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How Each Bank Department Contributes to a Core Conversion
Core conversions are a huge undertaking, which is why every bank employee, from IT to HR, plays a critical role in the transition.
Strategic Loan Modifications That Work
When a customer gets into trouble with loan payments, a modification is sometimes the easiest way to help them get back on track.
Rising Concerns Over National Bank Trust Charters
Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed an alarming upsurge in the number of nonbank financial technology firms applying for national bank trust charters.
How Bridge Loans Can Bolster Your Mortgage Offerings
In a complex real estate environment, these community banks are providing bridge loans and other offerings to supplement their mortgage services.
Managing Third-Party Fintech Risk
No matter how much effort your community bank puts into compliance, a third party can still put the bank at risk. Learn how to keep partners in check and ensure they’re compliant with regulations,...
The Anatomy of a Rate-Cut Cycle
Examine the current Fed cycle versus the past to inform portfolio strategy.
Succession Planning Essentials for Family Banks
Creating succession plans for family-owned community banks can be complicated in all sorts of ways.
Ozark Bank Offers Custom Solutions for Nonprofit Partners
From lease-purchase solutions to crisis support, Ozark Bank shows how tailored financial services help local nonprofits and municipalities thrive.
Up-and-Coming Bank Technology: Separating Innovation from Hype
Community bankers, fintech experts and consultants alike are keeping their finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest technology—with the goal of understanding what’s useful and what’s...
Understanding the Opportunities and Concerns for Agentic AI
Here’s what you need to know about the newest form of AI, known as agentic AI.
Personalization Strategies, Driven by Community Bank Data
By exploring and analyzing data-driven customer insights, community banks can enhance their personalization efforts to deliver proactive solutions with enhanced trust.
Making Homeownership Achievable, Together
Prospective homebuyers today might feel like the odds are stacked against them as they face increasing costs, market challenges and other socioeconomic barriers.
Marching into 2026 on the Advocacy Frontline
Looking back on the past year, we have advocacy successes to celebrate.
How to Build an AI Policy at Your Community Bank
Artificial intelligence is here to stay, whether it’s generative AI, part of your bank’s neural network or both. That’s why having an AI policy is important.
The Best Community Banks to Work For 2025
Our 2025 Best Community Banks to Work For winners pride themselves on competitive benefits, fun and fulfilling cultures, and a belief in work-life balance. Hear from leaders and staff about how...
Community Banks Step Up After California Wildfire Devastation
In the wake of the wildfires that devastated areas of southern California, community banks stepped up to help locals recover and rebuild.
Why Face-to-Face Lending Still Matters
Many people want face-to-face interaction when they’re on the cusp of a major financial decision.
Instant Payments Insights Every Community Bank Needs
Vendors share their specialized insight into the instant payments market to help community banks understand how they can grow in this technology-forward area.
Alpine Bank Racks Up Thousands of Volunteer Hours
Alpine Bank’s “24 in ’24” campaign inspired employees to dedicate thousands of hours to the causes they care about, boosting staff and customer satisfaction along the way.
Creative Solutions for Fortifying ATM Defenses
Faced with continued ATM security theft and threats, community banks and vendors are banding together to share creative strategies and bolster ATM defenses.
What's the Secret to Becoming an Exceptional Lender?
Whether it’s loans for individuals or businesses, community banks’ lending activities keep America running.
Crossbridge Community Bank Elevates Its Employee Onboarding Experience
Crossbridge Community Bank built a robust onboarding process to ensure new hires feel supported as they settle into their new job.
Michael Benedict: Finding the Portfolio's Fit in Your Balance Sheet
Address common problems with creative solutions.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Offering Financial Freedom to Communities Nationwide
As we celebrate Independence Day this month, I can’t help but equate that sense of freedom with what we do as community bankers.
Nominations Open for 2025's Best Community Banks to Work For Award
Does your community bank pride itself on being an amazing place to work? Now’s your chance to be recognized as one of ICBA’s Best Community Banks to Work For.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: We Empower Our Nation's Small Businesses
When it comes to community banking, we are a nation unto ourselves.
The Key to Winning Over SMBs With Merchant Services
Local businesses appreciate having resources that will give them the boost they need to succeed. With merchant services, community banks can offer those resources and stay competitive.
What Innovative Advantage Does Cloud Lending Give Community Banks?
Community banks are using cloud technology to improve efficiency and enhance customer convenience. See how cloud lending is transforming operations for banks and borrowers alike.
Community Banks Propel Multi-Family Home Growth
During a housing shortage, community banks are using their agility, relationships and market insight to support apartment developments when larger lenders fall short.
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...
Does Your Community Bank Need an Advisory Board?
Distinct from a board of directors, advisory boards are dedicated to advocating for and offering insight into the needs and interests of the local population.
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...
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank SPONSORED | Choosing the wrong IT vendor can cost your bank in security, compliance, and growth. Discover how to evaluate your MSP and make...
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....
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.
Innovation Strategies for Community Banks
Explore how community banks can use data insights, fintech tools and innovation to stay competitive.
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.
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.
Out of Office: Olympia Reed
The regional branch operations manager for Lumbee Guaranty Bank in Pembroke, North Carolina, regularly cooks for family, friends and coworkers at the $540 million-asset community bank.