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Chair’s Column — Relevance in a Changing World: A Vision for Community Banks and WBA

Paul Northway

Paul Northway

On June 11, I was incredibly honored to be installed as Chair of the WBA Board of Directors. During the ceremony at the WBA office, we welcomed new board members and expressed our gratitude to those who completed their terms.
A special thanks goes to our outgoing chair, Al Araque, SVP and director of consumer, private, and business banking at Johnson Financial Group in Racine. His leadership and passion generated a lot of positive momentum for the Association. Al’s theme during his term was “impact,” and you’ll see in the Year in Review section of this issue just how much WBA and its members have accomplished.

When I thought about the theme I wanted to focus on this year, the word “relevance” really stood out. Community banks are deeply relevant — we champion small businesses, support local farmers, and serve as trusted partners in our communities. Relevance is also about leadership and building companies that focus on the people and not just the numbers.

I met with WBA staff after the installation and spoke about a few of the ways I see relevance showing up in our work.

In Community Banking
•  Meeting customers where they are
Community banks stay relevant by keeping up with evolving customer expectations. Whether it’s through mobile banking, digital tools, or continuing to deliver a personal touch, we remain competitive by staying flexible and responsive.
•  Supporting local economies
We play a visible role in our communities by providing small business loans, agricultural financing, and financial education. Our presence makes a difference — and that keeps us relevant.
•  Growing our teams
When banks invest in leadership development, mentorship, and education, they show their teams that banking isn’t just a job — it’s a long-term career with purpose and meaning.

At the Association Level
•  Speaking up for the industry
WBA’s advocacy work is a big part of staying relevant. Whether it’s at the Capitol in Madison or in D.C., we make sure lawmakers understand how their decisions affect banks and the people we serve.
• Delivering tools and professional development opportunities that matter
WBA keeps members up to speed with training, compliance support, and leadership programs that reflect what’s happening in the industry right now (and what’s coming down the pike).
•  Helping bankers connect
Programs like WBA Connect Peer Groups and BOLT give bankers across the state a chance to learn from each other, share ideas, and work through challenges together.
•  Balancing innovation with our roots.
Relevance doesn’t mean jumping on every new trend. It means knowing when and how to adopt change in a way that continues to honor what community banking is all about — relationships, service, and trust.

I’m excited for the year ahead and grateful to be working alongside all of you, WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels, and the entire WBA team as we continue to move our industry forward.

July 14, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-14 08:13:542025-07-14 08:13:54Chair’s Column — Relevance in a Changing World: A Vision for Community Banks and WBA
Community, Member News, News

Associated Bank Adds Chris Sager as Senior Vice President, Private Banking Group, Manager of Professional Services

Chris Sager

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) (“Associated”) recently announced Chris Sager has joined the bank as senior vice president, Private Banking Group manager of Professional Services. In this role, Sager will work closely across teams and all Associated Bank markets to bring structure, insights, and focus on how to attract and serve clients in the professional services sector across the bank’s footprint.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to the team,” said Stacy Stecker, senior vice president and director of Private Banking at Associated Bank. “Our clients value trusted relationships and personalized service, and Chris’s expertise and commitment to understanding individual financial goals make him a strong addition to our team of dedicated advisors.”

Sager joins Associated from US Bank, where he served as vice president, Business Banking sales manager. In his 18 years at US Bank, he led a team of seven business banking relationship managers, drove top loan production and loan growth, and total revenue among three Wisconsin business banking teams. He was repeatedly a “Legends of Possible” top sales manager nationwide.

“The team at Associated Bank reflects the same values I bring to my client relationships—personalized attention, thoughtful strategy, and a commitment to long-term success,” said Sager. “I’m excited to join an organization that prioritizes tailored financial solutions and puts clients at the center of everything we do.”

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree and MBA at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

July 14, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-14 08:09:462025-07-14 08:09:46Associated Bank Adds Chris Sager as Senior Vice President, Private Banking Group, Manager of Professional Services
Community, Member News, News

North Shore Bank Pewaukee Parking Lot Initiative Raises Funds for the Pewaukee Predators’ Girls Select Fast Pitch Softball Program

Branch parking lot continues to help address public parking needs downtown while investing back in community

North Shore Bank recently announced a donation of over $2,000 to the Pewaukee Predators Select Softball program, a volunteer-based girls select fast pitch softball organization. This donation comes from the proceeds of the community bank’s give-back metered parking system that was installed in 2022 at the North Shore Bank Pewaukee branch, located at 120 W. Wisconsin Ave.

The North Shore Bank Pewaukee parking lot transitioned from a privately-owned parking lot to the community-give-back parking system, with the goal of drawing visitors to downtown Pewaukee with accessible parking, while returning proceeds right back to the local community. The Pewaukee Predators, a youth sports program, were selected randomly by the bank to receive the funds. Last year, the Friends of the Parks of Pewaukee received the funds from the initiative to the Fourth of July fireworks.

“When we transitioned our parking lot to this model, our goal was to create a win-win-win opportunity for our Pewaukee community, which we’ve been lucky enough to serve for 29 years,” said Anne Kagerah, assistant vice president and Pewaukee branch manager for North Shore Bank. “We’re excited to be supporting the Pewaukee Predators whose goals include promoting ideals of community, integrity, responsibility, hard work, sportsmanship, and teamwork.”

The initiative aims to support local tourism activity, businesses, and residents with all parking proceeds reinvested in the Pewaukee area community through North Shore Bank’s Bank on Kindness® initiative. North Shore Bank customers always have free parking in the lot both during and after business hours.

July 14, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-14 08:00:222025-07-14 08:06:38North Shore Bank Pewaukee Parking Lot Initiative Raises Funds for the Pewaukee Predators’ Girls Select Fast Pitch Softball Program
News, Resources

Inside the Fight Against Fraud: Highlights From WBA’s First Fraud Summit

By Katie Reiser

As fraud becomes more prevalent and complex, many Wisconsin bankers voiced the need for more practical insights and support. In response, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) hosted its first Fraud Summit on June 3, 2025. The one-day event brought bankers together to dig into today’s biggest fraud threats and how to fight back — from cyberattacks and scams to regulatory changes and prevention tactics. The summit was created based on direct input from members who said they needed more resources to stay ahead of fraud trends. Strong turnout and engaged discussion underscored how relevant the event was, and based on early and enthusiastic feedback, WBA is exploring hosting another Fraud Summit in the future.

Bankers Reflect on Takeaways and Impact
Two attendees from Wolf River Community Bank shared their feedback from the Summit. Diane Moen-Ross, electronic banking supervisor, said, “I found the Fraud Summit to be both entertaining and insightful. I had a few things make me really think about my day-to-day habits and look at things differently from a security level for the bank after hearing from the speakers. I found the information they shared to be helpful in protecting the bank and looking out
or our customers.” She added, “I also enjoyed the humor they put into their presentations.”

Her colleague Kyra Baeten, BSA & risk analyst, offered this take, “The summit was amazing, and I was truly in my element! It exceeded my expectations in every way. The presenters were raw, real, and incredibly insightful, which went beyond just surface level discussions. It pushed me to think beyond my current ‘fraud box’ and how to better protect myself, my institution, and the communities we serve.” She summarized her experience, “I left feeling inspired, energized, and already looking forward to next year’s Summit!”

SHAZAM’s Kern: How Froud Follows Shifting Payment Trends
In the opening session, “Where Payments Go, Fraud Will Follow,” Diana Kern, AAP, senior financial solutions consultant at SHAZAM, explored how changing consumer payment habits are driving new fraud risks. For the first time, cash is no longer the most common method for purchases under $25, according to the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice. Card payments now lead the way, and nearly half of person-to-person payments are made through mobile apps.

Kern walked attendees through how debit transactions have evolved — from magnetic stripe to chip and contactless cards, from physical cards to digital wallets, and from card-present to card-not-present (CNP) scenarios. These changes have big implications. In 2024, 98% of debit card fraud reported by SHAZAM clients occurred in CNP environments.

She pointed to BIN attacks, account probing, and fraud targeting specific merchant codes (like digital goods and money transfer services) as key issues. While chip technology has helped reduce counterfeit fraud, fallback transactions using magnetic stripes remain vulnerable.

Kern stressed the value of layered fraud defenses, such as real-time blocking, cardholder alerts, and well-calibrated decline rules. She also noted that data breaches — even those unrelated to payments — can give scammers the fuel they need to launch convincing social engineering attacks.

ABA’s Smith: Social Engineering, Check Fraud, and AI Threats
Patrick Smith, senior vice president of fraud operations with the American Bankers Association (ABA), gave an overview of current fraud challenges, including social engineering, check fraud, and emerging risks tied to artificial intelligence.
Smith made it clear that while banks are doing more than any other sector to protect consumers, they can’t do it alone. Responsibility must also be shared by telecom companies, social media platforms, and lawmakers.

He noted that social engineering scams have become harder to detect. Many now mimic trusted environments, build rapport with victims, and create a sense of urgency — making them highly effective. Check fraud, meanwhile, continues to grow despite a downturn in check use, now accounting for 66% of payment fraud. Mail theft and counterfeit or altered checks are key drivers.

AI is making an already complex fraud landscape even more challenging. Smith cited examples like deepfakes (providing a chilling example of how easy it is to clone voices), spoofed identity checks, and realistic fake IDs, all of which make scams faster to perpetuate and more convincing. He urged banks to continue building robust defenses by ensuring their teams are familiar with current threats and working closely with trusted vendors.

Smith shared that ABA is calling for a national fraud prevention strategy that includes establishing a White House Office of Fraud and Scam Prevention, increasing FCC enforcement regarding customer reported spam texts, and bringing in state and local law enforcement to improve prosecution rates.

Iannarelli: Cyber Vigilance in a High-Risk Environment
Former FBI Special Agent John Iannarelli, Esq., CSP (aka FBI John) gave a candid assessment of the cybersecurity landscape. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, last year set records for data breaches, with over 15 billion records compromised.

Top threats include identity theft, phishing, ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), Internet of Things (IoT which are the internet-connected devices embedded in everyday objects which are sending and receiving data), and mobile-device related fraud. According to an FBI report, BEC alone cost U.S. businesses $2.4 billion last year, with cases up 270%. Iannarelli referenced the 2024 ransomware attack on Patelco Credit Union as a reminder of the financial and reputational damage such events can cause.

He also flagged the role of AI deepfakes in expanding cyber risk, highlighting a $25 million fraudulent wire transfer driven by a deepfake impersonation. Still, he warned that internal threats remain significant. About 75% of breaches are tied to insiders — often well-meaning but untrained employees.

To help reduce exposure, Iannarelli encouraged banks to focus on staff training, establish strong policies, use multifactor authentication, and maintain a tested incident response plan.

Ayotte: Stop Social Engineering Before It Starts
Michael Ayotte, senior cybersecurity consultant with Wipfli LLP and U.S. Special Forces veteran, focused on the human side of fraud — particularly how scammers manipulate people, not just systems. He explained how criminals often start with publicly available data from sources like obituaries, social media, and bank websites to piece together convincing identities.

Ayotte reminded attendees that identity verification processes should never give away clues. “Never disclose account numbers over the phone,” he said. If a caller can’t be verified, staff should direct them to a branch.

His session also highlighted common phishing tactics: urgency, secrecy, unusual grammar, and lookalike email addresses from company executives. Ayotte recommended physical security protocols too — from screening vendors to checking IDs — and stressed the need for ongoing training and internal testing through simulated phishing and security drills. He shared his own experiences conducting physical security audits for clients that were eye-opening and likely prompted many attendees to review their workplace policies.

His message was clear: it is crucial to empower employees to act on suspicious activity even though their focus is typically on customer service. There needs to be a balance between the two. Policies and technology matter, but awareness and a questioning mindset when something seems off are just as critical.

What’s Next?
WBA plans to follow up with a future article sharing practical tips and takeaways from the Summit, with additional insights from WBA’s Director – Legal, Scott Birrenkott. Birrenkott will share how Wisconsin banks can apply these lessons in the face of shifting fraud risks. Birrenkott
commented, “A lot of great information was shared at the WBA Fraud Summit. It just goes to show the value of gathering and sharing information. WBA will continue to provide updates and resources to help banks tackle the challenge of staying one step ahead of criminals.”

July 11, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-11 08:24:212025-07-11 08:24:21Inside the Fight Against Fraud: Highlights From WBA’s First Fraud Summit
Member News, News

Association Update: Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry

By Daryll Lund

The start of the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA) new fiscal year is a great time to spotlight the many opportunities available for both new and experienced bankers to grow professionally and connect with others in the industry. Representing over 30,000 bankers statewide, WBA is powered by its members’ energy, insight, and commitment to working together.

On June 11, 2025, Paul Northway, President and CEO of American National Bank Fox Cities, was installed as Chair of WBA’s Board of Directors. With a focus on relevance, Northway’s message to members is clear: staying connected, engaged, and forward-thinking is essential for the association — and the industry — to thrive. As the banking landscape continues to evolve, it’s up to all of us to ensure WBA remains a trusted, valuable resource for years to come.

A key opportunity is the WBA Advocacy Officer program. These individuals serve as liaisons between their banks, WBA, and policymakers. By sharing how legislation affects their businesses and communities, Advocacy Officers play a crucial role in helping lawmakers understand the real-world impact of their decisions.

WBA’s professional development and engagement opportunities are designed to keep our members informed and well-prepared to face the evolving issues in our industry.
Each year, WBA hosts 75 in-person events, conferences, and schools across Wisconsin, in addition to convenient virtual programs. These gatherings connect bankers to expert insights, practical tools, and each other.

Leadership development remains a top priority. Our Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) program, now in its 12th year, helps emerging leaders grow their skills and confidence. Through events and mentorship, BOLT participants are shaping the future of Wisconsin’s banking industry.

WBA is also committed to peer connection. WBA Connect offers focused peer networking groups for everyone from HR professionals to commercial lenders — providing a space to exchange ideas, solve problems, and stay sharp.

Whether you’re attending a conference, mentoring a colleague, or advocating for your bank, your engagement strengthens WBA and helps ensure WBA’s relevancy — together.

Lund is WBA executive vice president – chief of staff and president of EBC and MBIS.

July 11, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Blue-on-Lime-Green.jpg 972 1920 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-11 07:52:172025-07-11 07:52:17Association Update: Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry
Community, Member News, News

Prevail Invests $22,250 in CREATE Portage County

Pictured at a special check presentation held in CREATE’s Great Hall: Kristin Hubbard Dostal, Executive Director; Ryan Branwell, Community Engagement Manager; and Nick Theisen, Event and Experiences Intern (far right) accepted the check from Prevail Bank Branch Manager, Dejonna Bates (center) and Dale Sankey, VP Commercial Loan Officer. Not pictured: Garrett Katerzynske, CREATE’s Director of Operations and Digital Marketing.

Prevail Bank recently contributed $5,000 to CREATE Portage County, bringing the bank’s total investment in the community development organization to $22,250.

CREATE uses the arts, entrepreneurship, and culture as vital components for bringing people together and growing local businesses, ultimately solidifying its role as a leader in community development, revitalizing Portage County, and building a vibrant inclusive community.

“We are proud to support CREATE Portage County,” said Nathan Quinnell, CEO/President of Prevail Bank. “We’re a community bank that is passionate about economic development, and the financial stability, welfare, and growth of individuals, families, and businesses.”

Prevail Bank’s first investment in CREATE Portage County was in May 2020.

July 11, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-11 07:48:562025-07-11 07:48:56Prevail Invests $22,250 in CREATE Portage County
Community, Member News, News

Dr. Callie Maursetter Joins One Community Bank Advisory Board

Dr. Callie Maursetter

One Community Bank is proud to welcome Dr. Callie Maursetter to the One Community Bank Advisory Board. Callie is an optometrist and owner at Isthmus Eye Care, which operates in Madison and Middleton, Wisconsin.

“I am excited to work alongside Callie on the One Community Bank Advisory Board. She will be a great addition to the board as she brings her extensive knowledge and experiences to our group,” said Jim Walker, Advisory Board Independent Chair.

Callie brings extensive experience in small business leadership and community involvement to the OCB Advisory Board. Over the past 15 years, she has helped build Isthmus Eye Care into a thriving, three-location practice known for delivering high-quality, personalized care and integrating cutting-edge technology into patient services. A Wisconsin native, she grew up in Waupaca before moving to Madison to establish her practice and serve the local community.

“I am honored to be joining the OCB Advisory Board,” Callie said. “I look forward to supporting OCB’s leadership team as they continue to grow as an organization and make a difference in the communities they serve.”

Beyond the office, Callie is an engaged member of the McFarland community. She enjoys spending time with her two school-aged children, often found coaching their sports teams, and volunteering at their schools. When she’s not busy with family or professional commitments, Callie enjoys curling and is a member of the Madison Curling Club.

With the addition of Dr. Callie Maursetter to the Advisory Board, her experience and perspective will help guide One Community Bank as it continues to strengthen its commitment to serve clients, support colleagues, and invest in our communities.

July 10, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-10 07:34:392025-07-10 07:34:39Dr. Callie Maursetter Joins One Community Bank Advisory Board
Community, Member News, News

Oostburg State Bank Welcomes Tom Brickley as Vice President – Business Banking

Oostburg State Bank is pleased to announce that Tom Brickley has joined the bank as Vice President – Business Banking. With 32 years of banking experience in Sheboygan County, Tom brings a deep understanding of the financial needs of local businesses and a proven track record of helping clients grow and succeed.

Tom has worked closely with businesses of all sizes to provide tailored financial solutions that support growth, stability, and long-term success. Over the years, he has built extensive experience across all areas of business lending, including conventional and SBA lending, financing for startups and acquisitions, real estate purchases and expansions, equipment financing, and lines of credit. In addition to lending, Tom has helped countless businesses and nonprofits establish strong deposit relationships to support their day-to-day operations.

“We are excited to welcome Tom to the Oostburg State Bank team,” said Eric Glewen, President and CEO of Oostburg State Bank. “His passion for serving businesses makes him a great fit for our team and our customers.”

As Vice President – Business Banking, Tom will work with business customers to provide personalized lending and banking services. His role will also include supporting the continued growth and success of Oostburg State Bank’s commercial banking portfolio.

“I’m excited to be at Oostburg State Bank and to join a great team of people at a local community bank,” said Tom. “I look forward to working with businesses across our area to help them reach their goals.”

July 10, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-10 07:30:552025-07-10 07:30:55Oostburg State Bank Welcomes Tom Brickley as Vice President – Business Banking
Advocacy, News

Executive Letter: “Crypto Week” is Next Week in D.C.

From the Desk of Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

WBA and its members have spent an increasing amount of time over the last few years discussing cryptocurrency and its impact on the banking industry and consumers with our congressional delegation during both in-district and Washington, D.C. meetings. Those conversations intensified this session with Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01) becoming the Chair of the Digital Assets Subcommittee of the House of Financial Services. At a June 30 event for Rep. Steil, he discussed in detail his leadership of the STABLE Act bill, broader crypto industry regulation, and the likely path forward in the House. His forecast was confirmed late last week when the House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (AR-02), House Committee on Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson (PA-15), and House Leadership announced that the week of July 14 will be “Crypto Week.”

Next week, the U.S. House will consider the CLARITY Act, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, and the Senate’s GENIUS Act. Rep. Steil is quoted as saying the following in the House press release:

“The golden age of digital assets is here, and the U.S. will lead,” said Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01). “Passing stablecoin and market structure legislation, alongside a CBDC ban, will ensure the U.S. wins the Web3 race. This package encourages the innovation and development of Web3 businesses here in the United States, protects consumers from fraud, and allows us to outcompete our adversaries, ensuring America dominates the future of blockchain technology.”

WBA’s advocacy focused on changes to stablecoin legislation that would protect the banking industry against disintermediation—for example, by requesting that stablecoin issuers be prohibited from holding Federal Reserve Master Accounts, barred from paying interest or other similar rewards on stablecoins, and requiried to comply with anti-money laundering rules. The GENIUS Act establishes a dual licensing system where nonbank issuers exceeding $10B in U.S. Dollars in outstanding issuance must obtain a specialized license from the OCC and will then be regulated by the OCC. Smaller nonbank issuers may opt for state or federal licensing. The Act also prohibits the payment of interest on stablecoins, requires issuers to comply with anti-money laundering rules, and clarifies that nothing in the Act expands or contracts current eligibility for master account access.

The CLARITY Act would establish regulatory jurisdiction over cryptocurrency at the federal level between the SEC and the CFTC. The CLARITY Act also establishes standards for reserve assets, operational risk, and supervisory oversight. At the same time, the OCC will be playing a role as more digital asset firms seek applications for a national trust bank charter. Currently, crypto platform Anchorage Digital is the only digital asset company with a national trust bank charter; however, both Circle and Ripple have also submitted applications.

WBA supports the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, which would prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC directly to individuals.

All three bills are expected to pass the House next week. This action, assuming no amendments, will then send the GENIUS Act directly to the President’s desk as the bill already passed the Senate. The acceptance of stablecoins as a method of payment among U.S. citizens and the practical impact on the banking industry of stablecoins remain to be seen. WBA will continue to be a vocal advocate for the banking industry with legislators and the public reinforcing the critical role that the industry plays in the economy and the fundamental need for bank deposits to fill that role.

July 10, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Executive-Letter-Thumbnail.png 720 1280 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-10 07:29:442025-07-10 08:31:13Executive Letter: “Crypto Week” is Next Week in D.C.
News, Resources

Charles Potts: Turning Strategy Into Success With the Right Tech

By Charles Potts, ICBA’s executive vice president and chief innovation officer.

In the current economic environment, your bank’s strategy is worth its weight in gold. Coming out of a little bit of rate malaise and deposit liquidity challenges, today’s environment delivers much more potential. In fact, the next couple of years provide the opportunity for banks to grow through their technological investments.

When it comes to broadscale business growth, community banks typically have three buttons they can push: 1) reduce costs, 2) increase revenue and profits, and 3) become more efficient and effective.

Technology can help bankers achieve all three goals, but it’s your strategy that will guide you to the right technological solutions to achieve your vision. For instance, if you’re looking to acquire new accounts, consider how your digital transformation initiatives can support you in delivering a more seamless, frictionless customer experience. How can technology help you create a consistent environment across channels, including digital, mobile, ATM, call centers and more?

If you’re striving to reduce costs and make your bank more efficient and effective, explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can provide that support. How can AI shore up back-office operations, simplify risk monitoring and even ease customer interactions?

We are in an era where technology complements community banking more than ever before. So, embrace how new partners and solutions can help your bank’s business vision become a reality.

But to reap those rewards, community bankers must start from a firm foundation. You have to step back and look holistically at your place in the market landscape. Who are you competing against? Where is deposit leakage happening?

Answering these questions requires another technology foundation: strong data. To get the information you need, you have to be able to analyze customer insights to make smart decisions. A data-centric approach will allow you to uncover the holes in your offerings, whether they are payroll, brokerage/wealth management, peer-to-peer, payments apps or something else. You will be able to determine where your bank customers are moving money, identify a short list of features, and target solutions you can bolt into your existing product suite to respond to those needs.

Resources exist to cull that data and drive decisioning. Take a look at ICBA’s ThinkTECH Accelerator alumni (icba.org/innovation) and Preferred Service Providers (solutions.icba.org) in the data space. Many of them are already primed to help you realize your strategic next steps for technological investments.

Because in today’s landscape, technology matters. Your bank’s strategy may very well be your golden ticket, but it’s your technology stack that will provide the Midas touch. With the right, data-backed strategy in place, community banks can ensure that all that technologically glitters really does turn into customer gold.

Potts will be speaking at WBA’s Innovation Showcase on September 22, 2025, in Wisconsin Dells.

July 9, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-09 07:49:432025-07-09 07:51:07Charles Potts: Turning Strategy Into Success With the Right Tech
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