The president and CEO of Georgia’s Century Bank and Trust and newly minted ICBA chairman believes that the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in late March are an opportunity—an opportunity to show that community banks’ relationship-based business model sets them poles apart from the risky practices of megabanks like SVB.

Third-generation community banker and ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey answers commonly asked consumer questions in a new Q&A series. In this video Rebeca shares more about how a bank makes its money.

Third-generation community banker and ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey answers commonly asked consumer questions in a new Q&A series. In this video Rebeca shares more about what impact interest rates have on banks and you as a consumer.

Third-generation community banker and ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey answers commonly asked consumer questions in a new Q&A series. In this video Rebeca shares more about what unrealized losses are and what they mean to a bank and the consumer.

Third-generation community banker and ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey answers commonly asked consumer questions in a new Q&A series. In this video Rebeca shares more about FDIC insurance—what it is and how much of your money is insured.

Third-generation community banker and ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey answers commonly asked consumer questions in a new Q&A series. In this video Rebeca shares more about what customers should expect from their banker in this environment.

We started focusing on our employees and what they need as much as what we need,” says Steve Farbstein, Blue Ridge Bank’s chief revenue and development officer. Since the Great Resignation, the Virginia community bank has shifted its approach to recruitment, taking things like flexibility and wellness into account, along with 401(k)s and PTO.

We want your input on where to focus our time and resources. We are putting webinars on the calendar to share what we’ve learned, discuss some best practices, and take your questions.

The FOMC’s execution of monetary policy according to its dual mandate often results in wild swings in interest rates—and the resultant volatility in bond prices. The historic 2022 (and ongoing) hike in interest rates, while painful for bondholders, has at least produced a yield environment that is worthy of an investment column.

Over the last 10 years, financial institutions have discussed and debated the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) accounting standard. Many of the larger financial institutions adopted the standard in 2020 with the majority of smaller, community financial institutions adopting on Jan. 1, 2023. With adoption behind us, here are some items to consider during 2023 to position your financial institution for success in your next regulatory exam or external audit.