The Impartial Group Bankers of America (ICBA) introduced Monday (June 8) a further three-year dedication to its ICBA ThinkTech Accelerator program in Little Rock as a part of an innovation technique for the advanced and evolving markets during which group banks function. Launched in 2018, in partnership with The Enterprise Heart in Little Rock and the state of Arkansas, the accelerator brings group banks and monetary expertise corporations (fintechs) collectively to develop new applied sciences particularly for group banks and the purchasers they serve.“Because of its highly collaborative nature and direct access to community banking expertise, the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator has developed a reputation within the fintech community as one of the best for entrepreneurs looking to enter the community banking industry,” ICBA senior govt vp of group bank options Kevin Tweddle stated. “This three- year commitment to the program cements ICBA’s mission to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish.” This system has additionally developed a powerful status with banking regulators as innovation has grow to be a key focus of the monetary providers panorama.“Forums like the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program are pivotal in fostering a creative and thoughtful approach to innovation,” stated Beth Knickerbocker, chief innovation officer on the Workplace of the Comptroller of the Forex (OCC). “We look forward to working with ICBA and other stakeholders to continue this important dialogue, to promote greater access to our nation’s banking system, and to support innovation that ensures our industry’s continued health and resiliency.”“Congratulations to the ICBA and The Venture Center on their long-term partnership through the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator, bringing the most innovative technologies to community banks across America,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson stated in a press release. “While this partnership impacts neighborhoods from coast to coast, community banks make more than 50% of all small business loans and 80% of agricultural loans which is especially meaningful for Arkansans. We look forward to welcoming more innovators to Arkansas, the birthplace of fintech, for years to come.”Since its launch in 2018, this system has produced quite a few notable cohort alumni, a number of of which have maintained their relationship with ICBA as endorsed Most well-liked Service Suppliers. Additionally notable was the power of a number of alumni to shortly reply to the distinctive technological challenges confronted by many group banks in addressing the COVID-19 disaster. These early successes spotlight the significance of creating a deep understanding of group banking relationships with start-up entrepreneurs.“After two highly successful accelerator programs in partnership with the ICBA and with support from The State of Arkansas, The Venture Center is honored to continue playing an important role in bringing relevant fintech solutions to our nation’s community banks through 2024,” stated The Enterprise Heart govt director Wayne Miller. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue our partnership with ICBA, and to help lead three more years of fintech innovation through the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program.”
