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Robert Fisher: What it means to be a community bank
This is our moment to communicate just what it means to be a community bank.
CFOs reveal how they’re budgeting for change
In 2020, we spoke to community bank CFOs about how they were planning amid pandemic-related uncertainties. In 2021, we talked again to many of these executives to get their take on how things went...
Lindsay LaNore: The power of “I don’t know”
In the fast-moving world of social messaging, the phrase “I don’t know” has its own abbreviation. The very existence of “IDK” suggests that the state of not knowing—and being willing to admit...
Banking on minority-owned businesses
Four community banks came together to launch a $1 million interest-free loan program to help local business owners who have faced barriers to the traditional banking system.
How cryptocurrency may be going mainstream
Beyond all the hype, cryptocurrency has unequivocally gained a loyal following, and mainstream financial players are taking notice. Is it time community banks got involved in crypto? One community...
Your 2021 physical security assessment checklist
Social distancing measures had a large effect on branch security over the past year. Here’s what to look for when doing a physical security assessment to account for the latest trends in...
What’s a special-purpose credit program?
In an effort to help financial institutions expand access to credit, the CFPB recently addressed regulatory uncertainty around special-purpose credit programs, or SPCPs. These programs are intended...
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...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Starting a new chapter
As we enter a new chapter and start a new financial statement cycle, know that ICBA will be there to support you with tools, resources and advocacy efforts.
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....
Is CRE lending bouncing back?
Commercial real estate lenders had a stellar year in 2019, but the pandemic hurt that momentum. According to experts, however, some sectors of the CRE lending market are moving forward, and...
Robert Fisher: Accelerating ahead
In today’s marketplace, we can’t be afraid to experiment and fail. Let’s embrace some out-of-the-box, entrepreneurial thinking to attack our problem areas.
Jim Reber: Pick and roll
Multiple institutional relationships influence bond yields.
Charles Potts: Embrace the digital experience
Consider ICBA your partner and advocate on the digital transformation journey. That’s why ThinkTECH exists and why we continually innovate to introduce new resources as the industry evolves.
What young borrowers want in the loan journey
Younger borrowers have different expectations when it comes to how they bank and do business. The needs of these digital-first customers are leading some community banks to prioritize digital loan...
Meet 2021’s ThinkTECH Accelerator finalists
Starting in 2018, ICBA’s ThinkTECH Accelerator has helped create a new ecosystem of community bank-friendly fintechs through a rigorous incubator boot camp involving hundreds of community bankers...
Who made ICBA's 2021 list of Top Lenders?
Our top lenders of 2021 made the most of one of the toughest years in recent memory through personal connection, ingenuity and dedication to their communities.
Out of Office: Kyle DeCicco
The executive vice president and senior loan officer at $740 million-asset Sanibel Captiva Community Bank in Sanibel, Fla., competes in Ironman triathlons, tests of endurance that involve swimming...
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...
Sunflower Bank is making change for schools
For two decades, Sunflower Bank has empowered customers to raise money for schools in their community. These efforts have generated more than $1.4 million for schools and started financial...
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...
Why community banks are banking on artists
Boosting the arts is a natural extension of the commitment many community banks make to their communities. Here’s how several community banks are engaging art and artists in their own ways.
Will 2021 be another banner year for mortgage lending?
Even with the disruption of the pandemic, 2020 was a huge year for mortgage lending, with many community banks seeing record numbers of home loans, refinancings and more. The question is whether...
Aaron Stetter: Congress needs hearings on credit unions
We’re calling on Congress to hold hearings on credit unions’ misuse of their outdated tax exemption. With credit union acquisitions of banks rising, policymakers must re-evaluate and eliminate this...
Lindsay LaNore: Time for a check-in
Employees thrive when they receive regular, constructive feedback. Some experts suggest that having additional midyear or quarterly check-ins can be more effective than traditional annual reviews...
Tenacity drives Stearns Bank
The community bank in St. Cloud, Minn., has cultivated a culture that combines creativity and hard work. The result is an award-winning workplace that fosters growth for both employees and the bank.
Robert Fisher: Lead with integrity
One of my early mentors told me, ‘It’s often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.’ That piece of advice has … allowed us to be a little more progressive as a bank.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Staying the course
We must work to remain optimistic in the face of adversity and keep in mind that no matter how difficult that feat may be, it’s worth the effort.
Charles Potts: A culture of innovation
Innovation is a high priority for many community bank leaders, so it’s critical that we have a foundational definition of innovation.
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...
A community bank guide to cloud migration
Many community banks are moving their software, hardware and even core systems to the cloud in search of more flexible, scalable and affordable services.
Charles Potts: Innovation drives performance
With the advent of new, innovative solutions like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, community banks have opportunities to eliminate or reduce inefficient manual processes and...
ICBA’s 2021/22 executive committee: Close the distance
The 2021/22 ICBA executive committee understands that community banks are at a turning point due to changing customer expectations and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. They tell us why...
Stop elder financial abuse with data analytics
Elder financial abuse has been on the rise for the past decade, but so has data analytics technology, which banks can use to fight this fraud. Experts share strategies for community banks to...
40 Under 40: 2021’s Emerging Community Bank Leaders
Our third annual 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders competition highlights young community bankers who stepped up to help their banks navigate a chaotic year.
How your bank can build its construction loan portfolio
The pandemic significantly changed the landscape for construction lending, but with the possibility of economic recovery on the way, there are opportunities to grow your community bank’s...
Lindsay LaNore: Making effective meetings
Meetings are a great opportunity to reinforce a team’s collective identity and establish a leader’s personal presence. They also offer participants a chance to find their voices. When organized and...