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Member Benefits: Be Proactive With Crisis Preparedness
ICBA’s Crisis Preparedness website offers resources to help community bankers plan for and mitigate the effects of a catastrophe, whether it’s a natural disaster, a cyberattack or an in-person threat.
Final Updates to Debit Cards Rules
In October 2022, the Federal Reserve Board finalized updates to the Board’s rule for debit card transactions, which went into effect July 1, 2023.
Charles Potts: Convening With the Spirit of More
Thomas Edison once said, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” The message resonates, but the standout word for me is “more.”
Sharing the Load With Participation Loans
When a bank wants to provide a loan above its lending limits, it’s time to turn to participation loans. But what are the benefits and risks involved for community banks?
SouthState Bank Unlocks the Doors to Homeownership
The annual income required of potential homebuyers recently experienced its largest increase on record.
Lindsay LaNore: Developing Drive
Drive. It’s a quality we all need and a characteristic we look for when hiring new employees, considering who to promote and identifying leaders within the bank. Yet, it’s often elusive.
Out of Office: Curtis Anderson
The executive vice president of $12.6 billion-asset Veritex Community Bank in Dallas, Texas, relives his childhood through his collection of unique vending and self-service machines from decades past.
Jim Reber: The Big Chill
Might the bond market be range-bound in 2024?
Countybank's Half-Century of Charitable Giving
In a show of unwavering support, Countybank founded the Countybank Foundation more than 50 years ago to fulfill its mission to improve every community it serves.
Parsing the Proliferation of Payments
Remaining competitive in the banking industry doesn’t mean you have to have your hand in every bucket and offer every available payment solution.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The Spirit of Community
As it’s often stated, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” When applied to community banking, that sentiment couldn’t be truer. We come together as a community of bankers, having one another’s best...
The Status of De Novos Going Into 2024
De novos breathe new life into the banking sector, but activity is still far below its historic highs. That said, a new crop of community banks shows there’s great potential for success.
From Vision to Reality: How CDFIs and MDIs Fund Their Important Efforts
Minority-owned banks are a lifeline to their communities—but their needs often outstrip deposits. These MDIs are securing the capital and resources to LIFT UP their communities.
Schooling Customers on Student Loan Fraud
With student loan payments recently unpaused, cybercriminals have new ways of scamming banks and their customers. Here’s what community banks and their customers need to know.
Derek Williams: The Meaning of "Here for Good"
As our ICBA LIVE theme points out, community banks and bankers are “here for good,” and that phrase works in multiple ways.
Paul Merski: ICBA Advocacy and the Year Ahead
Learn about the legislative issues ICBA is prioritizing in 2024—and how you can help.
Out of Office: Ilene Baker
The vice president, human resources manager, of $2.2 billion-asset First Western Bank & Trust in Minot, N.D., and her husband run an organic farm and have even started a local farmers market.
Member Benefits: Educated Investing With ICBA Securities
In partnership with its exclusively endorsed broker Stifel, ICBA Securities offers practical and educational investment resources for community banks across the nation.
What Bank Swag Does Gen Z Want?
Financial institutions are vying for Gen Z’s business, and if you want to attract this new cohort of customers, you need to think about incentives beyond bank-branded beer koozies and keychains.
Digitizing the Commercial Lending Process
With a new digital commercial loan solution, The Killbuck Savings Bank Co. has catapulted its commercial lending and loan origination system into the high-speed digital era.
Get Ready for ICBA LIVE 2024
Connect with your fellow bankers at this year’s ICBA LIVE in Orlando and gain new tools, further your knowledge and witness the undeniable truth that community bankers are here for good.
United Community Bank's Patriotic Fundraising for Veterans
Last September, $330 million-asset United Community Bank in Perham, Minn., raised $16,600 for Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN during its “Food for Flight” fundraiser.
Charles Potts: The Powerful Role of Data in Community Bank Innovation
Data is king. Everyone—from Big Tech to retailers to systems providers—prioritizes data for its ability to deliver on revenue expectations.
2024's Regulatory Year Ahead
With many proposed rules to sections of well-known acts, there will be plenty of compliance and regulatory news for community banks to keep up with this year.
ENTER NOW: 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders awards
Nominations for 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders 2024 are now open! 40 Under 40 seeks to recognize community banking’s brightest, most promising young professionals. Winners are featured in...
Jim Reber: Give Credit Where It's Due
Secondary market for whole loans is deep and active.
American Savings Bank Rallies Around Maui
Right after the devastating fires in Hawaii last August, American Savings Bank jumped into action to support those affected not just as bankers, but as fellow community members.
Lindsay LaNore: Self-Awareness in Leadership
Taking time for self-reflection helps create a culture of inclusion and acceptance, where individuality is celebrated and individual strengths become collective strengths.
Check Fraud: 3 Ways to Stop It in Its Tracks
Among ransomware and cyberattacks, it’s important not to forget about old-fashioned fraud—namely, check fraud. As incidents of this type of fraud increase, experts explain how to prevent and...
Derek Williams: Why Instant Payments Need to Be a 2024 Priority
As we kick off the new year, our budgets have been set and our plans developed. But you know what they say about the best laid plans: They change.
Navigating the Payments Solutions Maze
From BNPL and CHUCK to FedNow and embedded fintech platforms, there seems to be a limitless number of payments options. Here’s an all-in-one guide for community bank payment options.
Stearns Bank N.A.'s Mission for Senior Housing
Though Stearns Bank N.A. has experienced significant growth over the years, the $2.2 billion-asset community bank hasn’t forgotten its roots.
2023 Regulatory Review: A Late-Year Surge
Regulatory changes in 2023 may have started slowly but picked up speed in the fourth quarter.
Build a Better Board-Succession Process
As customer requirements evolve, a forward-thinking community bank board of directors is critical. Two community bankers explain how they set their boards up for success.
The Lending Outlook for 2024
A pullback in lending from some institutions creates opportunities for community banks to pick up new customers.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Continuing the Climb for Our Communities
As we enter 2024, we see a steep climb amid so many headwinds, including volatile interest rate and supervisory environments, emerging regulatory reforms, constant pressure on margins and more....
How Community Banks Target and Support Fast-Growing Cities
Surging population growth brings opportunities for community banks that are positioned to take advantage of it.
Scott Anchin: Why You Should Adopt FedNow Now
FedNow is here, providing community banks with the opportunity to better serve their customers and push the financial services industry forward.
CEO Roundtable 2024: The Year Ahead
With the economic uncertainty that defined most of 2023 showing signs of easing, community bankers are optimistic about the year ahead.
Out of Office: Tim Aiken
After only having cycled as a way to stay fit in college, the president and CEO of $370 million-asset Union Bank in Middlebourne, W.Va., recently returned to the sport.
Member Benefits: New Look, Expanding Values
In November, ICBA announced a rebrand that would better represent the organization and its mission as a whole. Here’s what inspired and drove this change.
Charles Potts: The Innovation Journey Moves into 2024
For me, the close of the year signals a time for reflection, for taking stock of our accomplishments and formulating a plan to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Jim Reber: Pushing the Boundaries
Cost of funds is putting pressure on bond portfolio’s net margins.
A Rare Partnership Between Two Community Banks
When Oconee State Bank acquired Elberton Federal Savings & Loan in a merger earlier this year, it saved the mutual savings institution from closing and deepened its commitment to the community.
Lindsay LaNore: The Gift of Clear Communication
In this season of giving, what can leaders do for their teams? Give them the gift of clear communication, rules of the road and pathways to success.
Derek Williams: The True Community Difference
As we close out 2023, I’ve been reflecting on the influence community banks have had this year.
How Important Are Brick-And-Mortar Branches?
Despite the growing use of online banking and mobile apps, the branch remains an important part of community banks' retail strategy. But how are these branches changing?
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank Gives Blood and Gives Back
With blood supply levels critically low in southwest Florida, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and its staff stepped up.
Member Benefits: Welcome to ICBA Community
An online network exclusively for member community banks, ICBA Community provides a platform for peer-to-peer discussion, advice and resource sharing.
Citizens Bank & Trust Brings Banking Back to School
Citizens Bank & Trust saw a need and a demand for financial literacy in local high schools. Now, the community bank has two school branches that are run by student tellers and teacher presidents.
Community Banks' Regulatory Guidance for Third-Party Relationships
Earlier this year, federal bank regulatory agencies released final guidance on third-party risk management for financial institutions. Here’s what community banks need to know.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Here for Good
The 2024 ICBA LIVE theme is “Here for Good,” and I am struck by how much that message resonates in all we do.
Banking the Nonprofit Way
Helping their communities: It’s the community bank way, but it’s not always done through volunteering. These banks tell us how they support nonprofits in their areas, helping organizations amplify...
Michael Emancipator: ICBA Advocacy Results in Nationwide 1071 Delay
ICBA will continue to work with policymakers to pursue 1071 relief for community banks.
Best Community Banks to Work For 2023
How many other industries can boast that 97% of workers would recommend their employer to potential employees? The winners of the 2023 Best Community Banks To Work For Awards tell us how they keep...
How to Successfully Negotiate a Fintech Partnership
Partnering with one or more fintechs can help community banks keep up with the pace of technological development. Community bankers and other experts give us their tips for finding the right fit.
Using Data to Boost Mortgage Lending
Can community banks reengage existing mortgage customers through data, or find new ones? We spoke to experts on where to find data that could increase sales—and what to do with it.
Out of Office: Robert Fricke
The president of $120 million-asset Farmers and Merchants Bank in Ashland, Neb., has a deep appreciation for boats, particularly older wooden ones from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Charles Potts: The Great Digital Strategy Reset
Digital first. How many times have community banks heard that over the past few years? It’s been repetitive in ongoing banking evolution, and with it comes increasing pressure on the technology stack.