Arkansas Bankers Association
![Chris Gosnell, CEO of Farmers Bank & Trust of Magnolia: “How do we get younger people into the industry and how are we recruiting that talent and retaining it once we have it?” [Jason Burt]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/JBP_2368_opt-300x194.jpg)
Estate Tax Change Brings Hope for Small Banks
Amid a long-term decline in community banking, a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could help preserve family-owned banks serving rural areas. read more >
by Griffin Coop -
Banks Get Tax Break On Ag Loans
A new law lets banks deduct 25% of interest income on qualifying ag loans, easing farm credit competition. read more >
by Griffin Coop -
Arkansas Banks Compete for Talent as Interest in Industry Declines
With stiff competition and shifting perceptions, commercial banks are working to attract young talent and modernize the industry’s image. read more >
by Marty Cook -
New Hires & Promotions at Henderson Engineers, First Community Bank & Stone Ward (Movers & Shakers)
Highlights include Halie Price joining Henderson Engineers, Katie Bruhl at Taggart Architects, and Chris Gosnell named chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association. read more >
Venture Center, Arkansas Bankers Association Launch Second Year of Fintech Accelerator
Both organizations said the first cohort was a success and that they want to continue partnerships with Arkansas banks. read more >
![U.S. Rep. French Hill has issued a list of 25 priorities to “Make Community Banking Great Again.” [photo provided]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/French_Hill404327545_902384757917406_8973079737088440338_n_opt-300x194.jpg)
Views From the Chair: French Hill’s Plans for Leading Financial Services Panel
U.S. Rep. French Hill, as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, plans to reduce regulatory burdens for community banks while promoting innovation and transparency in finance. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Farmers & Merchants Bank CEO Brad Chambless on Leadership & Community Banking
The chair of the Arkansas Bankers Association chair champions fraud prevention, senior protection and community support in banking. read more >
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 >
Sign up for Daily E-news
Sign Up
THIS WEEK’S EDITION
This Week’s Stories
View Digital Edition
