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More With Less: Managing Risks With Limited Resources
SPONSORED | With risk teams often facing resource constraints, digitizing the risk management process is a great way to improve efficiency because it improves risk managers’ ability to focus on the...
Brad M. Bolton: Compliance as a focal point
Managing compliance is a role that community bankers take more seriously than any other segment of the financial services industry.
Charles Potts: Agtech’s innovation opportunities
Agtech—the application of technology to every aspect of the food production process, from farm to table—is growing in importance to the mission of ICBA and community banks.
Lindsay LaNore: Lessons from an escape room
As teams, how well do we work under pressure? The ICBA Community Banker University team recently had a chance to think about that when, at our annual strategy and teambuilding meeting, we found...
How to Protect Banks from Cyber Threats and Ransomware Attacks
SPONSORED | During this Dialogue on Demand session, we will explore advanced cyber threats and the critical technologies and services you need to protect your bank.
Tailor-made community banking
These community banks tailor their products and services not just to their neighborhood demographics but to everyone’s needs, from bank accounts for gig economy workers to microloans for consumers....
Capitalize on social payments
Social payments methods like Venmo and Cash App continue to grow in popularity, creating an opportunity to give customers 24/7 access to cashless, P2P and mobile transactions. So how do social...
How to reach customers with disabilities
Some people living with disabilities eschew banking services because they feel financially underserved or physically barred. Through sensitive customer service and ADA-compliant accessibility,...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The spirit of service
Community banks stand out in today’s financial services space because our business model depends on an ecosystem where the bank only benefits when customers do.
Aaron Stetter: ICBA's fall legislative outlook
Legislation addressing everything from farm lending to credit union overreach is set to go before Congress this autumn. Now’s the time to make your voice heard on the issues that affect community...
A Loan So Good, Borrowers Can’t Stop Talking About It
SPONSORED | See what real borrowers are saying about the Kasasa Loan® — and why its flexibility, control, and transparency are changing the loan game for consumers and community banks alike.
Banking Milestones: Celebrate Yesterday’s Innovations, and Embrace Tomorrow’s Opportunity
SPONSORED—Rather than being held back by aging platforms, let’s celebrate yesterday’s innovations, but look ahead towards opportunity.
Jenna Burke: Leading the climate risk charge
As lawmakers and regulatory bodies discuss their approach to managing climate-related rules, disclosures and oversight, ICBA pushes back against regulations that could prove disadvantageous to...
Commercial real estate outlook
The commercial real estate market is changing, as demand for new construction grows along with rising costs and interest rates. How do community banks fit in the bigger CRE picture? Lenders share...
4 trending social media tips to know
The Social Bankers, a collective of community bank marketers, offers inspiration, information and professional development advice to community bankers focused on marketing and social media. We...
Efficiency now: 8 smart strategy tips
Fallout from recent global events presents an obstacle to generating revenue for community banks. How can they counteract these effects and maximize financial efficiency? As we enter budgeting...
Charles Potts: Fueling growth through innovation
Innovation is taking place all around us at a pace unlike anything we have ever experienced. We’ve developed an ecosystem to foster growth through innovative partnerships and community involvement.
Gamification’s Place in Community Banking
SPONSORED—How can gamification benefit your community bank? In more ways than you might realize. Zogo has mastered the art of incentivizing gamification that bolsters loyalty, engagement,...
How OnBoard’s Board Governance Solution Helps Banks Be Their Best
SPONSORED | First Citizens Bank, an Iowa state-chartered bank, uses OnBoard’s board management software to increase efficiency and deliver a consistent, improved process for its boards, committees,...
Why Today’s Innovation Is Tomorrow’s Normal—With Tim Shangle, AVP, Innovation and Data Analytics, ChoiceOne Bank
“Innovation isn’t magic,” says Tim Shangle, ChoiceOne Bank’s associate vice president of innovation and data analytics. “You don’t need a wizard to make your bank innovative.”
SouthState Bank turns swag into art
After a recent merger, SouthState Bank had hundreds of unused T-shirts featuring its old logo. Rather than send them to the landfill, it donated them to a community textile arts project that...
Jim Reber: Floating rate assets are back
Floaters are gaining popularity. Again.
Lindsay LaNore: Strategic training initiatives
The workplace is in constant flux, business goals are growing, and employee preferences are evolving. Ensure that your professional development programs support your strategic goals.
Charles Potts: Strengthening human connections
Community banks are the lifeblood of communities, but people are the lifeblood of community banks.
Brad M. Bolton: Retaining the best
Community bank employees fill a special role, unlike no other position in the market today, and we must do a better job of telling that story.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Budget prioritization
Community banks stand out in today’s financial services space because our business model depends on an ecosystem where the bank only benefits when customers do.
The community banks beating the Great Resignation
A mass exodus of the U.S. workforce during the pandemic brought challenges in recruiting entry- to mid-level staff. These community banks share how they have (or haven’t) altered their hiring...
Member Milestones: Landmark anniversaries
From centennials to dodransbicentennials (that’s 175 years), 36 community banks are marking significant anniversaries in 2022. Four presidents and CEOs reflect on how their banks survived the past,...
Commercial Cards: An Opportunity Too Big to Miss
SPONSORED—With a new operating model in play, financial institutions are in a great position to shift check spend to commercial card spend. Read Visa’s article to understand the commercial...
How BHG Financial’s innovative solutions can help community banks thrive in the digital age
SPONSORED | First Citizens Bank, an Iowa state-chartered bank, uses OnBoard’s board management software to increase efficiency and deliver a consistent, improved process for its boards, committees,...
Mark K. Scanlan: Overregulation is strangling rural America
After the CFPB released its report on the financial issues facing rural America, ICBA emphasized that leveling the playing field and easing rural community banks’ regulatory burden would drive...
Jim Reber: Three chords and the truth
Country music evokes portfolio management themes.
Lindsay LaNore: Getting more out of virtual learning
Whether you are in the learner’s or supervisor’s seat, the phrase “You only get out what you put into it” should be top of mind as every community bank looks to continue enriching its professional...
Brad M. Bolton: Working through difficult times
Working through any difficulty or crisis at your community bank won’t be a walk in the park, but it may lead to an experience for which you’re truly grateful.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Shifts in lending
Loan providers are multiplying, and we cannot underestimate the need for a frictionless loan, one that removes hoops for our customers and feels simple, efficient and effective.
9 ways to manage credit risk
Effects of the pandemic and other factors creating unpredictability have changed how community banks approach their credit and lending operations. These experts share nine tips and credit risk best...
Introducing the 2022 ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator finalists
The 2022 ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator spotlighted some of the most innovative fintech providers. We asked this year’s cohort how community banks can harness today’s technologies and solutions to...
4 Ways to Find International Business Customers
SPONSORED | International expansion means more opportunities to acquire new customers. PCBB's insights paper, "Strategies to Attract New International Business Customers", identifies ways to find...
Can staying vigilant prevent fraud?
By staying vigilant to consumer guidelines and establishing their own security safeguards, community banks can stay ahead of today's ever-evolving threat of fraudulent activity and erroneous...
Ensure your community bank is inclusive
For a workplace to be truly inclusive, its employees should feel accepted for who they are and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. We asked community bankers and experts for their...
5 ways to shake up your lending strategy
A new approach to loan protocols is just one way for community banks to grow in new and different directions. Assessing best practices, rates, marketing efforts and more can position loan producers...
How community banks can help young homebuyers
As house prices skyrocket, student loan debt grows and wages stagnate, many Gen Zers and millennials are watching their homebuying dreams move out of reach. But there are ways community banks can...
Who were ICBA's Top Lenders of 2022?
Highlighted here are some of last year’s most successful loan producers in the areas of agriculture, commercial and consumer/mortgage lending.
The DIY banking services customers expect
Prompted by the pandemic, DIY banking service offerings have grown quickly. And as consumers—especially Gen Z and millennials—continue calling for more mobile options, community banks...
Preventing Synthetic Identity Fraud
SPONSORED | How regional institutions can originate more accounts while building defenses for digital channels.
The Digital Transformation Journey Begins with the “People Factor”—with Kathy Strasser, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of IncredibleBank
A timely conversation about recruiting and retaining top bank talent in today’s competitive job market with Kim Kirk, COO of Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company and Tommy Marshall,...
40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders in 2022
Our fourth annual 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders competition highlights the achievements of young community bankers across the nation, who are leading the charge on the future of...
How gamification can be a boon for community banks
Community banks are getting into gamification—and it’s been better for business. Introducing gaming elements into apps and company training tools can result in cost savings, increased...
How community banks can address cybercrime
Fraud and cyber attacks are on the rise, and at great expense to the industry. Community banks have a choice about addressing the problem: Remain vulnerable or be vigilant. Here are some ideas for...
Brad M. Bolton: Community continuation
Community continuation is not about checking a regulatory box; it means putting a name to the people who will be the future of our banks.
Jim Reber: What we hoped for?
Community bankers wished for higher rates in 2022. And now…
Customer Understanding Deepens Relationships
SPONSORED | Investing in your tech stack has never been more important. Hear from Horicon Bank how they have positioned themselves to grow using the Total Expert platform.
The effect of nonbanks in the mortgage space
Nonbank institutions continue to be serious contenders in the home lending space. We look at how community banks can counter nonbanks’ offerings through streamlined technology, customer service and...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The power of discussion
Healthy debate helps us achieve an outcome where we’re all pushed to think beyond what might be readily in front of us.
Lindsay LaNore: Managing remote employees
As life settles into a new rhythm, you may find that some team members continue working remotely permanently or shift to a hybrid model. What are some best practices for managing this new...
Charles Potts: Being comfortable with discomfort
We live in unprecedented times, filled with new challenges and opportunities for small businesses. Fortunately, community banks have greater access than ever before to advanced solutions and...
Aaron Stetter: Start planning for August recess
With the congressional summer break right around the corner, now is the time to connect with legislators in their home districts and advocate for the issues important to community banks.
Unexpected allies
Meeting serendipitously at a ThinkTECH Accelerator showcase, Fintel Connect and Finzly prove that the best relationships allow both partners to complement each other’s strengths.
Out of Office: Tyrone Beatty
After becoming a fan of The Great British Baking Show, Tyrone Beatty, assistant branch manager at $2.3 million-asset 1st Security Bank of Washington in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., added baking to his...
Is commercial lending on the rise?
Loan providers share an infectious enthusiasm and growing optimism for one vertical’s prospects in 2022: commercial lending. Here’s how community bankers can take advantage of various...