Businesses manage money differently than they did a decade ago. As operations have evolved, so have expectations. Faster payments, real-time cash visibility and stronger fraud protection are no longer optional; they are essential to staying competitive and secure.
Yet modern banking isn’t defined by technology alone. It’s defined by how technology enables stronger client relationships.
At Signature Bank, we view digital innovation as the foundation that makes personalized commercial banking stronger. When systems integrate seamlessly and data flows in real time, our teams spend less time on manual processes and more time advising clients, identifying risk and uncovering opportunity.
That philosophy guides our continued investments in digital banking and treasury capabilities, ensuring innovation enhances the high-touch service our clients rely on.
So what does modern banking — with a personal touch — really look like? It’s trusted relationships backed by the right tools, real-time insight and experienced guidance that empower business leaders to make confident financial decisions.
Alma Sandoval, a relationship banker at Signature Bank, assists client Brian Collins of Pedersen & Houpt at the 191 N. Wacker Drive branch in the Chicago loop.
Banking built for how businesses actually operate
Treasury management has shifted from a back-office function to a strategic driver of operational efficiency, forecasting and enterprise risk management.
Businesses today should expect more than transaction processing. They should expect:
- Seamless integration with ERP and accounting systems
- Automated payment workflows that reduce manual effort
- Real-time reporting and cash visibility
- Strong internal controls and layered fraud protection
- A treasury team that adds true value through discovery — not just implementation
Our process begins by understanding how a business actually operates. We roll up our sleeves, evaluate workflows, identify inefficiencies and uncover potential risks — then design solutions that fit into a client’s systems.
That often includes helping businesses transition from paper-based payments to automated environments using ACH, virtual card payments and integrated payables platforms. Automation reduces manual steps, lowers the risk of error and fraud, and frees internal teams to focus on strategic priorities that improve cash flow and long-term performance.
Technology delivered with a personal touch
Delivering advanced tools is only the starting point. What sets us apart is how we implement and support them.
“Upgrading our digital banking platform was about more than adding new features — it was about making life easier and safer for our clients,” said Penny Foust, CTP, senior vice president of Treasury Management at Signature Bank. “Efficiency, security and insights are critical, but they only matter if businesses know how to put them to work. That’s where our team comes in. We don’t just hand over technology; we walk side by side with our clients to make sure these tools help their businesses run stronger every day.”
That hands-on philosophy shapes how we engage with clients. We work closely with controllers, CFOs and business leaders across industries — from manufacturing to professional services — to understand their processes, challenges and growth goals before recommending solutions. In many cases, that means rethinking workflows from the ground up and serving as an extension of a client’s internal team.
“Technology has changed everything about banking, from paper-based processes to real-time data and automation. But what hasn’t changed is that it’s still a people business. Technology only creates value when it’s paired with relationships, trust and a deep understanding of how our clients truly operate,” said Foust.
Innovation with security at the core
As digital capabilities expand, so does the fraud landscape. Real-time payments, APIs and system integrations introduce new efficiencies but also increase the importance of strong controls and informed oversight.
It’s an unfortunate reality: the majority of businesses experience payment fraud in some form. Companies often have just one business day to identify and report unauthorized transactions before they become unrecoverable. Artificial intelligence has also introduced new threats, including digital impersonation and voice replication schemes.
That’s why we view security and fraud controls as integral to innovation, not add-ons or afterthoughts. Signature Bank’s digital and treasury solutions are designed with security embedded from the start, including:
- Multi-factor authentication and layered access controls
- Real-time monitoring and proactive alerts
- Positive pay and advanced payment verification tools
- Internal fraud mitigation controls
- Ongoing education around emerging cybersecurity risks
Technology can flag potential risk, but it’s the people behind it who help prevent problems and keep business moving. Even the most advanced fraud detection tools require experienced oversight. When something appears unusual, our clients don’t navigate automated responses alone. They hear directly from someone who understands their business and can step in quickly to assess and respond.
Personalized banking, powered by agility.
While many banks offer digital platforms, fewer offer true partnership.
At Signature Bank, our technology exists to support banker-client relationships. Our treasury, operations, IT and lending teams collaborate closely to ensure digital tools, fraud protections and financing strategies align with each client’s broader goals.
Because we operate with a team-based approach, clients benefit from continuity and direct access to decision-makers. In an industry where banker turnover can disrupt service, our structure prioritizes long-term relationships and shared institutional knowledge.
That alignment also allows us to move quickly. Without unnecessary layers of bureaucracy, we can refine workflows, customize reporting and deploy enhancements efficiently. Clients don’t navigate red tape — they work directly with professionals who understand their business and can act decisively.
Andrea Brockland, Assistant Vice President, Assistant Retail Manager of Retail Banking at Signature Bank, greets client John Wrenn of Lakefront Hospitality Group.
Twenty years of evolving – and listening
As we celebrate 20 years of serving our clients, we recognize how dramatically commercial banking has changed. Processes that once relied on paper and manual approvals now operate in real time, connected through secure digital ecosystems.
But one principle has remained constant: strong banking relationships are built on trust, insight and accessibility.
“We aren’t just deploying technology,” Foust said. “We’re building financial ecosystems that are dynamic, secure and deeply relationship-driven. That combination — innovation and high-touch service — is what modern banking should look like because it’s in the best interest of our customers.”
Let’s start the conversation
If you’re evaluating whether your current banking relationship delivers the integration, automation and fraud protection your business needs — along with the personalized guidance you deserve — we invite you to start the conversation.
Let’s discuss how modern treasury and digital solutions, backed by a relationship-driven team, can support your next chapter of growth. Contact us to get started.
