Chairman’s Corner

Recognition Reflects a Longstanding Commitment to Community Banking Excellence

Fusion Bank recognized among the Top 50 Best-Performing Community Banks in the Midwest by S&P Global Market Intelligence

Recognition from an independent industry leader is more than an accolade—it is a reflection of consistent performance, sound financial management, and an enduring commitment to serving customers well.

That is why we at Fusion Bank are proud to be recognized by S&P Global Market Intelligence as one of the Top 50 Best-Performing Community Banks in the Midwest, ranking among more than 1,700 qualifying community banks.

Each year, S&P Global Market Intelligence evaluates community banks using objective financial measures, including returns, growth, funding, and the strength and risk profile of balance sheets. The rankings recognize institutions that successfully balance strong financial performance with disciplined risk management.

These rankings highlight the resilience and strategic excellence of financial institutions that have successfully balanced growth with prudent risk management. In 2025, we saw standout performers across all categories demonstrate that strong fundamentals and community focus remain the cornerstone of sustainable banking success.

For Fusion Bank, the recognition comes during a milestone year. We are celebrating our 130th anniversary as a family-owned community bank—an achievement that reflects generations of serving local businesses, families, and communities.

While the banking industry has changed dramatically over the past century, our approach has remained remarkably consistent: build lasting relationships, make decisions locally, and provide practical financial solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Being recognized by S&P Global Market Intelligence is an honor because it reflects the principles that have guided our bank for 130 years. Strong financial performance and exceptional customer service go hand in hand. Our success is built on the success of the businesses and communities we serve.

That local focus continues to distinguish Fusion Bank in today’s marketplace. Decisions are made close to the customer, allowing businesses to work directly with experienced bankers who understand the local economy and can respond quickly as opportunities arise.

Whether financing expansion, managing cash flow, purchasing equipment, or planning for long-term growth, we at Fusion Bank emphasize solutions designed around each client’s objectives rather than standardized products.

For business owners, that means working with a banking partner that combines the financial strength recognized by S&P Global Market Intelligence with the accessibility and responsiveness of a community bank.

As Fusion Bank enters its next chapter, the recognition serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a reaffirmation of its future commitment: providing dependable financial guidance, local decision-making, and relationship-based banking that helps businesses succeed.

After 130 years, the mission remains the same—helping communities grow by investing in the people and businesses that call them home.

If this sounds like your kind of banking experience, give us a call to learn how we can help your business achieve its financial goals.

Over the past 130 years it is mind boggling to think of the changes in the way our customers do business on their farms, their factories, on the construction sites, and in the way they transact their daily lives.  In 1896, the State of Kansas was only 35 years old when First State Bank (now named Fusion Bank) was chartered. That was in an era which was marked by many bank failures but also the existence of a program which allowed some nationally chartered banks to issue their own currency.  You may have seen some of these old bank notes in museums or in old west movies.

 

Today making payments between two parties is rarely done using paper money, and they are largely made electronically through wire transfers, ACH’s, and debit or credit cards.  A modern bank will help a customer access their account and make payments through internet, telephone, checkbook, and the branch network, while still providing currency and checks.

 

With so many convenient means of moving money, the traffic in bank branches has been steadily decreasing. According to industry statistics, the number one reason for visiting a branch today remains depositing a check. We are happy to have you stop into the bank for any reason, however Fusion Digital Banking includes Fusion Mobile Deposit, and now you no longer need to come to us to make a secure deposit.

 

We have invested in a powerful suite of online tools to help you manage your money when and where it’s most convenient for you. Our Fusion Digital Banking platform includes a unified user experience across all devices, an easy to use Mobile App, Fusion Mobile Deposit, Cash Management features for our business accounts, and additional security to protect your private information.

Douglas Briggs

President/CEO