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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...
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...
Could apps improve your customers’ financial health?
Fintech-developed apps that help customers manage their finances are looking to partner with community banks to help them reach new customers and deepen existing relationships.
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...
Charles Potts: 6 innovation trends for 2021
As we start the new year, much remains uncertain. In general, “uncertainty” implies a state of limited knowledge that makes it impossible or impracticable to describe a future outcome.
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.
Safe deposit boxes can have benefits beyond revenue
Safe deposit boxes aren’t big revenue drivers at most community banks, but for some customers, they can be an important service. They provide peace of mind when breaches and hacks have eroded trust...
CFOs on how to account for the year's uncertainty
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has required community banks to adjust business practices, roles, budgeting and projections. We spoke to several chief financial officers and other community...
10 mobile lending UX best practices
The easier and more intuitive your mobile lending platform is to use, the more high-quality loan applications you’ll receive.
ICBA’s best-performing community banks
Our annual list of the year’s top-performing community banks boasts institutions that focus on efficiency and the personal service that builds strong, lasting relationships. Their success last year...
How to get and keep new customers
Customers have more choices than ever about where and how to do their banking. Community banks must find the right ways to engage them if they want to win and retain their loyalty. Here are the...
Community Bank CEO Outlook 2020: How your peers plan to grow
Independent Banker’s Community Bank CEO Outlook survey asked community bank leaders how they plan to grow their institutions this year. This year’s survey reveals what community bankers have...
The juicy story behind First Citrus Bank
Established 21 years ago, First Citrus Bank’s strategic planning is now bearing fruit. At the core of the Tampa, Fla., community bank is a set of fundamental values that define how its associates...
How your bank should handle consumer complaints
It’s important for community banks to understand and respond to customer complaints. But what should a complaint program include, and how might complaint data be an opportunity to improve your...
Community banks keep customers safe through shredding
When your customers leave their personal information intact, whether at home or in the recycle bin, fraudsters could use that sensitive data to commit identity fraud. Many community banks offer...