Main Street Matters Blog

We have had to juggle countless responsibilities this year—to our families, to our businesses, to our communities, to each other. With so many simultaneous demands, we have had to make no shortage of sacrifices.

As we near the close of 2020, we’re all crossing our fingers and hoping that 2021 brings a stronger sense of stability and normalcy. No matter how we define it, “normal” will differ dramatically from this point forward.

Bitcoin’s market cap is larger than the economies of some of the world’s smaller nations. The prices of popular cryptocurrencies continue to soar to new heights. Meanwhile, several financial institutions and tech giants announced significant digital asset initiatives.

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.”

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

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.

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.

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 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 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.