Search Articles
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Let's Continue the Course in the New Year
Rebeca Romero Rainey, president and CEO of ICBA, shares why it's more important than ever to ensure that community banks are actively engaged and leveraging the power of the tools that ICBA provides.
Jack E. Hopkins: Setting Our Priorities for 2026
There’s something about the new year that brings with it a clean slate and a fresh start. As we kick off 2026, we have the opportunity to shape where we want to go.
Deregulation Ahead: Community Bank Regulatory Outlook
Learn how regulatory changes in 2026, including stablecoin legislation and Section 1071 exemptions, will shape the future of community banking.
Innovation Strategies for Community Banks
Explore how community banks can use data insights, fintech tools and innovation to stay competitive.
4 Reasons Community Banks Should Offer E-Invoicing
E-invoicing can transform community banking by increasing deposits, reducing check fraud and fostering deeper customer connections.
How Community Banks Are Navigating Lending Growth
Explore the 2026 lending landscape for community banks, including trends in CRE, SBA loans, consumer spending and credit quality monitoring.
Should Community Banks Offer Subscription Management?
Build your customers’ financial health by helping them manage their subscriptions in-app.
Ladder vs. Barbell: Portfolio Management Tips
Learn how community banks can leverage barbell strategies to balance risk, improve yields and manage bond portfolios effectively.
ILC Loophole Impact on Community Banks & Regulation
Learn about the historical context of the ILC loophole, its implications for community banks and the ongoing regulatory debates surrounding this critical issue.
Community Bank CEO Outlook 2026: Challenges & Opportunities
Discover how community banks plan to stand out in 2026. Explore strategies for differentiation, deposit growth, fintech partnerships and loan opportunities
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.
Community Banking & Healthcare in Illinois
See how Longview Capital Corporation partnered with Remote Area Medical to provide free medical, dental and vision care, transforming lives in Illinois communities.
Powering Potential: ICBA Certification Q&A With McKenzie Humpal of First Citizens Bank
McKenzie Humpal, VP and compliance officer at First Citizens Bank in Mason City, Iowa, shares her journey and insights on compliance.
Powering Potential: How ICBA LIVE Is Crafted for Community Bankers
Every year, ICBA puts together a dynamic conference that puts community bankers front and center. Learn more about ICBA LIVE and how every educational session, speaker and meet-up event is built...
ENTER NOW: 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders awards
Nominations for 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders 2026 are now open! 40 Under 40 seeks to recognize community banking’s brightest, most promising young professionals. Winners are featured in...
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. Governed by statute and fiscal calendars, these fiduciary...
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank
Integris_Sponsored 2026-01-01 For community banks, technology isn’t just a back-office function. It’s the foundation of trust, compliance, and growth. The wrong IT partner can leave you exposed to...
Your 2026 Budget Is Complete. Now Is the Right Time to Fix What Made It Hard.
Featured Image - 2000x1250.png SPONSORED | Budget season is behind you, but those frustrating spreadsheet errors, manual ALM imports, and limited forecasting flexibility that made it difficult...
Jack E. Hopkins: Navigating Change Through ICBA LIVE 2026
Jack E. Hopkins explains how ICBA LIVE helps community banks navigate rapid change. From innovation and education to real-time peer feedback, LIVE offers practical solutions to cut through industry...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Community Banking in Uncertain Times
ICBA President and CEO Rebecca Romero Rainey reflects on how community banks remain steadfast amid uncertainty. From CDFIs to rural institutions, resilience, leadership, and mission-driven banking...
The AI Readiness Gap in Banking
The AI Readiness Gap in Banking 2026-02-01 Klarivis_Sponsored Banner_Independent Banker_Feat_Image_2000x1250.png Banner_Independent Banker_Thumbnail_750x750px.png SPONSORED | Is your bank AI-ready?...
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank
For community banks, technology isn’t just a back-office function. It’s the foundation of trust, compliance, and growth. The wrong IT partner can leave you exposed to cyberthreats, compliance...
Scott Anchin: How Community Banks Can Fight AI-Driven Fraud
AI-enabled fraud is accelerating, from deepfakes to synthetic identities. This article explains how community banks can use AI tools to detect threats, protect customers and strengthen trust...
Citizens Trust Bank Honored for its Historical Significance
Learn why an Atlanta community bank was recognized by the Georgia Historical Society for its community impact over the past century.
A Look at ICBA's Community Banker-Led Committees
How member-driven ICBA committees and councils power advocacy, innovation and education for community banks.
Native American Bank Helps Bring Modern Utilities to an Alaskan Island
Learn how a partnership between Native American Bank and Metlakatla Indian Community is bringing cheaper, faster electricity and internet to an underserved island in Alaska.
Skyline National Bank Celebrates Local Music
See how Skyline National Bank’s Sounds of Skyline music competition strengthened community connection, improved brand visibility, and drove website visits through an innovative local marketing...
Jacob Eisen: Card Programs Can Drive Community Bank Growth
As the financial services competitive landscape continues to evolve, payments have emerged as a critical component of community bank strategies. It extends beyond interchange revenue to deepening...
Community Bank Ag Lending in Uncertain Times for Farmers
From volatile commodity prices to rising input costs, farmers face mixed conditions. Learn how community banks are supporting ag customers through uncertainty with relationship-based lending,...
Leading a Community Bank Through a CEO Transition
CEO transitions are critical moments for community banks. Hear from new bank leaders on how listening, mentorship and steady communication help build trust and maintain stability during leadership...
Smart Ways Community Banks Can Address Card Fraud
Card fraud is rising and community banks are feeling the impact. Learn how the right mix of technology, staff training, collaboration, and customer education can help banks detect fraud faster,...
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...
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.
How Community Banks Should Evaluate New Fintech
Six ThinkTECH Accelerator fintechs explain how their products support community banks—and what bankers should prioritize when evaluating new technology partnerships.
What is the STARC Framework for Bank-Fintech Risk Management?
STARC offers a standardized framework to help community banks assess fintech partners. Learn how the new CFES assessment identifies compliance gaps across BSA/AML, operations and third-party risk...
Preparing New Directors for Community Bank Boards
Serving on a community bank board carries serious responsibility. This guide explains how a structured onboarding process helps new directors understand banking fundamentals, governance...
Rhonda Thomas-Whitley: Why Risk-Based BSA Compliance Matters for Banks
BSA compliance is critical to financial security, but it works best when oversight aligns with risk. Learn how outdated thresholds, inconsistent exams, and evolving guidance affect community banks,...
These San Diego Community Banks are Powering Local Business
San Diego’s community banks are fueling growth across life sciences, small business, and underserved communities. Three ICBA member banks share how local decision-making and mission-driven banking...
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.
How CDFIs and MDIs Are Navigating Uncertainty
CDFIs and MDIs share how potential funding cuts and regulatory shifts could affect their ability to serve underserved communities, and why their mission matters more than ever.
Alice P. Frazier: The Lasting Community Bank Legacy
Trust, personal care and modern technology will keep community banks thriving for decades to come.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Leading With Heart
ICBA president and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey on why relationships remain at the heart of what community bankers do.
Nebraska Bank Launches In-School Branch at Elementary School
Nebraska Bank's in-school savings program at Bridgeport Elementary teaches kids real money management skills—and students saved $9,000 in year one.
How Community Banks Can Modernize Their Tech Stack
AI is reshaping banking tech needs daily. Learn how community banks are balancing adoption, timing and investment to stay ahead.
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.
FDIC Part 363 Reforms: New Audit Rules for Community Banks
FDIC's Part 363 reforms ease audit requirements for banks under $1 billion in assets. Here's what the new rules mean for your compliance obligations.
Remote Work Helps Community Banks Win Top Talent
Flexible work arrangements are helping community banks attract and retain skilled talent, expand their hiring pool and stay competitive.
Lindsay LaNore: The Importance of Clear Expectations
Best practices for setting clear expectations that build trust, motivate action, strengthen relationships and drive better outcomes.
5 Ways Community Banks Can Streamline Call Reports
Discover five proven strategies to cut the burden of call reports, which could help you save hours and increase capacity for strategic initiatives.
Small-Dollar Loans: An Alternative to Payday Lenders
Could employer-sponsored small-dollar loans benefit your community bank? Explore the model, profit potential and regulatory considerations.
Portfolio Management: What Bank Portfolio Managers Need to Know About Optionality Risk
Optionality risk is quietly costing you. Use these tips to identify extension, contraction and volatility risk—and build a more resilient investment strategy.
Anjelica Dortch: Community Bank AI Security Readiness Guide is Here
Is your community bank prepared for AI-driven cyber threats? Access ICBA's AI Security Readiness Guide for actionable steps on vendor risk, board oversight and more.
Primis Works: Supporting Banking Careers for Single Mothers
Primis Bank's Primis Works program offers single mothers a paid, four-month banking internship with full benefits, mentorship and career support.
Behind Gateway Bank's Extensive Gateway Gives Community Program
Gateway Bank in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, gives back through nine community initiatives, including Special Olympics and Toys for Tots.
Inside ICBA Community: the Peer-to-Peer Forum for Community Bankers
More than 7,800 community bankers use ICBA Community to share insights and connect with peers across the nation.
Beyond the Rate Race: Bank Deposit Growth Strategies
Expert insights from top community bankers on how banks can use data analytics, employee engagement and innovative products to grow deposits.
Community Bank CFOs on Regulation and Cost Pressures
Six community bank CFOs share how they're navigating CECL, rising costs, rate shifts and deposit competition. Read their insights in our 2026 roundtable.
Member Milestones: The Community Banks Celebrating Big Anniversaries in 2026
Ulster Savings Bank, Shore United Bank, AllNations Bank and Quaint Oak Bank have served their communities for over a century. Learn how they're celebrating their milestones.
Alice P. Frazier: Community Bankers Are Built for Service
Community bankers go beyond finance—volunteering, leading and educating—to strengthen the communities they serve every day.