Many community banks embraced the Paycheck Protection Program, building new relationships and deepening existing ones. While the onus of forgiveness is on the borrowers, PPP lenders need to be prepared for the program’s unique auditing challenges.
Category: Business
How community banks are serving faith groups
Because of the unique funding streams and beliefs of faith-based organizations and their congregations, they carry their own risks and rewards when it comes to lending. Here are how several community banks are serving their customers of various faith traditions.
Who made ICBA’s 2021 list of Top Lenders?
The dust from 2020 is finally beginning to settle, and that gives us an opportunity to look back at the hard work community banks put in to serve their customers. Our top lenders made the most of one of the toughest years in recent memory through personal connection, ingenuity and dedication to their communities.
How your bank can build its construction loan portfolio
The pandemic significantly changed the landscape for construction lending, but with the possibility of economic recovery on the way, there are opportunities to grow your community bank’s construction portfolio.
ICBA’s best-performing community banks of 2020
Independent Banker’s annual listing of America’s best-performing community banks shows that nimble thinking and an adherence to good old-fashioned customer service can bring success, whatever the circumstances.
How BankFirst is adapting to modern spending habits
BankFirst has partnered with a fintech company to help consumers track their spending on subscription services, as well as help the community bank grow interchange income and marketing opportunities.
The de novo bringing craft banking to Atlanta
Craft Bank, Atlanta’s first de novo bank in more than a decade, was about to open—and then the pandemic arrived. Now open, it promises to give potential customers the ability to craft their banking experience.
Passing banking to the next generation
For three decades, Cape Ann Savings Bank has operated a unique program where a branch operates within a local high school. It’s been a vehicle for multiple generations of students to learn banking basics and connect with the community bank.
How Systematic Savings Bank turned around
When Derek Fraley joined Systematic Savings Bank as president and CEO in 2017, it was in trouble. To save it, he changed the community bank’s charter, launched an IPO and executed sweeping culture changes. The result: the bank has had four back-to-back positive quarters for the first time in more than a decade.
Uwharrie Bank and the power of connection
Realizing that many residents of the greater Charlotte, N.C., area face barriers to housing and financial prosperity, Uwharrie Bank is connecting with local organizations in a mission to uplift others.