Debanking Demystified: What Wisconsin Bankers Need to Know
By Elizabeth Fenton
“Debanking” is the latest lightning rod in the ongoing conversation about fairness and access in financial services. For many bankers across the state, the meaning and implications of debanking remain unclear. The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) spoke with Peter Wilder, attorney at Godfrey & Kahn, who recently joined WBA President & CEO Rose Oswald Poels in a webinar addressing the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) recent debanking directive to lenders.
Debanking refers to modifying or terminating banking relationships for reasons that may appear politically motivated. Wilder notes that this definition leaves room for subjectivity, even with the federal order that prompted SBA’s guidance. “It comes down to changing your banking practices for customers depending on their either political or religious persuasions,” Wilder says. “It is not 100% clear what that means or what is the intent behind the executive order.”
The SBA issued the letter in late-August in response to
Partnering for Progress: How CDFIs and Banks
Strengthen Wisconsin Communities By
Elizabeth Fenton
Wisconsin banks help families buy homes, small businesses open their doors, and communities prosper. Traditional financing, however, is not within reach for some borrowers — which is where Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) save the day. These lenders often work side by side with banks to fill gaps in access and expand capital to neighborhoods that are under-resourced.
CDFIs have entered the national spotlight in recent months amid reports of significant staffing reduction within the U.S. Treasury’s CDFI Fund — the very program that supports these critical community lenders. This conversation is a palpable threat for bankers and CDFI leaders in Wisconsin. Cuts in technical assistance or delays in federal awards could ripple through local economies where every penny of flexible financing counts. As a result, CDFIs are turning to new partnerships and funding models in order to keep economic opportunity within reach for all Wisconsinites.
Executive Order 14331, Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans. The letter directs more than 5,000 lenders to identify and remediate potential instances of politicized or unlawful debanking by December 5, 2025, and to submit detailed reports by January 5, 2026.
The order, signed by President Trump earlier this year, requires federal banking regulators and the SBA to ensure that banks and credit unions are providing fair access to financial services, regardless of a person’s lawful industry or political beliefs. The mandate emerged in response to growing concerns that certain businesses — such as firearm manufacturers and advocacy organizations — were being denied accounts without clear explanations.
Continued on pg. 14
CDFIs in Wisconsin
CDFIs take many forms — banks, credit unions, loan funds, venture capital funds — but they share a common objective: expanding economic access. In order to be certified by the U.S. Treasury’s CDFI Fund, an organization must serve a target market, demonstrate that community development is its primary purpose, and pair financing with technical assistance. The Fund supports its members through competitive grants, capacitybuilding programs, and the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program.
Wisconsin is home to 20 certified CDFIs that support affordable housing, small business startups, community buildings, and financial literacy initiatives. These programs serve as indispensable partners in bolstering self-sustaining local economies — especially in under-resourced neighborhoods and rural communities.
CDFIs across Wisconsin have funneled billions of dollars into the state through loans, grants, and federal awards. Forward Community Investment in Madison has deployed more than
18
The Lifelong Journey of Leadership: Insights on Professional Growth, Staff Development, and Cultivating the Next Generation of Banking Leaders
By Paul Northway
I’ve had the opportunity to work with an executive coach and can honestly say that it has been life-changing. Throughout the journey, I have received feedback that has allowed me to grow and become a more consistent leader. I have learned the value of being vulnerable, which has helped me develop authentic relationships. A coach can help you identify your blind spots so that you can be more reflective about what you are saying and doing, ensuring they are aligned. Leadership is a journey; it isn’t something you achieve — it’s something you practice every day, even on the days you fall short.
My Own Journey
I was fortunate to work for banks that supported my growth. I had the opportunity to obtain my MBA and complete the Graduate School of Banking, and I also took advantage of attending WBA schools such as Commercial Lending. I wanted to keep learning and had mentors who supported me through that journey. Today, I strive to lead with a spirit of servant leadership — focusing on helping others grow, supporting their goals, and empowering them to become the best version of themselves.
A Commitment to Continuous Growth
Our industry’s constant and fast-paced evolution means we must stay on top of new regulations, advancing technology, and changing customer needs. I realized early in my career that you need to read a lot to keep up with the constant change in our industry. Regulatory change requires an understanding of how rulemaking and laws impact how we do business, particularly how we can lessen the burden on our clients. WBA’s Government Relations and Legal teams help members sort through and understand changing regulations.
Emerging technology is another trend that requires leaders to focus on what makes sense for their employees and clients while avoiding the temptation to chase shiny objects. Artificial intelligence, for example, is rapidly transforming how we analyze data, detect fraud, and enhance customer service — but it also demands thoughtful consideration around security, ethics, and implementation. The recent WBA Bank Technology & Security Summit helped members gain insight into these important topics and how to apply them responsibly within their institutions.
Developing & Retaining Talent
We have a responsibility to sponsor the growth of our staff by helping them develop the skills needed to navigate the complexity of a career in banking. When leaders focus on helping employees achieve their personal and professional goals, I’ve witnessed transformation — staff become more engaged, relationships strengthen, and commitment to the team deepens. People want to work for companies that provide stretch assignments and opportunities to lead, grow, and learn from mistakes. Potential is only realized when there is a commitment to growth, and the outcome is a stronger bank that continues to meet the needs of clients and the community.
I’ve always loved the quote: “What happens if we invest in developing our people and they leave us?’’ A good CEO will respond, “What happens if we don’t, and they stay?’’ This philosophy is especially critical now. Our industry is at a pivotal point, with younger talent entering our banks who need the experience, education, and confidence to become our future leaders.
WBA’s commitment to education helps meet this need. Whether it’s a webinar with actionable tips for frontline employees, a multi-day school focused on a particular area of banking, or a conference with multiple learning tracks and networking opportunities, WBA is constantly refining its professional development offerings. Visit wisbank.com/ education to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Our industry is highly technical, and we naturally focus on developing those hard skills. But it’s equally critical that we help people grow their soft skills — the ones that help them understand themselves and those around them. Leaders are developed, not born. That’s why I’m excited about the emerging leaders program our bank recently launched, where five up-and-coming leaders are focusing on emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability, and teamwork. As I watch members of our team grow into their potential, I’m reminded that the best investment any bank can make isn’t in technology or infrastructure — it’s in people. Leadership is not a destination, but a lifelong journey, and the future of our industry depends on how many of us are willing to walk that path alongside the next generation.
Northway is president and CEO of American National Bank Fox Cities and the 2025–2026 WBA Chair.
Our experienced team of attorneys has been helping financial institutions tackle mission-critical issues like these for more than 30 years, so if any of the following are on the minds of your management team and board, they’re on ours as well:
• Mergers & acquisitions
• Fraud mitigation and recourse
• Succession planning
• Capital strategies
• Shareholder liquidity Technology
• Compliance
• Changing regulatory environment and relationships
• Attracting and retaining talent
• Entering new business lines or markets
• Risk and credit mitigation, restructuring or collection
• Branding and intellectual property
At Reinhart, we’re dedicated to ensuring you can anticipate changes, mitigate risk and be poised to seize opportunities whenever they arise.
It’s what we call partnering in possibilities.
Wisconsin Court of Appeals Confirms UCC Safe-Harbor Notice Requirements Not Altered by WCA Deficiency Judgment Provision
By Scott Birrenkott
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals (court) recently determined that a creditor’s use of the Uniform Commercial Code’s (UCC) statutory safe-harbor language in preand post-sale notices is legally sufficient and is not altered or influenced by the Wisconsin Consumer Act (WCA). While this was the first appellate-level case of its kind, similar challenges have arisen for Wisconsin Bankers Association members. WBA joined the Wisconsin Credit Union League in filing an amicus brief to support a unified industry position.
In Birge v. Simplicity Credit Union the Birges defaulted on a $4,222.42 vehicle repair loan. After repossession, Simplicity issued a pre-sale notice, sold the vehicle for $500, and issued a post-sale notice showing a deficiency of $4,233.48. Both notices utilized the safe-harbor forms pursuant to the UCC. The Birges argued that the notices were deficient because they
did not calculate the deficiency using the vehicle’s fair market value. Their argument relied upon WCA requirements.
The court rejected the Birges’ arguments. As part of its analysis, the court concluded that the UCC and WCA provisions could operate independently. The UCC directly regulates notice content and includes a safe-harbor form, while the WCA provisions apply only to judicial deficiency judgments. Furthermore, the court held that importing fair market value into UCC notices would contradict the Legislature’s separation of frameworks.
In conclusion, the court affirmed summary judgment in favor of Simplicity, holding that the WCA does not alter the UCC’s notice requirements. It emphasized that the WCA governs deficiency judgments in court and imposes no notice obligations. In this case, the court found that the UCC’s safe-harbor form is deemed sufficient when properly used.
Banks may continue to use statutory pre- and post-sale notice forms without incorporating WCA language. However, banks should still consider reviewing the language within their notices. To ensure legal sufficiency under the UCC, banks must include all statutorily required elements in pre- and post-sale notices. Also, while the safe-harbor language is not required, any deviation from it, including additional information, must not be misleading, and banks deciding not to rely upon the safe-harbor language should consider the implications of doing so.
See the November, 2025 edition of the WBA Compliance Journal for a full summary and analysis of the case.
The court’s full opinion may be found here: https://www.wicourts.gov/ca/ opinion/DisplayDocument.
Birrenkott is WBA director – legal.
Additional Comment Letters Filed this Year
WBA has filed four additional comment letters since the previous edition of the Wisconsin Banker. As discussed in the last edition, the Administrative Procedure Act requires agencies to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed rules for a designated period (typically at least 30 days). WBA encourages all members to participate in this process by submitting comments to federal and state agencies when appropriate. Comment letters and WBA-created templates, when available, are shared with members through the Wisconsin Banker Daily. Additional federal rulemaking developments are compiled in the monthly WBA Compliance Journal.
WBA has submitted four recent comment letters to promote regulatory clarity, modernization, and industry flexibility:
• September 16 – FDIC Branch Relocation Proposal: WBA supported the FDIC’s proposal to streamline branch and office relocation procedures. The letter advocated for simplified filings, expedited timelines, and clearer definitions. WBA also recommended replacing public notice requirements with direct customer notifications and urged clarification of what constitutes “reasonable” notice. Additional comments addressed remote service units, eligibility for expedited processing, and examples for intrastate main office relocations.
• September 16 – FDIC Guidelines for Appeals: WBA endorsed proposed revisions to enhance transparency, independence, and fairness in the supervisory appeals
process. The letter supported reinstating a standalone Office of Supervisory Appeals and expanding the scope of appealable determinations. WBA also recommended clarifying the relationship between appeals and enforcement actions, implementing safeguards against examiner retaliation, and establishing clear timelines to improve predictability.
• September 18 – Interagency RFI on Payments Fraud: WBA responded to the OCC, Federal Reserve, and FDIC’s joint Request for Information on payments fraud. The letter outlined current industry challenges and emphasized the importance of agency awareness. WBA supported efforts to improve fraud prevention tools, enhance regulatory clarity, and strengthen interbank coordination.
• September 26 – FDIC Regulatory Thresholds Proposal: WBA commented on the FDIC’s proposal to adjust and index certain regulatory thresholds. The letter emphasized proportional regulation based on institutional size and risk, recommending GDP-based indexing for asset thresholds and CPI-W for consumer-facing thresholds. WBA also urged transition relief for institutions nearing threshold changes and encouraged interagency coordination to ensure consistency across the regulatory framework.
WBA remains committed to advocating for the banking industry through active engagement in the regulatory comment process.
Government Relations Update: Member Engagement Key to 2025–2026 Legislative Success
By Lorenzo Cruz
The 2025–2026 Wisconsin legislative session is well underway with floor dates scheduled for October, November, January, February, and March. The Assembly is expected to adjourn by February, while the Senate will continue into March 2026.
Key State Legislative Issues
Interchange Fees
While a draft proposal was circulated earlier this year, no formal interchange fee legislation has been introduced yet. However, we anticipate that Walmart and retail coalition partners will aggressively push similar proposals nationwide in 2026.
Crypto ATMs and Digital Assets
Legislation targeting virtual currency kiosks is gaining traction. AB 384/ SB 386 — led by Sen. Roys and Rep. Spaude — proposes stronger consumer protections, including licensing, ID verification, transaction limits, fee caps, and fraud reimbursement. These bills are now in committee.
In addition, the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) released new 2025 guidance for crypto ATM operators covering transaction limits, registration, and anti-fraud standards. Republican legislators Sen. Testin and Rep. Gustafson are also developing a draft bill incorporating similar requirements with an emphasis on compliance infrastructure and transparency.
Separately, AB 471 — introduced by Rep. Neylon and Sen. Testin — seeks to exempt certain blockchain and digital asset activities from licensing, offering clarity on staking and user protections. The bill has been heard in the Assembly.
Trust Code Revisions
A trust code trailer bill is being prepared to make technical corrections and clarify trust termination provisions. It is expected to proceed without controversy. Rep. O’Connor also plans to reintroduce a revised Domestic Asset Protection Trust (DAPT) bill this fall, following the governor’s prior veto.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Governor’s Race
With Governor Tony Evers not seeking reelection, both parties are seeing a surge in candidates. On the Democratic side, notable names include Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Sen. Kelda Roys, Milwaukee Co. Exec. David Crowley, former WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes, Rep. Francesca Hong, and others. Republicans include Rep. Tom Tiffany and Washington Co. Exec. Josh Schoemann. Trump’s endorsement is expected to heavily influence the Republican primary. Other candidates rumored to be considering a run are former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, businessman Eric Hovde, Businessman Tim Michels, and former Gov. Tommy Thompson. Wisconsin’s purple-state status suggests another record-breaking election year.
Member Engagement & Advocacy Opportunities
Milford Hills Sporting Clay Event
We are pleased to report eighty-six participants and eleven sponsors for this late October grassroots engagement event.
Capitol Day – February 11, 2026
Please save the date and plan to join us in Madison for a full day of advocacy. Your voice matters.
TYLWD - We have held five events and five more are planned. If you are interested in scheduling a Take Your Legislator to Work Day, please contact the GR team.
WBA’s advocacy success is directly tied to your grassroots and political contributions support. We have reached 68% of our $300,000 annual PAC/ conduit goal. As we enter the final stretch of 2025, we urge all members to participate in fall fundraising and encourage first-time contributors to get involved. Thank you to all who continue to support our mission.
For questions or to get more involved, contact the WBA Government Relations team.
Cruz is WBA vice president – government relations.
Mark Your Calendars
Invest in the Future Prosperity of the Banking Industry
As part of the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s mission to support bankers in Wisconsin at both the state and federal level, advocacy plays an important role in the work the team does each day. In order to continue advocating for the strength and well-being of our industry, WBA membership is encouraged to help make political contributions to WBA’s political accounts: Wisbankpac, the Alliance of Bankers Conduit (ABW), and the WBA issue advocacy fund. These donations play a vital role in supporting our elected officials who support banking and business initiatives. Through the Association’s political action funds, individuals have the ability to pool their personal contributions with that from other bankers for even greater impact and visibility for the industry. Here’s how your bank can make a difference:
Individual Recognition
Silver Triangle Club
Silver Triangle is earned by individual bankers who make a minimum personal contribution of $1,000 to any combination of the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) political conduit, Wisbankpac, or the WBA issue advocacy fund.
Leadership Circle
WBA’s Leadership Circle recognition requires individual bankers to make a minimum personal contribution of $3,000 to any combination of the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) political conduit or Wisbankpac.
Hall of Fame
WBA’s Hall of Fame recognition requires individual bankers to contribute a minimum aggregate lifetime personal investment of $25,000 to any combination of the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) political conduit or Wisbankpac.
Bank-Wide Recognition
Gold Triangle Club
Gold Triangle recognition is achieved by banks whose officers, directors, and employees aggregately contribute a minimum amount (based on bank asset size) to the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) political conduit or Wisbankpac.
Not sure where to start?
More information regarding the Association’s yearly priorities and ways to get involved is available at wisbank.com/advocacy. WBA staff are also available to give virtual or in-person presentations to WBA-member bankers and/or a bank’s board of directors. These informative updates help illustrate the legislative environment we work in and detail the Association’s priority issues.
Milford Hills Outing
On October 23, 2025 WBA’s Government Relations team hosted the second annual Milford Hills Outing at one of Wisconsin’s premier shooting ranges, in support of Wisbankpac. Nearly 90 shooters enjoyed a day of fall weather challenging stations on the sporting clays course a silent auction, and after-shoot social in the clubhouse – all in support of Wisbankpac.
Pictured: WBA member bankers during the 2025 Milford Hills Outing hosted by WBA's Government Realtions team
Advocacy in Action: Member Engagement with Regulator Leadership
In mid-October, nine bankers joined WBA’s Rose Oswald Poels, President and CEO and WBA’s Heather MacKinnon, VP – Legal and Communications in Washington, D.C. for the annual trip to meet with regulators. This trip is always a productive one, resulting in impactful advocacy and conversations given the small group size. In the span of only two halfdays, the group was able to meet with senior officials from the FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve. The group also met with Congressman Brian Steil. The topics discussed in detail included regulatory relief/tiered regulation/indexing for community banks, deposit insurance reform, Debanking Executive Order, payments fraud, community bank capital standards/ mutual capital, modernization of Regulation O, preemption and protection of National Bank Act, BSA/CTR reforms, and stablecoin/GENIUS Act/Clarity Act.
WBA wishes to thank the following bankers for joining WBA this year: David Feldhaus, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago; Corey Hoze, Associated Bank; Gary Kuter, Bank of Sun Prairie; Jeff Langkamp, Bank Five Nine; Kat Detloff, Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan; Kristen Gagliano, North Shore Bank; Robin Christian, Premier Community Bank; Timothy Schneider, Bank Five Nine; and Todd Nagel, IncredibleBank.
Pictured from left to right: Timothy Schneider, Robin Christian, Kat Detloff, Rose Oswald Poels, Kristen Gagliano, Gary Kuter, Jeff Langkamp, and Corey Hoze.
Committed to the Industry. Committed to your Bank.
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Strategic Planning
• Ownership Succession
• Securities Offerings
• Vendor Contracts
• Compensation Plans
• Commercial Lending
• Consumer Finance
• Workouts & Bankruptcy
• Privacy & Information Security
• Fintech
As a WBA Gold Associate Member, we prioritize our commitment to the Wisconsin banking industry. More depth, more expertise, better results.
“We trusted Godfrey & Kahn with the sale of our family’s most valuable asset...our bank. And we would do it again.”
— $50 Million Community Bank
“Godfrey & Kahn’s responsiveness, follow-up, teamwork and expertise exceed expectations.”
— $1 Billion+ Community Bank
WBA Strategic Management Summit Delivers Insight for Risk and Operations Teams
Thank you to the bankers and associate members who joined us in September for our revamped WBA Strategic Management Summit. The event focused on education for the bank’s operations, risk, and credit risk management teams. In addition to thought-provoking keynotes and detailed breakout sessions, attendees also enjoyed a session dedicated to bankeronly peer groups by roles. The exhibit hall was packed with vendors showcasing the products and services to meet their banking clients’ needs.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Innovation and Insights Take Center Stage at WBA Tech & Security Summit
WBA was pleased to host 115 bankers and a sold-out exhibit hall for the September WBA Bank Technology & Security Summit in Wisconsin Dells. Attendees had the chance to hear several keynote speakers, pick from four rounds of breakout sessions, participate in peer group discussions, and spend time with vendors.
Previously hosted in the spring, the WBA Innovation Showcase was partnered with this fall summit, allowing bankers to attend both events together, or register just for one event. The optional Innovation Showcase drew a crowd of bankers who had the chance to attend seven different live demos from the fintech vendors. As noted by one attendee, “I really enjoyed the vendor demo day! Great add. The presentations were the right length of time to get the information needed to investigate the product or service further. Vendor exhibits are changing with technology demands which is good to see.”
Thank you to the WBA Financial Crimes Committee and WBA Technology & Operations Committee who oversaw the development and planning of this event, working hand-in-hand with the education team at WBA to ensure the content met the needs of today’s banking information security officers, operations officers, and IT managers.
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CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES FROM WISCONSIN!
Not pictured: Scott Erickson, Security Financial Bank, Fall Creek
Digital doesn’t mean distant: Preserving community banking’s personal touch in a digital world
By Kathleen Rolfs
As community bank customers increasingly turn to mobile apps, online banking platforms, and digital communications, we face a critical challenge: maintaining personal connections with both customers and the community. Trust, accessibility, and hometown relationships have long defined community banking, and set us apart from larger, less personal institutions. Yet as interactions increasingly shift from in-person to digital, these qualities can sometimes feel diminished. How can we ensure that “digital” doesn’t become “distant”? With thoughtful strategy, digital channels can strengthen the very relationships that make community banks unique, and it is our challenge as community bankers to keep this as our highest priority to distinguish ourselves.
Lead with Local Personality
Our greatest strength as a community bank is our local identity, and that should be clearly evident. Every digital touchpoint, website, social media channel, mobile app,
and newsletter, should reflect our institution’s personality and community spirit.
Being involved in local events has always set community bankers apart, but sharing photos where employees are showing up to and volunteering at local events helps to tell our bank’s story and humanize our employees. Using familiar, friendly language that is personally written says more about the values of a community bank than any advertisement does. Ensuring that a community bank’s online presence feels authentically local, customers recognize the same warmth they feel when they walk into a banking location.
Show People, Not Products
While large banks often focus on products and promotions, community banks can set themselves apart by focusing on people. Telling real stories, such as how a small business grew with your support, how a family achieved homeownership, or how our staff rallied to serve during challenging times. Photos and videos featuring real customers and employees make the brand relatable and memorable.
Engage, Don’t Just Post Social media shouldn’t be one-way communication. Responding to comments, congratulating local businesses, and sharing community updates all demonstrate attentiveness and care (and this also helps our social media following grow). Every reply is a digital handshake and an opportunity to build trust.
Uncomplicate regulatory compliance
Wipfli’s ComplianceHelp subscription is designed to assist your financial institution with routine regulatory compliance questions. Learn more at wipfli.com/compliancehelp
What About the Increasing Presence of Community Digital Groups?
Community groups on social media have become central to where important conversations are happening, and it’s important that financial institutions monitor these discussions.
With over 253 million U.S. adults (about 73%) active on at least one social media platform (DataReportal, 2025), a welldefined social media strategy is essential for community banks to maintain visibility and meaningful connections. Platforms such as Nextdoor, Reddit, and segmented public or private city groups offer practical opportunities to build trust, engage directly with residents, and showcase the bank’s impact in the community.
Anticipate Open Dialogue Online and Strategize How to Respond in Advance
Having a clear plan for monitoring and responding to conversations in these spaces is critical to maintaining a positive communications approach with customers and community members. Recently, when our bank implemented a change that affected our customers, we held extensive internal discussions in advance to develop a strategy for managing anticipated public discussions online. We adjusted our monitoring schedule, added staff members to help, and outlined when and how to respond. When our designated bankers joined active conversations with a brief, helpful message provided a direct phone number and invitation for the customer to stop by, the discussion often shifted constructively and concluded quickly.
Blend Technology with Human Touch
Finally, technology should always complement, not replace, personal service. Features like online appointment scheduling, video calls, secure email, and video teller machines allow our customers to connect with our familiar faces, even from a distance. The goal isn’t to digitize our relationships but to make them more accessible and convenient. Technology can amplify what has always made community banks special: relationships built on trust, service, and genuine human connection.
In an era where technology continues to redefine how people interact with one another community banks can thrive in both the digital and personal worlds. The key is not to choose between technology and community, but to let each strengthen the other, ensuring that even as we innovate, our customers always feel connected to their hometown bank.
Rolfs, vice president – chief marketing & communications at PremierBank in Fort Atkinson, is the chair of the 2025–2026 WBA Marketing Committee.
The executive order also directs the Department of the Treasury, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and other financial regulators to issue their own reports on fair banking practices. Taken together, these directives represent one of the broadest federal efforts in recent years to examine how financial institutions extend or restrict access to lawful customers. The initiative’s reach may evolve as agencies interpret how far the concept of “fair banking” extends beyond the SBA’s loan programs.
For some, the order represents a renewed focus on fairness in financial access. For others, it raises concerns about how much discretion banks should retain to manage reputational and credit risk.
The buzz may suggest sweeping regulatory change, but community banks do not appear to be the focus. “The SBA released an updated reporting form that allows banks with less than $30 billion in assets to use a more streamlined process,” Wilder explains. “That tells us the administration’s focus is not likely on community banks.”
In other words, many believe community banks are unlikely to find themselves in the federal spotlight. Yet, they are still expected to demonstrate that their decision-making processes are rooted in fair risk management rather than political considerations. The conversation has prompted many banks to look inward. The process of reviewing policies, customer segments, and internal decision-making is about identifying wrongdoing as well as reinforcing public trust. For institutions that already operate with a culture of fairness, the SBA’s directive offers an opportunity to demonstrate that commitment with data and documentation.
For most WBA members, debanking is best approached as a compliance practice, one requiring risk assessment and proper documentation. In other words: Each institution should take a good-faith approach consistent with its business model.
“What we’re really talking about here is reinforcing good governance,” Wilder adds. “It’s about making sure your board and management team can point to a
process that shows objective, risk-based reasoning. If you can do that, you’re in a strong position.”
Wilder cautions against viewing the SBA letter as an expansion of regulatory oversight, but rather an effort to ensure that a bank’s risk management practices don’t extend into political territory. “It’s not necessarily more oversight,” he contends. “It’s more mindfulness that there should not be ulterior reasons for denying banking services.”
That mindfulness, he says, may require institutions to reexamine longstanding internal practices. Policies on customer onboarding, credit review, and account termination should clearly identify risk-based factors — such as creditworthiness, compliance history, or transaction behavior — while avoiding ambiguous language that could be interpreted as subjective or arbitrary. “Even if your bank has never engaged in anything remotely political, you still want to be able to show that,” Wilder notes.
Even with limited exposure, banks are expected to take the SBA’s directive seriously. Wilder advises institutions to document their review process and ensure board-level awareness. “Boards should be confident that lending, deposit, and customer onboarding practices are applied consistently, and that decisions are based on objective, risk-based factors.”
Oswald Poels, in an Executive Letter sent to membership in October, emphasized that transparency, fairness, and documentation remain a bank’s best defense against misinterpretation. “WBA continues to engage federal agencies for clarification,” she added, “and we will share updates as soon as they become available.”
The SBA’s rapid rollout of the guidance highlights how seriously federal agencies are taking the issue — even if the practical impact will fall unevenly across the industry. Wilder stressed that while the directive may appear sweeping, its real message is about intentionality and ensuring that policies do not inadvertently exclude customers or industries.
Beyond compliance, the issue underscores a larger theme: how banks balance autonomy with accountability.
Financial institutions have always had the discretion to manage risk — but that discretion is now under new scrutiny. The growing public interest in socalled “politicized banking” has blurred the line between risk management and perception, challenging banks to communicate more openly about how and why decisions are made.
In practice, Wilder suggests that institutions review past decisions through a broad lens to confirm they align with objective criteria. “Boards have got to take probably a broader rather than narrower view when they’re looking at this,” he says. “You just don’t want to find yourself in a position where something could be misinterpreted later.”
Wisconsin community banks can take comfort in knowing that their relationship-based business model already practices fairness and accountability — the exact principles the directive seeks to enforce. By staying transparent and documenting decisions, community bankers can navigate debanking with the same prudence that has long-defined Wisconsin banking.
As political attention on financial access grows, the topic of debanking is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Federal agencies continue to examine fair access across multiple sectors, from payment platforms and fintech partnerships. These developments hint at a more interconnected conversation about fairness, risk, and innovation — one that community bankers will inevitably be part of.
Ultimately, the SBA directive is less a call for alarm and more a reminder of the principles community bankers already uphold: fairness, diligence, and transparency. Wisconsin banks are encouraged to stay informed, engage their boards, and maintain strong documentation practices. As these expectations expand, community banks may play a defining role in illustrating how risk management and fair access can coexist.
Fenton is WBA Communications Coordinator.
Godfrey & Kahn is a WBA Gold Associate Member.
UW-Whitewater Offers 100% Online Banking Certificate for Working Professionals
Bankers across Wisconsin now have an avenue to sharpen their industry knowledge and advance their careers through the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater’s Banking Certificate for Banking Professionals. This program is a 12-credit, fully online opportunity offered through the College of Business and Economics.
The certificate is designed specifically for individuals already working in financial services. The courses help professionals deepen their understanding of core banking concepts while building practical skills that will serve their day-to-day work. Coursework includes Bank Management, Regulation and Compliance, and Credit Analysis — all taught by faculty with industry expertise.
The program is open to all professionals at every stage of their banking career. No prior college experience is required, and applicants may enroll as Special No Credential (SNC) students without submitting transcripts. Students usually take one to two courses per term, allowing them to balance education with full-time employment.
UW-Whitewater’s online certificate program offers an accessible path for working individuals interested in expanding their foundation in bank operations or preparing for future leadership.
Admission is currently open. Visit https://www.uww.edu/online/certificates/banking for more information.
Bulletin Board
News from Wisconsin Bankers Association Members
Promotions and New Hires
Abbotsford
AbbyBank announced that Sue Ackerman (pictured), VP/Branch Manager/Business Banker, has expanded her role to manage both the Medford and Withee locations.
Menomonee Falls
Community Capital Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Collins State Bank, announced the appointment of Benjamin J. Becker (pictured) as Chief Executive Officer. Becker will continue in his daily role as president of Collins State Bank.
Waupaca
After more than 43 years in banking, with 26 of those years at Farmers State Bank (including 16 years as president), Laine Lazers (pictured) will retire from his role at the end of the year. Laine will continue to contribute part time as CFO for a two-year period and will continue to serve as a member of the board. Congratulates to Dick Phillipsen (pictured), who will step into the role of president in January. Phillipsen has 35 years of experience in the banking industry and has been with Farmers State Bank for 23 of those years.
Green Bay
AbbyBank welcomed Brittany Helf (pictured) as VP/Commercial Lender at their new Green Bay Commercial Loan Production Office.
Horicon
Horicon Bank announced the promotion of Cassie Voight (pictured) to Director of Operations, Senior Vice President, as well as her appointment to their Senior Management Team.
Ixonia
Ixonia Bank announced the promotion of Patrick Lubar (pictured) to First Vice President – Regional Commercial Banking Manager.
Luxemburg
Bank of Luxemburg has announced the promotion of Stacy Slatky (pictured) to Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding retiring CFO Joe Mauel
Madison
First Business Bank welcomed Robin Oertel and Steve Ogus (both pictured) as Senior Vice Presidents – AssetBased Lending to First Business Specialty Finance, LLC, a subsidiary of Johnson Financial Group announced that Carissa Peterson (pictured) has joined the team as a Vice President Senior Mortgage Loan Officer.
Manitowoc
Bank First announced the addition of Debbi Steber (pictured) as Vice President of Deposit and Payment Operations.
Marshfield
Forward Bank announced the promotion of John Kaprelian (pictured) to Senior Vice President – Retail Innovation & Strategy.
Milwaukee
Associated Bank announced that Ryan Heckman (pictured) has joined the bank’s Private Wealth team as senior vice president, Private Banking group manager, succeeding Wendy Carlson who retired in October 2025.
Loyal
Joshua Burgess (pictured) joined Citizens State Bank of Loyal as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer.
Waterloo Farmers & Merchants State Bank announced the addition of Deanna Respalje (pictured) as Vice President, Loan Operations Manager.
Whitewater First Citizens State Bank announced that Jarod Schut, CFP®, CTFA
(pictured) has joined the bank as Vice President – Trust & Investment officer at the Whitewater main office. Additionally, David Barnett (pictured) has joined the bank as Vice President –Commercial & Mortgage Loan Officer, also at the Whitewater Main Office.
Anniversaries
Congratulations to Lisa Lehner (pictured) who recently celebrated 40 years of service to National Exchange Bank & Trust.
Sean Brennan (pictured), Vice President & Commercial Loan Officer at Bank of Wisconsin Dells, celebrated 15 years with the bank in September.
Retirements
After decades of dedicated leadership, Mound City BankPlatteville, prepares to bid farewell to two remarkable leaders. Donna Hoppenjan, CEO, is set to retire alongside Nancy Salzmann, (both pictured) VP Deposit Compliance/ BSA Administrator on December 31, 2025.
Good News
Thanks go to Nasdaq for featuring WBA in Times Square on their digital billboard to celebrate the association’s 133rd anniversary! WBA is proud of our longstanding commitment to serving our members and advocating for the banking industry.
Lauren Ruff, Vice President – Marketing Director with Ixonia Bank, was recently recognized at the Waukesha County Business Alliance Annual Meeting as part of their 2025 Emerging Leaders of Waukesha County award winners.
Mary Karnitz, Vice President and Branch Manager of Port Washington State Bank’s Grafton office, has been named the Ozaukee Impact Award Volunteer of the Year.
Representatives from The Chiba Bank LTD attended a meeting hosted by
WBA on August 28, 2025.
In Business Madison recently revealed its second annual Power 100 list. The list recognizes a group of 100 business and community role models serving companies, nonprofits, and the government, who were selected for their impact on their industries, the Greater Madison area, and beyond. Along with WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels, several WBA members and Associate Members were honored:
Corey Chambas, CEO, First Business Financial Services Inc.
Lorrie Keating Heinemann, President, Madison Development Corp.
Elmer Moore Jr., CEO and Executive Director, WHEDA
Wendy Perkins, President and CEO, WPS Health Solutions
Rose Oswald Poels, President and CEO, Wisconsin Bankers Association Jim Tubbs, CEO, Lake Ridge Bank
In Memoriam
Richard “Dick” Pamperin (pictured), past President of Premier Community Bank, in Marion, passed away on October 8, 2025. Dick was 84 years old. In August 1978, he joined Marion State Bank, now known as Premier Community Bank, where he served as President for 27 years and continued service on the board of directors and as Chairman of the Board. He also served on the board of directors of four other community banks, the board of directors of WBA, and numerous groups within the American Bankers Association (ABA), culminating as Chairman of their Community Bankers Council. Dick was also recognized as the Wisconsin Community Banker of the Year in 1991, received the Bruning Award from the ABA in 2007 for his significant service to America’s rural and agricultural communities, recognized by the Wisconsin Legislature in 2008 for his 40 years of exemplary service, and joined the WBA’s Wall of Excellence in Banking Leadership in 2020, surrounded by family and an honor that he shares with his son, Tom.
Lubar Slatky
Oertel Ogus Peterson Heckman
Respalje Kaprelian
Phillipsen
Ackerman Lazers Voight Helf Burgess Becker
Barnett Brennan Hoppenjan Lehner Schut
Steber Salzmann Pamperin
Bulletin Board
News from Wisconsin Bankers Association Members
Celebrating a Lifetime of Service
Community First Bank
Congratulations to Kimberly Rabska, Branch Manager at Community First Bank, who was honored with a Lifetime Service Award in recognition of her 40-year commitment to the banking industry. Rabska began her banking career in 1985 at Baraboo Federal Savings and Loan — later known as Baraboo Federal Bank and Amcore Bank — where she spent 19 years in a variety of roles including teller, bookkeeping, personal banking, and accounting/research. She joined Community First Bank in 2004 as a Teller/Customer Service Representative and advanced to her current role as Branch Manager. Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO, presented Rabska with the award to commemorate her many decades of service and dedication to her customers and community.
Community Involvement
Community First Bank in Boscobel hosted a successful backpack drive in August to collect school supplies for local students. With generous support from the community, they were able to present a large donation to the Grant County Social Services.
Bank Five Nine held its annual school supply drive, collecting supplies to help local children start the school year with the tools they need to succeed. Each Bank Five Nine branch donated a grouping of items, and community members also helped by dropping off new supplies at Bank Five Nine branches.
Bank Five Nine supports hunger-free weekends for kids with their $15,000 donation to Blessings in a Backpack Southern Wisconsin Chapter.
Port Washington State Bank
Congratulations to Joan Woldt, Chief Operating Officer of Port Washington State Bank. Woldt was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Service Award for her 30-year commitment to the banking industry. Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO, presented Woldt with the award to commemorate her many decades of service and strong leadership.
In early September, 24 Lake Ridge Bank associates spent an afternoon pulling invasive weeds and collecting wildflower seeds for the Clean Lakes Alliance at Picnic Point, which is part of the UW campus on the shores of Lake Mendota.
of the
Peshtigo National Bank awarded over $10,000 in Fair Scholarships this year to more than 100 young individuals across the communities they serve. Each student received $100, representing not only an investment in local youth but also a testament to the growing success of this initiative. Now in its second year, the Fair Scholarship program has seen remarkable growth.
Fortifi Bank
Fortifi Bank proudly recognized Eric Cerbins for his 45 years of dedicated service to the banking industry with a special celebration held on August 19, 2025. Close friends, colleagues, and community members joined together to honor Cerbins, sharing stories and memories from his remarkable career. During the event, WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels presented Cerbins with a Lifetime Service Award commemorating his decades of service and commitment to the profession.
DC Everest High School recently celebrated the installation of a state-of-the-art audio and video board at Stiehm Stadium, made possible in part through a $75,000 sponsorship from Intercity State Bank. The new scoreboard is a major enhancement for the school’s athletic programs and a reflection of Intercity’s longstanding commitment to investing in the local community.
For nearly 25 years, Oak Bank has transformed October into a month of giving, community connection and fall tradition through their annual Pumpkin Give Away. Oak Bank has distributed an estimated 30,000 pumpkins and raised nearly $50,000 for local nonprofits. This year’s annual Great Pumpkin Give Away was held on Saturday, October 4th and this year's beneficiary is Meadowood Health Partnership.
One Community Bank announced a $10,000 donation match to Stoughton Exceptional Experiences Education Fund. The initiative was established in 2025 and seeks to expand access to meaningful educational experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, for students in the Stoughton Area School District.
Members
Capitol Bank team recently volunteered with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin as a part of Hunger Action Month.
$287 million toward projects like community health centers and affordable housing. The Wisconsin Native Loan Fund based in Lac du Flambeau helps families build stability and generational wealth through housing and small-business loans within tribal communities. Impact Seven, headquartered in Rice Lake, offers flexible financing for housing and community facilities across Wisconsin.
WBA sat down with Kathryn Dunn, president and chief visionary officer of the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) — a statewide economic development organization and a WBA associate member. The organization was founded in 1987 and has provided more than $140 million in small business loans. This capital has helped thousands of entrepreneurs — many of them women, veterans, and people of color — start their businesses.
“WWBIC is a statewide economic development organization that provides small-business training and access to capital for start-up and early-stage businesses,” Dunn explained. “We partner with a number of banks across the state. The key to our successful partnerships is valuing what each partner brings to the work.”
This very spirit of collaboration is pervasive across Wisconsin CDFIs. These investments help individuals build credit, increase available jobs, and set the stage for long-term community stability.
Why Banks Partner With CDFIs
For community banks, CDFIs can be trusted allies in reaching a customer base who might otherwise be overlooked. CDFIs specialize in serving under-resourced borrowers and often take on smaller or highrisk loans that traditional banks cannot carry alone.
Partnerships between community banks and CDFIs can take different forms:
• Referrals and co-lending: Banks can refer clients who aren’t yet ready for conventional financing or share risk through loan participations.
• Investments and deposits: Banks may strengthen a CDFI’s lending capacity by providing capital through deposits, equityequivalent investments, or targeted grants.
• CRA credit: Many CDFI-related activities qualify for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) consideration, helping banks meet regulatory goals while directly supporting community development.
WWBIC leans into this partnership model with a quippy mantra: “Don’t Say No, Say WWBIC.” The program urges banks to refer clients to WWBIC instead of turning them down completely.
“Banks are our greatest referral source and we truly value that partnership,” Dunn noted. “We also invite our bank partners to serve as speakers at our classes, particularly around financial literacy, business planning, and understanding financials.”
Beyond financing, CDFIs provide coaching and technical assistance that help borrowers build credit and experience. Many CDFI customers eventually graduate to traditional bank financing — a trajectory that mutually benefits the borrower and the bank. “Our goal is to help businesses get to a point where they can access traditional bank financing and services.” Dunn said.
CDFIs and banks mutually compliment each other: Banks gain future customers while CDFIs fulfill their mission of expanding access to opportunity.
Challenges Ahead
CDFIs face ongoing challenges: limited access to capital, reliance on federal funding, and the logistical complexity of serving rural and low-income markets. Many CDFIs often operate with lean staffing and must juggle compliance.
The possibility of dwindling federal support has only intensified these pressures. Earlier this year, national reports suggested that staff reductions withing the U.S. Treasury Department could weaken the CDFI Fund’s ability to administer grants and technical help.
CDFIs in Wisconsin continue to
evolve in the wake of uncertainty. Many are exploring new partnerships with banks and philanthropic investors to diversify their funding sources. Banks, in turn, are discovering that strong CDFI relationships allow them to participate in the development of their own communities without shouldering all of the risk.
These important collaborations finance daycare centers, grocery co-ops, first-time entrepreneurs, and affordable housing initiatives — investments that make our neighborhoods livable and local economies self-sustaining.
What Lies Ahead
Partnerships between banks and CDFIs benefit both the community and the banking industry. More families and small businesses gain access to capital, in turn making the local economies and banks that serve them stronger.
The CRA already encourages banks to invest in low- and moderate-income communities, but working with a CDFI often magnifies the output. A loan participation with a CDFI can transform a high-risk undertaking into a manageable one by combining the CDFI’s local connections with the bank’s balance sheet.
CDFIs also introduce valuable community outreach opportunities to banks. Many invite bankers to teach courses or serve on advisory boards. WWBIC and other organizations frequently invite bankers as guest speakers for classes on business planning and financial literacy, which gives bank employees a chance to strengthen community trust.
The health of the CDFI ecosystem depends on both federal support and on the strength of its partnerships, especially with local banks. The mutual respect between banks and CDFIs, as Dunn describes, lies in “valuing what each partner brings to this work.” At a moment when national headlines raise questions about the future of federal support, Wisconsin’s banking community offers a reassuring counterexample: Collaboration between organizations drives success.
Fenton is WBA Communications Coordinator.
LEADERS IN BANKING EXCELLENCE
CEREMONY
Five individuals were recognized by the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) for their excellence in banking, community service, and civic involvement.
The celebration was held on Friday, September 5, unveiling five new plaques on the Leaders in Banking Excellence installation at the WBA headquarters in Madison. Established in 2020, the wall now profiles 32 outstanding current and former banking leaders who have helped to shape the industry into what it is today.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 Leaders in Banking Excellence:
• Robert B. Atwell, Nicolet National Bank, Green Bay
• Michael E. Daniels, Nicolet National Bank, Green Bay
• Mark W. Forsythe, Peoples State Bank, Prairie du Chien
• Douglas S. Gordon, WaterStone Bank, Wauwatosa
• the late Samuel C. Johnson, Johnson Financial Group, Racine
WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels congratulated the Class of 2025 inductees.
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Secretary-designee Wendy K. Baumann provided remarks on the positive impact of Wisconsin’s’ banking industry.
U.S. Representative Tony Wied (R-8th District) spoke at the event and gave legislative citations to the Class of 2025 inductees. Congressman Wied (right) is pictured with honoree Mark W. Forsythe (left).
Pictured (from left to right): Robert B. Atwell, Michael E. Daniels, Douglas S. Gordon, Mark W. Forsythe, and Helen Johnson-Leipold
Honorees Robert B. Atwell (left) and Michael E. Daniels (right), both of Nicolet National Bank, Green Bay in front of the Honor Wall.
Pictured (from left to right): Connor Leipold, Helen Johnson-Leipold, who accepted the award on behalf of her late father Samuel C. Johnson, and Johnson Financial Group President and CEO Jim Popp
In Review YEAR 2024–2025
Our mission is to empower financial decisions through education, scholarships, grants, and research.
7 Grants
6 Scholarships
Encouraging financialplanning for higher education and future careers
Agricultural Banking Scholarship
Two scholarships of $1,500 each were awarded to Wisconsin students pursuing careers in agricultural banking.
S Spring Scholarship
Four scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded to Wisconsin students who demonstrated excellent academic achievement, career preparation, and financial literacy.
92 Reports
Providing free access to data
Supporting the work of non-profits providing financial education
• A Asset Builders – The statewide high school Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl competition was awarded $5,000.
• E Eastbrook Academy – The Empowering Educators for Financial Education Excellence project in Milwaukee was awarded $3,000.
• E Economics Wisconsin – The statewide middle and high schools Stock Market Game was awarded $5,000.
• F Faith Christian School – The Risks & Rewards: Senior Economics Business Challenge was awarded $5,000.
• N Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency, Inc – The Supportive Housing project was awarded $2,500.
• S SecureFutures Foundation, Inc.– The SecureFutures' Money Coach project was awarded $5,000.
• W Wisconsin Womens Business Initiative Corporation – The Financial Literacy for Current & Potential Entrepreneurs program was awarded $5,000.
Quarterly banking reports on seven Midwest states, compiled by UFS Tech, were published on banconomics.com.
2,200+ Books
Building knowledge and skills
Reading Raises Interest Kits
In conjunction with Teach Children to Save Day utilized the kits for lessons in classrooms around the state. This year's kits featured the book Rock,Brock,andtheSavingsShock by Sheila Bair, and over 2,200 books were donated to students, classrooms, and libraries.
Excellence in Financial Education Awards
Our dedicated volunteers engage with audiences of all ages and locations in Wisconsin This year's awards celebrated the efforts of nearly 450 bankers, who made a total of 1,340 financial education presentations reaching nearly 40,000 community members.
450 Volunteers
Empowering community members
gala Wisconsin Bankers Foundation 2025
Foundation Gala Raises Money for Financial Literacy Initiatives
The third annual Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) Gala held on September 25 at the Goodman Community Center’s Brassworks Building was not just a fundraising success but was also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the important work being done by the Foundation.
The mission of WBF, the charitable arm of the WBA created in 2015, is to promote financial literacy and capability through education, scholarships, grants, and research. Some of the ways that mission is being achieved are through the popular Reading Raises Interest Kits distributed statewide in conjunction with National Teach Children to Save Day, higher education scholarships for students attending Wisconsin institutions, Banconomics reports that provide key data to banks in the Midwest, and grants made to other non-profit organizations aligning with our mission.
Leaders from non-profit organizations which received 2025 WBF grants were present at the Gala and were able to share information about their missions. It was heartening to see their financial literacy work being recognized by the attendees. Those non-profits are:
• Asset Builders
• Eastbrook Academy
• EconomicsWisconsin
• Faith Christian School
• Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency
• SecureFutures
• Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)
Gala guests enjoyed delicious food, good company, and the fun, fast-paced live auction and paddle raise.
Thanks go to the very generous attendees, sponsors, and donors who supported the WBF through multiple ways including
presence at the Gala, event sponsorships, table sponsorships, donating silent and live auction items, and generous auction bidding. The Gala grossed $31,000. We could not have achieved this success without the impactful support of WBA members and their guests.
Presenting Sponsor:
FHLBank Chicago
Table Sponsors:
Capitol Bank, CBI Bank & Trust, Peoples State Bank (Wausau), PremierBank, and FIPCO’s ShareFI
In-Kind Donors:
American National Bank – Fox Cities
Associated Bank, Green Bay Bank of Kaukauna
Bankers’ Bank, Madison
Bell Bank, Eau Claire
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East
First Business Bank
Fortifi Bank
Godfrey & Kahn
Green Bay Packers Foundation
Horicon Bank
Peoples State Bank, Wausau
Rose Oswald Poels
Katie Reiser
Saint Kate Hotel
Starion Bank
The American Club Resort
UFS
Wisconsin Bankers Foundation
Wolf River Community Bank
Apply Now for the WBF Agricultural Banking Scholarship
The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) — the charitable arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association — is accepting applications for the 2025 Agricultural Banking Scholarship. Two selected students will receive a scholarship of $1,500 each. Applicants must be currently enrolled at a Wisconsin public or private, non-profit college, university, or technical college and be pursuing a career in agricultural banking.
The selection criteria include academic achievement, having a career goal related to ag banking/finance, relevant experience in agriculture, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.
The scholarship is part of WBF’s mission to promote financial literacy and aims to support the talent pipeline into the banking industry, particularly in rural Wisconsin communities. Bankers are encouraged to share the opportunity with interns, local students, and educators.
Visit wisbankfoundation.org/scholarships to learn more and apply.
THE BHG LOAN HUB
AML Trends: A Community Bank Perspective
By Kris Mertins
Community banks are in an ongoing battle against money laundering and keeping up with complex regulations. This fight against money laundering is crucial for the integrity of the financial system and the communities served. Despite potentially having fewer resources than larger banks, community banks face the same regulatory demands, in addition to everevolving criminal threats. This article discusses current trends and how community banks can navigate them.
Embracing Smart Technology
Community banks, unlike their larger counterparts, often need a more practical and cost-effective approach to technology adoption.
• Automation is Key: Automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks is essential. Streamlining processes, such as initial customer due diligence and daily transaction monitoring, allows the team to focus on suspicious activities. Cloud-based RegTech solutions offer a scalable and
affordable way to achieve this.
• Integration and Data Quality: Optimizing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) processes often relies on the quality and accessibility of data. Ensuring different systems communicate and that data quality is maintained is essential to create a more unified view of customer activity and enhance the effectiveness of your AML programs. Smaller-scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) implementations can be impactful. Tools that detect transaction data anomalies can reduce the number of false positives, allowing AML officers to focus on high-risk cases.
Keeping Up With The Rules
Community banks, despite their smaller size, are as equally hyper-regulated as larger institutions, including the expectations of robust BSA/AML programs.
CONNECT
• Risk-Based Approach: A risk-based approach is essential. Instead of treating every transaction and customer the same, it is necessary to assess the risks associated with different customers and services. This allows for the strategic and efficient allocation of resources, focusing efforts where they matter most.
FEATURES
✓ Online applications
✓ Automated document collection
✓ Borrower notifications
✓ Third-party integrations
BENEFITS
✓ Close loans
✓ Eliminate data entry
✓ Quicker document collection
✓ Easy to implement & use
• Staying Ahead of The Curve: Criminals are constantly finding and exploiting new technologies, including cryptocurrencies and digital assets and real-time payment systems. Keeping the team updated on emerging threats and regulatory changes is an ongoing process.
Investing in Your People
The strength of an AML program lies in the people.
• A Culture of Compliance: A strong compliance culture, supported from the top down, is critical. Regular, targeted training for all staff, especially frontline employees. They are the first line of defense and empowering them to recognize and report suspicious activity is crucial.
• Skill Development: AML is a specialized field. Ongoing training and development should be provided, particularly in areas like data analytics and financial crime investigation. This enhances the team's expertise and ensures they have the skills to handle complex challenges.
• Considering Outsourced AML Support and Reviews: Outsourcing certain AML functions or reviews to specialized providers, like ShareFI, can make sense with limited internal resources. This provides the expertise and independent perspective that allows the core team to focus on banking priorities.
Our Commitment
Community banks are dedicated to protecting customers and the community from financial crime. By strategically leveraging technology, adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape, and investing in the team, a strong and effective AML program can be built. It’s a continuous journey. Let ShareFI help.
Mertins is Assistant Director – Compliance and Management Services at FIPCO. For more information about FIPCO forms, software, or other products, visit fipco.com, call 800-723-3498, or email fipcosales@fipco.com.
FIPCO is a WBA subsidiary and WBA Gold Associate Member.
FIPCO is pleased to announce that Carrie Vanderhoef will be filling a newly created position with ShareFi titled Associate-Loan and Credit Administration. Vanderhoef has been in the banking industry for numerous years. She has been a personal banker, loan operations processor, senior loan support specialist, and most recently, Assistant VP Mortgage Processing & Servicing with Greenwoods State Bank.
Thank you, Gold Associate Members
Who is the 2025 Banker of the Year?
You tell us! Nominations are due December 5, 2025.
WBA is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Banker of the Year Award! This award recognizes someone who has made an outstanding effort in service to their bank, to their community, and to the banking profession. To qualify, nominees must be an employee of a Wisconsin bank and a member of the WBA. In addition, the individual should be a bank president/CEO, or have held this role in the recent past. Nominations may be submitted by an individual who can describe the banker’s civic and professional accomplishments.
Kenneth D. Thompson, executive chairman of the board and former president and CEO of Capitol Bank in Madison was honored as the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s Banker of the Year for 2024. Thompson, a former chair and board member of WBA, had a 29-year journey with Capitol Bank where his guidance helped the bank expand its footprint, open new branches, and fuel loans to support the local economy. He is also dedicated
to community service, particularly as a longtime volunteer and served on the boards of Agrace Hospice and Catholic Charities of Madison, as well as the American Family Children’s Hospital Community Advisory Board. He was the 39th banker honored with this distinction and exemplifies the dedication of bankers across the state through his commitment to his bank, the industry, and various community initiatives.
This year’s award will be presented at the Bank Executives Conference, February 5, 2026, in Wisconsin Dells.
To nominate yourself or another banker for this prestigious award, please visit wisbank.com/bankernomination to complete the form by December 5, 2025.
Questions about the award or the nomination and selection process may be directed to WBA Executive Vice President – Chief of Staff Daryll Lund at dlund@wisbank.com or 608-441-1203.
Honoring Wisconsin Bankers for a Lifetime of Service
Nominations are due December 5, 2025.
Every year, WBA presents awards recognizing bankers for their long service to our industry and their community, and the tradition will continue this year.
The 50-Year and 60-Year Clubs recognize bankers who have served in the banking industry for 50 and 60 years, respectively. These awards will be presented at the WBA Bank Executives
Conference, February 4–6, 2026, at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. If your bank has individuals who should be recognized, please nominate them by completing the form found at wisbank.com/ServiceAwards.
If the nominated individual is unable to attend the conference, WBA staff will work with you to plan an event at your bank in honor of the individual.
Eligibility Rules for 50- and 60-Year Club Memberships
Any Wisconsin banker who is an active or retired officer, director, or employee and has completed 50–59 or 60-plus years of service. (U.S. Military service counts in the 50-year or 60-year span if the proposed recipient was in banking both before and after time spent in the military).
Bankers enrolled in past WBA 50-Year Clubs are not eligible to be honored again in that specific award category but may make an application to be honored for 60 or 70 years of service to the financial services industry. Before nominating an individual, we strongly suggest checking with the person or your institution’s records to confirm dates of service as well as to determine whether they have received the honor in a past year.
Wisconsin Bank Leaders: Strengthen Connections, Share Insights, and Stay Ahead
By Daryll J. Lund
Membership in WBA’s CEOnly/CFOnly Networks begins in January
In an environment where industry shifts and regulatory changes arrive rapidly, it’s more important than ever for banking leaders to have a trusted circle of peers to turn to. The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is proud to offer this opportunity through its CEOnly/CFOnly Networks, designed exclusively for CEOs and CFOs of Wisconsin-chartered banks.
Membership provides direct access to colleagues across the state who understand the challenges — and opportunities — unique to leading a bank. Through the confidential email Q&A service, members receive timely, candid input from peers on the very issues they’re navigating. In addition, three in-person meetings each year provide time and space to build stronger relationships, exchange best practices, and hear from guest speakers, all in a collaborative setting. Breakfast and lunch are also included.
Over the past year, members exchanged more than 55 questions, offering practical insights and new approaches that helped banks anticipate and respond to emerging issues. Many leaders find that participation not only informs their decisionmaking but also strengthens their long-term planning. With
annual membership priced at $350 (or $600 for both the CEO and CFO from the same bank), the networks continue to provide a cost-effective and highly valuable resource.
As the 2026 calendar year quickly approaches, now is the time to renew or begin your membership in the CEOnly/ CFOnly Networks. By engaging in this community, Wisconsin’s CEOs and CFOs ensure they remain connected, informed, and better positioned for future success. Network members often share that the unique insights they gather through the Q&A service are incredibly valuable and that being able to quickly pose a question to a group of respected peers is well worth the membership fee.
If you would like to learn more or join the network, please contact me at dlund@wisbank.com or visit wisbank.com/ceonly. Save the Dates!
Three CEOnly/CFOnly Network-excusive events will take place on:
• March 20, 2026 | Wausau
• June 12, 2026 | Wisconsin Dells
• October 16, 2026 | Madison Insurance for banks, from people who know banks.
Lund is WBA executive vice president and chief of staff.
Jeff Otteson Vice President of Sales jeffo@mbisllc.com 608.217.5219
Wisconsin bankers are the definition of “community advocates” in all that they do every day to improve their local economy through bank products and services, as well as through generous philanthropy of time and money. The Community Advocate Spotlight shares and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and innovation of some of the extraordinary bankers in the state.
Questions and Answers
The following is a brief interview between WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and President and CEO of Citizens Bank, Mukwonago Jeff Standafer.
Rose: How did you first get into the banking industry?
Jeff: I’m actually a second-generation banker. I grew up in a small town in the 1970s, and my dad was very involved in the local bank. I saw how connected he was — he knew everyone, was active in the community, went to the country club, rode in parades — and honestly, it just looked like a lot of fun. I also like to joke that I always wanted to be the banker in Monopoly.
When I was in high school, my dad’s bank had a “Junior Board of Directors” program for students. It wasn’t a real board, of course, but it gave us a chance to learn about banking. That experience stuck with me. When I went to college, I decided to major in marketing with the goal of working in banking.
Now, all these years later, I’m proud that both of my sons also work in banking — and one of them even works here at our bank as a mortgage loan originator. It’s been fun to see that next generation carry it forward.
Q: What’s your favorite aspect of your role at the bank?
For me, it’s all about community connection. Banking comes full circle — you help someone buy their first home or start a business, and years later, you’re working with their kids. That kind of long-term relationship is what community banking is all about.
I also really enjoy that, as President and CEO, I get to be involved in every area of the bank. This gives me a great view of how everything fits together — from lending and operations to marketing and technology. It’s rewarding to know that I can help guide where we’re headed over the next 10 years. We have a great group of employees, and I look forward to what we’re able to achieve together as a team.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about the banking industry?
I wish more people realized how many different types of careers exist in banking. We have people in IT, accounting, compliance, operations, marketing, sales, you name it — all of them are “bankers.” It takes so many different skills to run a
bank, but most students never hear about that as a career path. I like to say that most of us are “accidental bankers.” We didn’t necessarily plan to go into banking, but once we got here, we found it was a great fit. I’d love to see more high schools and guidance counselors talk about banking as a career option because there’s something for almost everyone in this field.
Q: Where do you think the industry’s greatest challenges will be in the next three to five years?
Two big ones come to mind: artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
AI has incredible potential to help banks become more efficient and serve customers better, but we also have to be careful and thoughtful about how we use it. And on the other side, cybersecurity and fraud are huge challenges right now. Check fraud is actually increasing, and digital scams have become so sophisticated that criminals can spoof our websites or phone numbers and make it look like they’re the bank. Protecting our customers from that is something I think about constantly.
Q: Tell us a bit about your current role and one of your most rewarding experiences.
As President and CEO, I oversee all areas of the bank and work closely with our board and leadership team on strategy. But the part that sticks with me the most is seeing the longterm impact of relationships we’ve built through community banking.
One example that really stands out: Years ago, I was coaching youth baseball, and one of the player’s dads came up to me and asked who he should talk to about a business loan. I told him, “That would be me.” We ended up helping him buy a business using SBA 7(a) and 504 programs, which allowed him to keep local jobs and even add a few.
A few years later, we helped him buy another company in his industry to expand, and then during COVID, we were able to support him again with PPP loans. Today, his company is thriving, and he’s even become one of our bank’s shareholders. To me, that’s what community banking is all about — being part of someone’s journey from the very beginning, helping them grow, and earning their trust over time.
Thank You to WBA Platinum Associate Member
As a Platinum Associate Member, FHLBank Chicago stands among WBA’s most dedicated partners—organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership and investment in the success of Wisconsin’s financial institutions. This elevated level of membership reflects not only strong engagement with the Association but also a shared dedication to ensuring the continued growth, innovation, and stability of community banking across the state.
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WBA Mission Statement
We actively advocate for, educate, and support our members to help them positively impact the Wisconsin communities they serve.
Association Officers:
Paul J. Northway (Chair), President and CEO, American National Bank Fox Cities, Appleton
Joe Peikert, (Chair-Elect) President and CEO, Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville
Greg Lundberg (Vice Chair), President and CEO, Fortifi Bank, Berlin
Alvaro (Al) Araque (Past Chair), Senior Vice President, Director of Consumer, Private, and Business Banking, Johnson Financial Group, Racine
Rose Oswald Poels, President and CEO, Wisconsin Bankers Association, Madison Association Board of Directors:
Tina DeGustino, Regional President Wisconsin Region, BMO Bank, Milwaukee
Jim Hartlieb, President and CEO First Business Bank, Madison
Kelly Heroux, President and CEO Peshtigo National Bank
Shay Horton, President and CEO
Cumberland Federal Bank
Shane Ilstrup, President Citizens First Bank, Trempealeau
Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO Bank of Sun Prairie
Todd Nagel, President and CEO IncredibleBank, Wausau
Nathaniel (Nate) Parrish, President First Citizens State Bank, Whitewater Timothy (Tim) Schneider, President and CEO Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc William (Bill) Sennholz, CEO Forward Bank, Marshfield
Lindsay Spitzer, President and CEO
Bluff View Bank, Galesville Eric Witczak, Executive Vice President and COO, Nicolet National Bank, Green Bay
The Wisconsin Banker is published by the Wisconsin Bankers Association, 4721 South Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718; Telephone: 608-441-1200; wisbank.com.
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The publication of advertisements does not necessarily represent endorsement of those products or services by the Wisconsin Bankers Association. The editor reserves the right ot reject any advertising or editorial copy deemed unsuitable for publication for any reason. Copy deadline is eight business days before publication date.
Disclaimer: With the exception of official announcements, the Wisconsin Bankers Association disclaims all responsibility for opinions expressed and statements made in printed articles and advertisements in the Wisconsin Banker. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal or
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