Agency issues notice to consumers advising them to transfer balances to insured banks. This article was published on June 01, 2023 by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published an issue spotlight on digital payment apps heavily used by consumers and businesses. The analysis finds that funds stored on these apps may not be safe in the event of financial distress, since the funds may not be held in accounts
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February 1, 2022 Banks need to send sensitive documents all the time, but secure email is clunky. Greg Ohlendorf of First Community Bank and Trust worked with a partner to make that hassle a thing of the past. By Colleen Morrison, Independent Banker When it comes to innovation, sometimes it’s all about finding the right partner: one who shares community bank values. So believes Greg Ohlendorf, president and CEO of First Community Bank and Trust in Beecher, Ill. “Innovation
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Greg Ohlendorf, President/CEO, First Community Bank and Trust, Beecher This article was published in the May 2021 Issue of Banknotes, the Official Publication of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI).   The headlines read “Fintech Will Make Community Baking Obsolete,” “Fintech Disruptors Will Change Banking Forever” and “Fintech Charters Are the Wave of the Future.” I guess it’s time to throw in the proverbial
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Beecher, IL (Jan. 6, 2021) — First Community Bank and Trust announced its participation in the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) third annual ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator, in partnership with The Venture Center. The ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program fosters fintech-community bank collaboration to develop new technologies specifically for community banks and the customers they serve. “With decades of relationship banking experience in the Beecher, Peotone
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Beecher, IL (June, 2020)—The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) and First Community Bank and Trust in recognition of National Homeownership Month in June, are reminding current and prospective homeowners of the resources that community banks offer that make financing easier and more affordable. “For most people, buying a home is an investment in their future and a foundation upon which to establish community ties and amass financial security,” said
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Tags: home loan, homeowner, mortgage loan, mortgage rates, new home

Beecher, IL (May 7, 2020)—In recognition of World Password Day, First Community Bank and Trust is reminding customers of simple steps to safeguard their personal account information and what to do if they suspect they have been affected by a reported breach.  “A ransomware attack occurs every 14 seconds in the world, but with each security measurement enacted, we’re one step closer in winning the war against cyber criminals,” said Greg Ohlendorf, President
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Tags: community bank, cyber security, internet, mobile banking, online baning, online security, password, world password day

Temperatures are slowing climbing and everyone is thinking spring. Spring is the busiest home selling and buying season in most areas, therefore, it can be quite competitive. If you're looking to make your big move in the next few months, it's time to get prepared.  1. Speak with a loan officer. A professional loan officer will help you figure out how much house you can really afford. Loan officers are experts in the home buying process and can help you better understand your
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Tags: home buying, homeowner, mortgage loan, preapproval, Spring

When asked to identify the quintessential ingredient that makes community banking special, we don’t hesitate to answer, “Relationships.” First Community Bank and Trust focuses exclusively on delivering the products and services our customers want, while our local roots and accountability ensure our interests remain tied to our neighbors. At First Community Bank and Trust, we work with our customers to help them realize their financial dreams, whether opening a business,
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Tags: business banking, Community Banking, loans, local bank, relationship banking

December 2nd, 2019— In order to better serve its customers, First Community Bank and Trust has announced its adoption of a new domain—www.firstcbt.bank —for its website. This transition will take place on Wednesday, December 4th. www.firstcbt.bank is a new, internet domain that adds additional layers of security. It is an easily identifiable channel for trusted communications between banks and their customers.  Since the ‘.bank’ environment is exclusive
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Tags: .bank, community bank, new domain name, new website, online security

October 25, 2019—In recognition of National Cybersecurity Month in October, First Community Bank and Trust and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are reminding consumers of our shared responsibility to practice strong cybersecurity habits while on the go, in the workplace and at home to avoid becoming victimized by a cyberattack.  “Educating customers about account security and cyber threats is something we all must be conscious of if we want to reduce
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Tags: cybersecurity, identity theft, October, online, online banking, virus