Scottsdale Community Bank is helping local businesses and nonprofits turn big ideas into reality through its pioneering Lemonade Stand Loan Program, a creative microloan initiative inspired by the spirit of a child’s first business venture. Besides its robust large loan program, qualified businesses, individuals and nonprofits can secure loans of up to $25,000 to help … [More]
OneAZ Credit Union Receives Final Regulatory Approval to Acquire 1st Bank Yuma
OneAZ Credit Union announced it has received regulatory approval from the National Credit Union Administration to acquire substantially all of the assets and substantially all of the liabilities of 1st Bank Yuma. On November 21st, 1st Bank Yuma will officially become part of OneAZ Credit Union, marking an exciting milestone in OneAZ’s growth and commitment to serving Arizona … [More]
PNC to Add 2,000 Jobs and 300 Branches, Arizona Market to Benefit from Growth
PNC announced it will be opening more than 300 new branches by 2030, adding 100 new branches to the expansion plans announced last November and increasing its total branch investment to approximately $2 billion. The additional branches, in markets including Nashville, Chicago, Sarasota and Winston-Salem, extend PNC's expansion efforts to nearly 20 markets across the United … [More]
Bank on It: Arizona’s Banks Funding Our Future
Commerce could not exist without money. But money by itself does not guarantee commerce will be successful. As an economic sector of its own, the financial industry comprises a variety of types of institutions — with a variety of products and services. For this article, In Business Magazine reached out to a select few of the major and community banks and credit unions that … [More]
Guest Editor: Paul Hickman, Arizona Bankers Association
Banking on Growth What do customers get from their financial institution? “Money” is one answer. Another? “Relationship." As contributors to this month’s cover story make clear, understanding their customer’s situation and needs is the foundation for (providing) an appropriate solution. I am happy to report that the banking industry in Arizona continues to strive to be … [More]
Feedback: November 2025
Q: What’s your experience (and preference) regarding brick-and-mortar and virtual banking? Peggy Fiandaca Owner & General Manager LDV Winery Sector: Wineries We prefer virtual banking for all our business and personal needs. This includes payroll, deposits, managing multiple business and personal accounts, ordering checks, vendor payments, etc. We run a retail … [More]
Breaking into Banking: The Essential Guide to a Career in Finance
In Breaking into Banking: The Essential Guide to a Career in Finance, renowned finance and careers commentator Afzal Hussein delivers a concise and up-to-date roadmap to getting a start in the world of finance and banking. Readers can explore the different divisions and areas of the industry ― including investment banking, global markets, investment research, asset management, … [More]
The CEO’s Guide to the Investment Galaxy: Navigating Markets to Build Great Companies
The CEO's Guide to the Investment Galaxy by Sarah Keohane Williamson provides indispensable insights for business leaders navigating the landscape of the global investment community. Not all shareholders are created equal. Knowing who one’s shareholders and the other members of the investment community are ― and what drives them ― is key to one’s success. For readers stepping … [More]
From Check Out to Cash Flow: A Business Guide to Merchant Services
Also keeping in mind fraud and user satisfaction
As the way people pay continues to evolve, companies continue adapting to meet new expectations around speed, convenience and security. Understanding how to manage payment methods effectively can help business owners streamline operations, reduce risk and maintain reliable cash flow. When choosing a merchant services partner, it’s important they consider a few key factors to … [More]
Credit Union Expands Valley Footprint with Two New Locations
OneAZ Credit Union has officially broken ground on its newest branches in Peoria and Surprise, marking an exciting milestone in the organization’s statewide growth. Designed in partnership with NewGround International, these innovative locations will serve as community hubs where Arizonans can connect, learn, and grow — far beyond traditional banking. "Breaking ground on … [More]
Western Alliance Partners with Clover to Accelerate 55+ Housing Development
Western Alliance Bank’s Multifamily Housing Finance Group announced a strategic alliance with Clover Lending Group, an integrated asset management, development and property management company specializing in affordable senior living and other multifamily communities. Clover Lending Group is nationally recognized for its vertically integrated model, which spans development, … [More]
From Onboarding to Refunds: How AI Automation Is Rewiring Banking
Banks were among the pioneers of robotic process automation. Since the early 2010s, they have been deploying RPA bots that mimic human behavior to automate clerical, rule-based processes, such as data entry or invoice processing, helping reduce excessive workloads, minimize human errors, and lower operating costs. Today, the banking sector remains at the forefront of digital … [More]
GENIUS Act Sets Rules for Stablecoins, Promising Quicker, Lower-Cost Payments for SMBs
Stablecoins are digital tokens designed to maintain a stable value by being backed by assets such as U.S. dollars or government bonds. This summer, the GENIUS Act became law and requires stablecoin issuers to be licensed, audited and backed by safe assets. Regulations will roll out over the next 12 months, with full implementation no later than January 2027. Under the GENIUS … [More]
Credit Union Builds Out Valley Presence with Eight New Branches
America First Credit Union announced the opening of eight new branches across the state. The first location debuted in Goodyear on Sept. 15, with Mesa and Queen Creek branches slated to open in October. Five additional locations, in Surprise, Glendale, North Scottsdale, Tucson, and South Scottsdale, will follow through 2027. This expansion, creating over 80 … [More]
Phoenix Fintech Launches Bitcoin Rewards Credit Card with Stripe and Visa
Fold Holdings, Inc., a bitcoin financial services company making it easy for individuals and businesses to earn, save, and spend bitcoin through everyday financial tools, today announced it has selected Stripe, the programmable financial services company, to power the upcoming launch of the Fold Bitcoin Credit Card, a bitcoin-only rewards product designed to turn everyday … [More]
SBA to Waive Loan Fees for Small Manufacturers in 2026
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it would waive most upfront fees for small manufacturers in fiscal year 2026. With the fee burden reduced, the SBA will empower more small manufacturers (NAICS 31-33) with the capital to increase hiring, growth, and production – and to reshore jobs, supply chains, and national security. For 7(a) manufacturing loans … [More]
Valley-Based Bank to Retire Six Division Bank Brands, Bringing Alignment
Western Alliance Bank unveiled plans to unite all of the Bank’s divisions under the Western Alliance Bank brand. By year-end, six division bank brands – Alliance Association Bank, Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, Bridge Bank, First Independent Bank and Torrey Pines Bank – will take on the Western Alliance Bank name. The Bank’s AmeriHome Mortgage subsidiary and its … [More]
Examining Key Considerations for Cash, Debt Strategies
Debt financing coupled with healthy cash flow can be a key driver to expansion
Professionals heavily involved in company finances instinctively look to protect money, but this strategy doesn’t always pay off — especially for ambitious and successful operations. Debt financing coupled with healthy cash flow can be a key driver to expansion, especially when pursuing significant growth objectives while managing overall risk. This can include an increase … [More]
