October 24, 2025

In 2025, over 70% of community banks reported plans to use both in-house and third-party cash management technology, aiming for real-time liquidity, automated workflows and a proactive response to economic disruption. Yet less than half of these institutions achieve the results they expect in the first year, highlighting an uncomfortable reality: Most technology upgrades fail to deliver lasting value without a transformation of underlying processes and strategy.

John Anderson, Executive Vice President of NMBA, has been recognized by his peers in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his high-caliber work in banking and finance law. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a rigorous peer-review survey. For over 40 years, Best Lawyers in America has been regarded by both the profession and the public as the most credible measure of legal integrity and distinction. As such, recognition by Best Lawyers in America symbolizes excellence in practice.

There’s an old adage when discussing politics, usually said to cut through all of the noise: “People vote with their pocketbook.” Given the myriad issues that encircle political discourse in America, the saying goes that there’s one issue above all, the economy, which ultimately determines which way the populace swings.

Deposit competition remains fierce. According to IntraFi’s latest survey of bank executives, 93% say they expect deposit competition to remain at current levels or increase over the next year.1 To stay competitive in the current environment, community banks need every tool in their arsenal to attract and retain large-dollar depositors like businesses, nonprofits, government entities and high-net-worth individuals.

On September 11-12, the NMBA held its 113th Annual Convention in Albuquerque at Sandia Resort and Casino. It was a terrific event with a bevy of excellent speakers, and thanks to our long-time NMBA event planner and office manager, Debbie Schaefer, who retired on October 1. Congratulations to Debbie on her retirement!

Earlier this summer, President Trump signed into law the GENIUS Act, a long-awaited bill that will kickstart the development of a new regulatory framework for stablecoins in the U.S.