The Path to Digital Wallet Adoption: Streamlining Consumer Education
By Mark Van Horn Digital wallets are emerging as a cornerstone of modern banking, offering significant potential to redefine customer engagement and streamline financial operations. Yet, for many regional banks, especially those in the Great Lakes area, barriers to adoption persist. These include consumer misunderstandings about digital wallets’ capabilities, fragmented messaging, and a lack of…
What Does the Future Hold for Cannabis Banking?
By Tony Repanich As the United States navigates a new presidential administration and Congress, the cannabis banking industry is once again at a crossroads. This pivotal moment brings anticipation and uncertainty, particularly regarding the regulatory landscape that shapes the sector. Key questions loom: Will federal reform become a priority? Could the new attorney general challenge…
Cybersecurity: Preparing Your Bank’s Board for 2025
By Raj Patel As board directors, your role in fostering a secure and resilient culture within your bank should consider the rise of AI technologies, the shifting regulatory landscape with the retirement of the FFIEC’s Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT), and the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats expected in 2025. However, your biggest threat might be believing…
Strengthening Local Banking Through Strategic Credit Card Issuing Programs
By: Anil Goyal In today’s dynamic financial landscape, community banks are uniquely positioned to offer personalized service and local decision-making—advantages that national card issuing institutions struggle to provide. However, with growing customer expectations and intensifying competition from large banks and fintechs, community banks must adapt and find new ways to enhance their offerings while staying…
Pathfinder Bank CIO Retires, Successor Named
OSWEGO, N.Y., — Dan Phillips, Pathfinder Bank Chief Information Officer has retired. This milestone follows the successful completion of the Bank’s critical Berkshire conversion project. Originally set to retire in July 2024, Phillips extended his tenure to oversee the project’s final stages and facilitate a seamless transition. “Dan’s contributions to Pathfinder Bank have been immeasurable,”…
Flagstar Names Lee Smith CFO
HICKSVILLE, N.Y., — Flagstar Financial, Inc. has appointed Lee Smith Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The appointment follows the decision of current CFO Craig Gifford to step down to reengage in personal endeavors outside of the banking industry. Gifford will remain with the Bank through March 2025, and work closely with Smith…
Old National Awarded by Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council
EVANSVILLE, Ind., — Old National Bancorp has been recognized as the Local Corporate Member of the Year by the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC). The award was announced in November at the Mid-States 2024 Annual Awards Luncheon at The Heirloom in Indianapolis, Ind. The Mid-States MSDC’s mission is to accelerate economic growth by driving…
CBI Names John Clark EVP, Private Wealth Group
MUSCATINE, Iowa, — CBI Bank & Trust has added John Clark as Executive Vice President, Private Wealth Group. Clark brings a deep expertise to his new role, having spent over 35 years in the banking and financial services industry. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Cogent Private Wealth for Cogent Bancorp, Inc. A…
Northpointe Makes Leadership Changes
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., — Northpointe Bank, a community bank and national mortgage lender, has made key changes to its executive leadership team. These appointments mark a significant milestone as the organization strengthens its leadership to build on its success and drive continued growth within the company. Kevin Comps, formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Operating…
Lake City Names Carrie Gutman Chief Wealth Advisory Officer
WARSAW, Ind., — Lake City Bank has named Carrie A. Gutman Chief Wealth Advisory Officer. Gutman, the current SVP, Chief Fiduciary Officer, will join the bank’s Management Committee and succeeds Jonathan P. Steiner, Senior Vice President, Chief Wealth Advisory Officer, who retires after a 40-year career in banking and the last 14 years with Lake…