Illustration by Cnythzl/iStock Fraud and cyber attacks are on the rise, and at great expense to the industry. Community banks have a choice about addressing the problem: Remain vulnerable or be vigilant. Here are some ideas for strengthening fraud defenses. By William Atkinson Fraud and cybercrimes continue to increase, causing challenges for community banks. Cybercrime…
Tag: installment
Being comfortable with discomfort – Independent Banker
By Charles Potts, ICBA As ICBA’s chief innovation officer, it’s my job to push the envelope, to make people uncomfortable. And while this may sound counterintuitive to fostering successful collaborations, research suggests discomfort is normal when tackling new challenges. That uncomfortable feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you decide to…
Spreading the word about data privacy – Independent Banker
ICBA’s award-winning #KeepMyBankingPrivate campaign opposed IRS bank customer data reporting. In April, ICBA won an Association Trends 2022 TRENDY Award for a social media initiative opposing plans that would require community banks to report additional customer account information to the Internal Revenue Service. Earning ICBA the silver award in the Best Advocacy Campaign category, the #KeepMyBankingPrivate…
The effect of nonbanks in the mortgage space – Independent Banker
Josh Prejean (right) of Bank of Zachary, here with mortgage client David Rozas, says community banks must compete through customer service. Nonbank institutions continue to be serious contenders in the home lending space. We look at how community banks can counter nonbanks’ offerings through streamlined technology, customer service and other strategies. By Beth Mattson-Teig In…
Unexpected Allies – Independent Banker
Meeting serendipitously at a ThinkTECH Accelerator showcase, Fintel Connect and Finzly prove that the best relationships allow both partners to complement each other’s strengths. By Colleen Morrison When companies sign on to the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator, they are looking to home their products and services to better support community banks. But sometimes, unexpected business opportunities arise….
Managing remote employees – Independent Banker
By Lindsay LaNore, ICBA As life settles into a new rhythm, you may find that some team members continue working remotely permanently, or that they shift to a hybrid model in which they can work remotely at least some of the time. What are some best practices for managing this new distributed workforce? Communicate expectations…
Back to school – Independent Banker
ISD graduate Cailyn Cordell became a teller at Blue Ridge Bank after completing the new business course. Blue Ridge Bank uses one of its new branch locations as an innovative, hands-on classroom for local high school students. By Beth Mattson-Teig High school students in Independence, Mo., are getting a behind-the-scenes look at the world of…
Community continuation – Independent Banker
Photo by Chris Williams 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. One of my favorite sayings my dad passed onto me is also a motto I live by: “How far you go in life depends on your…
Growing a new branch – Independent Banker
Ted Whitehurst, Providence Bank president and CEO, led the charge to open a new brick-and-mortar location of the Raleigh, N.C., community bank during the pandemic. Providence Bank chose to open a new brick-and-mortar site during the pandemic, when many other businesses were ceasing operations or shutting down altogether. President and CEO Ted Whitehurst talks timing,…
The power of discussion – Independent Banker
Photo by Chris Williams Healthy debate helps us achieve an outcome where we’re all pushed to think beyond what might be readily in front of us. When’s the last time you left a meeting and found yourself saying, “I never thought about it that way before”? For me, the answer allows me to gauge how much…