Alex Okerman

A New Resource to Help Community Banks Stay Ahead of Fraud

— Megan Olson, President & CEO, ICBSD Fraud isn’t slowing down, and a single bank cannot track every new scheme alone. The best defense is staying connected, sharing information, and learning from others who are seeing these issues in real time. That’s why we’ve launched a new member resource: the Financial Fraud Advisory Forum. Offered […]

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Security Bank’s Lennox Branch Embodies Service in Action

From hosting the America 250 flag unveiling to opening a one-of-a-kind Community Room, Security Bank continues to deepen its commitment to South Dakota communities under the leadership of President John Baumiller.   When Security Bank opened its new Lennox branch on July 28, 2025, the occasion marked far more than a new location. It represented

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Proactive Protection: What You Need to Know About ICBA’s Fraud Loss Protection Plan

— Josh Hogue, Immediate Past Chairman of ICBSD & ICBA Federal Delegate, President, Reliabank Dakota Fraud isn’t slowing down and neither can we. As community banks, we pride ourselves on being proactive when it comes to protecting our customers and our institutions. But with fraud schemes growing more complex and aggressive, even the best internal

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From the Top: It’s a wonderful (community banking) life

— Jack Hopkins, ICBA Chairman, President and CEO, CorTrust Bank, Sioux Falls, SD While I may be biased, I believe that being a community banker is the best profession there is. There’s just something about watching your customers realize their dreams—whether buying their first home, opening a small business or starting their kid’s college fund—that

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First Bank & Trust’s FOCUS on Innovation

Since 2014, First Bank & Trust’s FOCUS event has grown into one of South Dakota’s most anticipated business gatherings, a platform dedicated to inspiring innovation, elevating leadership, and strengthening rural communities. More than a conference, it’s a commitment to advancing local businesses by creating space for connection, strategy, and bold ideas. Held bi-annually, FOCUS brings

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Attorney-Client Secrets: Can Regulators Override Attorney-Client Privilege?

— Preston J. Tetzlaff and Charles D. Gullickson, Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP The attorney-client privilege protects communications between attorneys and their clients from compelled disclosure. This well-established privilege is deeply rooted in both common law and statutory frameworks across the country. Banks occasionally receive requests from regulators to produce communications protected by this

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