July 24, 2026

At the heart of every financial transaction is a customer, a business or a community that depends on reliable, secure and accessible financial services. Whether those services are delivered through electronic payments, self-service technologies or cash access points, the organizations that enable them carry an enormous responsibility. Our role, as industry associations, is to ensure our members have the knowledge, tools, advocacy and connections they need to fulfill that responsibility.

Deposit networks are often described as funding tools, enabling banks to access funds and depositors to access FDIC insurance on large amounts. But they are far more than that. Deposit networks can also be balance sheet levers — mechanisms that allow banks to manage timing, risk and optionality without sacrificing customer relationships.

Today, “tokenized deposits” and “stablecoins” are being treated much the same way. They’re used interchangeably in vendor pitches, trade press and board presentations. For most audiences, that’s fine. For community bank leaders, a deeper understanding is necessary.

Bob Forrest, 90, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home. Bob was born on June 12, 1935, in Albuquerque. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1954, where he excelled as a standout athlete in both football and basketball. After high school, Bob and his brother Dick continued their football careers at

The SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB), a nationally renowned source for banking executive education, will hold its 162nd Assembly for Bank Directors at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa in Vail, Colorado, on September 3-6, 2026. SWGSB Assemblies for Bank Directors attract banking leaders from across the country to address critical issues affecting the industry.

On July 4, cities and towns across the nation celebrated 250 years of American independence.

Thousands of New Mexico families realized the dream of homeownership in 2025 thanks to Housing New Mexico’s participating lenders and the mortgage programs offered by the organization. Housing New Mexico announced the 2026 Achievement Award recipient, as well as its Top Metro and Rural Lenders, as part of its lender recognition program.

B:Side Capital and B:Side Fund, a non-profit small business lender and Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI), announced the launch of its AI-powered financial intelligence platform designed exclusively for small business owners. The platform connects directly to users’ bank accounts to deliver real-time visibility into cash flow, automated anomaly detection and forward-looking forecasts — all in a single, unified dashboard.

The NMBA held its 114th Annual Convention on Thursday, June 18, and Friday, June 19, in Santa Fe at the La Fonda Hotel. The convention’s theme was a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Max Myers, NMBA president and lifetime resident of Santa Fe, wanted to showcase his hometown and did so spectacularly.

The NMBA held its 114th Annual Convention on Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19 in Santa Fe at the La Fonda Hotel. The convention’s theme was a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Max Myers, NMBA president and lifetime resident of Santa Fe, wanted to showcase his hometown, and his efforts exceeded all expectations.