North American Company for Life and Health Insurance, a member company of Sammons Financial Group and one of the largest issuers of fixed index annuities in the U.S., and Annexus, a leading independent insurance retirement product design company, announced the addition of the NYSE GEARS Index to the North American Secure Horizon FIA suite. The NYSE GEARS Index is a … [More]
New SBA Credit Program Backs Early Manufacturing Expansion
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced it has approved its first round of 7(a) Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit Loans – already delivering $3.5 million in working capital to four manufacturers. The loan program, launched just prior to the federal shutdown, is the first-ever SBA loan offering dedicated to manufacturers – designed to provide maximum flexibility … [More]
Phoenix-Based Crypto Financial Firm Added to Russell 2000
Fold Holdings, Inc., a bitcoin financial services company making it easy for individuals to earn, save, and spend bitcoin through everyday financial tools, announced its inclusion in the Russell 2000 Index. The Russell 2000 Index is composed of a diversified group of small-cap U.S. stocks and represents approximately 5-7% of the market capitalization of U.S. public equities. It … [More]
Community Bank Unveils Art Advisory Service amid Region’s Rising Art Economy
Scottsdale Community Bank is elevating its client experience by launching an exclusive new art advisory service, a benefit rarely available at any bank level. By partnering with two of the city’s most respected art authorities, the bank now offers clients direct access to trusted expertise in acquiring, selling and curating fine art, which is a particularly valuable advantage … [More]
How Minority-Owned Businesses Can Counter Funding Barriers
Capitalizing on alternative collateral
Minority-owned businesses generate nearly $2 trillion annually in the U.S., yet consistently face disproportionate barriers to funding. Despite growing entrepreneurial momentum, these businesses receive less than 2% of venture capital and face systemic exclusion from traditional financing. This gap is not just a matter of inequality — it’s a multibillion-dollar market … [More]
Mesa-Based Tech Firm Regains Nasdaq Compliance Following Equity Rebound
Iveda®, a global provider of AI video analytics and smart infrastructure technologies, announced that the Company has received formal notification from Nasdaq confirming that it has regained full compliance with the minimum $2.5 million stockholders’ equity requirement as of November 25, 2025. This milestone achievement reinforces the Company’s commitment to operational … [More]
New “Lemonade Stand” Microloans Give Scottsdale Entrepreneurs and Nonprofits Up to $25,000
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]
