listing of America’s best-performing community banks shows that nimble thinking and an adherence to good old-fashioned customer service can bring success, whatever the...
Here are the benefits of bank-owned life insurance
Over the past two decades, banks have increasingly dabbled in BOLI, or bank-owned life insurance. While there are downsides to consider, experts say the benefits of these policies can generate...
Jim Reber: The big "if"
General market munis have gained favor among community bankers.
How 4 community banks came through for customers
The past year has put community banks’ local missions to the test, and they came through with flying colors. In the spirit of Community Banking Month, here are stories from several community banks...
How going green can help the planet and your bank
Study after study shows that consumers—especially younger people—expect the brands they support to commit to sustainability. How can community banks put eco‑friendly strategies to work?
Why we need Black-owned banks
Black-owned community banks have a long history of serving Americans historically left out of the mainstream banking system. How can the industry advocate for change to help these banks—and their...
Community banks in four corners of the country
There are community banks in every corner of the country—it’s one of the hallmarks of this industry. While each is unique, what unites them is their dedication to their customers and communities.
How community banks serve immigrants
When people move to the U.S. from other countries, they often don’t have an American credit history, identification or other typical requirements of the account-opening or loan process.
Charles Potts: Next-level collaboration
ICBA has a growing network of people and resources community banks can tap into as they continue their innovation journeys. The ThinkTECH Accelerator is one of several initiatives underway this...
Jim Reber: New year, old tricks
Let’s take stock of what we’ve forgotten over the past 12 months, from the portfolio and beyond.
Jim Reber: Shop talk 2021
Here’s another conversation with our consummate community banker.
How Systematic Savings Bank turned around
When Derek Fraley joined Systematic Savings Bank as president and CEO in 2017, it was in trouble. To save it, he changed the community bank’s charter, launched an IPO and executed sweeping culture...
How community banks can use influencer marketing
Influencer marketing has become more than just a way to sell products on social media. It’s a well-established tool for building brand awareness, boosting sales and more. Here’s what community...