Over the last few years, community financial institutions have been working through one of the more favorable repricing environments in recent memory.
President Donald Trump’s pick to head the Federal Reserve and push forward rate cuts will have to deal with rising inflation and a fragile jobs market that will make any course changes difficult.
Just like taking too much risk in golf can turn a bad shot into a bad hole, buying the wrong bond or reaching for yield at the wrong time can wipe out years of progress.
Community banks have more innovation paths available to them than ever before.
Understanding and acting on those signals can help financial institutions strengthen margins, liquidity and long-term performance.
While technology will always disrupt, service and care must always endure.
To effectively manage a balance sheet, there must be some sort of interest rate bias.
The challenge of meeting evolving expectations without overextending resources, and the opportunity to strengthen relationships by broadening service offerings.
The pace of change has undoubtedly accelerated, and the rate environment may well transform again over the next 12-18 months.
The two organizations became First Bank Midwest effective July 1, 2026.
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe range of protected activity at a financial institution is broader than many managers realize.
Reading Time: 2 minutesUntil a final ruling is issued, Indiana banks should continue to monitor developments in this litigation.
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe IBA’s Financial Services Academy will host 30-35 apprentices across 17 banks spanning the state this fall.
