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Community Bank CEO Outlook 2019: What’s on your peers’ to-do list?
Independent Banker’s inaugural Community Bank CEO Outlook survey asked community bank CEOs how they plan to meet their challenges this year. Read on for a glimpse of their to-do lists for 2019,...
How to build a successful payments strategy
Customer expectations and fierce competition—it’s never been more important to think strategically about your payments offering.
Meet the winners of ICBA’s 2018 National Community Bank Service Awards
Whether they are overhauling local education, main streets or even their own reputation, ICBA’s 2018 National Community Service Award winners were unafraid to dig deep—figuratively and sometimes...
The pros and cons of niche lending
In niche lending, your community bank’s fate comes down to expertise and passion for the work.
ICBA’s 2018 top lenders: Who made the cut?
Every year, ICBA calculates the top community bank loan producers in the agricultural, commercial and consumer categories. This year’s lending leaders point to many different success factors, but...
Revealed: ICBA’s best-performing community banks 2018
Our annual coast-to-coast roster of high achievers is here! Read on to see the 75 community banks that made the cut, and hear from nine we’ve highlighted for their consistent high performance and...
Community banks get creative with unused branch space
As branch square-footage requirements shrink, community banks are reserving extra space for everything from community events to small-business meetings.
10 tips to boost cross-selling
Throw your sales goals out the window. Help customers get what they want, and your bottom line will take care of itself.
Two approaches to overdrawn accounts
What community bankers should know about overdraft and sweep account rules.
Inside the new style of leadership
Successful community bank leaders inspire from the top while putting the team first. Here’s how.
Focus: The Right to Financial Privacy Act
What community bankers need to know about protecting and disclosing customers’ financial records.
ICBA’s top loan producers for 2017: Find out who made the list
Every year, ICBA calculates the top community bank loan producers in the agricultural, commercial and consumer categories, broken down by asset size. Read about 2017's lending leaders.
Who are ICBA’s best-performing community banks 2017?
Independent Banker’s annual listing of America’s best-performing community banks
Best practices for fighting counterfeit bills
Cash may no longer be king in the U.S., but millions of dollars in counterfeit bills make their way into the system each year. Fortunately, there are some simple ways community banks can stop...
ICBAs State of Community Banking survey results are in
Our annual State of Community Banking Survey of ICBA member banks reports that you’re planning to grow through creating efficiencies, introducing new technology, and investing in digital marketing....
What exactly is encryption, and how does it work?
Whether data is in storage or being beamed across the internet, the security expert’s motto is “Encryption everywhere” to ensure that information is safe. But what exactly is it, and how does it...
Internal audit: in-house or third-party?
An internal audit reveals opportunities for improvement across the board, making your community bank safer and more efficient. Take a look at the pros and cons of conducting an internal audit...
Timeline: 180 years of banking technology
A look at the history of retail banking technology—and where it’s going.
2017 ICBA National Community Bank Service Award Honorees
In extraordinary circumstances, this year’s National Community Bank Service Award honorees have gone the extra mile for their communities.
How to boost creativity at your bank
Large corporations that lack the agility of startups often turn to “intrapreneurship” to make time and space for creative development in the workplace. Should community banks be doing the same?
Qualitative ALLL
Considering qualitative factors in calculating loan-loss allowances
What happens when a bank hits $10 billion?
How—and when—should you prepare for the regulatory and cultural aftershocks? And can smaller but ambitious community banks learn from these best-practice preparations?
E-Signature Approval
Legally and operationally, digital John Hancocks come of age in 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 are stepping...
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 customer...
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.
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.
40 Under 40: 2025's Community Bank Leaders
Our seventh annual 40 Under 40 community bank leaders awards shine a light on inspiring people who take bettering their workplaces to the next level.
Out of Office: Colleen Beach Powers Her Local Fire Station
The BSA officer at $626 million-asset Tioga State Bank in Spencer, New York, has volunteered with Community Fire & Rescue in Van Etten, New York, for 15 years, providing behind-the-scenes support...
How Can Community Banks Best Manage Change?
During a merger or acquisition, success hinges on addressing employee concerns early. We asked bankers and consultants for their best tips for building trust and mitigating uncertainty among staff...
How to Advocate for the Industry During the August Recess
The August congressional recess is an opportunity for community bankers to meet with policymakers in their home districts. Learn how ICBA can help.
First National Bank & Trust Awards $10,000 in Small Business Grants
First National Bank & Trust in Iron Mountain, Michigan, recently awarded $10,000 grants to two local businesses. The $412 million-asset community bank secured the funding through the Federal Home...
4 Elder Fraud Scams to Watch Out For
Elder fraud is rising. Discover the top four scams targeting seniors and how community banks can empower staff to intervene and protect their customers.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Why Service is the Heart of the Community Bank Difference
Discover how community banks drive economic prosperity through relationship banking, small business loans, agricultural lending and ICBA advocacy.
Alice Frazier: Redefining Succession as Legacy
Protect your community bank's future with strategic succession planning. Learn how cultivating the next generation of leaders builds a lasting legacy.
Tips for Cost-Effective Professional Development
By prioritizing continuing education for their employees, community banks can build stronger teams, improve retention and stay competitive. Here are tips on how to do it without making it a major...
Nonprofit Lending Strategies for Community Banks: 3 Steps to Success
Nonprofit organizations face different funding challenges than for-profit businesses. Learn how community banks can build these relationships, provide nonprofit loans and meet CRA objectives.