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How to Balance Collections With Compassion for Customers
Community banks face the delicate task of collecting past-due loans while maintaining a compassionate approach, There are ways to be successful at both, experts say.
Amy Ledig: Setting Deregulatory Priorities to Help Community Banks
A rundown of five areas where ICBA’s advocacy is making an impact.
How the MPF® Program Keeps Community Banks Competitive
Through the Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF®) Program, community banks gain access to the secondary mortgage market while benefiting from key competitive advantages.
Lindsay LaNore: How to Play Well Without the Ball
There’s a rule that applies on the basketball court that can also be applied in the workplace. It’s called the 95% rule, and this is how it works.
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.
Still Processing Checks Like It’s 1995? Fraudsters Are Counting on It
Outdated check processing systems expose community banks to rising fraud and compliance risks.
ICBA’s 2021/22 executive committee: Close the distance (part 2)
These online-exclusive interviews with the 2021/22 ICBA executive members gets their thoughts on their goals, on innovation at their banks, and on effective advocacy.
Jim Reber: Buying time (maybe)
A sell-off in 2022 isn’t following previous bear markets.
Let's define 'unfair, deceptive or absuive'
More than its predecessors, the Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices can be a murky regulation for compliance officers. How well do you know the ins and outs of UDAAP?
Michael Benedict: Putting the 'Strategy' in 'Portfolio Strategy'
How can you use your portfolio to create operating leverage?
4 Emerging Bank Technologies (That Aren't AI)
With rapid new developments in bank technology, it’s easy to feel stressed about keeping up with them. Read on to learn what’s new and upcoming in tech and how to determine what’s worth exploring.
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...
Customer Experience Through Strategic Innovation
Recent research from FICO shows that 88% of bank customers say experience is as important as or more important than products and services.
2025's Seismic Regulatory Shifts
Thanks to advocacy work from community bankers and ICBA, fairer regulatory compliance standards are on the horizon.
Revealed: The Impact of Credit Union Acquisitions
Credit union acquisitions of community banks are leaving lasting scars on local economies—reducing small business lending, limiting mortgage access and weakening community reinvestment. But...
American Heritage Bank Offers Financial Donations, No Questions Asked
American Heritage Bank’s Community Chest program brings the community together to support those in need, one donation at a time.
How to Encourage Innovation Beyond the C-Suite
Thinking outside the box isn’t only a job for the C-suite. Employees at all levels can—and should—contribute to innovation at their community banks. Here are some ideas from your peers about how to...
It's a Wonderful (Community Banking) Life
While I may be biased, I believe that being a community banker is the best profession there is.
How We Fought Fraud in 2025
Fraud and scams thrive not through any single vulnerability but through intricate webs connecting criminals, technology platforms, financial institutions and, unfortunately, victims.
Deposit Insurance Reform: Community Bankers' Goals
Community bankers share common goals for protecting depositors.
Inviting Questions to Spark Better Conversations
We all know how powerful curiosity can be. Every great leader knows that inviting feedback and questions from their team can be a highly collaborative and productive process.
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.
Regulatory Expectations for Compliance Are Evolving – Are You Keeping Up?
Regulatory Expectations for Compliance Are Evolving – Are You Keeping Up? SPONSORED | As the regulatory landscape continues to change, every financial institution can use an extra hand when it...
Free IT Assessment for Banks—Limited-Time Offer
Free IT Assessment for Banks—Limited-Time Offer SPONSORED | Banks: Get a free, expert-led IT assessment covering firewalls, MFA, email security, and more. Reduce risk, boost compliance, and plan...
Defend Your Bank from Card Fraud Loss
Defend Your Bank from Card Fraud Loss SPONSORED | How are you protecting your bank and customers this holiday season? Keep your holiday cheer this season—sign up for the ICBA Payments Fraud Loss...
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 to Unlock Hidden Card Revenue with BINs
When it comes to card revenue, having the right bank identification number (BIN) type is critical.
First National Bank Colorado Fights Hunger in Its Community
Last August, team members from First National Bank Colorado in Las Animas, Colorado, got to work at the Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado.
Why Your Community Bank Should Offer a Switch Kit
Switching banks is a pain, making potential customers’ best intentions fall by the wayside. But modern switch kits are evolving, with personalized service and tech-driven tools making the process...
Beyond Spreadsheets: Vendor Management Ideas
Community banks work with dozens of vendors at any given time. If you’re aiming to consolidate the time and effort managing third parties, consider these ideas.
Do You Want to Be Featured in Out of Office?
Over the years, we’ve shined a spotlight on community bankers with hobbies ranging from skydiving and vintage shopping to winemaking and showing livestock. Now, we’re on the hunt for more...
2025 National Community Bank Service Awards
Gulf Coast Bank and Legends Bank run thoughtful and strategic programs that support their neighbors. That’s why they’ve been named the winners of the 2025 National Community Bank Service Awards.
Starion Bank Targets New Depositors Through Gig Economy Program
Starion Bank’s pioneering finance program for contract workers is designed to empower DoorDash drivers with seamless payments and exclusive rewards.
Patriots Bank Goes Pink to Fight Breast Cancer
Patriots Bank launched a special debit card to generate emotional and financial support for breast cancer patients, and it has generated over $20,000 so far.
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.
FHFA Updates Enable Faster, Fairer Mortgages
The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced updates that it says are designed to deliver more efficiency, cost savings and a fairer appraisal process for borrowers and lenders alike.
Specialty Lending That Strengthens Communities
Doing what they do best, these three community banks offer financing in specialty areas for organizations that contribute to the well-being of their served markets.
How Each Bank Department Contributes to a Core Conversion
Core conversions are a huge undertaking, which is why every bank employee, from IT to HR, plays a critical role in the transition.
How Community Banks Can Build a Risk-Savvy Board
For community bank board members to mitigate risk effectively throughout the organization, each director needs to understand their role.