Arkansas Bankers Association
Paul Phillips Appointed Federal Programs Director at Cromwell Architects Engineers (Mover & Shakers)
In this role, Phillips will spearhead business development efforts in the federal sector, focusing on strategic marketing initiatives. read more >
Sean Williams Appointed CEO of First Financial Bank (Super Mover)
Williams joined First Financial Bank in late 2019 with the acquisition of First National Bank of Wynne, where he served as CEO. read more >
Arkansas Commercial Insurance Rates Soar Amid Extreme Weather & Inflation
The commercial real estate insurance market is facing its toughest conditions in years, with skyrocketing premiums, increased deductibles, and changing risk profiles due to severe weather events. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
The Venture Center Picks 10 Startups for New Banking Solutions Accelerator
The 12-week accelerator will provide the startups and growth-stage companies with hands-on training to address the latest technology challenges facing Arkansas banks and their customers. read more >
Venture Center & ABA Launch Fintech Accelerator for Arkansas Banks
Ten startups will be selected for the Arkansas Banking Solutions Accelerator, a 12-week program to advance technology in the state and help local banks navigate the ever-changing financial sector. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Megan Markham Hired as VP, Marketing at the Little Rock Regional Chamber (Movers & Shakers)
She previously served as foundation relations manager at Conway Regional Health System. read more >
Bank and Credit Card Network Perspectives Needed on ‘Swipe Fees’ (Letters to the Editor)
Two Arkansas banking executives write in with feedback on the April 8 article, “Swiped Out: Card Fees Cost Arkansas Businesses $600M in 2022” read more >
Kyle Davidson Joins FNBC as Community President, Mountain Home (Movers & Shakers)
Davidson will take charge of the bank’s two branches there. read more >
First Community Bank’s Bill Oliva Receives Bill Holmes Leadership Award (Movers & Shakers)
Arkansas Bankers Association recognized Oliva, who is vice president of commercial lending and diversity outreach at First Community Bank. read more >
Josh Neal Moves Up Ladder At Arvest (Movers & Shakers)
He has 17 years of industry experience. read more >
Banks Find Ways to Resist ‘Great Resignation’
How banks are investing in employees to improve retention amidst the pandemic's high turnover. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Banks Are Set For Steady Rise In Interest Rate
Predicting mortgage dip due to high interest rates, Arkansas bankers say their job is "managing the spread." read more >
by Marty Cook -
Bank Overdraft Fees Fading
Once a big source of income, overdraft protection fees fall out of step in banking. read more >
Banks Adapt as Money Goes Digital (Jim Cargill Commentary)
A complex and rapidly evolving ecosystem of digital first cryptocurrency-related products has arisen in the financial world. read more >
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Women Bankers See Progress in Industry
White male bankers still predominate, but the face of the business is changing. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Arvest Disputes Criticism of Its Overdraft Fee Profits
A recent analysis of overdraft fees by one of the country’s oldest think tanks included Arvest Bank of Fayetteville on a list of banks that “are no more than check cashers with a charter.” read more >
by Gwen Moritz -
Toward More Diverse Bank Leadership (Jim Cargill Commentary)
If we serve our communities — all parts of our communities — then we must bring more women, more people of color and more diverse people into positions of leadership. read more >
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Arkansas Banks Branches to Help With Vaccine Effort
At least seven Arkansas banks are participating in "Operation Vax Speed," an initiative between the Arkansas Bankers Association and the Arkansas Pharmacists Association to offer COVID-19 vaccines at bank branches throughout the state. read more >
Cooke, Brandon Named to Helena Health Board (Movers & Shakers)
Stephanie Cooke and Jimmy Lou Brandon have been appointed to the board of the Helena Health Foundation. read more >
Clark Joins Union Bank in Mena (Movers & Shakers)
Tim Clark has been hired as vice president of lending at Union Bank in Mena. read more >