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Moultrie Bank & Trust Makes Its Mark
Moultrie Bank & Trust opened in 2022 outside of a large metropolitan area and already has more than 400 investors and $21 million in capital. Here’s how they did it.
Bank of Anguilla Weathers the Storm
In the wake of a destructive tornado in Mississippi, Bank of Anguilla continues to develop initiatives that will help people recover from the damage and return home.
Out of Office: Kenesha Davis
Kenesha Davis, with Lincoln Savings Bank in Reinbeck, Iowa, has turned her hobby of crocheting into a successful side business. She creates handmade crochet goods that allow her to express her...
How to Boost Your Bank's Digital Payment Security
Now more than ever, cybercrime is a top priority for banking leaders. We spoke to experts on how community banks can prevent bad actors from infiltrating their systems.
Tips For Community Bank Mentorship Programs
Mentorship programs benefit both mentors and mentees—and it doesn’t have to be an overly formal undertaking. We give tips for getting started.
Lindsay LaNore: Relishing Anticipation
There’s something about this time of year. The changing of the seasons, the chance to create memories. When it comes to making positive changes, the end of the year approaches, bringing resolutions.
8 Ways Community Banks Can Boost Small Business Lending
Small businesses and community banks are a perfect pairing. Community banks play a key role in giving small businesses needed capital and guidance so they can survive and thrive.
Derek Williams: The Human Side of Banking
When I think about my blessings as a community banker, it comes down to our relationship model. In a society that has become increasingly disconnected, our model puts the human back into banking.
How to Talk to Customers About Crypto
Most of your customers might not be investing in crypto, but their money is at risk if they do. That’s why community banks should stay current on cryptocurrency developments and be prepared to...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Is Crypto Needed?
“While we have heard a wide range of rationale [for cryptocurrency], those concepts don’t seem founded in need as much as in justification.”
Ron Haynie: The GSE Conservatorship Should End Now
After 15 years, the federal government should end its conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The conservatorship prevents these enterprises from operating like a privately run entity.
Can Third-Party Vendors Ease Wealth Management?
Community banks with wealth management programs can access a new source of revenue, but starting from scratch can be a major undertaking.
Member Benefits: Breaking Down Best Cybersecurity Practices
Bad actors continually find ways to commit cybercrimes. By using the ICBA Cyber Security Toolkit, community banks can make sure they’re prepared for cyber incidents.
Is Cybersecurity Insurance Worth the Higher Premiums?
Cybersecurity should be a foundational element of any community bank, but do you really need to be insured for it, especially as premiums rise? We spoke to experts to learn more about cyber insurance.
Charles Potts: Put Innovative Thinking to Work in Risk Mitigation
Risk mitigation—supported by innovative thinking—drives reward for our banks, our customers and our communities.
Derek Williams: Strengthening Cybersecurity Together
While cyberattacks are not going away, we’re all in this battle together and can learn from one another.
How Community Banks Can Support Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Gig workers and self-employed individuals make up a growing sector of the workforce in the U.S. This group of workers has specific needs when it comes to banking. Here’s how community banks are...
Risk or Reward: A Community Bank's Guide to AI
What do community banks need to know about getting started with AI, how can it boost efficiency across departments—and how to manage risk? We spoke to experts from ICBA and beyond to learn...
Out of Office: Kris Ausborn
The CEO of $488 million-asset Iowa Trust & Saving Bank in Emmetsburg, Iowa, spends his free time waterskiing. Whether it’s with friends and family or as part of his club, he enjoys every second.
A Happy Halloween from First National Bank & Trust
First National Bank & Trust in Iron Mountain, Mich., sponsors the second annual Downtown Iron Mountain Pumpkin Walk event.
Tech Solutions That Can Help Stop Elder Fraud
Elder financial abuse is a rising crime across the country. Using technology, community bankers can help detect this type of fraud and protect their customers.
Jim Reber: Don't Discount Discounts
Below-market coupons could be your friends in 2024.
Farmers and Merchants' Digital Transformation in Farm Country
Working in an agricultural community, Farmers and Merchants Bank is supporting its farm customers by innovating its products and services.
Lindsay LaNore: How to Dress Up Discussions
Workdays can bring exciting opportunities and challenging headwinds, and the ability to have open dialogue makes it easier to manage both. Communicating effectively within your team can unlock...
An Update on Data Protection Regulations
Last year, the CFPB issued an advisory opinion on privacy protection for personal data compiled from community banks. Here’s what you need to know.
Oxford Bank Presents Cybersecurity Lessons from the FBI
Oxford Bank connected its community with the FBI during an educational, interactive session about the importance of cybersecurity and awareness.
Future-Proof Your Community Bank's Core
It’s a stressful time when your core contract is up for renewal. Is your community bank getting what it needs? Will it still be in five years or more? Take a closer look at those contracts and make...
6 Things Community Banks Need to Know About Cybersecurity Today
From dealing with emerging cyber threats to finding ways to get all your employees to be aware and proactive, we spoke to community bankers and experts about the tools and knowledge that will help...
Out of Office: Rich Moldenhauer
The vice president of operations and information technology at $185 million-asset New Market Bank in Elko New Market, Minn., carries on the beekeeping legacy of his father and grandfather.
Football, Fun and Fundraising at One Community Bank
On October 21, One Community Bank in Waunakee, Wisconsin, will host an outdoor viewing party for the University of Wisconsin-Madison football game. The event is a fundraiser for the Waunakee School...
How Community Banks Can Cut Down Data Privacy Threats
Education on how to keep data safe is important for both community bank employees and their customers. Community bankers and data privacy experts share their tips to help keep data safe
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Combatting Cyber Threats
We need to continue our training … to identify threats and prepare ourselves, our staff and our customers for what’s possible and what’s potentially next.
How to Excel in Niche Lending
From microbreweries to veterinary businesses, new companies pop up every day, but the needs of each business customer are different. Specialty community bank lenders describe how they serve their...
Chris Cole: Basel III Endgame Proposals Targeted at Large Banks
With legislation like the Interagency Proposal to Amend Regulatory Capital Requirements for Large Banks, it’s important for community bankers to share their opinions on why “too big to fail” banks...
Member Benefits: Tips for IT Outsourcing
For community banks that are considering or are already working with a third-party IT vendor, ICBA’s IT Outsourcing Toolkit has a collection of resources that address the process and considerations.
Modernizing the Community Reinvestment Act
To meet the needs of today’s world, the Community Reinvestment Act is getting an update. Here’s what to know about it.
Charles Potts: How Curiosity Leads to Innovation
How many times have you asked your customers what they need or how you can serve their needs? Asking these questions is crucial to improving the customer experience and ultimately ensuring lifelong...
Generative AI in Community Banking: What's the Risk?
Generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Jasper, is growing and evolving rapidly. How can community banks leverage this technology while avoiding scams?
Lindsay LaNore: Look for Learning Everywhere
Learning happens everywhere, and those lessons can have a big impact on our work performance, perspective and team culture.
What Does Pay by Bank Mean for Community Banks?
Now that FedNow has launched, it’s time to put some focus on a new payments form: Pay by Bank.
Veritex Community Bank Throws a Fastball for Financial Literacy
This baseball season, every strikeout thrown by Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly spurs a $100 donation to Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas—courtesy of Veritex Community Bank.
Derek Williams: At the Heart of Service
There’s a commitment to the community that’s based on one fact: Service is not something we strive for; it’s simply a part of who we are.
Leveling Up: How Community Banks Should Navigate Asset Size Growth Thresholds
As your bank grows in asset size, it’s vital to keep up with compliance regulations to meet the standards of each new threshold. By planning ahead and preparing your staff, the process can be...
What's the Future of Ag Lending?
As technology evolves, so do the needs of farmers. From cloud usage to digital lending solutions, ag lending experts explain how community banks can best support their farming clientele.
Jim Reber: Monetary Policy for the WIN
The Fed was battling inflation 50 years ago, too.
Primis Bank Brings Banking to Your Front Door
Inspired by a fateful food delivery, Primis Bank launched V1BE, a banking delivery service that serves both individuals and businesses.
How Technology Can Simplify Banks' Workflow
As compliance obligations mount, community bankers reveal the benefits regtech brings to their banks and offer tips for finding the right partners.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Advocate for a Positive Environment
We advocate for community bankers to continue to have an environment where they can help their customers, and we respond creatively to ensure our customers still have access to solutions that meet...
How Banks Can Combat Deposit Insurance Disruption
Following the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, community banks look to alternative deposit insurance options.
Charles Potts: Budgeting for the Future
We’re in a tricky economic environment, but by focusing further down the line, we can get ahead of industry evolution and prepare for what’s next.
Jenna Burke: Are Changes to Bank M&A Rules on the Horizon?
The Department of Justice and other banking agencies are evaluating a new potential M&A framework. What does this mean for community banks?
ICBA's 2023 National Community Bank Service Award Winners
ICBA’s 2023 National Community Bank Service Award winners, First Federal Savings & Loan Association and Cross Bank, explain why, in the face of devastating natural disasters, it was natural to help...
ICBA's 2022 National Community Bank Service Award winners
The winners of ICBA’s National Community Bank Service Awards, which recognize member banks for their extraordinary efforts during the past year, are shining examples of the community bank difference.
Should You Talk to Customers about your Community Bank's Finances?
With the recent failures of a few megabanks, customers may have questions and concerns about their own banks. Here’s how you can address them.
How to Streamline Balance Sheet Risk Management
Balance sheet risk management is a constantly evolving area. Luckily for community bankers, new tools are being created in turn to help optimize the process.
Lindsay LaNore: The Swift Swap
How to build community in your teams and incorporate fun into the workday without breaking the budget or eating up valuable work time.
Tips for Better Community Bank CMS Testing
By understanding and leveraging compliance management system testing, community banks can limit potential risk.
Derek Williams: Part of the Family
A bank that demonstrates it truly understands and cares about individual needs will create a meaningful relationship with that employee and strengthen retention in the process.
9 Ways for Community Banks to Cut Expenses
As the start of the fiscal year approaches, it’s a great opportunity for community banks to revisit vendor contracts, technology and more to limit expenses. We asked experts for their top tips on...