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Equip Your Leasing Finance Operations
Discover how lenders can navigate the evolving landscape of equipment lease financing with insights on risk mitigation and operational readiness.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Nurturing the Community Bank Ecosystem
As I reflect on the impact community banks have had this year, I revel in this notion that we have created something special, a dynamic ecosystem that centers on people.
Charles Potts: Banking and Staffing Gen Z Into the Future
As Gen Z graduates into the full-time workforce, they are looking to community banks as financial partners as well as potential employers.
The Year in Compliance: 6 Notable Updates for Community Banks
New guidance and proposed rules from regulatory agencies in 2024 have kept community banks on the alert for forthcoming changes to compliance processes.
Commercial Bank of Mott Helps Fund a Home Base for the Community
The Commercial Bank of Mott set out to plan, fund and build a community center that will serve as a new hub for all locals to enjoy.
How Can Community Banks Ride the Digital Wallet Wave?
Looking to drive card usage and ensure continued deposit recapture? As the use of digital wallets continues to accelerate, here’s how you can participate and benefit from this trend.
Powering Potential: ICBA Certification Q&A with Arlene Cooper
Arlene Cooper, internal audit officer at CNB Bank in Carlsbad, N.M., is a certified community bank internal auditor (CCBIA) and certified community bank compliance officer (CCBCO).
Lindsay LaNore: 8 Healthy Habits for Conflict Resolution
We’re all different. We work differently, and we have different opinions, biases and values. Some of us thrive under pressure, while others shy away from confrontation.
Strategies for Consumer-Centric Banking: an Exclusive Bud Webinar
Bud Financial has joined community bankers for an Independent Banker webinar where we’ve explored the actions they would take to drive success, revenue and customer engagement.
ENTER NOW: 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders awards
Nominations for 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders 2025 are now open! 40 Under 40 seeks to recognize community banking’s brightest, most promising young professionals. Winners are featured in...
Can Software Solve Your Bank's Board Management Woes?
From scheduling and information-sharing to bolstered security, board management software could smooth the bumps in the road that come with manual management processes.
Jim Reber: Will the Wave Return?
Falling rates should boost cash flows.
First Citizens Bank: Playing the Talent Development Long Game
First Citizens Bank’s internship initiative underscores the importance of offering students valuable hands-on industry exposure and nurturing the next generation of banking professionals.
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.
Lucas White: The Heart of the Community Bank
This year’s list of Best Community Banks to Work For made me think about what it takes to be a great employer.
The Hidden Risks of Legacy Technology: A Community Banker’s Guide
IBT Apps’ newest ebook is available now! Explore the critical risks of legacy systems and learn about a modern solution that helps future-proof your bank.
Here Comes the Snow: Lending Support for Winter Businesses
Rain or shine, community banks are there to serve their communities. But how about snow? For some, the cold weather is more than welcome.
Michael Benedict: Bridging the Gap
Rate cuts may not provide immediate margin relief, but you can take steps to reduce near-term pressure.
Tips to Better 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.
Mark Scanlan and Scott Marks: Is a Favorable New Farm Bill on the Horizon?
In the wake of the farm bill’s expiration, ICBA is advocating for updates that will benefit the agriculture industry and rural communities across the U.S.
Powering Potential: How ICBA Membership Cultivates a Network of Support
ICBA’s reach extends from the U.S. government all the way to the smallest member bank. We hear from two community bank leaders about how their ICBA membership has helped their banks.
Northwestern Bank's Podcast Brews Up Community Conversation
Enjoying a cold one at work may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of community banking, but that’s the premise of a podcast series from Northwestern Bank.
Out of Office: Michael Hatfield
The applications analyst at $2.2 billion-asset First Western Bank and Trust in Minot, N.D., and his wife, Carissa, co-own Hatfield Handmade, a woodworking business.
High Plains Bank: Making Banking Easier for Spanish Speakers
In partnership with ICBA preferred service provider Jack Henry, High Plains Bank is working to remove financial barriers and enhance the banking experience for Colorado’s large Hispanic community.
Gen Z's Top 5 Financial Goals and How You Can Help
Many Gen Zers are now in their 20s, which means they're facing new financial tasks and dilemmas.
Lindsay LaNore: How to Be a Memorable Employee
Last month, we asked what makes a leader memorable. And now, we’re turning the tables: What makes an employee memorable?
How Community Banks Can Build a Better Branch
Bank branch design is more than just aesthetics. It’s what sets the tone for every customer who visits that location.
The CFPB is Planning Sweeping Changes to Small Business Lending
Finastra’s SBDC module is a cloud-native solution that seamlessly integrates with Finastra’s retail lending products.
Community Bank Tactics for Recruiting Tech Superstars
The battle for tech talent continues to be a difficult one for community banks. But with the right approach, bank leadership can appeal to a segment of tech-savvy individuals fit for the job.
Easing the Way: Current and Upcoming Banking Technology Trends
The best technology is the kind that supports both the customer and the community bank. We look at some key industry challenges and where tech could potentially ease pain points.
How to Prepare for a Potential 1071 Implementation
While ICBA continues to challenge the 1071 rule’s legality, community banks must prepare for its potential passage.
Alternative Credit Scoring Models: Beyond FICO
Community banks can expand access to capital by looking at other factors for loan approval. Here’s what to consider.
Tim Roy: Pushing Back Against Upcoming FHLB Regulations
Significant changes could be in store for the Federal Home Loan Bank system, with possible negative effects for community banks.
Native American Bank Dedicates a Day to Gratitude
On June 28, Denver-based Native American Bank, N.A., hosted a Customer Appreciation Day at Yellow Bird Woman Park near its Browning, Mont., branch.
Out of Office: Rachell Bilbrey
The senior vice president and director of treasury at $1.8 billion-asset Builtwell Bank in Chattanooga, Tenn., finds creative fulfillment through conceptualizing, creating and styling home interiors.
Lucas White: Staffing for the Digital Future
Digital banking is here to stay, and everything from our online banking to our mobile apps needs to speak to that customer journey.
Ion Bank: A Reflection of the Customers It Serves
Ion Bank makes a point of fostering a diverse workplace and supporting local communities through its multilingual staff, fundraising efforts and inclusive outreach.
Powering Potential: A Guide to In-Person ICBA Events
ICBA’s in-person events offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth.
5 Tips for Handling Fintech Partnership Contracts
Go into fintech contract negotiations with clear intention to save your community bank from future conflict.
You’ve Launched a New Website—What Happens Now?
“Build it and they will come” is great for a baseball field. But when you’ve just put your all into a new website, find out how to generate ROI, produce actionable results and more.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: AI, the New Frontier
If you’ve ever watched an episode of “Star Trek,” you’ve heard its famous introduction proclaiming we must “boldly go where no man has gone before.”
Independent Financial: A New Model for Expanding Healthcare Access
Independent Financial asked what its community needed most, then undertook an innovative approach to supporting public health.
Lindsay LaNore: How To Be a Memorable Leader
Managing people is hard work, no matter what level of management you’re at. There are expectations from above and below, with never enough time to meet them all.
Is Your Bank's Website Accessible To All?
Ensuring people with disabilities can access all corners of your bank’s digital properties is more than just a legal requirement. Here are tips on how to keep your content within reach of everyone.
Charles Potts: Driving Strategy With AI as a Tool
Artificial intelligence has become the buzzword for financial services, but it’s moved beyond just hype.
How Can Community Banks Attract Gen Z Customers?
While youth accounts are a great value-add for parents, younger customers are looking for offerings with a few key characteristics.
Portfolio and Loan-Level Stress Testing: Be Proactive & Examiner-Ready
Banks should consider easier and more affordable methods to conduct both portfolio- and loan-level stress testing for more comprehensive risk management.
Rethink Your Digital Banking Experience to Retain Customers
Retain customers, enhance efficiencies, and compete effectively by leveraging cutting-edge technology and a powerful digital banking experience.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Communication Is Key to Mitigating Fraud
Cybersecurity and fraud mitigation remain significant priorities for community banks as attacks get more creative and targeted.
Lucas White: Conquering Check Fraud One Check at a Time
We have seen check fraud ramp up over the past two years. Fraudsters have turned their attention to check rails, reintroducing older forms of attack. And check imaging drove the shift.
Technology Is Revamping Equipment Financing
From 3D printers to robotic feeders, equipment has shifted toward tech-savvy solutions that require community banks’ equipment financing expertise.
Specialize and Thrive: Community Banks Find Success Lending to Niche Markets
When it comes to organic growth, niche lending is one way to reach lucrative new markets.
Fidelity Bank Is Transforming Women's Entrepreneurship
By promoting education, advocacy, networking and financial support, Fidelity Bank's P.O.W.E.R. program is setting a new standard for financial institutions.
Establishing the Right Dynamic at Family-Owned Banks
Family-run community banks, like any family business, come with both strengths and challenges.
Time’s Up for Excel & Managing Credit Risk
The problem is the overuse of Excel leads many community banks to embrace terrible tradeoffs – especially in commercial lending. It’s time to ditch your spreadsheets.
Grand Savings Bank Lends a Hand After the Storm
On June 5 and 6, employees at Grand Savings Bank in Grove, Okla., volunteered to serve meals to families and volunteers cleaning up after two tornadoes hit Decatur, Ark., on May 26.
Can Faster Payments Lead to Faster Fraud?
Community banks can thwart criminals’ attempts to scam people via instant payments by deploying multilayered controls, including educating customers on how to not fall for scams.
The Pros and Cons of Offering Trust Services
Offering fiduciary services can add depth to your wealth management offerings, but it won’t be right for every community bank. Bankers and other experts weigh in.
D&O, Liability and Cyber Insurance: How to Keep Up
Emerging threats make it important to update insurance coverage, whether it’s for directors and officers, cybersecurity or professional liability insurance.
Is Your Bank Compliant With New Email Authentication Rules?
Recent updates regarding email standards will require additional oversight from community banks to ensure customers receive important email communications.