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Bank Marketing Show
Bank Marketing Show
Author: Chris Bates & Dan Novalis
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The BANK MARKETING SHOW, the podcast that engages and informs you for success in today's marketplace. It's the show that will make you a better marketer with trends, tactics and inspirations from experts and industry leaders. If you're wanting to impact your personal success and position your company as the best choice in your market, then you're in the right place!
108 Episodes
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Opening a new branch is a huge investment — a new build can run into the millions. Most banks do the demographic research, study the traffic patterns, and pick the right spot. But then when it comes to actually marketing the thing? They show up with a grill in the parking lot and call it a grand opening. In this episode, Dan and Chris break down what a real new-market launch strategy looks like — from competitive analysis before you open the doors, to turning your grand opening into a community event people actually want to attend, to the longer game of establishing your brand in a market where nobody knows you yet. In this episode, we cover: - Why your marketing research should go beyond demographics — and what a competitive messaging analysis reveals that HHI data won't – - The difference between opening a second branch in your market vs. entering a brand new one - How to turn a grand opening from a bank celebration into a real community event - What the grand opening marketing timeline should look like Resources: - The Bank Marketing Show: www.bankmarketingshow.com - The Bank Marketing Minute (Newsletter): www.bankmarketingminute.com - Contact: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
Every bank says they want to stand out. But most don't go beyond tweaking a logo, or updating colors, and continue to rely on the number of years in business to build trust. That's important – but no longer enough to differentiate your bank against the thousands of others with a similar history. It's time to be bold. In this episode, Rich Jones, President & CEO of BankIn Minnesota, talks about what it actually looks like to be bold with a purpose — starting with culture, not a color palette. Rich talks about the association's approach to rebranding, and the lessons banks can learn from it. We discuss how the association's rebrand wasn't a marketing exercise — it was the result of a deeper conversation about who they are, who they serve, and what they actually stand for. And that's the lesson for every community bank thinking about brand: the boldness has to come from something real, or it doesn't land. In this episode, we cover: · Why being bold for the sake of being bold doesn't work, and what "bold with a purpose" actually means · How BankIn Minnesota's rebrand grew out of culture, not a creative brief · The difference between authority-first and relatability-first messaging · Why your people are your real brand differentiator, and how to show it · What associations and banks can learn from each other about growth mindset Resources mentioned: · Rich Jones: rich@minnesota.bank · BankIn Minnesota: minnesota.bank · The Bank Marketing Show: www.bankmarketingshow.com · The Bank Marketing Minute (Newsletter): www.bankmarketingminute.com · Contact: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
The "We Tried That" Problem Real quotes: "We tried Google Ads and they didn't work." "We did SEO for a couple months and nothing happened." "Direct mail was way too expensive for what we got out of it." If you've heard, or said, any of these – this episode is for you! We break down the real reasons bank marketing tactics fail, from our experience seeing these things play out at banks across the country. Spoiler: it's almost never the channel itself. Google Ads, SEO, and even direct mail DO work – but not if you only focus on the ad itself. In this episode: · Why banks often blame the channel · The "underdosing" trap – what happens when you run a digital ad with too little budget · How the platforms themselves are incentivized to get you to spend, not to strategize · How to match tactics to your audience instead of just copying what bigger banks do · A framework for evaluating the root cause of success or failure of a campaign Resources mentioned: · The Bank Marketing Show Website: bankmarketingshow.com · The Bank Marketing Minute Newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com · Get in touch: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
Every community bank has checking accounts and loans. So the age-old question is, how do you stand out? First Financial Bank figured it out: they went deep in one niche, and then kept going, building many specialty lending divisions and driving massive growth. In this episode, Amber Murphy, VP and Marketing Director at First Financial Bank, shares how FFB's niching strategy transformed their marketing from generic to powerful, and why your bank doesn't need to be huge to do the same thing - something we espouse on this show all the time! In this episode, we cover: - How specializing actually expands your marketing opportunities (not limits them) - Why FFB runs 3-4 ads simultaneously for different audiences - Using blog and newsletter content to become the trusted advisor in their niches - Where community bank marketing trends need to go in the next 12-18 months Resources mentioned: - Book: Getting Things Done by David Allen - Contact Amber Murphy: amurphy@ffb1.com - First Financial Bank: www.ffb1.com - The Bank Marketing Show: www.bankmarketingshow.com - The Bank Marketing Minute (Newsletter): www.bankmarketingminute.com - Contact: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
Chris and Dan sit down with Candie Simmons, founder of CL Simmons Consulting, to talk about the people problems that slow banks down: communication breakdowns, the gap between being a great producer and being a great manager, and why marketing and compliance don't have to be at each other's throats. Candie spent 16 years in banking (including leading marketing for a top 50 institution), now runs her own consultancy, and sits on the board of a community bank in Mississippi. She's seen these issues from every angle. What we cover: - The number one problem banks call her about (hint: communication!) and how it shows up everywhere - between departments, between generations, between leadership and staff. - How to tell the story of community banks' best built-in advantage: being small enough that employees see their impact, and customers can talk still to actual decision-makers. - How banks can use tools like Gallup StrengthsFinder to align people's responsibilities with what they're actually good at (instead of just assigning tasks to whoever's available), for better employee satisfaction, a stronger culture, and better outcomes for customers. Resources Mentioned: - Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment (~$30, available at gallup.com) - Books: The Kind Act; A Few Kind Words by Tracey WIllis Gates Connect with Candie: clsimmonsconsulting.com: Reach out for a free consultation.
When it comes to advocating for the future of community banking, few voices carry more weight than Rebeca Romero Rainey. This week we had the privilege of sitting down with Rebeca, the President & CEO of the ICBA, for a candid and thoughtful conversation on where the industry is heading. Top of mind for us all is how community banks can stay strong amid competition from fintechs and non-bank players. Rebeca's vision is that the path forward isn't about becoming someone else, but about owning what makes community banking unique. Yep, Dan & I loved hearing her sing our song about that! She didn't hold back on the tough stuff either. We talked about regulatory clarity, the risks and rewards of adopting AI, and the challenge of attracting new talent to the industry. But through it all, Rebeca's optimism was clear: community banks are agile, trusted, and human, and that's their real superpower. Some of the key takeaways that we can all use: Embracing AI doesn't mean losing your human touch. We must embrace it but approach it responsibly. Speak to the real human differentiators that community banks have in an increasingly digital world. Succession planning and leadership development must evolve and be priorities. We need to make it easier (and less costly) to start new community banks. Some of the leadership principles that Rebeca relies on most are listening and taking action. Resources: BankMarketingShow.com When it comes to advocating for the future of community banking, few voices carry more weight than Rebeca Romero Rainey. This week we had the privilege of sitting down with Rebeca, the President & CEO of the ICBA, for a candid and thoughtful conversation on where the industry is heading. Top of mind for us all is how community banks can stay strong amid competition from fintechs and non-bank players. Rebeca's vision is that the path forward isn't about becoming someone else, but about owning what makes community banking unique. Yep, Dan & I loved hearing her sing our song about that! She didn't hold back on the tough stuff either. We talked about regulatory clarity, the risks and rewards of adopting AI, and the challenge of attracting new talent to the industry. But through it all, Rebeca's optimism was clear: community banks are agile, trusted, and human, and that's their real superpower. Some of the key takeaways that we can all use: Embracing AI doesn't mean losing your human touch. We must embrace it but approach it responsibly. Speak to the real human differentiators that community banks have in an increasingly digital world. Succession planning and leadership development must evolve and be priorities. We need to make it easier (and less costly) to start new community banks. Some of the leadership principles that Rebeca relies on most are listening and taking action. Resources: BankMarketingShow.com ICBA: https://www.icba.org/ Rebeca: https://www.icba.org/w/rebeca-romero-rainey LET (Leadership Effectiveness Training): https://www.gordontraining.com/leader-effectiveness-training-l-e-t/
Cybersecurity, AI, and IT modernization aren't just "IT problems" anymore — they directly impact how banks market, grow, and protect their brands. In this episode of The Bank Marketing Show, Chris and Dan sit down with Scott Stevens, Chief Information Security Officer at Integrity Technology Solutions, to break down what community should actually be thinking about when it comes to cloud infrastructure, AI usage, and cybersecurity. What We Cover Why "modernizing IT" doesn't always mean spending more — and often means simplifying How moving files to SharePoint and OneDrive unlocks safer AI use for marketing teams The importance of Microsoft Secure Score — and why 70%+ should be the baseline Why banning AI doesn't work (and what banks should do instead) How to create practical AI acceptable-use policies that employees will actually follow What Zero Trust architecture means for the next 5–10 years of banking technology Links & Resources Connect with Scott: sstevens@integrityts.com Integrity Technology Solutions: https://www.integrityts.com Book: The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership, by Robert Hunter Website: https://www.bankmarketingshow.com Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.bankmarketingminute.com Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
Community Banks produce a lot of "educational" content, but a lot of it is thinly disguised sales material, or sounds the same as 1,000 other "how to buy your first home" blogs. In this episode, we sit down with Emily Schwartz, Director of Financial Education at MidFirst Bank, about how her team helps build real trust in her bank, by focusing on education first. If you are tired of just checking the boxes with your content, and trying to avoid "AI slop" (as you should be!), this episode is a great way to reframe how you approach financial education – no matter the size of your bank. What we cover in this episode: · The difference between truly educating your customers and prospects, versus just creating blogs · Where to find the best education topics (hint: it's not keyword tools) · Why smaller banks don't need big teams to start doing this well · How education can support brand, loyalty, and community impact, without feeling salesy · The results that MidFirst has seen from their efforts Links & Resources · Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-schwartz-ph-d-372a7815/ · Book: Inspired by Matt Richtel · Website: https://bankmarketingshow.com · Sign up for our newsletter: https://bankmarketingminute.com · Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
100 episodes. Four seasons. Many dozens of conversations with bank leaders and innovators – and we're just getting started! In this milestone episode, Chris and Dan look back at what they've learned from these conversations, and where they think community bank marketing is headed next. They also turn the cameras on themselves – and put each other in the hot seat with surprise questions that dig into strategy, personal best practices, and how to navigate what's coming in 2025 and beyond. In this episode: The biggest shifts in bank marketing since the show began in early 2022 Lessons learned from dozens of interviews with industry experts What's working right now in brand, digital, and AI-driven marketing Key themes we expect to define the next year of bank marketing A special 100th episode Hot Seat session where Dan and Chris challenge each other with unrehearsed questions Links & Resources Bankmarketingshow.com Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
AI Agents are quickly becoming the biggest competitive edge for community banks to win and serve small business customers. Chris and Dan sat down with the co-founders of Daylit, Jared Shulman (CEO) and Jerry Shu (CTO), to break down what AI agents actually are, how they work, and why banks should be thinking about building an AI Agent portfolio to stand out in the highly competitive SMB market. Daylit (formerly Lendica) is the leading AI Agent for accounts receivable for SMBs, and they share deep insight into how businesses think, how they adopt new tools, and what they will expect from their financial partners in the next few years. If you've been hearing the buzz about AI agents, and thinking about how they fit into your bank's AI strategy, this is a must-listen. In this episode: What AI Agents really are, and what makes them different from just an LLM How AI Agents give SMBs enterprise-level financial intelligence, without the enterprise-level budget How community banks can use AI-enabled services to attract, retain, and grow SMB customers Why embedded fintechs and non-banks are quietly becoming competitors – and how to differentiate Practical ways banks can partner with AI technology vendors, without taking on additional regulatory or credit risk Links & Resources Launch Event! Daylit is releasing the newest version of their AI AR Agent on December 2, 2025 at 6pm ET. Register here: https://luma.com/me4l88i0 · Daylit: daylit.com · Follow Daylit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedaylit/ · Follow Daylit on X: https://x.com/daylit_ai · Follow Daylit on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lendica · Book: Zero to One · Follow Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulman-jared/ · Follow Jerry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-shu-8502591b/ Connect with Chris & Dan · Website: bankmarketingshow.com · Email: contact@bankmarketingshow.com · Companion Newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com or https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/bank-marketing-minute-7240439067794948098
What happens when a 120-year-old community bank decides to take a bold leap forward? Randy Dorn, President of My Kind of Bank (formerly First National Bank of Henning), joins Chris and Dan to share the story behind their rebrand — from internal debates to a powerful cultural transformation that united staff and energized customers. Randy reveals how a name change became more than a marketing move — it became a statement of purpose. This episode dives deep into how community banks can modernize without losing their soul, and how to turn a rebrand into a growth engine that drives engagement, loyalty, and pride. Main Topics Covered: • Why "doing nothing" is riskier than rebranding • How My Kind of Bank turned a marketing idea into a brand identity • The internal culture shift that made the brand stick • Turning employees into local heroes (and why it works better than celebrity ads) • Using digital marketing, SEO audits, and referral programs to turn a new brand into measurable growth • How to approach board conversations about risk, tradition, and change Resources & Links Mentioned: • Randy's email: randy.dorn@mykindofbank.com • My Kind of Bank: mykindofbank.com • Website: bankmarketingshow.com • Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com • Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
Compliance and marketing don't have to be enemies, especially in the age of AI. In this episode, Charles LeFevre, Director of Compliance Operations at Kadince (and self-proclaimed "Taylor Swift of Compliance"), joins us to break down how these two sides can work together to move faster, stay compliant, and even have a little fun doing it. You'll hear how AI is reshaping the marketer–compliance relationship, and where there are opportunities for smarter collaboration, fewer bottlenecks, and better outcomes for everyone. In this episode: Why "best practices" can actually kill creativity How to build realistic AI usage policies that empower your team The right balance between guardrails and innovation when using AI How smaller banks can use AI to leap ahead of big institutions Charles's three-lines-of-defense model for marketing + compliance collaboration Links & Resources: Charles's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talktochuck/ 🌐 bankmarketingshow.com 📰 Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com 📩 Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
If your 2026 plan looks like 2025's...you may not be adapting to all the technology- and user behavior-driven changes that have happened this year. In this episode, Chris and Dan chat about all these changes, and lay out a simple checklist to use as your 2026 strategy comes together - including adjusting budgets, getting found with GEO and SEO, and speaking directly to customer problems. Key topics: - Why you should audit your digital visibility as the first input to your strategic plan - How allocating budget should be different than last year - Building initiatives around specific customer problems/niches Links and resources: - Website: bankmarketingshow.com - Newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com - Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
Is SEO really dead—or is AI search just the new shiny object? In this episode, Chris and Dan break down the buzz around Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and what it actually means for community banks. (spoiler: SEO isn't going anywhere, but banks that act now have a huge opportunity to get ahead while everyone else is still watching from the sidelines) What we cover in this episode: Why "SEO is dead" headlines are misleading—and what's really happening How SEO and GEO overlap and where they differ Why customer reviews and human "proof" matter more than ever in AI search How to structure your content for conversational, AI-driven results Quick, practical steps any community bank can start on today Why now is the easiest time to outrun your competition in search Links & Resources: Website: bankmarketingshow.com Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
There's lots of hype in the marketplace about how AI is taking over – and while the promise is that AI can help personalize customer experiences at scale, community banks are worried that it will actually make customer service feel more generic and less personal. This week, Chris and Dan talk with Sharveen Kumar, former NVIDIA-backed founder and ex-marketing leader at Amex, about the opportunity for banks to use AI to gain more personal touch with AI. By using AI in the right ways, it takes the mundane, repeatable tasks off your plate and actually creates more opportunities for you to do what you do best: build customer relationships. Main Topics Covered · Personalization is the differentiator: banks have rare, long-term 1:1 relationships—most banks focus on protecting and scaling that edge. · Start with data, not tools: CRM usage, clean legacy data, and connected sources are the foundation for any AI win. · Beware shiny objects: many enterprise AI POCs fail; map processes and decide where AI should (and shouldn't) play. · Where AI actually helps: automate the 30–40% "one-liner" service requests so teams can focus on deeper conversations. · Practical workflow moves: capture conversation notes, let AI surface opportunities, and free humans for high-value outreach. · Tiered experiences without losing the human touch: segment service levels thoughtfully, then invest saved time into relationship banking. Books Mentioned · On the Road — Jack Kerouac · Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art — James Nestor Guest Bio Sharveen is a former NVIDIA-backed AI startup founder, now pioneering multi-agent solutions for finance and technology enterprises. He previously led marketing at global powerhouses including Singapore Airlines, American Express, LinkedIn, and The Trade Desk. Beyond building companies, Sharveen invests in emerging ventures and mentors the next generation of professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharveenkumarl/ Links & Resources Website: bankmarketingshow.com Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
EP 93: Use AI to Build a 90-Day Content Calendar (in Real Time) In this second hands-on demo (see Ep 89: AI Starter Kit for the first one), Dan shares his screen to walk through a real example: how a custom GPT can take just three real customer questions and instantly generate 90 days of social posts, blog topics, and image suggestions—all formatted and ready to use. If you've been using ChatGPT or another LLM, but haven't started building repeatable processes yet, this episode will get you started. Here, we talk about content creation - but there's so much more you can do with custom GPTs. ***Haven't subscribed to our YouTube channel yet? This is a great episode to watch there!*** What We Cover: - Why good prompts still matter (even with automation) - How to build a reusable, branded custom GPT - Generating a full 90-day content calendar from 3 questions - Downloadable CSVs, stock images, and blog ideas—all prepped for execution - Tips for keeping your content local, human, and brand-consistent - Bonus: how to turn this into a repeatable quarterly process Want access to the exact GPT we used in this episode? Email us at contact@bankmarketingshow.com with subject line "Content Calendar GPT" and we'll send you the link. Links & Resources: · Website: bankmarketingshow.com · Sign up for the companion newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com · Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
AI isn't just for the big players—it might be your small bank's biggest advantage. In this episode, Chris and Dan interview Justin Stayrook, Chief Growth Officer at EYEMAGINE, about how AI is transforming operations for lean marketing teams in community banks and credit unions. From cutting project timelines to boosting output without increasing staff, Justin shares why now is the time to act. What we cover: · Why AI adoption is moving faster than any technology shift before it · How small marketing teams can outperform larger competitors with AI tools · Quality vs. speed: why AI can actually improve both · The "AI as an operating system" approach to business processes · Why your agency partners should have a clear AI plan—and how to start that conversation · Real examples of community financial institutions using AI to lead innovation About Justin Justin Stayrook is a growth-focused executive and AI strategist who helps companies scale profitably in the age of GenAI. With a track record of driving transformation from early-stage ventures to large enterprises, Justin blends deep experience in private equity, customer experience, and digital commerce. As Chief Growth Officer at EYEMAGINE and founder of Joint Journeys, he advises firms on how to modernize their go-to-market strategy, optimize operations, and compete with intelligence. His leadership has shaped partnerships and earned him recognition for innovation and revenue growth. Links & Resources: Justin's Email: justin@eyemaginetech.com Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinstayrook/ Book: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Website: bankmarketingshow.com Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
Can your employees become your most powerful marketing tool? In this episode, we sit down with Autumn Jose, AVP and Brand Marketing Coordinator of Civista Bank to talk about how she turned a simple idea into a thriving employee advocacy program—and what it takes to grow a brand from the inside out. Autumn shares how she created Civista's "Social Stars" initiative to drive social media engagement for the brand, what worked (and didn't), and how banks of any size can replicate it. What we cover in this episode: · Why traditional marketing no longer cuts it—and what's replaced it · The origin story of Civista Bank's "Social Stars" program · How to empower employees to become brand ambassadors on social media · Tools and processes to keep compliance teams happy · The surprising ROI and engagement metrics they've seen · Tips for scaling employee advocacy across branch locations This is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their bank's social media engagement. Links & Resources: Autumn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumnjose/ Favorite Book: Be Where Your Feet Are, by Scott O'Neil https://www.amazon.com/Where-Your-Feet-Are-Principles/dp/1250769876 Website: bankmarketingshow.com Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
The Power of Connection with Neil Stevens Connection – with your team, your bank, your customers, and your own self - is the key to great leadership and to creating a truly engaged team. It starts at the top. Your bank's leadership needs to feel confident in and connected with the values, vision, and mission of your institution. When this happens, and you hire people whose personal visions are already aligned with yours, you start building a great company culture, too. In this episode, Dan Novalis, Chris Bates, and Neil Stevens discuss what goes into connected teams. Neil shares his LEAD methodology for creating stronger connections: Love, Equip, Affirm, and Develop others. Being a better and connected leader starts with prioritizing yourself and your emotional and mental health. When you treat yourself right, you can encourage a better performance from your team. Topics Include: ● Why connection is so important for bankers ● How to develop a company culture that makes sense for your organization ● Why you need strong leadership to lead your company culture ● Why leaders need to prioritize themselves and their emotional/mental health ● How to encourage better performance in your team Neil Stevens is an accomplished banker, speaker, community leader, brand strategist, and fitness enthusiast. As President & CEO of Oconee State Bank in Watkinsville, Georgia, his visionary perspective inspires growth, drives direction, and helps clear obstacles for team members to achieve their personal and professional goals. Happiest when surrounded by his family, Neil's passion is to create a positive impact on others through servant leadership. Resources Mentioned: ● Website: https://www.oconeestatebank.com/ ● The Remarkable Foundation: https://www.oconeestatebank.com/the-remarkable-foundation ● Make Your Remarkable Podcast: https://www.oconeestatebank.com/business/makeyourremarkable ● Book: Love Works by Joel Manby: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Works-Timeless-Principles-Effective/dp/0310359740/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689791648&sr=8-1 ● Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins https://www.amazon.com/Good-to-Great-Jim-Collins-audiobook/dp/B003VXI5MS ● Book: The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath https://www.amazon.com/The-Power-of-Moments-audiobook/dp/B074TZFTDG/ ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-stevens-8a5b0514/ ● Email: nstevens@oconeestatebank.com
Feeling stuck when it comes to using AI in your bank's marketing? You're not alone. In this episode, Dan and Chris walk through five simple and safe ways to start using Gen AI—without tripping compliance alarms or sacrificing your brand voice. In this episode, we don't just talk about it—we do it. You'll see real prompts, live demos, and practical tips you can implement today. - Drafting Blog Posts - without the blank-page anxiety - Creating Social Media Posts – from those blogs - Doing Competitor Research – in seconds - Using Meeting Transcripts to extract action items, ideas, and plans (so you don't have to take notes) - Generating Images – for social media and blog posts, that don't look AI-generated - Why prompting skills matter more than ever (and how to build them) Links & Resources: - Website: https://bankmarketingshow.com - Sign up for our newsletter: https://bankmarketingminute.com - For a copy of the exact prompts we used in this episode, email us at: contact@bankmarketingshow.com























