Account Opening Isn’t the Finish Line: Why Customer Onboarding Should Never End
By Wendy Wilson Banks devote significant resources to attracting new customers and originating new loans. Marketing teams focus on acquisition. Digital teams work to streamline account opening and application experiences. Lenders track approval rates and funded volume. But once a customer opens an account or closes on a loan, many institutions treat onboarding as a…
The Regulatory Unlock: How Market Structure Reform Could Bring Institutions Into Crypto
By Hyunsu Jung One of the major obstacles to institutional adoption of cryptocurrency in the United States is the absence of a clear, unified regulatory framework for trading markets. Unlike traditional financial markets, crypto regulation remains fragmented across multiple federal agencies, each overseeing different aspects of the ecosystem. U.S. crypto exchanges must also navigate a…
AI Is Resurrecting Zombie Business Fraud in SMB Lending
By Patrick Lord Zombie lending fraud isn’t new; community and regional banks have been dealing with it for decades. But generative AI is making it faster, easier to execute and harder for lenders to spot. The scheme is relatively straightforward: a fraudster identifies a dormant or dissolved company, often one that once operated legitimately, and…
First National Adds Director
KALAMAZOO, Mich.,—First National Bank of Michigan has named Jefra Groendyk to its Board of Directors. Groendyk serves as Executive Vice President and Senior Lender at the Bank. In addition to joining the Board, she will also serve on most of the Bank’s Committees. “Jefra’s extensive leadership experience and strong commitment to the communities…
First Merchants Names Paul Fultz to Boards
MUNCIE, Ind.,—First Merchants Corporation has appointed Paul Fultz to the Boards of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. Fultz, retired Audit and Business Unit Professional Practice Partner for KPMG LLP, brings more than 30 years of experience advising public company boards. His background in financial reporting, risk oversight, and governance will…
Bankers’ Bank Welcomes Eric Meilstrup to Board
MADISON, Wis.,—Bankers’ Bank, has named Eric J. Meilstrup to its Board of Directors. A seasoned banking executive with nearly four decades of industry experience, Eric Meilstrup brings deep operational expertise and a strong understanding of community banking dynamics. Meilstrup currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of LCNB Corp. and LCNB National Bank, a $2.3+ billion…
Dearborn Federal Names Three to Board
DEARBORN, Mich.,—Dearborn Federal Savings Bank has appointed three new members to its Board of Directors, further strengthening the organization’s leadership and strategic expertise across banking operations, legal affairs, and financial management. The newly appointed directors bring decades of professional experience in community banking, legal counsel, and corporate financial services, enhancing the Board’s ability to support…
CFBank Hires Gregory Perelka
COLUMBUS, Ohio,—CF Bankshares Inc., the parent of CFBank, NA, has added Gregory Perelka as President of Residential Mortgage Lending. Gregory possesses extensive executive experience in finance, sales, and operations, with a proven track record of P&L leadership, strategic growth, and operational excellence. Throughout his career, Gregory has led large teams, implemented state-of-the-art technology solutions, and…
Northwest Names Chad Ballard CIO
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Chad Ballard has joined Northwest Bank as Chief Information Officer. Reporting directly to the company’s President and CEO Louis Torchio, and a member of the executive leadership team, Ballard will lead the bank’s information technology strategy and operations. Ballard is responsible for advancing technology initiatives that support Northwest’s business priorities, strengthen operational efficiency, and…
Consumers Names Robert Miller SVP
MINERVA, Ohio,— Robert Miller has joined Consumers National Bank as Senior Vice President Chief Retail and Deposit Officer. He reports to President and CEO, Ralph J. Lober II, and is based at the bank’s corporate headquarters in Minerva. “We are extremely excited that Rob has joined Consumers to lead our retail operations and deposit product…