# Associated Banc-Corp vs peers: AI and technology compared

Source: https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated/vs-peers
Last updated: Oct 20, 2026

*Part of the [Associated Banc-Corp AI strategy profile](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated). Peer group: Old National Bancorp, Wintrust Financial Corporation, Commerce Bancshares, UMB Financial, First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), Nicolet Bankshares, First Merchants Corporation, First Busey Corporation.*

## How does Associated Banc-Corp compare with its peers on AI and technology?

On this site's AI disclosure index Associated Banc-Corp scores 56.8 (#49 of 120 US banks), second in a nine-bank Midwest group behind Old National (66) and ahead of FNBO (53.2), UMB (47.9), Busey (44.9), Wintrust (38.1) and Commerce (34). It leads the group on independent coverage and on named AI leaders. In 2026 it put AI into named roles: a chief data officer (February), a senior director of AI for corporate and commercial banking hired from U.S. Bank (June) and a chief digital officer from BMO with an AI and omnichannel mandate (July), under a board technology committee formed in April. Its first numbers came at the Barclays conference on September 15, 2026: 30 AI use cases in process, and an internal tool built for $45,000 against an $800,000 renew-or-buy option. Peers have more in production. FNBO says Nasdaq Verafin AI agents halved investigator time per financial-crime case (June 2026); Busey's Glia virtual assistants handle 61.5% of calls (February 2026); Wintrust's specialty-finance unit closed more than 4,000 deals with AI credit adjudication in the first half of 2026. Associated's gap is the customer side: an AI-enabled chatbot listed for 2024 in its November 2023 strategic plan has no announced launch, while U.S. Bank, the largest bank in Wisconsin by deposits, reports 2.5 million Smart Assistant uses a month. ([Associated Bank newsroom](https://newsroom.associatedbank.com/releases/associated-bank-announces-hiring-of-alexander-bush-executive-vice-president-chief-data-officer), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-chief-digital-officer-joins-from-bmo/826613/), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Announces-Annual-Meeting-Results-Dividends-Stock-Repurchase-Program-and-New-Technology-Committee), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/how-fnbo-uses-agentic-ai-to-investigate-financial-crime), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883), [Equipment Finance News (first published by sister title FinAi News)](https://equipmentfinancenews.com/news/lender-operations/ai-driving-funding-growth-via-credit-adjudication/), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2023/Associated-Bank-executing-next-phase-of-strategic-plan), [FDIC](https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3AWI+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT%2CRSSDHCR%2CNAMEHCR&limit=10000), [U.S. Bank](https://usbank.com/content/dam/usbank/en/documents/pdfs/about-us-bank/2025-annual-report.pdf))

## Where does Associated lead its peers on AI?

- **The most named AI and data leaders in the group.** Associated places 1st of nine on named AI leaders (12): a senior director of AI for corporate and commercial banking (June 2026), a chief data officer (February 2026), a chief analytics officer (September 2025) and a chief digital officer (July 2026). Busey, the nearest on this, named a director of AI, data science and insights in April 2026. ([Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking), [Associated Bank newsroom](https://newsroom.associatedbank.com/releases/associated-bank-announces-hiring-of-alexander-bush-executive-vice-president-chief-data-officer), [Associated Bank newsroom](https://newsroom.associatedbank.com/releases/associated-bank-announces-hiring-of-abhishek-vaidya-senior-vice-president-chief-analytics-officer), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-chief-digital-officer-joins-from-bmo/826613/), [Busey Bank](https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights))
- **More independent coverage than any Midwest peer.** Associated scores 11 on independent sources, 1st in the group against a median of 5.5, with Banking Dive, American Banker and conference transcripts covering its AI hires, its American National deal and the CEO's AI figures; Commerce and First Merchants score 3 each. ([Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-chief-digital-officer-joins-from-bmo/826613/), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-ceo-harmening-private-wealth-commercial/818566/), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-rbc-conference-strategic-growth-and-ai-integration-93CH-4555875))
- **More dated AI moves than most of the group.** Associated logged 17 dated AI moves in the last 12 months, 3rd of nine against a median of 15.5 and one behind Old National (18): a chief data officer (February 2026), a board Technology Committee (April), an AI chief for commercial banking (June), a chief digital officer (July) and its first AI figures (September). ([Associated Bank newsroom](https://newsroom.associatedbank.com/releases/associated-bank-announces-hiring-of-alexander-bush-executive-vice-president-chief-data-officer), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Announces-Annual-Meeting-Results-Dividends-Stock-Repurchase-Program-and-New-Technology-Committee), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-chief-digital-officer-joins-from-bmo/826613/), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556))

## Where does Associated trail its peers on AI?

- **Few AI use cases in production.** Associated's profile counts 4 of 11 described use cases in production, 8th of nine; Old National counts 10 of 14 and Busey 10 of 13. Associated's 30 AI use cases were 'in process' in September 2026, and its CEO said efficiency would show in 2027 and 2028. ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556), [The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-onb-q1-2026-172452001.html), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883))
- **No customer AI assistant, three years after it was planned.** The November 2023 strategic plan listed an AI-enabled chatbot among 2024 initiatives; no launch has been announced. Busey's Glia virtual assistants handle 61.5% of calls (February 2026), and U.S. Bank's Smart Assistant is used 2.5 million times a month. ([Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2023/Associated-Bank-executing-next-phase-of-strategic-plan), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883), [U.S. Bank](https://usbank.com/content/dam/usbank/en/documents/pdfs/about-us-bank/2025-annual-report.pdf))
- **AI absent from earnings calls and 10-Qs.** AI did not come up on Associated's Q1 or Q2 2026 earnings calls and is not mentioned in either 10-Q; the 2025 10-K uses 'AI' 27 times. Old National's CEO cited AI cutting a legacy Power BI code clean-up to about a week on the April 2026 call. ([Associated Banc-Corp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7789/000000778926000141/asb-20260331.htm), [Associated Banc-Corp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7789/000000778926000202/asb-20260630.htm), [Associated Banc-Corp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7789/000000778926000071/asb-20251231.htm), [The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-onb-q1-2026-172452001.html))

## Where does Associated rank against its peers on AI disclosure?

Scores from the US AI disclosure index of 120 banks (0–100; 45% of the weight on independent coverage). The index measures what each bank has put on the public record and what outside outlets have reported about its AI, not capability or spending; every count is of entries on that bank's profile, each of which cites its sources.

| Bank | Score | Rank | Independent sources | Own disclosures | Use cases in production | Moves, last 12 months | Named AI platform |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Old National Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | [66](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #40 of 120 | [9](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#sources) | [22](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#sources) | [10 of 14](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#where) | [18](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#timeline) | Vendor-delivered automation on an acquisition-built bank ([Old National Bancorp](https://ir.oldnational.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Old-National-Receives-2026-Trust-in-Banking-Award), [GlobeNewswire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=1330-9651962en-471PA5GUQ40497E71D0E3EU3B5), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/four-tips-to-identify-ai-solutions-that-solve-real-business-problems/), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/what-not-to-share-when-using-ai-for-personal-finance-help/)) |
| [Associated Banc-Corp (this page)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated) | [56.8](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #49 of 120 | [11](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated#sources) | [19](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated#sources) | [4 of 11](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated#where) | [17](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated#timeline) | Line-of-business AI under a chief data officer / CIO ([Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-chief-digital-officer-joins-from-bmo/826613/), [American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/alexander-bush), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Announces-Annual-Meeting-Results-Dividends-Stock-Repurchase-Program-and-New-Technology-Committee)) |
| [First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo) | [53.2](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #53 of 120 | [10](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo#sources) | [11](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo#sources) | [8 of 12](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo#where) | [14](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo#timeline) | Nasdaq Verafin AI agents for financial-crime investigation ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/how-fnbo-uses-agentic-ai-to-investigate-financial-crime), [FNBO](https://www.fnbo.com/insights/fraud-and-security-tips/2025/ai-powered-scams-target-consumers), [FNBO](https://www.fnbo.com/insights/commercial-business/2025/how-fnbo-is-driving-innovation-through-strategic-partnerships)) |
| [UMB Financial](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb) | [47.9](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #61 of 120 | [7](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb#sources) | [14](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb#sources) | [9 of 10](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb#where) | [16](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb#timeline) | Integration first: the Heartland systems conversion ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/2025-the-most-powerful-women-to-watch-no-15-uma-wilson-umb-bank), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/umbs-post-acquisition-systems-conversion-set-for-october), [UMB Financial](https://blog.umb.com/economy-ai-impacts-on-the-markets/)) |
| [First Busey Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey) | [44.9](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #64 of 120 | [4](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey#sources) | [21](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey#sources) | [10 of 13](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey#where) | [13](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey#timeline) | Director of AI, Data Science and Insights (from April 2026) ([Busey Bank](https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights), [First Busey Corporation](https://ir.busey.com/static-files/e566cc4a-c381-404d-a3b6-e8d0a79aced4), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000013/buse-20251231.htm), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000049/buse_20260728x26q2xex992.htm), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883), [Glia (case study)](https://www.glia.com/case-study/busey-bank)) |
| [Wintrust Financial Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust) | [38.1](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #76 of 120 | [8](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust#sources) | [16](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust#sources) | [7 of 9](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust#where) | [16](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust#timeline) | Not disclosed |
| [Commerce Bancshares](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce) | [34](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #84 of 120 | [3](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce#sources) | [21](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce#sources) | [6 of 10](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce#where) | [15](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce#timeline) | Enterprise data strategy with an AI pillar; receivables automation for commercial clients ([Commerce Bancshares](https://commercebank.com/-/media/cb/pdf/about-us/annual-reports/2025annualreport.pdf), [Commerce Bank](https://commercebank.com/business/trends-and-insights/2025/banking-on-a-mission), [Commerce Bank](https://commercebank.com/business/trends-and-insights/2025/iowa-based-electrical-contractor-reduces-payment-processing-time), [Commerce Bank](https://commercebank.com/personal/ideas-and-tips/2024/how-to-stay-safe-from-ai-powered-fraud)) |
| [First Merchants Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants) | [29.8](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #88 of 120 | [3](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants#sources) | [22](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants#sources) | [9 of 11](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants#where) | [18](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants#timeline) | Not disclosed |
| [Nicolet Bankshares](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet) | [1.1](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #119 of 120 | [3](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet#sources) | [13](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet#sources) | [2 of 5](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet#where) | [15](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet#timeline) | Not disclosed |

## On which parts of the AI record is Associated ahead of or behind its peers?

Each row is one input of the index, counted on the profiles of Associated and the 8 peers that are scored on the same basis. "Place" is Associated's position in the group of 9 (1st = most).

| Component (weight) | Associated | Peer median | Most in the group | Place |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Independent sources (45%) | 11 | 5.5 | [Associated (11)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated) | 1st of 9 |
| Use cases in production (10%) | 4 | 8.5 | [Old National (10)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | 8th of 9 |
| Own primary disclosures (10%) | 19 | 18.5 | [Old National (22)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | 5th of 9 |
| Dated moves, last 12 months (10%) | 17 | 15.5 | [Old National (18)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | 3rd of 9 |
| Disclosed numbers (5%) | 11 | 13 | [Old National (16)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | 7th of 9 |
| Named AI leaders (5%) | 12 | 9 | [Associated (12)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated) | 1st of 9 |
| Use cases described (5%) | 11 | 10.5 | [Old National (14)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | 4th of 9 |

## What has each bank in Associated's peer group disclosed about its AI?

Facts from each bank's profile, cited to the profile's own sources. "Not disclosed" means the bank's public record, as cited on its profile, does not state it.

| Bank | Platform or assistant, as the profile names it | AI leaders named | Headline AI number disclosed | Patents on the record | Open AI roles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Associated Banc-Corp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated) | Line-of-business AI under a chief data officer / CIO ([Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-chief-digital-officer-joins-from-bmo/826613/), [American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/alexander-bush), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Announces-Annual-Meeting-Results-Dividends-Stock-Repurchase-Program-and-New-Technology-Committee)) | [12, incl. Andy Harmening (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated#people) ([Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-ceo-harmening-private-wealth-commercial/818566/), [PR Newswire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=600-202607231615PR_NEWS_USPRX____CG11257-1)) | AI use cases in process: 30 (Sep 15, 2026) ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556)) | 1 patent listed on the profile, e.g. US 8,280,813 B2 (Debt protection for a financial overdraft account) ([Google Patents (USPTO)](https://patents.google.com/patent/US8280813B2/en)) | [2 open AI roles (Sep 24, 2026); most in AI product & strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated#roles) |
| [Old National Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | Vendor-delivered automation on an acquisition-built bank ([Old National Bancorp](https://ir.oldnational.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Old-National-Receives-2026-Trust-in-Banking-Award), [GlobeNewswire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=1330-9651962en-471PA5GUQ40497E71D0E3EU3B5), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/four-tips-to-identify-ai-solutions-that-solve-real-business-problems/), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/what-not-to-share-when-using-ai-for-personal-finance-help/)) | [12, incl. Jim Ryan (Chairman and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#people) ([Old National Bancorp](https://ir.oldnational.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Old-National-Bancorp-Reports-Record-Second-Quarter-2026-Results-Announces-Enhanced-Executive-Leadership-Structure), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/acquisitive-old-national-eyes-growth-in-midwest-southeast)) | Legacy Power BI code clean-up with AI: ≈ 1 week vs ≈ 1 month for top programmers (Apr 22, 2026) ([The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-onb-q1-2026-172452001.html)) | None found (the profile's patent search) ([Google Patents (USPTO)](https://patents.google.com/?assignee=%22Old+National+Bancorp%22), [Google Patents (USPTO)](https://patents.google.com/?assignee=%22Old+National+Bank%22)) | [1 open AI roles (Oct 1, 2026); most in AI product & strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#roles) |
| [Wintrust Financial Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust) | Not disclosed | [10, incl. Tim Crane (President and Chief Executive Officer)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust#people) ([Investing.com (Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference, 3 March 2026)](https://www.investing.com/news/transcripts/wintrust-at-raymond-james-conference-strategic-growth-and-service-93CH-4538546), [Yahoo Finance (Quartr)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/WTFC/earnings/WTFC-Q2-2026-earnings_call-652204.html), [Wintrust Financial Corporation (GlobeNewswire)](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/02/3160702/11955/en/wintrust-financial-corporation-appoints-two-members-to-board-of-directors.html)) | Wintrust Specialty Finance originations, first half 2026 (with AI credit adjudication): More than 4,000 deals, roughly $500 million; team of 34 (Jun 30, 2026) ([Equipment Finance News (first published by sister title FinAi News)](https://equipmentfinancenews.com/news/lender-operations/ai-driving-funding-growth-via-credit-adjudication/)) | Not disclosed | [1 open AI roles (Oct 5, 2026); most in responsible AI & governance](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust#roles) |
| [Commerce Bancshares](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce) | Enterprise data strategy with an AI pillar; receivables automation for commercial clients ([Commerce Bancshares](https://commercebank.com/-/media/cb/pdf/about-us/annual-reports/2025annualreport.pdf), [Commerce Bank](https://commercebank.com/business/trends-and-insights/2025/banking-on-a-mission), [Commerce Bank](https://commercebank.com/business/trends-and-insights/2025/iowa-based-electrical-contractor-reduces-payment-processing-time), [Commerce Bank](https://commercebank.com/personal/ideas-and-tips/2024/how-to-stay-safe-from-ai-powered-fraud)) | [7, incl. John Kemper (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce#people) ([Commerce Bancshares](https://commercebank.com/-/media/cb/pdf/about-us/annual-reports/2025annualreport.pdf), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/commerce-eyes-wealth-management-gains-after-sealing-m-a-deal)) | Digital penetration / app rating / mobile deposit use: 82% / 4.7 (app rating as of 3 February 2026) / 30% (Dec 31, 2025) ([Commerce Bancshares](https://investor.commercebank.com/files/doc_financials/2025/q4/CBSH-Q4-2025-Investor-Update.pdf)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [UMB Financial](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb) | Integration first: the Heartland systems conversion ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/2025-the-most-powerful-women-to-watch-no-15-uma-wilson-umb-bank), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/umbs-post-acquisition-systems-conversion-set-for-october), [UMB Financial](https://blog.umb.com/economy-ai-impacts-on-the-markets/)) | [11, incl. Mariner Kemper (Chairman and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb#people) ([Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/umb-acquisitions-ceo-kemper-bank-deals/810866/), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/umbs-post-acquisition-systems-conversion-set-for-october)) | Earnings calls that discussed AI, Q3 2025 to Q2 2026: 1 of 4 (Q1 2026 only) (Jul 29, 2026) ([The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/01/26/umb-financial-q3-2025-earnings-call-transcript), [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/21/umb-umbf-q4-2025-earnings-call-transcript), [The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/umb-financial-umbf-q1-2026-160648739.html), [Investing.com (earnings call transcript)](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-umb-financial-tops-q2-2026-estimates-as-shares-rise-93CH-4820757)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo) | Nasdaq Verafin AI agents for financial-crime investigation ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/how-fnbo-uses-agentic-ai-to-investigate-financial-crime), [FNBO](https://www.fnbo.com/insights/fraud-and-security-tips/2025/ai-powered-scams-target-consumers), [FNBO](https://www.fnbo.com/insights/commercial-business/2025/how-fnbo-is-driving-innovation-through-strategic-partnerships)) | [11, incl. Clark Lauritzen (Chairman and President)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo#people) ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/no-pause-button-omaha-bank-inks-second-m-a-deal-since-june), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/deal-would-give-nebraskas-fnbo-a-leg-up-in-kansas-city)) | Americans who have used AI for personal finances: 46% (a further 50% trust AI for financial advice) (Sep 23, 2025) ([FNBO](https://www.fnbo.com/insights/newsroom/2025/fnbo-releases-2025-financial-wellbeing-study)) | 1 patent listed on the profile, e.g. US 2014/0304170 A1 (Remote credit issuance system, filed by First National of Nebraska, Inc.) ([Google Patents (USPTO)](https://patents.google.com/patent/US20140304170A1/en)) | [2 open AI roles (Sep 24, 2026); most in responsible AI & governance](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo#roles) |
| [Nicolet Bankshares](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet) | Not disclosed | [3, incl. Mike Daniels (Chairman, President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet#people) ([Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire via Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/nicolet-bankshares-inc-announces-second-201500387.html), [Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260120842782/en/Nicolet-Bankshares-Inc.-Announces-Record-Earnings)) | Average full-time-equivalent employees, 2025: 959 (Dec 31, 2025) ([Nicolet Bankshares (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1174850/000117485026000077/nic-20251231.htm)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [First Merchants Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants) | Not disclosed | [7, incl. Mark K. Hardwick (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants#people) ([First Merchants Corporation (GlobeNewswire via Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/first-merchants-corporation-announces-second-200500052.html), [First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/2026/06/04/first-merchants-bank-recognized-on-forbes--world-s-best-banks-2026), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000067/frme-20261001.htm)) | Digital platform conversion cost (non-core, 2024): $2.4 million (Dec 31, 2024) ([First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [First Busey Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey) | Director of AI, Data Science and Insights (from April 2026) ([Busey Bank](https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights), [First Busey Corporation](https://ir.busey.com/static-files/e566cc4a-c381-404d-a3b6-e8d0a79aced4), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000013/buse-20251231.htm), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000049/buse_20260728x26q2xex992.htm), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883), [Glia (case study)](https://www.glia.com/case-study/busey-bank)) | [8, incl. Van A. Dukeman (Chairman, President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey#people) ([First Busey Corporation (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/28/3334801/10701/en/First-Busey-Corporation-Announces-2026-Second-Quarter-Earnings.html), [First Busey Corporation (GlobeNewswire)](https://ir.busey.com/news-releases/news-release-details/busey-dukeman-agree-contract-extension/)) | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |

## What are the latest dated moves on the AI record of Associated and its peers?

The two newest dated entries of each bank since Oct 16, 2025, from the timelines of the profiles (which also log filings, results and deals that bear on the AI record), newest first.

| Date | Bank | Move |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Oct 1, 2026 | [First Merchants](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants) | CEO succession: Stewart to replace Hardwick on 1 January 2027 ([First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000067/frme-20261001.htm), [First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/2026/10/01/first-merchants-bank-ceo-mark-hardwick-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2026-and-president-mike-stewart-to-become-president-and-ceo)) |
| Oct 1, 2026 | [FNBO](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo) | Blue Ridge acquisition closes ([FNBO (Business Wire)](https://businesswire.com/news/home/20261001777849/en/FNBO-Closes-Acquisition-of-Blue-Ridge-Bank-and-Trust-Co.-in-Kansas-City)) |
| Oct 1, 2026 | [Commerce](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce) | Nolan & Associates acquisition completed ([Yahoo Finance (Commerce Bank via Business Wire)](https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/commerce-bank-completes-acquisition-investment-110000160.html)) |
| Sep 15, 2026 | [Associated](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated) | Barclays conference: 30 AI use cases in process ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556)) |
| Sep 8, 2026 | [Wintrust](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust) | Equipment-finance unit writes on financing the AI boom ([Wintrust Financial Corporation](https://wintrust.com/articles/2026/09/financing-the-ai-innovation-roadmap.html)) |
| Sep 2, 2026 | [FNBO](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo) | InBank deal valued at up to $204 million ([Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/fnbo-acquires-inbank-colorado-bank-deal-204m-merger/829424/)) |
| Aug 31, 2026 | [Commerce](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce) | Fraud guide says scammers use generative AI ([Commerce Bank](https://commercebank.com/business/trends-and-insights/2026/growing-threats-in-commercial-banking-fraud)) |
| Aug 26, 2026 | [Wintrust](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust) | Wintrust insurance banking note: automated credit assessments, AI governance watch ([Wintrust Financial Corporation](https://wintrust.com/articles/2026/08/insurance-banking-rundown.html)) |
| Aug 20, 2026 | [UMB](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb) | 'Playing with the big boys' ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/20/a-regional-bank-will-rally-by-playing-with-the-big-boys-jpmorgan-says.html)) |
| Aug 11, 2026 | [First Merchants](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants) | Customer warning on bank-impersonation scams ([First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/news-detail/2026/08/11/it-could-happen-to-you--bank-impersonation-scams)) |
| Aug 10, 2026 | [Nicolet](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet) | MidWestOne scheduled to open as Nicolet National Bank ([Nicolet National Bank](https://www.nicoletbank.com/midwestone-merger)) |
| Aug 6, 2026 | [Busey Bank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey) | Q2 2026 10-Q: AI named in forward-looking risks; headcount and data processing ([First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000055/buse-20260630.htm)) |
| Aug 5, 2026 | [Associated](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/associated) | Guide on AI-powered social engineering ([Associated Bank](https://associatedbank.com/education/articles/business-insights/strategy-and-management/ai-powered-social-engineering)) |
| Jul 31, 2026 | [Nicolet](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet) | Q2 2026 10-Q has no AI language ([Nicolet Bankshares (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1174850/000117485026000164/nic-20260630.htm), [Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire, investor relations)](https://investors.nicoletbank.com/news-market-information/press-releases/news-details/2026/Nicolet-Bankshares-Inc--Announces-Second-Quarter-2026-Earnings)) |
| Jul 30, 2026 | [UMB](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb) | Q2 2026 10-Q has no AI language ([UMB Financial (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/101382/000119312526325054/umbf-20260630.htm)) |
| Jul 29, 2026 | [Old National](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | Q2 2026 10-Q has no AI language ([Old National Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/707179/000070717926000046/onb-20260630.htm), [Old National Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/707179/000070717926000038/onb-20260331.htm), [Old National Bancorp](https://ir.oldnational.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Old-National-Bancorp-Reports-Record-Second-Quarter-2026-Results-Announces-Enhanced-Executive-Leadership-Structure)) |
| Jul 28, 2026 | [Busey Bank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey) | Q2 2026 investor presentation: AI in the CFO's portfolio ([First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000049/buse_20260728x26q2xex992.htm)) |
| Jul 22, 2026 | [Old National](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | Q2 2026 call: AI for scalability ([Yahoo Finance](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-bancorp-q2-earnings-150646360.html)) |

## What AI have Associated's Midwest peers put to work, and what has Associated disclosed?

The most concrete AI deployment each bank has disclosed, with its result and date.

| Bank | Deployment | Result disclosed | Date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Associated | 30 AI use cases in process; an internal tool built in-house; 25 AI training modules | Tool built for $45,000 against an $800,000 renew-or-buy option | March and September 2026 ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-rbc-conference-strategic-growth-and-ai-integration-93CH-4555875)) |
| Old National | AI-assisted clean-up of legacy Power BI code | About a week against about a month for top programmers | April 22, 2026 ([The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-onb-q1-2026-172452001.html)) |
| FNBO | Nasdaq Verafin AI agents for financial-crime investigation | Investigator time per case down 50% | June 24, 2026 ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/how-fnbo-uses-agentic-ai-to-investigate-financial-crime)) |
| Busey | Glia virtual assistants in the contact centre | 61.5% of calls handled; 50% less wrap-up time; 30,000 new customers absorbed without extra headcount | February 24, 2026 ([The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883)) |
| Wintrust | AI credit adjudication in Wintrust Specialty Finance | More than 4,000 deals, about $500 million, with a team of 34 (first half 2026) | 2026 ([Equipment Finance News (first published by sister title FinAi News)](https://equipmentfinancenews.com/news/lender-operations/ai-driving-funding-growth-via-credit-adjudication/)) |
| Commerce | AI pillar in the enterprise data strategy and an AI roadmap | 82% digital penetration; app rated 4.7 | 2025 annual report ([Commerce Bancshares](https://commercebank.com/-/media/cb/pdf/about-us/annual-reports/2025annualreport.pdf), [Commerce Bancshares](https://investor.commercebank.com/files/doc_financials/2025/q4/CBSH-Q4-2025-Investor-Update.pdf)) |
| UMB | Integration of Heartland first | AI discussed on 1 of 4 earnings calls, Q3 2025 to Q2 2026 | July 2026 ([The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/01/26/umb-financial-q3-2025-earnings-call-transcript), [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/21/umb-umbf-q4-2025-earnings-call-transcript), [The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/umb-financial-umbf-q1-2026-160648739.html), [Investing.com (earnings call transcript)](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-umb-financial-tops-q2-2026-estimates-as-shares-rise-93CH-4820757)) |

## How does Associated's AI record compare with U.S. Bank, BMO and JPMorgan Chase in Wisconsin?

The three largest rivals by Wisconsin deposits (FDIC, June 30, 2025) and what each discloses about AI.

| Bank | Wisconsin deposits (rank) | Customer AI | Employee AI |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| U.S. Bank | $32.3 billion (1st) | Smart Assistant: 2.5 million uses a month | GenAI code-review assistant saving 75% of review time ([FDIC](https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3AWI+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT%2CRSSDHCR%2CNAMEHCR&limit=10000), [U.S. Bank](https://usbank.com/content/dam/usbank/en/documents/pdfs/about-us-bank/2025-annual-report.pdf)) |
| Associated | $26.0 billion (2nd) | None launched; chatbot listed for 2024 in the 2023 plan | 25 AI modules; 30 use cases in process ([FDIC](https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3AWI+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT%2CRSSDHCR%2CNAMEHCR&limit=10000), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2023/Associated-Bank-executing-next-phase-of-strategic-plan), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-rbc-conference-strategic-growth-and-ai-integration-93CH-4555875), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556)) |
| BMO | $22.8 billion (3rd) | Not on its profile | More than 96% employee AI adoption (April 2026); Lumi indexes 8,000+ policies ([FDIC](https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3AWI+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT%2CRSSDHCR%2CNAMEHCR&limit=10000), [BMO](https://newsroom.bmo.com/2026-04-24-BMO-Launches-Return-on-Intelligence-Podcast-AI,-Quantum,-and-the-New-Rules-of-Decision-Making), [BMO](https://www.bmo.com/en-ca/main/about-bmo/news-insights/blog/meet-lumi-assistant-bmos-award-winning-ai-tool-empowering-team-bmo)) |
| JPMorgan Chase | $12.8 billion (4th) | No consumer assistant launched | LLM Suite: 150,000 weekly users (February 2026) ([FDIC](https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3AWI+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT%2CRSSDHCR%2CNAMEHCR&limit=10000), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/jpmorgan-chase-lake-agentic-ai-commerce-adoption/822426), [JPMorganChase](https://www.jpmorganchase.com/content/dam/jpmc/jpmorgan-chase-and-co/investor-relations/documents/2026-company-updates/company-update-chairman-ceo-transcript.pdf)) |

## How do the group's acquisitions shape their technology agendas?

Most banks in the group are absorbing a recent acquisition, which sets the technology calendar. Each row gives the deal and the conversion milestone disclosed.

| Bank | Deal | Conversion or integration milestone | Source date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Associated | American National (Omaha), $604 million, closed April 1, 2026 | Systems and branch conversion moved to October 2026; full run-rate cost savings in early 2027 | May and July 2026 ([Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-deal-american-national-omaha-604-million-acquisition/806659/), [Associated Banc-Corp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7789/000000778926000147/asb-20260505.htm), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-associated-banccorp-tops-q2-2026-estimates-93CH-4810197)) |
| Old National | Bremer (Minnesota), $1.4 billion, 70 branches | Systems conversion completed in 2025; the CEO called it 'our best systems conversion to date' | October 2025 ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/acquisitive-old-national-eyes-growth-in-midwest-southeast), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-old-national-bancorp-beats-q3-2025-forecasts-93CH-4302279)) |
| UMB | Heartland Financial, $2 billion; branches 93 to 193, states 8 to 13 | Heartland systems conversion, the bank's technology priority since 2025 | September 2025 ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/2025-the-most-powerful-women-to-watch-no-15-uma-wilson-umb-bank), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/umbs-post-acquisition-systems-conversion-set-for-october)) |
| Nicolet | MidWestOne, about $864 million; about $6 billion of assets added | $48.1 million of merger-related expense in the first half of 2026 | June 2026 ([Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire, investor relations)](https://investors.nicoletbank.com/news-market-information/press-releases/news-details/2025/Nicolet-Bankshares-Inc--Announces-Merger-with-MidWestOne-Financial-Group-Inc-/default.aspx), [Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260421530305/en), [Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire, investor relations)](https://investors.nicoletbank.com/news-market-information/press-releases/news-details/2026/Nicolet-Bankshares-Inc--Announces-Second-Quarter-2026-Earnings)) |
| Busey | CrossFirst, $917 million | Combined assets about $20 billion at closing | March 2025 ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/head-start-old-national-says-bremer-deal-will-close-early), [First Busey Corporation](https://ir.busey.com/news-releases/news-release-details/first-busey-corporation-completes-acquisition-crossfirst)) |
| FNBO | Blue Ridge Bancshares ($882 million of assets) and InBankshares (about $200 million cash) | Blue Ridge closed October 1, 2026 | 2026 ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/fnbos-latest-deal-adds-to-its-kansas-city-buildout), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/no-pause-button-omaha-bank-inks-second-m-a-deal-since-june)) |

## How is AI organised at Associated compared with its peers?

Associated puts AI accountability inside the business line. Andy Miner, hired from U.S. Bank's enterprise AI effort in June 2026, is the 'single point of accountability' for AI strategy, use cases, delivery, adoption, risk and data in corporate and commercial banking, starting with portfolio management, treasury and payments. Alexander Bush, chief data officer since February 2026, reports to CIO Terry Williams, and Brianna Elsass joined from BMO in July 2026 as chief digital officer with an AI and omnichannel mandate. ([Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking), [Associated Bank newsroom](https://newsroom.associatedbank.com/releases/associated-bank-announces-hiring-of-alexander-bush-executive-vice-president-chief-data-officer), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-chief-digital-officer-joins-from-bmo/826613/))

Among its peers, Busey created a director of AI, data science and insights role in April 2026, and Commerce describes an AI pillar inside its enterprise data strategy with a comprehensive AI roadmap. FNBO and Wintrust record AI through specific deployments (Verafin agents, credit adjudication) rather than named AI roles. Associated's CEO told the RBC conference in March 2026 that he wanted a group to define an AI '2.0'. ([Busey Bank](https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights), [Commerce Bancshares](https://commercebank.com/-/media/cb/pdf/about-us/annual-reports/2025annualreport.pdf), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/how-fnbo-uses-agentic-ai-to-investigate-financial-crime), [Equipment Finance News (first published by sister title FinAi News)](https://equipmentfinancenews.com/news/lender-operations/ai-driving-funding-growth-via-credit-adjudication/), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-rbc-conference-strategic-growth-and-ai-integration-93CH-4555875))

## Which banks are Associated's peers, and why these?

Associated Banc-Corp is compared here with Old National Bancorp, Wintrust Financial Corporation, Commerce Bancshares, UMB Financial, First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), Nicolet Bankshares, First Merchants Corporation and First Busey Corporation: chosen by the editors for this page (see the note below the table). Associated Banc-Corp is classed as a regional or retail-commercial bank in the Midwest.

The computed group included EverBank, Prosperity and F.N.B., which operate in Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania; this group keeps the Midwest regionals from Associated's 2026 proxy peer group (Old National, Wintrust, Commerce and UMB) and adds the banks it meets in its own markets: FNBO in Omaha, where it bought American National in April 2026, Nicolet in Wisconsin, and First Merchants and Busey in the Midwest.

## Common questions

### Is Associated Bank better than Old National at AI?

The record cannot settle capability, but Old National has put more on it: 66 on this site's index against Associated's 56.8, with more use cases in production (10 of 14 against 4 of 11). Associated leads on named AI leaders and independent coverage, and gave its first AI numbers in September 2026: 30 use cases in process. ([The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-onb-q1-2026-172452001.html), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking))

### Does Associated Bank have an AI chatbot?

Not one it has launched publicly. The bank's November 2023 strategic plan listed an AI-enabled chatbot among 2024 initiatives, and no launch announcement has followed. In Wisconsin, U.S. Bank reports 2.5 million Smart Assistant uses a month, and Busey's Glia virtual assistants handle 61.5% of its calls. ([Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2023/Associated-Bank-executing-next-phase-of-strategic-plan), [U.S. Bank](https://usbank.com/content/dam/usbank/en/documents/pdfs/about-us-bank/2025-annual-report.pdf), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883))

### How does Associated compare with U.S. Bank and BMO on AI?

Both are much larger and disclose more. U.S. Bank, 1st in Wisconsin by deposits, reports a Smart Assistant used 2.5 million times a month and a GenAI code-review tool saving 75% of review time; BMO reports more than 96% employee AI adoption. Associated, 2nd in Wisconsin, reports 30 AI use cases in process and 25 AI training modules. ([FDIC](https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3AWI+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT%2CRSSDHCR%2CNAMEHCR&limit=10000), [U.S. Bank](https://usbank.com/content/dam/usbank/en/documents/pdfs/about-us-bank/2025-annual-report.pdf), [BMO](https://newsroom.bmo.com/2026-04-24-BMO-Launches-Return-on-Intelligence-Podcast-AI,-Quantum,-and-the-New-Rules-of-Decision-Making), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-rbc-conference-strategic-growth-and-ai-integration-93CH-4555875))

### Who leads AI at Associated Bank?

Andy Miner, senior director of AI for corporate and commercial banking since June 2026, is the single point of accountability for AI in that business. Alexander Bush is chief data officer, Terry Williams is CIO, Abhishek Vaidya is chief analytics officer and Brianna Elsass is chief digital officer. A board Technology Committee was created in April 2026. ([Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking), [Associated Bank newsroom](https://newsroom.associatedbank.com/releases/associated-bank-announces-hiring-of-alexander-bush-executive-vice-president-chief-data-officer), [Associated Bank newsroom](https://newsroom.associatedbank.com/releases/associated-bank-announces-hiring-of-abhishek-vaidya-senior-vice-president-chief-analytics-officer), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-chief-digital-officer-joins-from-bmo/826613/), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Announces-Annual-Meeting-Results-Dividends-Stock-Repurchase-Program-and-New-Technology-Committee))

### How does Associated compare with Wintrust on AI?

Associated scores 56.8 on this site's index and Wintrust 38.1. Wintrust's most concrete AI is in Wintrust Specialty Finance, where AI credit adjudication helped a team of 34 close more than 4,000 deals, about $500 million, in the first half of 2026. Associated names more AI leaders and reports 30 use cases in process. ([Equipment Finance News (first published by sister title FinAi News)](https://equipmentfinancenews.com/news/lender-operations/ai-driving-funding-growth-via-credit-adjudication/), [Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556))

### What AI does Associated plan for commercial clients?

Its senior director of AI for corporate and commercial banking, hired in June 2026, is to start with internal workflows in portfolio management, treasury and payments, then faster loan processing and personalised client insights. The CEO said in September 2026 that a similar in-house build is under way in the risk and fraud framework. ([Associated Banc-Corp](https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556))

### How does Associated's technology spending compare?

Associated does not disclose a technology budget. Its CEO said in September 2026 that building tools in-house, such as one that cost $45,000 against an $800,000 purchase option, is part of its approach, and that AI efficiency would show in 2027 and 2028. Wintrust's software and equipment expense was $142.4 million in 2025, up 16%. ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556), [Wintrust Financial Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1015328/000101532826000007/wtfc-20251231.htm))

### How does Associated compare with FNBO now that it owns American National?

Associated bought Omaha's American National for $604 million, closing April 1, 2026; FNBO is Nebraska's largest bank by deposits. On AI, FNBO scores 53.2 and Associated 56.8. FNBO reports Nasdaq Verafin AI agents halving investigator time per financial-crime case; Associated reports 30 AI use cases in process. ([Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-deal-american-national-omaha-604-million-acquisition/806659/), [PR Newswire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=600-202607231615PR_NEWS_USPRX____CG11257-1), [FDIC](https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3ANE+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT%2CRSSDHCR%2CNAMEHCR&limit=10000), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/how-fnbo-uses-agentic-ai-to-investigate-financial-crime), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556))

## Peers on this site

- [Old National Bancorp AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national/vs-peers)
- [Wintrust Financial Corporation AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wintrust/vs-peers)
- [Commerce Bancshares AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/commerce/vs-peers)
- [UMB Financial AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/umb/vs-peers)
- [First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/fnbo/vs-peers)
- [Nicolet Bankshares AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/nicolet/vs-peers)
- [First Merchants Corporation AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants/vs-peers)
- [First Busey Corporation AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey/vs-peers)

## Sources

1. Associated Bank announces hiring of Alexander Bush, executive vice president, chief data officer — Associated Bank newsroom, Feb 24, 2026. https://newsroom.associatedbank.com/releases/associated-bank-announces-hiring-of-alexander-bush-executive-vice-president-chief-data-officer
2. Associated Bank Hires Andy Miner as senior director, AI for Corporate & Commercial Banking — Associated Banc-Corp, Jun 30, 2026. https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Bank-Hires-Andy-Miner-as-senior-director-AI-for-Corporate--Commercial-Banking
3. Associated Bank chief digital officer joins from BMO — Banking Dive, Jul 30, 2026. https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-chief-digital-officer-joins-from-bmo/826613/
4. Associated Announces Annual Meeting Results; Dividends; Stock Repurchase Program; and New Technology Committee — Associated Banc-Corp, Apr 28, 2026. https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Associated-Announces-Annual-Meeting-Results-Dividends-Stock-Repurchase-Program-and-New-Technology-Committee
5. Associated Banc-Corp at Barclays conference: growth, margins and AI (transcript) — Investing.com, Sep 15, 2026. https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-barclays-conference-growth-margins-and-ai-93CH-4901556
6. How FNBO uses agentic AI to investigate financial crime — American Banker, Jun 24, 2026. https://americanbanker.com/news/how-fnbo-uses-agentic-ai-to-investigate-financial-crime
7. Building Relationships When Checking No Longer Confers Primacy — The Financial Brand, Feb 24, 2026. https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883
8. AI driving funding growth via credit adjudication — Equipment Finance News (first published by sister title FinAi News), Aug 6, 2026. https://equipmentfinancenews.com/news/lender-operations/ai-driving-funding-growth-via-credit-adjudication/
9. Associated Bank executing next phase of strategic plan — Associated Banc-Corp, Nov 9, 2023. https://investor.associatedbank.com/news/news-details/2023/Associated-Bank-executing-next-phase-of-strategic-plan
10. Summary of Deposits, Wisconsin branch offices, June 30, 2025 (BankFind Suite API) — FDIC, Jun 30, 2025. https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3AWI+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT%2CRSSDHCR%2CNAMEHCR&limit=10000
11. U.S. Bancorp Annual Report 2025 — U.S. Bank, Feb 23, 2026. https://usbank.com/content/dam/usbank/en/documents/pdfs/about-us-bank/2025-annual-report.pdf
12. Associated Bank announces hiring of Abhishek Vaidya, senior vice president, chief analytics officer — Associated Bank newsroom, Sep 29, 2025. https://newsroom.associatedbank.com/releases/associated-bank-announces-hiring-of-abhishek-vaidya-senior-vice-president-chief-analytics-officer
13. Bernini Joins Busey as Director of AI — Busey Bank, Apr 6, 2026. https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights
14. Associated Bank CEO wants to pave 'highway to private wealth' — Banking Dive, Apr 27, 2026. https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-ceo-harmening-private-wealth-commercial/818566/
15. Associated Banc-Corp at RBC Conference: Strategic Growth and AI Integration (transcript) — Investing.com, Mar 11, 2026. https://investing.com/news/transcripts/associated-banccorp-at-rbc-conference-strategic-growth-and-ai-integration-93CH-4555875
16. Old National (ONB) Q1 2026 Earnings Transcript — The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance), Apr 22, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-onb-q1-2026-172452001.html
17. Associated Banc-Corp Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 — Associated Banc-Corp (SEC filings), Apr 28, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7789/000000778926000141/asb-20260331.htm
18. Associated Banc-Corp Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — Associated Banc-Corp (SEC filings), Aug 4, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7789/000000778926000202/asb-20260630.htm
19. Associated Banc-Corp Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — Associated Banc-Corp (SEC filings), Feb 12, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7789/000000778926000071/asb-20251231.htm
20. Old National Receives 2026 Trust in Banking Award — Old National Bancorp, Jan 22, 2026. https://ir.oldnational.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Old-National-Receives-2026-Trust-in-Banking-Award
21. Old National Bank, Axletree Solutions Partnership Finalizes Critical Swift Architecture, Achieves ISO 20022 Compliance for 2026 — GlobeNewswire via FT Markets, Feb 10, 2026. https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=1330-9651962en-471PA5GUQ40497E71D0E3EU3B5
22. Four tips to identify AI solutions that solve real business problems — Old National Bank, Apr 11, 2025. https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/four-tips-to-identify-ai-solutions-that-solve-real-business-problems/
23. What not to share when using AI for personal finance help — Old National Bank, May 26, 2026. https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/what-not-to-share-when-using-ai-for-personal-finance-help/
24. Alexander Bush, EVP, Chief Data Officer & CIO, Associated Bank (Digital Banking speaker profile) — American Banker, Apr 23, 2026. https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/alexander-bush
25. AI-Powered Scams Target Consumers — FNBO, Jul 8, 2025. https://www.fnbo.com/insights/fraud-and-security-tips/2025/ai-powered-scams-target-consumers
26. How FNBO Is Driving Innovation Through Strategic Partnerships — FNBO, Apr 3, 2025. https://www.fnbo.com/insights/commercial-business/2025/how-fnbo-is-driving-innovation-through-strategic-partnerships
27. The Most Powerful Women to Watch, No. 15, Uma Wilson, UMB Bank — American Banker, Sep 24, 2025. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/2025-the-most-powerful-women-to-watch-no-15-uma-wilson-umb-bank
28. UMB's post-acquisition systems conversion set for October — American Banker, Jul 30, 2025. https://americanbanker.com/news/umbs-post-acquisition-systems-conversion-set-for-october
29. AI POV: Impacts on the markets and what the future may hold — UMB Financial, Mar 2, 2026. https://blog.umb.com/economy-ai-impacts-on-the-markets/
30. Q1 2026 Earnings Investor Presentation — First Busey Corporation, Apr 28, 2026. https://ir.busey.com/static-files/e566cc4a-c381-404d-a3b6-e8d0a79aced4
31. First Busey Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — First Busey Corporation (SEC filings), Feb 26, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000013/buse-20251231.htm
32. Q2 2026 Earnings Investor Presentation (Form 8-K, Exhibit 99.2) — First Busey Corporation (SEC filings), Jul 28, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000049/buse_20260728x26q2xex992.htm
33. Busey Bank: 30,000 New Customers, Zero Hiring — Glia (case study), Sep 24, 2026. https://www.glia.com/case-study/busey-bank
34. 2025 Annual Report — Commerce Bancshares, Feb 24, 2026. https://commercebank.com/-/media/cb/pdf/about-us/annual-reports/2025annualreport.pdf
35. Banking on a mission (AlloSource client story) — Commerce Bank, Aug 19, 2025. https://commercebank.com/business/trends-and-insights/2025/banking-on-a-mission
36. Iowa-based electrical contractor reduces payment processing time — Commerce Bank, Jan 17, 2025. https://commercebank.com/business/trends-and-insights/2025/iowa-based-electrical-contractor-reduces-payment-processing-time
37. How to stay safe from AI-powered fraud — Commerce Bank, Jul 19, 2024. https://commercebank.com/personal/ideas-and-tips/2024/how-to-stay-safe-from-ai-powered-fraud
38. Associated Banc-Corp Reports Second Quarter 2026 Earnings of $0.63 Per Common Share, or $0.73 Excluding Nonrecurring Items — PR Newswire via FT Markets, Jul 23, 2026. https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=600-202607231615PR_NEWS_USPRX____CG11257-1
39. US 8,280,813 B2: System and method for providing debt protection for financial overdraft account (assignee Associated Banc-Corp) — Google Patents (USPTO), Oct 2, 2012. https://patents.google.com/patent/US8280813B2/en
40. Old National Bancorp Reports Record Second Quarter 2026 Results; Announces Enhanced Executive Leadership Structure — Old National Bancorp, Jul 22, 2026. https://ir.oldnational.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Old-National-Bancorp-Reports-Record-Second-Quarter-2026-Results-Announces-Enhanced-Executive-Leadership-Structure
41. Acquisitive Old National eyes growth in Midwest, Southeast — American Banker, Jan 21, 2025. https://americanbanker.com/news/acquisitive-old-national-eyes-growth-in-midwest-southeast
42. Google Patents assignee search: Old National Bancorp (0 results) — Google Patents (USPTO), Oct 14, 2026. https://patents.google.com/?assignee=%22Old+National+Bancorp%22
43. Google Patents assignee search: Old National Bank (only third-party patents that mention the bank) — Google Patents (USPTO), Oct 14, 2026. https://patents.google.com/?assignee=%22Old+National+Bank%22
44. Strategic Growth and Service By Investing.com — Investing.com (Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference, 3 March 2026), Mar 3, 2026. https://www.investing.com/news/transcripts/wintrust-at-raymond-james-conference-strategic-growth-and-service-93CH-4538546
45. Wintrust Financial Corporation (WTFC) Q2 FY2026 earnings call transcript — Yahoo Finance (Quartr), Jul 21, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/WTFC/earnings/WTFC-Q2-2026-earnings_call-652204.html
46. Wintrust Financial Corporation Appoints Two Members to Board of Directors — Wintrust Financial Corporation (GlobeNewswire), Oct 2, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/02/3160702/11955/en/wintrust-financial-corporation-appoints-two-members-to-board-of-directors.html
47. Commerce eyes wealth-management gains after sealing M&A deal — American Banker, Jan 7, 2026. https://americanbanker.com/news/commerce-eyes-wealth-management-gains-after-sealing-m-a-deal
48. Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Investor Update, 4th Quarter 2025 — Commerce Bancshares, Feb 9, 2026. https://investor.commercebank.com/files/doc_financials/2025/q4/CBSH-Q4-2025-Investor-Update.pdf
49. UMB CEO takes 'measured' tone on M&A — Banking Dive, Jan 29, 2026. https://www.bankingdive.com/news/umb-acquisitions-ceo-kemper-bank-deals/810866/
50. UMB Financial Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript — The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript), Jan 26, 2026. https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/01/26/umb-financial-q3-2025-earnings-call-transcript
51. UMB (UMBF) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript — The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript), Apr 21, 2026. https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/21/umb-umbf-q4-2025-earnings-call-transcript
52. UMB Financial (UMBF) Q1 2026 Earnings Transcript — The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance), Apr 29, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/umb-financial-umbf-q1-2026-160648739.html
53. Earnings call transcript: UMB Financial tops Q2 2026 estimates as shares rise — Investing.com (earnings call transcript), Jul 29, 2026. https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-umb-financial-tops-q2-2026-estimates-as-shares-rise-93CH-4820757
54. No pause button: Omaha bank inks second M&A deal since June — American Banker, Sep 2, 2026. https://americanbanker.com/news/no-pause-button-omaha-bank-inks-second-m-a-deal-since-june
55. Deal would give Nebraska's FNBO a leg up in Kansas City — American Banker, May 2, 2025. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/deal-would-give-nebraskas-fnbo-a-leg-up-in-kansas-city
56. Nearly Half of Americans Are Using AI To Help With Their Finances (2025 Financial Wellbeing Study) — FNBO, Sep 23, 2025. https://www.fnbo.com/insights/newsroom/2025/fnbo-releases-2025-financial-wellbeing-study
57. US 2014/0304170 A1: Remote credit issuance system — Google Patents (USPTO), Oct 9, 2014. https://patents.google.com/patent/US20140304170A1/en
58. Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2026 Earnings — Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire via Yahoo Finance), Jul 21, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/nicolet-bankshares-inc-announces-second-201500387.html
59. Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Announces Record Earnings — Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire), Jan 20, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260120842782/en/Nicolet-Bankshares-Inc.-Announces-Record-Earnings
60. Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — Nicolet Bankshares (SEC filing), Feb 27, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1174850/000117485026000077/nic-20251231.htm
61. First Merchants Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results — First Merchants Corporation (GlobeNewswire via Yahoo Finance), Jul 22, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/first-merchants-corporation-announces-second-200500052.html
62. First Merchants Bank Recognized on Forbes' World's Best Banks 2026 — First Merchants Bank, Jun 4, 2026. https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/2026/06/04/first-merchants-bank-recognized-on-forbes--world-s-best-banks-2026
63. First Merchants Corporation Form 8-K: CEO retirement and succession — First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings), Oct 1, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000067/frme-20261001.htm
64. First Merchants Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings), Feb 25, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm
65. First Busey Corporation Announces 2026 Second Quarter Earnings — First Busey Corporation (GlobeNewswire), Jul 28, 2026. https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/28/3334801/10701/en/First-Busey-Corporation-Announces-2026-Second-Quarter-Earnings.html
66. Busey, Dukeman Agree to Contract Extension — First Busey Corporation (GlobeNewswire), Jul 14, 2026. https://ir.busey.com/news-releases/news-release-details/busey-dukeman-agree-contract-extension/
67. First Merchants Bank CEO Mark Hardwick to Retire at the End of 2026 and President Mike Stewart to Become President and CEO — First Merchants Bank, Oct 1, 2026. https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/2026/10/01/first-merchants-bank-ceo-mark-hardwick-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2026-and-president-mike-stewart-to-become-president-and-ceo
68. FNBO Closes Acquisition of Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co. in Kansas City — FNBO (Business Wire), Oct 1, 2026. https://businesswire.com/news/home/20261001777849/en/FNBO-Closes-Acquisition-of-Blue-Ridge-Bank-and-Trust-Co.-in-Kansas-City
69. Commerce Bank Completes Acquisition of Investment Banking Firm Nolan & Associates — Yahoo Finance (Commerce Bank via Business Wire), Oct 1, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/commerce-bank-completes-acquisition-investment-110000160.html
70. Financing the AI innovation roadmap — Wintrust Financial Corporation, Sep 8, 2026. https://wintrust.com/articles/2026/09/financing-the-ai-innovation-roadmap.html
71. FNBO to acquire Colorado bank in $204M deal — Banking Dive, Sep 2, 2026. https://www.bankingdive.com/news/fnbo-acquires-inbank-colorado-bank-deal-204m-merger/829424/
72. Growing threats in commercial banking fraud — Commerce Bank, Aug 31, 2026. https://commercebank.com/business/trends-and-insights/2026/growing-threats-in-commercial-banking-fraud
73. Insurance Banking Rundown — Wintrust Financial Corporation, Aug 26, 2026. https://wintrust.com/articles/2026/08/insurance-banking-rundown.html
74. This Kansas City regional bank is playing with the big boys. JPMorgan sees big gains ahead — CNBC, Aug 20, 2026. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/20/a-regional-bank-will-rally-by-playing-with-the-big-boys-jpmorgan-says.html
75. It Could Happen to You: Bank Impersonation Scams — First Merchants Bank, Aug 11, 2026. https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/news-detail/2026/08/11/it-could-happen-to-you--bank-impersonation-scams
76. Nicolet National Bank and MidWestOne Bank: what customers should know — Nicolet National Bank, Jul 1, 2026. https://www.nicoletbank.com/midwestone-merger
77. First Busey Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — First Busey Corporation (SEC filings), Aug 6, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000055/buse-20260630.htm
78. AI-Powered Social Engineering: Is Your Business at Risk? — Associated Bank, Aug 5, 2026. https://associatedbank.com/education/articles/business-insights/strategy-and-management/ai-powered-social-engineering
79. Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — Nicolet Bankshares (SEC filing), Jul 31, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1174850/000117485026000164/nic-20260630.htm
80. Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2026 Earnings — Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire, investor relations), Jul 21, 2026. https://investors.nicoletbank.com/news-market-information/press-releases/news-details/2026/Nicolet-Bankshares-Inc--Announces-Second-Quarter-2026-Earnings
81. UMB Financial Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — UMB Financial (SEC filings), Jul 30, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/101382/000119312526325054/umbf-20260630.htm
82. Old National Bancorp Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — Old National Bancorp (SEC filings), Jul 29, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/707179/000070717926000046/onb-20260630.htm
83. Old National Bancorp Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 — Old National Bancorp (SEC filings), Apr 29, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/707179/000070717926000038/onb-20260331.htm
84. Old National Bancorp Q2 Earnings Call Highlights — Yahoo Finance, Jul 22, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-bancorp-q2-earnings-150646360.html
85. BMO Launches Return on Intelligence Podcast — BMO, Apr 24, 2026. https://newsroom.bmo.com/2026-04-24-BMO-Launches-Return-on-Intelligence-Podcast-AI,-Quantum,-and-the-New-Rules-of-Decision-Making
86. Meet Lumi Assistant: BMO's award-winning AI tool empowering Team BMO — BMO, Jun 24, 2025. https://www.bmo.com/en-ca/main/about-bmo/news-insights/blog/meet-lumi-assistant-bmos-award-winning-ai-tool-empowering-team-bmo
87. JPMorgan's Lake sees longer road to agentic commerce adoption — Banking Dive, Jun 10, 2026. https://www.bankingdive.com/news/jpmorgan-chase-lake-agentic-ai-commerce-adoption/822426
88. 2026 Company Update Transcript - Chairman and CEO Q&A — JPMorganChase, Feb 25, 2026. https://www.jpmorganchase.com/content/dam/jpmc/jpmorgan-chase-and-co/investor-relations/documents/2026-company-updates/company-update-chairman-ceo-transcript.pdf
89. Associated Bank to buy Nebraska lender for $604M — Banking Dive, Dec 1, 2025. https://www.bankingdive.com/news/associated-bank-deal-american-national-omaha-604-million-acquisition/806659/
90. Associated Banc-Corp Form 8-K with investor presentation (American National conversion timing) — Associated Banc-Corp (SEC filings), May 5, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7789/000000778926000147/asb-20260505.htm
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92. Earnings call transcript: Old National Bancorp beats Q3 2025 forecasts — Investing.com, Oct 22, 2025. https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-old-national-bancorp-beats-q3-2025-forecasts-93CH-4302279
93. Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Announces Merger with MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. — Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire, investor relations), Oct 23, 2025. https://investors.nicoletbank.com/news-market-information/press-releases/news-details/2025/Nicolet-Bankshares-Inc--Announces-Merger-with-MidWestOne-Financial-Group-Inc-/default.aspx
94. Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2026 Earnings — Nicolet Bankshares (Business Wire), Apr 21, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260421530305/en
95. Head start: Old National says Bremer deal will close early — American Banker, Apr 22, 2025. https://americanbanker.com/news/head-start-old-national-says-bremer-deal-will-close-early
96. First Busey Corporation Completes Acquisition of CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. and CrossFirst Bank — First Busey Corporation, Mar 3, 2025. https://ir.busey.com/news-releases/news-release-details/first-busey-corporation-completes-acquisition-crossfirst
97. FNBO's latest deal adds to its Kansas City buildout — American Banker, Jun 2, 2026. https://americanbanker.com/news/fnbos-latest-deal-adds-to-its-kansas-city-buildout
98. Wintrust Financial Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — Wintrust Financial Corporation (SEC filings), Feb 26, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1015328/000101532826000007/wtfc-20251231.htm
99. Summary of Deposits, Nebraska branch offices, June 30, 2025 (BankFind Suite API) — FDIC, Jun 30, 2025. https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3ANE+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT%2CRSSDHCR%2CNAMEHCR&limit=10000

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