BankBeat

It’s a reality that many financial institutions are starting to face: The digital checking account boom is not as profitable as it might seem. Kathleen Craig Plinqit #digital #accounts #savings

Attracting and retaining small and medium-sized business customers for community banks is as competitive as it’s ever been, if not more so. Mike Killeen Crown Bank Jeffrey Wessels Rick Wall Highland Bank Chris Grimm Ben Udell Platinum Bank David Faust #personal #service #small #businesses #banking #lending

"Government efficiency is a noble goal — but we don’t have to drastically cut the CDFI Fund to achieve it," wrote Kelly Brown, chair and CEO of Milwaukee-based financial services firm Ampersand, Inc. #banking #cdfi #changes  

With his children now grown, CorTrust Bank President and CEO Jack Hopkins sees the current environment as ideal to continue his family’s legacy of advocating for the industry. Hopkins is the 2025-26 chair of the Independent Community Bankers of America. ICBA Roger Weber #banking #leadership #advocacy

Banks headquartered in the Upper Midwest with Arizona branches say their presence is bringing immediate financial benefits. They view the Arizona market as a way to serve a booming population while showcasing their brands to existing and prospective customers alike. Alerus James Collins First International Bank & Trust Erik Stenehjem BNC National Bank Michael Vekich Bell Bank Kyle Kennedy Unison Bank Bankers Trust Don Coffin Stearns Bank N.A. Tom Hosier Tradition Capital Bank Joe Bauer #banks #arizona #growth

"Let’s have a serious conversation about tax policy relative to the financial services industry," said BankBeat Publisher and President Tom Bengtson. "Stirring emotion with poorly understood, or worse — deliberately misleading — arguments is not helpful to anyone." #creditunions #taxes #policy #banking 

“It will be up to bankers to drive the agenda,” Eugene Ludwig told a packed ballroom at the Acquire or Be Acquired seminar. “Congress and the agencies won’t do this on their own.” Tom Bengtson #banking #regulations #reform

Jack Hillstrom is the unofficial historian for Premier Banks, Maplewood, Minn., and Premier Bank Minnesota, Hastings. The 88-year-old director recently commemorated 72 years in the banking industry, and 50 years with the Premier Banks organization. Sean O. Regan Kelly Regan #banking #amazing #outside #directors

BankBeat is accepting nominations for our annual Rising Stars in Banking honors. Submissions for the July magazine will be accepted through May 8. Send nominations to Tom Bengtson at tom@nfrcom.com, or use physical mail: BankBeat, NFR Communications, 250 Prairie Center Drive, Suite 300, Eden Prairie, MN, 55344. #honors #rising #stars #banking

"Loyalty programs are proliferating among banks as they compete to retain customers and gain wallet share," said Beth McCoy, president of RewardOps. "While these programs are a relatively recent development of the digital banking age, there’s much to be learned from other industries that have been mastering this space for decades — particularly the airline industry." #loyalty #lessons #banks #airlines