Price pullback prospects

Oct 3, 2022
Community banking is a cyclical industry, and its earnings have some correlation to market interest rates. Discounts are the story of the day, so let’s review how discount-priced bonds can be used strategically to improve portfolio performance.

Online Training Newsletter – September 2022

Sep 23, 2022
Big things are happening in the Community Banker University online training world and for you as a subscriber! Please read through this newsletter carefully and contact Community Banker University with any questions.

Three Take-Aways for Community Banks from the VenCent Summit

Sep 13, 2022
The Venture Center, ICBA’s leadership bankers, and our ThinkTECH Accelerator cohorts demonstrated the importance of community bank-fintech collaborations at last month’s VenCent Summit. It was an opportunity to showcase the evolution of our Accelerator alumni and reiterate the value of our ThinkTECH initiatives.

Zelle Fraud: How Community Banks Can Respond to This Cautionary Tale

Sep 8, 2022
In 2020, nearly 18 million Americans were defrauded via digital wallets and person-to-person (P2P) services, according to Javelin Strategy & Research. With numbers like that, P2P solutions like Zelle have come under fire, and issues are escalating.

Why Today’s Innovation Is Tomorrow’s Normal—With Tim Shangle, AVP, Innovation and Data Analytics, ChoiceOne Bank

Sep 1, 2022
In this episode, Tim (a 40 Under 40 winner) joins host Charles Potts to discuss his role as an innovator — leading implementation of an online platform that overhauled the bank’s customer experience.

ICBA’s 2022 National Community Bank Service Award winners

Sep 1, 2022
It’s no secret that community banks have plenty of social capital due to their charitable work and community involvement. But they’re not in it for the PR. What sets them apart is that community banks tailor their giving to local needs.

How community banks can use cultural-driven engagement and continuous learning to combat the Great Resignation

Aug 31, 2022
Talent recruitment and professional development has always been a critical issue for community banks, but today’s job market is different. The impact of the “Great Resignation” has placed the workforce in the driver’s seat. Even so, as nimble, local decision makers, community banks have a big opportunity to stand out from the crowd of potential employers.

Online Training Newsletter - August 2022

Aug 29, 2022
This October, subscribers can expect streamlined course catalogs that are easier to navigate, plus 45 new Power Skills courses. Just a reminder that Standard Plan, Custom Plan, and Bank Compliance Bundle subscriptions end Sept. 30, 2022.

Why ICBA opposes flawed Marshall-Durbin Amendment expansion legislation

Aug 25, 2022
Despite ICBA’s persistent communications on the negative impact of Durbin Amendment interventions on payment card systems, this latest iteration of Durbin only compounds the prior harm and furthers the misguided policies of the past that will inevitably lead to significant disruption in credit markets and consumer spending, if passed.

Ensuring a commitment to DEI and the benefits it provides

Aug 24, 2022
A commitment to diversity and inclusion means more than just financial contributions – it extends deeper into company culture, aligning the company mission, learning opportunities, and servicing new markets, explains TCM Bank N.A.’s President and CEO, Damon Moorer.

Summit speakers: COVID-19 changed banking, payments

Aug 24, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic altered customers’ expectations and the way they operate within the banking and finance sector, two presenters said Aug. 16 at the inaugural VenCent Fintech Summit held in Little Rock.

Is professional development the key to recruiting and retention in today's tight labor market?

Aug 23, 2022
The current worker shortage is creating real economic impacts across all industries. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are 3.4 million fewer Americans working today compared to February of 2020.

Striking the Right Balance: Innovation in Ag Banking

Aug 12, 2022
As the leading providers of agricultural loans, community banks make up 80 percent of all financing to agriculture, and opportunities exist to extend that support.

How Agility Bank and Rockland Trust are Leveraging Digital Services to Cultivate Personal Relationships

Aug 10, 2022
Relationship banking has entered a new, digital era as confirmed by recent research from Cornerstone Advisors that concluded, “There is a human element to mobile banking.” In fact, this Cornerstone study revealed that 60 percent of Gen Z and almost two-thirds of Millennials expect to connect with customer support directly from their mobile banking app.

Innovating on Customer Behaviors: The Case for Credit and Debit Rewards Programs

Aug 9, 2022
While the effects of COVID slowed consumer credit card spending, the first half of 2022 has pointed to a return to pre-pandemic behaviors. In fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that in the first quarter of 2022 credit card balances have risen $71 billion higher than the same period in 2021.

Up with Coupons: Larger interest payments can build a floor under your bond prices

Aug 3, 2022
Up with People, which readers of a certain age may remember, was an organization that had a run of popularity in the 1970s and ‘80s by promoting wholesome values and positive thinking. Its delivery channel was through song and dance performances, often in large arenas and stadiums.

Three Ways Community Banks Can Respond to Generational Digital Payments Needs

Aug 3, 2022
When it comes to payments, the generational divide has been shrinking. While Gen Z and Millennials still lead the way in digital payments adoption, Baby Boomers and Seniors (over 76) are increasing their digital payments prowess.

The Rising Importance of Climate Change at Financial Institutions

Aug 3, 2022
Banking organizations have no shortage of economic factors to navigate as geopolitical tensions continue and domestic monetary policy undergoes normalization. But banks also are staring down a new strategic imperative, whether or not it is on their radar—addressing the impact of climate change.

Community Bankers Prepare for Cyber Risks with CISA/ICBA Tabletop Exercises

Jul 22, 2022
It comes as no surprise that cybersecurity tops community bankers’ list of risk concerns. In fact, cybersecurity ranks higher than government regulation, the cost and availability of labor, and inflation, as a chief threat for 2022, according to a Conference of State Bank Supervisors survey.

Online Training Newsletter - July 2022

Jul 19, 2022
With the renewal season upon us for several of our online training plans and bundles, we are planning catalog updates for the next year. Here's what's on the docket.