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Building greater strength with FICO
SPONSORED | As the world has evolved, so has the way we analyze credit. New and exciting technology makes way for innovative algorithms that give us a more defined look at an even greater data set.
Developing leaders in mortgage lending – Navigating uncertainty with leadership strategies
SPONSORED—Will the high loan origination activity originally witnessed in 2020 continue over time? Numbers from 2021 would indicate that a decline is underway. Download Finastra’s white paper...
The benefits of micro-lending programs
Despite the large number of PPP loans distributed to small businesses, funding didn’t always reach those who needed it the most. These community banks are working to fix that through microlending...
The power of a CDFI
First Southwest Bank is carving out new business models to address a need for credit and financial services through nonprofit lending programs and software that leverages its community development...
The community banks standing by hospitality customers
Many hotels and other hospitality businesses haven’t fully bounced back from COVID-19 travel and safety restrictions, but community banks have been by their side through the challenges. Luckily,...
The banks serving active duty personnel
Community banks operate on a majority of the country’s military installations. Given their selfless service, active-duty personnel rely on community banks that understand their unique needs.
How University Bank is redressing redlining
Widespread housing discrimination made homeownership unattainable for Black Americans for generations. To address this, University Bank and a nonprofit launched a new mortgage program, creating a...
Overcoming banking hurdles for Native American customers
Native American customers on tribal lands have historically been redlined and ignored by the mainstream financial system. Native-owned community banks have been there to serve these communities by...
End Document Chaos and Close Loans Faster with FileInvite
Our secure platform eliminates the back-and-forth chaos of gathering documents from borrowers, guarantors, and third parties to reduce loan processing time while ensuring compliance and a better...
First Liberty Bank is Digging Deep Into Energy Lending
With tailored solutions and long-term partnerships, First Liberty Bank’s energy lending program is fostering growth for businesses, communities and the bank itself.
How Community Banks Are Navigating Lending Growth
Explore the 2026 lending landscape for community banks, including trends in CRE, SBA loans, consumer spending and credit quality monitoring.
Native American Bank Helps Bring Modern Utilities to an Alaskan Island
Learn how a partnership between Native American Bank and Metlakatla Indian Community is bringing cheaper, faster electricity and internet to an underserved island in Alaska.
Community Bank Ag Lending in Uncertain Times for Farmers
From volatile commodity prices to rising input costs, farmers face mixed conditions. Learn how community banks are supporting ag customers through uncertainty with relationship-based lending,...
The CFPB is Planning Sweeping Changes to Small Business Lending
Finastra’s SBDC module is a cloud-native solution that seamlessly integrates with Finastra’s retail lending products.
Alternative Credit Scoring Models: Beyond FICO
Community banks can expand access to capital by looking at other factors for loan approval. Here’s what to consider.
Technology Is Revamping Equipment Financing
From 3D printers to robotic feeders, equipment has shifted toward tech-savvy solutions that require community banks’ equipment financing expertise.
Specialize and Thrive: Community Banks Find Success Lending to Niche Markets
When it comes to organic growth, niche lending is one way to reach lucrative new markets.
Community Banks Support Ag Lending, Rain or Shine
Farming is never without its ups and downs, but whatever the weather, ag-focused community banks are there for farmers.
Keeping in Line With Equal Lending Practices
Regulators continue to crack down on unfair lending practices and redlining.
How To Drive Auto Loan Opportunities
By working with local car dealers and using new lending technology, community banks can boost their presence in the auto lending sector.
Who are ICBA's Top Lenders of 2024?
Whether it’s navigating tumultuous markets or providing employees with remote work options, flexibility is a key component in the success of this year’s ICBA top lenders.
Chippewa Valley Bank: Fueling Growth With Innovative Bank Stock Lending
Chippewa Valley Bank has pioneered an innovative bank stock lending program, providing community banks with an expedited and cost-efficient avenue to acquire capital and interest-earning assets.
Opportunities in Infrastructure Lending for Community Banks
With $1 trillion in federal infrastructure funding rolling out across the U.S., community banks have a rare opportunity to enter or deepen their involvement in this dynamic sector.
Community Banks Financing Lake Country
In lake regions across the U.S., vacation homes, boats and other watersports vehicles abound—all of which present an undeniable opportunity for community banks.
Extend Customer Relationships With Better Business Payments
Consistently fulfilling commercial customers’ payments needs can make community banks indispensable to small businesses.
b1Bank Paves the Way for New Businesses
Entrepreneurs find education and capital through b1Bank’s b1 Foundation, furthering its small business relationships and the community’s economic development.
Mission Valley Bank: Giving Where You Live
Serving its community in the Santa Clarita Valley is one of Mission Valley Bank’s founding principles. Its community work is best exemplified by its Give Where You Live program for nonprofits.
6 Ways to Deepen Small-Business Relationships
When it comes to small businesses, a personal touch is needed to develop the relationship between bank and business.
Paycheck Protection Program's Impact Four Years On
Community banks went above and beyond to help customers and noncustomers alike during the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) four years ago, and they continue to reap the benefits of that service.
CRE Lending: Challenge or Opportunity?
CRE lending is down, but should community banks see it as an opportunity to win business that the megabanks won’t take?
Making Mortgages Happen Amid Higher Interest Rates
Higher interest rates are discouraging many consumers from taking out new mortgages or refinancing existing ones—but community banks are taking steps to fill their pipelines in innovative ways.
Sharing the Load With Participation Loans
When a bank wants to provide a loan above its lending limits, it’s time to turn to participation loans. But what are the benefits and risks involved for community banks?
SouthState Bank Unlocks the Doors to Homeownership
The annual income required of potential homebuyers recently experienced its largest increase on record.
Digitizing the Commercial Lending Process
With a new digital commercial loan solution, The Killbuck Savings Bank Co. has catapulted its commercial lending and loan origination system into the high-speed digital era.
The Lending Outlook for 2024
A pullback in lending from some institutions creates opportunities for community banks to pick up new customers.
Using Data to Boost Mortgage Lending
Can community banks reengage existing mortgage customers through data, or find new ones? We spoke to experts on where to find data that could increase sales—and what to do with it.
8 Ways Community Banks Can Boost Small Business Lending
Small businesses and community banks are a perfect pairing. Community banks play a key role in giving small businesses needed capital and guidance so they can survive and thrive.
Farmers and Merchants' Digital Transformation in Farm Country
Working in an agricultural community, Farmers and Merchants Bank is supporting its farm customers by innovating its products and services.
How to Excel in Niche Lending
From microbreweries to veterinary businesses, new companies pop up every day, but the needs of each business customer are different. Specialty community bank lenders describe how they serve their...
What's the Future of Ag Lending?
As technology evolves, so do the needs of farmers. From cloud usage to digital lending solutions, ag lending experts explain how community banks can best support their farming clientele.