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Main Street Matters Blog

Find out what's happening in communities across America, from grassroots advocacy efforts, to fintech innovations and everyday successes of Main Street banks.

Main Street Matters

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Primer

Dec 9, 2020
As you know, there are currently two forms of central bank money in America: paper currency and money held by institutions on deposit at the Federal Reserve Banks. CBDC would be a new, third form — a “digital form of central bank money that is different from balances in traditional reserve or settlement accounts.”

Meeting Customers Where They Are for Today’s Digital-First World

Nov 20, 2020
For community banks, the digital-first nature of today’s world creates an opportunity to forge deeper connections with existing customers, while attracting new customers

ThinkTECH Discussion: Capturing the Innovation Mindset with Avidia Bank

Nov 18, 2020
To think differently, you have to, well, think differently. While that is not a profound concept, it can be alarmingly difficult to execute. Yet, having to meet those check boxes before running with an idea means that sometimes the process limits the potential.

ICBA advocacy push continues during lame-duck Congress

Nov 16, 2020
While the 116th Congress winds down in the coming weeks with its post-election "lame duck" session, ICBA's efforts to pass much-needed economic stimulus measures continue unabated.

How to Grow the Right Cybersecurity Practitioner

Nov 12, 2020
Cybersecurity is an ever-changing, ever-evolving practice. Because of this, the right cybersecurity practitioner will require hands-on experience and continuing education throughout their career to stay current in the field.

The Right Mix: Selecting the Next ThinkTECH Accelerator Cohort

Nov 9, 2020
The experiences of 2020 and our new digital normal have impacted the lens with which we view potential fintechs vying for a spot for next year’s ThinkTECH Accelerator. Much has changed. Here's what you need to know.

As Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Evolve, Regulators Eye Bank Usage

Oct 15, 2020
As we continue to see regulatory focus on innovation and emerging technologies, it comes as no surprise that the agencies may be turning their attention to artificial intelligence and machine learning and how they are being employed at the bank level.

What Do Google’s Advertising Updates Mean to Bank Marketing?

Oct 8, 2020
As a bank marketer, you’ve had a lot to contend with this year. So if you missed Google’s announced updates to its advertising policies, which go into effect later this month, there’s no need to panic.

Budgeting for a 2021 Innovation Agenda

Oct 2, 2020
With so many unknowns, budgeting is difficult, but there is a bright spot. With uncertainty comes the opportunity to look at what we do in a different light using the experiences of the pandemic to explore new ideas.

Using Payments to Attract and Retain Gen Z Customers

Sep 17, 2020
Community banks have long served the small-business market, but given the pandemic impact, new opportunities have emerged to support these customers’ payments needs and address areas of friction.