How can financial institutions protect seniors from fraud, and what role does compliance really play? In this episode of Banking on Growth, Mike Graham sits down with Jeff Weber to discuss the rising threat of elder financial exploitation and the practical, real-time steps advisors and compliance officers can take to prevent it.

From romance scams to crypto cons, Jeff shares true stories from the front lines of financial fraud prevention. Learn how community banks and credit unions can use FINRA rules, internal alerts, and cross-department collaboration to stop suspicious withdrawals, train advisors to spot red flags, and build a culture where compliance is more than a checkbox—it’s a mission.

For financial advisors, program managers, compliance professionals, and community bank leaders, this is a must-watch.

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

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Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Welcome to another episode of the Banking on Growth podcast, hosted by Mike Graham, President of Midwestern Securities. In this in-depth conversation, Mike sits down with Dr. Bill Chittenden, CEO of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at SMU Cox School of Business. Together, they explore how leadership development and strategic education are vital for navigating today’s uncertainty in the banking sector.

From fostering talent in community banks to understanding the broader economic and regulatory landscape, Dr. Chittenden shares insights drawn from decades of experience bridging academia and industry. If you’re looking to understand how to invest in people while managing the unpredictable, this is the episode for you.

What’s Inside This Episode
As you listen to the discussion, you’ll learn:

• Building the Next Generation of Bank Leaders
Discover how SWGSB prepares bankers to take a holistic view of banking operations through immersive, multi-year programs. Participants engage in real-world projects, develop bank-specific strategic recommendations, and build a comprehensive understanding of funding, lending, compliance, and leadership.

• Spotting Future Leadership Talent
Find out how curiosity, work ethic, and cross-departmental interest distinguish rising leaders. Chittenden explains how managers can spot employees who want to be bankers—not just work at a bank—and why investing in them benefits the entire organization.

• Managing Through Uncertainty
Gain perspective on why “uncertainty” is the defining theme for 2025 and how geopolitical factors like tariffs, global supply chains, and domestic regulatory shifts are impacting community banking. Learn what it takes to stay focused amid consumer shifts, default trends, and C&I lending hesitancy.

• Strategic Insights on Tariffs and Trade
Hear Chittenden break down the economic myths around tariffs and why viewing them through a lens of long-term math—rather than political rhetoric—is essential. From Smoot-Hawley to modern protectionism, the conversation explores the real costs and trade-offs facing bankers and consumers alike.

Additional Highlights:
• Electives That Matter: Learn how SWGSB offers advanced courses on topics like wealth management, AI in banking, and problem loan workouts—giving participants practical tools for growth.
• Macro Meets Micro: Understand why community bankers must balance national economic shifts with hyperlocal business needs to make sound lending decisions.
• Crypto & Digital Trends: Hear Chittenden’s blunt take on cryptocurrency's long-term viability and why present value drives real financial value.
• Regulatory Fairness:

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

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Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Welcome to another episode of the Banking on Growth podcast, hosted by Mike Graham, President of Midwestern Securities. In this enlightening conversation, Mike speaks with Margaret Hartigan, CEO and founder of Marstone, Inc., to explore the evolving digital wealth management industry and how community financial institutions can modernize their offerings through strategic technology adoption.

Marstone isn’t your average fintech solution. Built with deep roots in traditional wealth management, the platform offers a fully digital, goal-based investment and financial planning experience. But Margaret is quick to clarify—it’s not a robo-advisor. “We’re not here to replace bankers or advisors,” she says. “We’re here to help them scale, stay compliant, and serve clients in a modern, user-centric way.”

What’s Inside This Episode:

As you watch this episode, you can find:

• Digital Expectations: Learn how community banks can meet the demands of today’s mobile-first, tech-savvy customers.
• Goal-Based Planning: Discover how interactive tools help clients visualize and prioritize their financial goals.
• System Integration: Explore how Marstone connects with core platforms like Jack Henry and Q2 for a unified experience.
• Financial Education: See why personalized learning tools build trust and drive long-term customer engagement.
• Journey Mapping: Understand how to align wealth, lending, and banking into a seamless client experience.
• Revenue Sharing: Uncover how institutions can earn up to 25% back by offering digital wealth solutions.
  
  

Stay tuned as Margaret Hartigan reveals why digital wealth management is no longer optional—and how community banks can use it to retain customers, increase non-interest income, and future-proof their business. Whether you're leading a credit union or scaling a regional bank, this conversation offers the strategic clarity and real-world examples needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Stay tuned and listen now to hear how your institution can turn digital engagement into deeper relationships, stronger retention, and sustainable growth!

Subscribe now to receive notifications and access the complete library of empowering episodes designed exclusively for community financial institution leaders seeking to thrive in wealth management services.

For more information on strengthening your retail wealth management division, contact us, and let’s start talking!

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

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Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC