CBA’s Innovation Committee Making Real & Meaningful Progress

Guest article from Chris Stanley

he Community Bankers Association of Georgia formed its Innovation Committee in 2019 with the participation of over twenty senior leaders from Georgia’s community banks around the state. We have made remarkable progress. Our bankers have embedded themselves in the organizations that propel Atlanta, and Georgia, forward. These include the Technology Association of Georgia’s Fintech Society, Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), Fintech Atlanta and the Georgia Fintech Academy, itself a great advance forward in building a knowledge-based pipeline of future leaders to serve our state’s banking and financial technology community.

Innovation in banking has reached a tipping point, in no small part due to the pandemic. Consumers and businesses were compelled to do that which they had previously been hesitant – fully embrace the latest technologies, and specifically financial technologies. What had once been a distant rumbling for most banks was suddenly front and center, and with significant implications for the future of community banking. The members of our innovation committee understand that this paradigm shift has occurred and that only the forward thinking will thrive and survive.

Each month we discuss both macro and micro trends. We invite influencers to speak and share their knowledge, expertise and experiences. We hear from the CEOs and founders who are at the forefront of this innovation. And in this way, “fintech”, a term that is broad, sometimes ambiguous, and often scary, becomes relatable. The vast choices in the market are suddenly more manageable and strategic priorities come into focus. Our bankers are making real and meaningful progress that will benefit their customers, whether consumers or small businesses, and thus their communities. This is something we all strive for, and I hope you will consider joining our growing Innovation Committee.

Chris Stanley Senior Vice President & Fintech Banker SouthState Bank Atlanta

CBA Innovation Committee Chair