Chatbot success: Ethical interactions key to maintain trust
The value of AI is well established, but when a community bank implements a customer service chatbot, the usefulness may be less immediately clear. [Continue]
Premium Content
The push for the public bank
The call for public banking is both resurgent and pervasive across the United States, and may actually be gaining momentum outside of its core sponsor groups. Interest in public banking is widespread. Reasons vary, but often come down to unmet need and disparity. [Continue]
The considerations of raising capital
When raising capital, community banks can be at a disadvantage compared to larger competitors and must consider several factors in when and how to do so. [Continue]
Flexibility needed to secure viability at rural banks
Alternative lending sources, communicating with customers, the farm bill and other ag updates from Ed Elfmann, senior vice president of agricultural and rural banking policy at the American Bankers Association [Continue]
Minnesota family banks combine
Minnwest Bank, Redwood Falls, Minn., and Security State Bank of Lewiston, Minn., have agreed to merge. Completion is expected in the third quarter. [Continue]
Kansas bank closes two mergers
Equity Bank, Witchita, Kan., has completed a merger with First National Bank of Liberal/Hugoton, Liberal, Kan., and Adams Dairy Bank, Blue Springs, Mo. [Continue]
Iowa bank expanding in Denver
In advance of an official announcement, MidWestOne Bank, Iowa City, Iowa, revealed plans to expand its year-old operation in Denver. [Continue]
CFPB settles with TCF
TCF National Bank has settled with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over allegations it “tricked” consumers into enrolling in its overdraft protection program. [Continue]
Top performers share how they produce enviable results
What’s the recipe for becoming a high-performing bank? Industry meeting organizers often bring in consultants who promise to reveal the secret. Almost all of them talk about great customer service, a disciplined credit culture, innovation and good leadership. Is that all there is? [Continue]
Cultural capital: ROI through intangibles
The arts, at first glance, don’t seem to be a banker’s “Field of Dreams.” But like the movie that turned a rural Iowa cornfield into a baseball destination, investments in creative economies offer banks a way to grow, or at least sustain, their communities. [Continue]