The Next Crypto Battleground Isn’t Silicon Valley, It’s Capitol Hill
By Hyunsu Jung For most of the past decade, the future of digital assets was framed as a technology race. New blockchains promised faster settlement. Crypto exchanges competed on liquidity. Startups raised millions selling the narrative that their protocol would ultimately power the financial infrastructure of the internet. The assumption was that innovation would determine…
Closing the Data Readiness Gap: Building the Foundation for Effective AI
By Ajay John Artificial intelligence is quickly transforming financial services. For community banks, this shift brings both opportunity and challenge. It can strengthen fraud prevention, improve efficiency, and deliver deeper customer insight. At the same time, it is accelerating AI-driven fraud and social engineering threats. Adopting AI isn’t just about adding new tools. To truly…
Capital Markets Are Scaling Faster Than the Systems That Support Them
By Trevor Vick There is a fundamental contradiction at the heart of today’s capital markets. Trillions of dollars are flowing into AI infrastructure, data centers, and public works at a pace that would have seemed extraordinary just a few years ago. Transaction volumes are breaking records. Securitization structures are growing more complex and more creative….
Bankers’ Top Five Strategic Priorities for 2026
By Tara Schultz As banking leaders navigate through 2026, they are focused on five key strategic priorities, including customer support, market expansion, operational efficiency and more. These efforts are all aimed at staying competitive and meeting rising customer expectations. CSI’s 2026 Banking Priorities survey highlights how institutions are putting these priorities into action, by investing in modern…
Suspicious Activity Report Filings Hit Record in 2025
By Mark W. Dever Last year saw a record number of SAR filings. According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), banks and savings associations alone filed more than 2.193 million SARs in 2025, an increase of 7.66% over SAR filings in 2024. Seven groups in total file SARs, and during 2025, all seven groups…
George Collier Retires from Meridian Board
MALVERN, Pa.,— George Collier has retired from the Meridian Bank Board of Directors, concluding a 21-year tenure marked by leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to the Bank’s mission and growth. A founding board member and initial investor, Collier played a pivotal role in shaping Meridian Bank into the community-focused financial institution it is today. His…
Richard C. Rushkewicz Retires from Northbrook
NORTHBROOK, Ill.,—Richard C. Rushkewicz has retired as Founding CEO of Northbrook Bank & Trust Company, a Wintrust Community Bank. Rushkewicz opened the bank as a de novo in 2000. He concludes a nearly 54-year career in banking during which he has held management positions at several Chicago-area banks. He remains a director of Northbrook Bank,…
Peoples Adds Rhonda Norrbom as EVP, CCO
WAUSAU, Wis.,—Peoples State Bank has named Rhonda Norrbom executive vice president and chief credit officer. Norrbom will oversee credit risk management and the commercial credit administration team, ensuring continued alignment with the bank’s commitment to sound lending practices that support community growth. “Rhonda’s extensive experience in credit risk management and deep understanding of community banking…
Associated Names Jason Hansen Nebraska and Western Iowa Market President
OMAHA, Neb., Associated Bank has named Jason Hansen Nebraska and Western Iowa market president, and business segment leader – Commercial Banking. Hansen will report to Phil Trier, executive vice president, head of Corporate & Commercial Banking. Hansen previously served as president of American National Bank. Hansen’s career at American National Bank began in 2000 as…
Bobbie Fisher to Retire from Northstar
Julie Smith Named Public Funds Officer, Todd Sanchez also Added ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Mich.,—Bobbie Fisher, Northstar Bank Public Funds Officer, will retire following a distinguished 42-year career in banking and dedication to the communities she has served. Fisher joined Northstar Bank in April 2017 and played a key role in developing and growing the bank’s…