Host Keith Daly, Principal, Banking & Fintech Search at Travillian, sits down with Lori Bettinger, President of BancAlliance, and Steve Lundgren, CEO of Denali State Bank, to explore how community banks are navigating growth, competition, and changing interest rate environments. Lori also shares what makes BancAlliance’s network valuable for members across the country.
Lori will be moderating “Jazz Up Your Balance Sheet Management” at the upcoming NEXT Forum, October 8-9 at The Union League of Philadelphia, adding even more context to today’s discussion.
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or read the full summary with timestamps below.
Listen Here: SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS
0:21 | Introduction
Keith welcomes listeners to Travillian Next and introduces guests Lori Bettinger, President of BancAlliance, and Steve Lundgren, CEO of Denali State Bank. Lori is also announced as moderator of the “Jazz Up Your Balance Sheet Management” panel at the NEXT Forum in Philadelphia.
2:33 | Denali Bank’s Growth Story
Steve explains how Denali State Bank has grown from $510M to $530M in assets despite Alaska’s flat population and limited expansion opportunities. He outlines the unique challenge of competing in a state with only seven banks and little room for organic growth.
5:07 | How BancAlliance and Denali Connected
Lori shares how she and Steve first connected at an ABA conference through a mutual colleague. Steve describes why BancAlliance offered a path for Denali to grow beyond its tight Fairbanks market and limited lending options.
6:14 | Loan Diversification Through BancAlliance
Lori explains how BancAlliance helps 400+ member banks diversify their loan portfolios by accessing C&I loans often out of reach for community banks. She details the industries they typically see — manufacturing, healthcare, consumer goods, and business services.
9:00 | Impact on Denali State Bank
Steve describes how BancAlliance transformed Denali’s numbers: moving from a 60% loan-to-deposit ratio and sub-1% ROA to 85% and 1.6% ROA. He credits BancAlliance’s expertise in packaging large loans and giving smaller banks a seat at the table.
11:10 | Benefits Beyond Lending
Both Lori and Steve discuss the added advantages: Alliance Academy training (helping bankers learn specialized underwriting), regulatory guidance, and a sense of peer community across 400 banks nationwide. Steve highlights how BancAlliance gave him non-competitive peers to share challenges and best practices with.
16:32 | Challenges Facing Community Banks
Lori shares what she hears most from CEOs: interest rate pressures, commercial real estate refinancing risks, and navigating a tough regulatory environment while adopting new technologies. Steve adds Alaska-specific challenges like supply chain issues, labor shortages, and rising costs.
18:28 | How Alaska Differs From the Rest
Steve explains how banking in Fairbanks comes with unique pressures compared to California or Tennessee. Despite slow loan demand, deposits are growing as customers seek safety during uncertain economic times, helping Denali exceed its deposit growth forecasts.
21:13 | Looking Ahead to 2026
Lori stresses that uncertainty can create opportunity — from potential bank M&A disruptions to shifts in local economies. She emphasizes the importance of community bankers staying close to their customers’ needs, often spotting trends before the broader economy does.
23:59 | The Future of Stablecoins
Steve predicts stablecoin adoption will be a game-changer for community banks within 18 months. With the passage of the “Genius Act,” he believes even smaller institutions like Denali may soon offer stablecoin services, creating new opportunities in digital banking.
25:23 | Closing Thoughts
Keith wraps the conversation, thanking Lori and Steve. Lori teases the NEXT Forum in Philadelphia, while Steve highlights the importance of staying adaptive in uncertain times. The episode closes with a reminder that BancAlliance offers more than loans — it’s a community of banks facing challenges together.
Looking to strengthen your executive team or explore your next leadership move? Connect with Keith Daly to talk banking, fintech, and the future of talent: kdaly@travilliangroup.com.
