Technology & Innovation
VOICE OF COMMUNITY BANKS
Shaping the future of finance through process modernization, organizational transformation, and people-centric innovation.
Community Banks & the Future of Finance
Community banks in the United States are navigating a pivotal moment as they make much needed investments in digital banking, cybersecurity, AI, payments, wealth management and talent. As the backbone of the American financial system, community banks continue to finance local businesses, bring financial services to underserved communities, and anchor economic vitality. Decisions they are making today determine how effectively community banks serve their communities for the decade ahead. BNY is committed to helping them navigate the future of finance through building capacity, expanding community impact and embracing transformation with confidence.
BNY’s 2025 Voice of Community Banks Survey revealed that a top challenge for community banks' day-to-day operations is outdated technology, with nearly half (46%) stating technology investment was their primary strategy to mitigate operational challenges. As community banks navigate organizational change for the industry transformation unfolding, BNY is committed to delivering tailored programming for community bankers across the U.S.
Where Community Banking Investment Stands
Investment priorities that emerged from the 2025 BNY Voice of Community Banks Survey remain the defining agenda for many community bank leaders.
1. Digital banking platforms & mobile app enhancements
2. Cybersecurity and fraud prevention
3. Investment and wealth management services
4. AI and automation for operational efficiency
5. Modern payments technology
6. Talent acquisition and workforce development
Community Banking Leaders on Transformation & Innovation
Hear from community banking leaders on what it takes to modernize their banks, advance innovation and lead transformation in an industry where the stakes have never been higher.
AI & Cybersecurity
Barbara Dugas-Patterson, CEO, First Command Bank
Patterson is leading First Command Bank through a moment of meaningful reinvention. In this conversation, she shares how the bank is rethinking operations, embracing AI and strengthening fraud prevention all while working to preserve the personal connection and sense of trust that military families depend on.
AI & Talent
Carlos Naudon, CEO, Ponce Bank
Naudon brings a long-term perspective to growth and transformation, and places considerable importance on investing early in technology, AI readiness, and cybersecurity protections for community banks looking to scale while preserving trust and mission.
Digital Banking
Darrin Williams, CEO, Uplift Bank
Williams sees innovation as opportunities to solve real problems for customers and communities. He shares how building modern infrastructure and digital banking tools in-house, and supported by a culture that encourages experimentation can help community banks stay agile, deepen relationships, and support families on their path to building wealth.
Payments
Justin Jennings, Chief Deposit Officer, City First Bank
Jennings characterizes innovation as most meaningful when it expands opportunity. Hear his perspective on how payments modernization, treasury services and digital tools can help community banks better serve clients, strengthen local impact and create more accessible financial pathways for underserved communities.
Wealth Management & Digital Banking
Matthew Smith, CEO, Rhinebeck Bank
Smith believes the future of community banking lies in establishing top-notch relationship banking into the digital age. Hear about his perspective on bringing digital solutions and integrated experiences across business lines to help meet changing customer expectations without losing the personal touch that matters most in community banking.
Upcoming Webinars
Join us for two upcoming webinars that dive deeper into the themes shaping the future of community banking.
This event explores how stablecoin and tokenized deposits are reshaping the payments landscape and what it means for banks focused on growth, modernization and client trust. The panel will examine emerging opportunities, evolving risks and the strategic questions institutions should consider.
Speakers:
Shawn Main, Chief Business Architect, Vantage Bank; Founder of Hazel Network
Charley Sherman, BNY Director of North American Product Commercialization, Product & Innovation Hub
Moderator: Steve Marino, BNY Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs
Two prominent community bank CEOs will hold a timely conversation on leading through transition. Drawing on their recent experiences guiding banks through acquisitions, they share perspectives on leadership, integration and change management, while offering a forward-looking view on what’s ahead for community banks in 2027.
Speakers:
Kenneth Kelly, First Independence Bank CEO and American Bankers Association Chairman
Darrin Williams, Uplift Bank CEO and former Community Development Bankers Association Board Chair
Moderator: Patrick Vatel, BNY Head of Infrastructure Finance
Community Banks
NEWS & INSIGHTS
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