The discussion comes as 87 countries — representing more than 90 percent of global GDP — explore a central bank digital currency. [Continue]

Banking CEOs say the Midwestern economy remains strong but still faces challenges, according to Creighton University’s monthly Rural Mainstreet Index report.  The overall index fell in January to approximately 61 from 66.7 the previous month. The index ranges between 0 and 100 — a reading of 50 represents growth-neutral expectations. The index dropped in Colorado, … Read more

The Louisiana Bankers Association board of directors elected Ginger Laurent as CEO starting Jan. 1.  Laurent is the first woman to assume the position in the association’s 122-year history and succeeds Bob Taylor, who retired Dec. 31 after serving as CEO since 2007. Laurent has worked at LBA for nearly 22 years, including as chief … Read more

Manitowoc, Wis.-based Bank First has entered into an agreement to acquire fellow Wisconsin institution Denmark State Bank in an approximately $119 million, stock-and-cash transaction. [Continue]

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Secretary-designee Cheryll Olson-Collins has appointed Patti Epstein to succeed her as the DFI deputy secretary.  Epstein assumed the role Monday. Prior to that, she was the administrator of the DFI’s Division of Corporate and Consumer Services. She has held leadership positions in charitable organizations and private sector businesses, including more … Read more

CSI is partnering with bitcoin company NYDIG to offer a suite of turnkey bitcoin services to community financial institutions.  [Continue]

Covid-19 variants and high inflation dropped consumer sentiment near its lowest mark in a decade, according to January’s University of Michigan Survey of Consumers. [Continue]

The American Bankers Association Economic Advisory Committee predicts inflation will move closer to historical norms as supply chain challenges ease but will remain high in 2022. [Continue]

Midwest Community Bancshares is buying fellow Southern Illinois community bank holding company Carbondale Investment Corp. [Continue]