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Q&A: Growth-Related Challenges for the Evolving Community Bank
Whether growing organically or through M&A, even positive change can present challenges. We talked to two community bankers about considerations and issues they’ve noticed as their banks have grown.
Rob Birgfeld: Amplify Community Banking With Local Influencers
Influencer marketing doesn’t have to target social media stars with millions of followers, it can start at a local level.
Jack E. Hopkins: Riding the Pendulum of Regulatory Compliance
Over the past decade, community banks have experienced our fair share of pendulum swings when it comes to regulation.
Out of Office: Skyler Kanipe
The project manager at $1.4 billion-asset Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) in Benton, Kentucky, is always on the lookout for her next vintage find.
CedarStone Bank Recognizes and Thanks Local Teachers
Through its annual Teacher of the Year program, CedarStone Bank recognizes the dedication of Wilson County educators who inspire students and make a difference in their schooling every day.
What Benefits Does Gen Z Value Most?
Gen Z and community banks are both purpose-driven, so attracting the youngest employees largely depends on which benefits companies offer. Here’s how some community banks are doing it.
Reduce Collateralization: A Path to Greater Efficiency and Depositor Satisfaction
Banks can use a reciprocal deposit network to make large deposits eligible for millions in aggregate FDIC insurance across network banks — replacing the need for collateral or repos.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Making a Difference, One Act at a Time
Community bankers are driven by a spirit of service. Giving back to our communities is simply a part of who we are.
Addressing Operational Pain Points With Regtech
Community banks face a variety of challenges day to day—risk, fraud, cybersecurity, etc.—that are perpetuated by a lack of time or staff. Regtech can help take the weight off bankers’ shoulders.
Building Bright Futures with Financial Education
High school financial literacy courses are an opportunity for community banks to set local youth up for success. See how some community banks are making a difference in financial education today.
Charles Potts: How the Regtech Revolution Represents Banking Today
In many ways, ICBA’s core pillars—advocacy, education and innovation—define today’s community bank priorities.
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.
Katahdin Trust Company Shoots and Scores for Youth Athletes
In March, $1 billion-asset Katahdin Trust Company (KTC) in Houlton, Maine, teamed up with Big Time Hoops to host its All Star Weekend.
Powering Potential: Inside the ThinkTECH Accelerator
ICBA’s ThinkTECH Accelerator readies participating companies that have early-stage solutions and helps them tailor their products for community banks.
What Should Community Banks Know About Cross-Border Payments?
As cross-border payments reforms take shape, community banks must navigate promising opportunities and significant adjustments in this evolving space.
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.
Michael Benedict: Putting the 'Strategy' in 'Portfolio Strategy'
How can you use your portfolio to create operating leverage?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The New Era of Risk: Why GRC Is a Strategic Imperative
As governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) challenges evolve, you must adapt. Discover how emerging GRC trends are shaping the future – and how Jack Henry™ can help your stay compliant, resilient,...
Balancing Innovation & Cost Control: A Community Banker’s Guide
Shopping for new technology can often feel like a lose-lose situation. With this guide, you’ll learn how to innovate smarter and spend wiser. A high-level, must-read for bank executives,...
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.
The Key to People-Focused Insurance Strategies
People make mistakes, but insurance can help ensure the bank doesn’t foot the bill for them.
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.
Your Handshake is Your Promise. Less Complexity is Ours.
Rocket Pro is built for financial institutions that believe home loans shouldn’t feel like an obstacle course. Learn more about partnering with Rocket Pro at rocketpro.com.
Outdated Positive Pay Leaves Banks Exposed
Over 90% of banks report rising fraud attacks, yet most remain dissatisfied with Positive Pay adoption—while fintechs win business customers with modern tools. Here’s how community banks can...
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.
Tackling Familiar Cyber Threats with Smarter Tools
Cyber attack methods remain the same, but they’re being supercharged by AI and other technological capabilities.
Fighting Fraud with Tech and Training
Community banks have to take a heavy hand when it comes to fraud. Amid both high-tech and check fraud, these banks are encouraging a watchful eye through technology and education.
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.
Scott Anchin: Keeping Up with Instant Payments Fraud
With instant payments becoming more mainstream, there are more opportunities for fraud.
Bank of the Pacific Strikes Up Support for a Local Nonprofit
In March, Bank of the Pacific in Aberdeen, Washington, sponsored the Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser for Friends of the Children Portland.
Jacob Eisen: Playing Offense in Today's Fraud Environment
They say the best defense is a good offense, and with payments fraud, nothing rings truer. A proactive fraud strategy is a necessity.
Jim Reber: The Rule of Three
Bond portfolio yields are at multiyear highs.