Wisconsin Banker July | August 2026
Founded 1892
WBA Fraud Summit Highlights Evolving Threats, Urgent Need for New Strategies By Emily Torgerson
A Week That Lasts a Year
The second annual Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Fraud Summit on June 3, 2026 in Wisconsin Dells brought together industry experts and banking professionals from across Wisconsin for a timely and thought-provoking look at the growing complexity of fraud, and what financial institutions must do to stay ahead. Throughout the event, one message was clear: fraud is evolving quickly, and banks must evolve with it. Kicking off the morning, Jim Rechel, president of Rechel Group, challenged attendees to rethink the root causes of fraud. Rather than focusing solely on controls and compliance, Rechel emphasized a broader societal shift. “Fraud does not rise solely because controls fail; it escalates when shared ethical norms weaken,” he said, underscoring the importance of organizational culture. Rechel urged banks to move from compliance-driven detection to culture-driven disruption, noting that “the old playbook is obsolete.” His session addressed how changing behavioral standards and the erosion of trust are contributing to modern fraud schemes, where criminals increasingly recruit willing participants rather than relying on secrecy or coercion. He encouraged institutions to rethink their approach, asking not just whether someone is a victim, but whether a transaction itself may be part of a larger scam. “The choice is not between fraud and no fraud,” he said. “It’s between institutions that are
When major road construction disrupted local businesses in downtown Gillett this spring, The Peshtigo National Bank sprang into action. Bankers asked one important question: What does our community need most right now? The answer led to a creative and unconventional project for Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA’s) Power of Community Week. The bank purchased $600 worth of “Chamber Bucks” from the local chamber of commerce and distributed them to customers who shopped at businesses affected by the construction. The effort helped drive awareness and foot traffic into Gillett’s businesses that were experiencing a challenging season. “Power of Community Week is all about giving back, and this year we approached it a little differently,” said Samantha Routheau, marketing communications specialist at The Peshtigo National Bank. “We focused on what our communities needed most and looked for simple ways to make a positive impact.” This spirit of service was on display across the state in spring. Wisconsin bankers came together for the WBA Power of Community Week, a statewide campaign dedicated to showcasing the industry’s involvement in their own communities. During the ninth annual campaign, held April 20–25, 2026, WBA-member banks, Associate Members,
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WBA Power of Community Week Spotlights Bankers’ Year-Round Service By Elizabeth Fenton
Don't forget to turn in your Excellence in Financial Education forms by July 31, 2026! (more on pg. 23)
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