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General counsel strategies for community banks
Having general counsel is critical for community banks, but what’s the right balance between in-house and external counsel? Community bankers and legal experts weigh in on how to create the right...
Scaling your community bank's core as you grow
As community banks grow, their cores need to, too. We spoke with experts on how to prepare your core for scalability and growth.
Jim Reber: Performance? Simple
Some of the least complex bonds now have attractive returns.
Brad Bolton: Keep advocating
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as chairman. I will continue to advocate for community banking, and for the rest of my career, stand side by side with you to fight our future...
ICBA's Marketing Communications Toolkit
Using ICBA’s Marketing Communications Toolkit, your community bank can tell its story with intention and precision.
Charles Potts: How to use data to drive bank growth
Working hand in hand with digital transformation, data provides a powerful tool for community banks. Its accessibility, readability and applicability in today’s digital-first environment has...
Market your community bank with first-party data
Customer data fuels efficient and effective marketing these days. Community banks own an enviable amount of data, but not all are leveraging it to its fullest extent.
Crafting a marketing plan when a community bank merges
Community bank marketing teams need to consider many factors following a merger or acquisition. We spoke to experts and community bankers on how to market during a merger.
Expanding horizons with cross-country branches
Community banks across the nation are breaking into markets outside their typical areas of operation. Here’s how four banks are successfully finding new locations, acquiring new customers and...
Enhancing content with AI
From grammar suggestions to content ideation, artificial intelligence has evolved to be an asset for marketing industries. Learn how AI can enhance the work of community banks’ marketing teams of...
Board succession planning after a merger
From blending differing values to choosing a new chairman, many challenges can arise after a merger or acquisition.
Is it time to rebrand your community bank?
Some community banks are taking a cue from consumer products and marketing companies as they rebrand with catchy new names they believe are more memorable and better represent their values as an...
ICBA pushback on FHFA capital standards rules makes headlines
ICBA’s joint letter urging the Federal Housing Finance Agency to align its capital standards with federal banking agencies was covered in PoliticoPro, American Banker, and Housing Wire.
What community banks need to know about ESG
SPONSORED | The conversation on ESG went from a murmur to deafening in a short amount of time, so much so that taking a first step might seem overwhelming. There are many reasons to consider ESG...
Become a thought leader on social media
Becoming a social media thought leader isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time, consistency and authenticity—but the benefits can be worth the effort.
Jim Reber: Inversion investing
Upside-down yield curve offers some possibilities.
5 marketing strategies to put on your radar for 2023
SPONSORED | Now is the time to evaluate marketing strategies for 2023. Given the latest marketing trends as identified by Vericast in its latest Financial TrendWatch, these five strategies can make...
Should you offer financial planning services?
Offering financial planning services is one way to expand a community bank’s footprint and deepen customer relationships. We spoke with several banks about why and how they offer wealth management...
Entering the cannabis banking market
While the federal legal status of banking cannabis-related businesses remains fuzzy, community banks in some states are finding that, with proper controls, they’re able to enter this niche market...
Does your bank need cyber insurance?
As digital crime evolves, cyber insurance could be part of the solution. We explore how it can protect banks against financial losses and provide resources in the event of a cyber attack.
Charles Potts: Agtech’s innovation opportunities
Agtech—the application of technology to every aspect of the food production process, from farm to table—is growing in importance to the mission of ICBA and community banks.
Capitalize on social payments
Social payments methods like Venmo and Cash App continue to grow in popularity, creating an opportunity to give customers 24/7 access to cashless, P2P and mobile transactions. So how do social...
4 trending social media tips to know
The Social Bankers, a collective of community bank marketers, offers inspiration, information and professional development advice to community bankers focused on marketing and social media. We...
Efficiency now: 8 smart strategy tips
Fallout from recent global events presents an obstacle to generating revenue for community banks. How can they counteract these effects and maximize financial efficiency? As we enter budgeting...
Charles Potts: Fueling growth through innovation
Innovation is taking place all around us at a pace unlike anything we have ever experienced. We’ve developed an ecosystem to foster growth through innovative partnerships and community involvement.
Gamification’s Place in Community Banking
SPONSORED—How can gamification benefit your community bank? In more ways than you might realize. Zogo has mastered the art of incentivizing gamification that bolsters loyalty, engagement, activity,...
Brad M. Bolton: Retaining the best
Community bank employees fill a special role, unlike no other position in the market today, and we must do a better job of telling that story.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Budget prioritization
Community banks stand out in today’s financial services space because our business model depends on an ecosystem where the bank only benefits when customers do.
4 Ways to Find International Business Customers
SPONSORED | International expansion means more opportunities to acquire new customers. PCBB's insights paper, "Strategies to Attract New International Business Customers", identifies ways to find...
Jim Reber: Manage Interest Rate Risk With Strategic Portfolio Decisions
Yield curve shape reflects bond market’s mood.
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.
Michael Benedict: Putting the 'Strategy' in 'Portfolio Strategy'
How can you use your portfolio to create operating leverage?
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.
Jim Reber: The Rule of Three
Bond portfolio yields are at multiyear highs.
The Secret to Engaging Customers Through Podcasts
With the popularity of podcasts, these community banks are riding the sound waves. Learn how they plan and produce episodes and build up engaged audiences.
Streamlining Social Media for Community Banks
Don’t have a dedicated social media person? No problem. New tools and an inclusive approach make your community bank’s social presence simpler to establish and maintain.
The Anatomy of a Rate-Cut Cycle
Examine the current Fed cycle versus the past to inform portfolio strategy.
Powering Potential: Maximize Your Social Media Impact
ICBA’s marketing resources, education programs and compliance tools provide community bankers with strategic social media solutions and regulatory guidance to amplify their online presence.
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...
Ladder vs. Barbell: Portfolio Management Tips
Learn how community banks can leverage barbell strategies to balance risk, improve yields and manage bond portfolios effectively.
Adding a New Business Line? Key Bank Tips
Thinking of expanding your bank’s services? Explore expert advice on creating specialty lines, conducting due diligence and ensuring long-term profitability.
Financial Wellness: Community Banking & Investments Services
Learn how First National Bank of Pasco connects banking, lending, and investment services under one roof, focusing on women investors, retirement, and business planning.
Word of Mouth: Community Bank Growth
Discover how community banks can leverage word of mouth to grow their customer base. Learn 10 actionable strategies to boost referrals, testimonials and engagement.
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....
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...
Jim Reber: Jonathan Swift on Community Banking
Through the lens of Jonathan Swift’s sharp observations, Jim Reber examines enduring truths about community banking—balancing risk and reward, managing portfolios, and navigating uncertainty with...
Everything You Need to Know About ICBA LIVE 2026
The world's largest gathering of community bankers will be inspiring, educational and invigorating. Learn about the events, speakers and celebrations that make it a must-attend event.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Community Banking Strategy for Growth
Community banks can drive growth by leaning into relationship-based banking, targeted technology investments and personalized customer strategies. Explore leadership insights for expanding prospects.
Fed Policy Outlook 2026: FOMC Changes & Rates
The Federal Reserve’s 2026 FOMC roster changes could reshape interest rate policy. Here’s what new leadership, voting shifts and market expectations mean for rate cuts, the yield curve and...
Customer Retention Strategies for Community Banks
Looking to improve customer retention? Here’s how community banks strengthen loyalty through appreciation events, feedback programs and community engagement strategies.
Single-Location Community Banks That Thrive
Can community banks succeed with just one location? Four single-branch community banks share how staying small lowers overhead, strengthens customer relationships and supports long-term growth.
Community Bank Marketing Strategies for Growth
Learn the latest marketing strategies for community banks, including video, contests, AI, and social media to engage local audiences.
Community Bank Innovation: Navigating Core Providers
Discover how community bank innovation thrives through core provider integrations, API access, and regulatory compliance support from the ICBA in 2026.
Community Bank Portfolio Management: 2026 Shop Talk Strategy
Explore 2026 community bank portfolio management strategies, including yield curve impacts, CBLR, and agency MBS, in this shop talk with ICBA's Jim Reber.
Strong Tech Provider Relationships, Faster Growth for Community Banks
Strong Tech Provider Relationships, Faster Growth for Community Banks SPONSORED | Sustainable growth depends on more than technology - it relies on strong relationships with your banking technology...
ICBA's New Endorsed Broker-Dealer: The Baker Group
Meet ICBA Securities' new endorsed broker-dealer, The Baker Group. Discover how they empower community banks through investment portfolio management.
Online-Only Bank ZYNLO Drives Growth for PeoplesBank
Discover how PeoplesBank leverages Zynlo Bank to drive digital growth, attract younger demographics, and innovate with banking as a service (BaaS) solutions.
Are Bankers and Customers on the Same Page?
SPONSORED—Vericast surveyed financial services marketers and consumers about their banking goals, priorities, expectations and experiences. Industry experts analyzed the data and identified five...