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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 communities.
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...
Jim Reber: What’s next for investments
Looking to make changes to your investments this year? Bond opportunities abound in 2021.
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.
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...
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...
Why your bank should be budgeting for the big picture
Your community bank’s strategic plan often takes things like innovation, growth and succession planning into account, but does the budget? How can your bank plan for these often unpredictable...
How your bank can benefit from EXIM
The Export-Import Bank of the United States can assist your community bank in increasing its profits and providing more services to your existing customers while also attracting new ones.
Five steps to building an effective deposit strategy plan
SPONSORED | Building an effective deposit strategy plan is an integral tool to acquiring new, and retaining existing, deposits. Here are the five steps for designing, organizing and implementing a...
Revealed: ICBA’s best-performing community banks 2019
Our annual list of the year’s go-getters is here! Read on to see the 75 community banks that took the crown, and hear from nine that shined because of their cutting-edge technology, strategic...
Revealed: ICBA’s best-performing community banks 2018
Our annual coast-to-coast roster of high achievers is here! Read on to see the 75 community banks that made the cut, and hear from nine we’ve highlighted for their consistent high performance and...
10 tips to boost cross-selling
Throw your sales goals out the window. Help customers get what they want, and your bottom line will take care of itself.
Who are ICBA’s best-performing community banks 2017?
Independent Banker’s annual listing of America’s best-performing community banks
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.
Managing Third-Party Fintech Risk
No matter how much effort your community bank puts into compliance, a third party can still put the bank at risk. Learn how to keep partners in check and ensure they’re compliant with regulations,...
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.
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...
Public Funds as a Strategic Anchor in Modern Wholesale Funding
Public Funds as a Strategic Anchor in Modern Wholesale Funding SPONSORED | PTMA Funding links community banks and local governments, providing stable public deposits that diversify liquidity....
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank SPONSORED | Choosing the wrong IT vendor can cost your bank in security, compliance, and growth. Discover how to evaluate your MSP and make...
Your 2026 Budget Is Complete. Now Is the Right Time to Fix What Made It Hard.
Your 2026 Budget Is Complete. Now Is the Right Time to Fix What Made It Hard. SPONSORED | Budget season is behind you, but those frustrating spreadsheet errors, manual ALM imports, and limited...
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank SPONSORED | Choosing the wrong IT vendor can cost your bank in security, compliance, and growth. Discover how to evaluate your MSP and make...
How Will the End of the Penny Affect Community Banks?
With penny production ending, community banks must address rounding policies, teller training and system updates. Here’s how banks can manage the operational impact and support customers.
Competitive Analysis Strategies for Community Banks
Learn how community banks can use competitive analysis and market intelligence to improve growth, pricing strategy, customer retention and operational efficiency.
What Community Banks Need to Know About Bank-Sale Leasebacks
Learn why community banks in the banking industry are utilizing bank-sale leasebacks to unlock real estate capital. Explore pros, cons, and expert tips.
2026 National Survey Report: What Consumers Say About Branches
2026 National Survey Report: What Consumers Say About Branches SPONSORED | Our latest nationwide survey report explores consumers' relationship with the branch and how they use it today. For banks...
Why Community Banks Renovate: 3 Branch Remodel Case Studies
Learn how three community banks navigated branch renovations to enhance customer experience, improve weather resilience, and drive local economic prosperity.
Top Legal Risks Facing Community Banks
Navigate the biggest legal risks facing community banks. Learn how to manage overdraft fees, Reg E compliance and cyber threats to empower your bank against lawsuits.
Can AI Help with Vendor Management Challenges?
As community banks grow, their vendor partnerships usually also do, which can lead to challenges with organization, data security and more. To address these issues, some community banks have turned...
Wade Peery: 3 Steps to Prepare Your Community Bank for Digital Assets
The ledger system is fundamentally changing. Try these three actionable steps to build your digital asset strategy and stay ahead.
Tips for Better Community Bank Vendor Management
The more services you add for customers, the more vendors you’re likely to work with. Managing what could be hundreds of relationships calls for organization and the personal touch.