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ABA Banking Journal Podcast


Jan 11, 2018

Did you ever wonder what it's like to be a banker on the Last Frontier? On the latest episode of the ABA Newsbytes Podcast, co-hosts Evan Sparks and Shaun Kern interview Michael Martin, EVP, COO and general counsel of Northrim Bank, a community bank based in Anchorage, Alaska, with branches across the far-flung 49th state. Martin talks about Alaska's unique economy, with its blend of natural resources and tourism, and how a local community bank can bring special expertise to bear with Alaska's businesses. Uniquely for a bank of its size, Northrim employs a full-time economist whose Alaskanomics blog shares insights with the public.

Martin discusses best practices from Northrim's recent core processor conversion, with an emphasis on "speak to other bankers" about their post-conversion experiences. "We can all learn from each other." With Alaska being one of the earliest states to legalize recreational marijuana, Martin also discusses Northrim's stance and outlines what it's hearing from regulators.

And stay tuned to the end to hear Martin's wildest story about what you might see banking in remote Alaskan villages -- a reminder of the essential role banks play even on the Last Frontier.