The CAT Tool Going Dark on August 31, 2025: What it Means for Your Bank
By Raj Patel The retirement of the CAT tool (Cybersecurity Assessment Tool) marks confusing new chapter in cybersecurity risk management for community banks. When NIST CSF 1.0 was introduced in 2014, its complexity made it challenging for smaller institutions to implement, and it didn’t fully address critical areas such as governance and third-party risks. To…
Great Lake Banker Magazine
Union Savings Bank Opens Branch in Cleveland
Union Savings Bank (USB), a Cincinnati-based institution with a long history in Ohio, recently expanded its footprint by opening a new branch in Cleveland. This move marks an important development for the bank as it continues to grow its presence in Northeast Ohio. Known for its focus on community banking, Union Savings Bank’s entry into…
Mail Theft, Dark Web Sales and Counterfeits: Combating Today’s Check Fraud Threats
Check fraud is on the rise, and community banks are frequently in the crosshairs. While digital payments have transformed the financial landscape, checks remain a favored target for fraudsters due to vulnerabilities in legacy systems and traditional processes. Criminals continue to innovate, leveraging new methods to exploit checks, and banks must adapt to protect their…
The Future of Cash Management for Commercial Banks in The Digital Age
By Rachel Gruber As shifts in payment methods and consumer expectations reshape the operations of commercial banks, traditional cash and card transactions are now complemented by digital payment options. With 56% of U.S. consumers feeling comfortable leaving their wallets at home and relying on mobile phones for payments, this evolution presents both opportunities and challenges….
Merchants Appoints Sean Sievers CFO
CARMEL, Ind., — Merchants Bancorp and its subsidiary, Merchants Bank, have named Sean Sievers Chief Financial Officer. Sievers brings 25 years of executive financial leadership in the banking and mortgage industries to the top-performing banks’ chief finance role. Most recently, Sievers served as CFO at Rate (formerly Guaranteed Rate). His career includes leadership roles as…
Foresight Names William LaFever to Board
WINNEBAGO, Ill., — William LaFever has joined the Foresight Financial Group Board of Directors. LaFever is the CEO of the Bill Doran Company, a floral distribution concern with 25 offices nationwide and over 800 employees. He has been with the company since 1996 and has grown annual sales from $20 million to over $175 million…
Iowa Bankers Association Honors Tom Pohlman
Longtime community banking leader honored for his service to the banking industry JOHNSTON, Iowa, — The IBA has presented banking leader Tom Pohlman with the 2024 James A. Leach Leadership Award. Pohlman had a successful 46-year banking career, including leadership roles at First National Bank of Ames and Ames National Corporation. He joined First National…
ICBA Names Rene Shonerd EVP, CIO
WASHINGTON, — The ICBA has named René Shonerd executive vice president and chief information officer (CIO). In this role, Shonerd will oversee ICBA’s enterprise-wide technology strategy, ensuring the scalability, security, and efficiency of the association’s IT operations. “René’s extensive experience in association technology and expertise will be a tremendous asset in ensuring ICBA has the…
Pathfinder EVP Ronald Tascarella to Retire, Serbun Named SVP
Joseph Serbun to Assume SVP and Chief Credit Officer Role OSWEGO, N.Y., — Pathfinder Bancorp Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer Ronald Tascarella will retire effective November 30, 2024. Joseph Serbun has been appointed as Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer. “On behalf of everyone at Pathfinder Bank, I want to thank Ron for…
Oxford Names Michael Tierney to Board
OXFORD, Mich., — Oxford Bank Corporation, the holding company for Oxford Bank, has named Michael J. Tierney to the Oxford Bank Board of Directors. Early in his career, Tierney held senior roles at Comerica Bank, Chase Bank’s Business Banking unit. He then moved to Peoples State Bank (Michigan) as President and CEO after which he…