Other times, it means working directly with law enforcement to help a customer recover stolen money.” Thanks to KBA’s intervention, some members have recently been able to stop wire transfers midprocess and retrieve significant sums—preventing devastating losses. “Those are the calls we love,” says Wareham. “But we’d much rather prevent the fraud in the first place.” CYBERSECURITY: KEEPING UP WITH THE THREAT LANDSCAPE With the increasing digitization of banking services, cybersecurity has become a priority across the industry. Wareham notes that 15 years ago, banks didn’t even have cybersecurity line items in their budgets—now, it’s one of their largest expenses. “Some of our banks are targeted by hackers hundreds of times a day,” he says. “Whether it’s software, In partnership with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, local law enforcement, and even the Kansas Bar Association, KBA is hosting in-person fraud awareness seminars and producing webinars for bank customers. They also launched public awareness campaigns including “Banks Never Ask That” and “Family Code Word” to help Kansans spot red flags. “Fraud is a community issue,” adds Orel. “We’re all safer when people are informed.” LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE: PROTECTING BANKS AND THEIR CUSTOMERS KBA maintains one of the most comprehensive legal and compliance teams in the country. With a staff of more than 20 experts, the association supports banks on everything from regulatory filings to recovering stolen funds. “When banks call, we’re ready,” VanZwoll says. “Sometimes that means drafting legal documents. Community banks play a vital role in sustaining the economic and social fabric of Kansas communities. Community banks operate on a personal, local scale—fostering strong relationships with the individuals and businesses they serve. This local commitment allows them to deliver tailored support that drives growth, resilience, and long-term prosperity across the state. COMMUNITIES NEED BANKS. BANKS NEED COMMUNITY. www.ksbankers.com 89 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 09 KANSAS BANKERS ASSOCIATION
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