Banking Organizations

Banking organizations offer an array of resources to the busy financial professional

By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter

Banking professional organizations are a collaboration of passionate professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. They are a source of support, networking and solutions in the banking industry. Financial associations enhance the role of banking institutions by lobbying for federal legislation, consumer education, research, communication and products and services that support and educate members.

International banking organizations link you to workshops and seminars, which study emerging trends and challenges in the industry. You exchange ideas and expertise with your peers. As a result, your job performance and professional development are fine-tuned. Consider:

1. Using banking organizations to grow as a professional in the industry.

2. Taking advantage of educational and networking opportunities offered by banking professional organizations.

3. Different council for banking membership levels.

Join international banking organizations to grow as a professional

Councils for banking range from international groups to state wide or local organizations. They are a collaborative of professionals just like you, with one goal in mind: to advance the banking industry. They provide profitable solutions to help banks compete in the marketplace.
Try: Use BankersOnline.com to find a list of professional associations for banking. The American Bankers Association (ABA) allows you to register for online courses and seminars. Banks of all sizes belong to the organization. ABA's goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the banking industry. American Association of Bank Directors (AABD) is a banking professional organization devoted to serving the education, information and advocacy needs of banking directors. Download membership forms online.

Pay annual dues to belong to banking organizations

Councils for banking vary their dues depending on the membership level. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment your company is willing to give.
Try: Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) is a professional banking organization that brings bankers and regulators together for a common goal: to coordinate, educate, communicate and advocate to advance the state banking system. To join CSBS, contact the office via phone or email. Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has 5,000 members from all over the country. ICMA provides a voice, advocacy, professional develop and profitable solutions to community banks. Register online to become a member.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining banking professional organizations

When you join banking associations, you get access to marketing resources, publications, meetings, consumer educations and resources, groups and forums.
Try: Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is a different kind of council for banking. Ninety percent of the country's credit unions belong to the CUNA. As a benefit, members get seminar kits that cover a wide range of topics. Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) represents the real estate finance industry. MBA's goal is to promote the strength of the nation's real estate markets, extend access to affordable housing and expand home ownership. There are three categories of MBA members--regular, associate and international. The Member Advantage Program gives you discounts at numerous companies including Avis, Office Depot and UPS.

Attend as many banking associations' events as you can to advance your career and learn from the expertise of others.

Banking Organizations