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Stay informed with out regularly updated resources. Each post convers a unique aspect of banking or finance to enhance your understanding and enable better financial decisions.
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that community banking means more than serving customers inside the walls of a branch. It means investing in the people, organizations, and partnerships that help our communities thrive.
That commitment is something Carla Quann, Director of Community Relations for the Volusia Sheriff's Office, has experienced firsthand.
"Our goal is to support everyone in our community," Carla explains. "Ryan [James] wanted to be a part of what we're doing because he cares about the community."
The partnership between Surety Bank and the Volusia Sheriff's Office began when Surety Bank President & CEO Ryan James joined the Volusia Sheriff's Foundation Board. Since then, the relationship has grown into a collaborative effort focused on addressing some of the community's greatest needs.
One example came during the holiday season, when thousands of local families faced uncertainty after SNAP benefits were unexpectedly interrupted. Through the combined efforts of businesses, volunteers, and community organizations, more than 3,500 grocery bags were distributed to families throughout Volusia County.
According to Carla, Surety Bank was an important part of making that effort possible.
Beyond community events and charitable initiatives, the partnership has also helped strengthen public safety.
As financial scams targeting older adults became increasingly common, Surety Bank worked alongside the Sheriff's Office to provide education, share industry expertise, and help detectives better recognize the warning signs of fraud.
That collaboration ultimately helped lead to the creation of the Volusia Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes Unit—a dedicated team focused on protecting residents from fraud and financial exploitation.
Working together, those efforts have helped recover more than $2 million for local victims of financial crimes.
For Carla, those results reflect what makes Surety Bank different.
"They're not just another hometown bank," she says. "They care about their community."
She believes that commitment starts with customer service but extends far beyond banking. Whether supporting nonprofit organizations, helping law enforcement address emerging scams, or simply answering the phone when someone needs help, Surety Bank has built relationships rooted in trust.
"People trust them," Carla says. "They've built that trust with their customers, and that's why people stay."
As Surety Bank celebrates a century of serving Central Florida, partnerships like this demonstrate that community banking isn't defined only by financial services—it's measured by the impact a bank has on the people and communities it serves.
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that when communities succeed, everyone succeeds. Through partnerships built on trust, service, and shared purpose, that commitment continues today—and will continue for generations to come.
As Surety Bank celebrates 100 years of community banking, one thing has remained constant throughout every decade: our commitment to people.
For Alexandra Wells, VP BSA Officer, that commitment is what makes community banking different.
After spending more than 20 years in the legal field, Alexandra joined Surety Bank in 2019, bringing together her legal experience and newly earned accounting degree to help protect customers from fraud, financial crimes, and suspicious activity. Since then, she has advanced through the Bank Secrecy Act department while helping strengthen Surety's commitment to customer protection. But for Alexandra, the work is about far more than regulations and risk management.
"It's about people," she says.
That philosophy became especially clear when an elderly customer began exhibiting unusual banking activity.
The customer, who had recently lost her husband and hired a caretaker, suddenly began cashing checks and making transactions that were completely out of character. Surety Bank's frontline staff noticed the changes immediately. Because they knew the customer and understood her normal banking habits, they recognized that something wasn't right.
The situation was escalated to Alexandra for further review.
After analyzing the account activity, Alexandra and another Surety employee visited the customer at her home. During the visit, several warning signs became apparent. The caretaker repeatedly answered questions on the customer's behalf, and purchases were being made that didn't align with the customer's typical behavior.
Further investigation revealed that the caretaker had gained access to the customer's debit card and was using it for personal purchases, including online shopping and vehicle rentals.
By acting quickly, Surety Bank was able to contact the customer's family, stop the unauthorized activity, and help prevent additional financial loss.
"It's one of the advantages of being a community bank," Alexandra explains. "Because we know our customers, we can recognize when something doesn't seem right and take action."
Stories like this highlight what has set Surety Bank apart for the past century. While technology and banking services continue to evolve, the foundation of community banking remains the same: relationships.
For Alexandra, those relationships extend beyond customers and into the workplace as well.
"At Surety Bank, you're not just a number," she says. "You're a person. We know each other by name, and we genuinely care about one another."
That culture of caring is reflected throughout the organization, from employees supporting one another through life's challenges to teams working together to serve customers with a personal touch.
As Surety Bank enters its second century, Alexandra believes the values that have guided the Bank for the last 100 years will continue to shape its future.
"We've always cared about our customers and our employees," she says. "That's the culture of Surety Bank, and I believe that's something that will continue for another century to come."
After 100 years, it's still how we've always done it: putting people first.
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), corporate due diligence files are completed during onboarding and are not reviewed on a regular basis. Over time, documents expire, registrations lapse, and required updates are overlooked.
The problem is that these files are not simply internal paperwork or a bank requirement. In many states, maintaining accurate and current corporate due diligence documentation is part of an MSB’s broader compliance responsibilities.
When documentation is incomplete or outdated, it can create operational disruptions that directly affect your business.
One of the most common issues we continue seeing involves outdated or incomplete documentation for businesses whose checks are being cashed.
In many cases, the MSB believes everything is in order until a transaction is reviewed and a problem is identified. By that point, funds may have already been provided to the customer.
When documentation is missing or expired, it can result in:
These situations are often avoidable with consistent file maintenance and regular internal reviews.
Corporate due diligence should be treated as an ongoing operational responsibility, not a one-time onboarding task.
Business information changes regularly. Companies may:
Without ongoing reviews, these changes can easily go unnoticed until they create a problem during transaction processing or compliance review.
Requirements vary depending on the state and type of business, but corporate due diligence files commonly include:
Many of these documents require periodic renewal or updates.
One recurring issue involves businesses failing to maintain active registration status with the Secretary of State.
In states like Florida, corporations are required to file annual reports to remain active. If those filings are missed, the business can become inactive or suspended.
During the due diligence process, Surety Bank reviews business registration status as part of transaction and compliance reviews. If a business is no longer active with the state, transactions may be delayed or unable to proceed until the issue is resolved.
Unfortunately, many MSBs do not discover the problem until after they have already provided funds to the customer.
One of the best ways to avoid these situations is by implementing consistent internal reviews of your corporate due diligence files.
It is recommended that MSBs review files at least twice a year to ensure documentation remains current and complete.
Even simple tracking methods can make a significant difference. Many businesses successfully use spreadsheets or internal checklists to monitor:
A small amount of organization upfront can help prevent larger operational and compliance issues later.
Corporate due diligence reviews are not simply administrative tasks. They are part of maintaining a strong compliance program and protecting your business from avoidable risk.
Strong documentation practices help businesses:
Most importantly, they help identify problems before they affect day-to-day operations.
Maintaining corporate due diligence files may not feel urgent until a transaction is delayed, a registration is found inactive, or documentation cannot be produced when needed.
Consistent reviews, updated records, and proactive tracking procedures help keep operations running smoothly and reduce preventable risk.
In many cases, the businesses with the fewest operational disruptions are simply the ones that stay organized and review their files consistently throughout the year.
For John Hamlin, business has always been about relationships.
As the owner of Hamlin & Associates and several affiliated companies, John has spent decades helping businesses succeed. Throughout his career, he's learned that the strongest partnerships aren't built on transactions alone. They're built on trust, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to helping people when they need it most.
That's one of the reasons he's been banking with Surety Bank for nearly 20 years.
When John first moved to the Daytona Beach area, Surety Bank was recommended to him by a trusted contact. From his very first interactions with the team, he noticed something different.
"It reminded me more of an old-school bank that cared," John recalls. "I wasn't just an account number. They took the time to learn my name, understand my business, and get to know me."
Over the years, John has worked with other financial institutions, but those experiences only reinforced what makes Surety unique. While larger banks often offered similar products and technology, they couldn't provide the same level of personal attention.
"You can go anywhere and get online banking," he says. "Surety offers that too. The difference is they also offer the personal relationship."
For John, that relationship has meant having direct conversations when questions arise, receiving honest guidance, and knowing that decisions are made by people who understand both his business and his goals.
After nearly two decades as a customer, John says he's never felt the need to call and complain about an employee or a banking experience.
"Everybody in this bank is of service," he explains. "They're accommodating, they're friendly, and they're always willing to help. That's rare."
As Surety Bank celebrates its 100th anniversary, John believes the bank's longevity comes down to something simple: maintaining the personal touch while continuing to evolve.
"You guys can do everything the big banks do," he says. "They can't do everything you do."
For John, that's what community banking should be. Modern conveniences matter, but relationships matter more.
And after nearly 20 years, that's why Surety Bank continues to be his bank of choice.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it's how we will always do it!
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For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), the independent review is viewed as another annual compliance requirement to complete, submit to the bank, and move on from until next year.
In reality, the independent review is one of the most important tools available to help identify weaknesses in your compliance program before they become larger problems.
A completed review alone is not enough.
What matters is what happens after the review is finished.
Independent testing is one of the pillars of an effective BSA/AML compliance program. Its purpose is not simply to satisfy a requirement. A quality review evaluates the strength of your compliance program, identifies weaknesses or gaps, reviews transaction monitoring procedures, and provides recommendations to improve controls and reduce risk.
A strong independent review gives MSB owners visibility into areas that may need attention before regulators or financial institutions identify them first.
One of the biggest issues we see is MSBs treating the independent review as a one-time document instead of an operational tool.
In many cases, findings are not addressed, recommendations are delayed, or the same deficiencies continue appearing year after year. This creates a pattern that signals a lack of improvement and a lack of attention to compliance responsibilities.
When the same issues continue repeating, risk increases significantly.
Repeated deficiencies can eventually lead to increased monitoring requirements, additional compliance costs, regulatory scrutiny, or even fines and penalties. In more serious situations, it can also create risk for the MSB’s banking relationship or licensing status.
In some cases, businesses may be required to undergo additional compliance monitoring by an outside third party until improvements are made.
The goal is not to create an additional burden, but instead to identify and correct issues before they become larger operational or regulatory problems.
Independent reviews frequently identify issues involving:
While some of these may seem minor individually, repeated deficiencies over time can create significant compliance concerns if they are not corrected.
No compliance program is perfect. What matters most is identifying issues, addressing them promptly, and demonstrating improvement over time.
An independent review should show progress year after year. If the same findings continue appearing without corrective action, regulators and financial institutions may view that as a lack of commitment to compliance obligations.
Although the independent review report is a bank-required document, MSBs are required to undergo independent testing because the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requires every MSB to maintain an effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program, and independent testing is one of the core required elements of that program.
While FinCEN requires independent testing to be conducted periodically, Surety Bank’s policy requires independent testing to be completed every 12 months for MSB customers.
Completing reviews consistently and addressing findings in a timely manner helps maintain a stronger and more effective compliance program throughout the year.
Compliance is not built once a year during an independent testing. It is built through consistent attention to processes, documentation, monitoring, and corrective action throughout the year.
The independent testing is designed to help identify weaknesses before they create larger operational or regulatory problems. Using it properly can help protect your business, your banking relationship, and your long-term success.
For John Simmons, banking with Surety has always been about relationships.
A longtime customer of Surety Bank, John has seen firsthand what it looks like when a financial institution truly shows up for its community. As a husband of 38 years, a father of four daughters, and a Director at St. Barnabas Episcopal School, his perspective is grounded in both family and service.
When the school began to grow, a new challenge emerged. They had run out of space to fit all of the students. Expansion wasn’t just a nice-to-have, it was necessary to continue serving students and families well. Like many organizations in that position, they explored their options carefully.
Then came a call that changed everything.
The president of Surety Bank reached out directly, bringing together key stakeholders in a conversation focused on one thing: how to help. What followed was more than a transaction, it was a collaborative effort. The bank stepped in not just with financial guidance, but with a clear commitment to walk alongside the school’s leadership every step of the way.
That experience left a lasting impression on John.
In his words, Surety Bank was “there 120%,” offering direction, support, and reassurance during a critical moment. But what stood out most was how they got there.
“They treat people as people,” John explains. “They actually answer the phone. They communicate.”
In an era where many businesses prioritize efficiency over connection, that kind of responsiveness feels increasingly rare. Yet for Surety Bank, it’s part of their DNA.
John’s story is a reminder that the best banking relationships aren’t built on numbers alone. They’re built on trust, accessibility, and a genuine investment in the people they serve.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it’s how we will always do it!
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that community banking means more than serving customers inside the walls of a branch. It means investing in the people, organizations, and partnerships that help our communities thrive.
That commitment is something Carla Quann, Director of Community Relations for the Volusia Sheriff's Office, has experienced firsthand.
"Our goal is to support everyone in our community," Carla explains. "Ryan [James] wanted to be a part of what we're doing because he cares about the community."
The partnership between Surety Bank and the Volusia Sheriff's Office began when Surety Bank President & CEO Ryan James joined the Volusia Sheriff's Foundation Board. Since then, the relationship has grown into a collaborative effort focused on addressing some of the community's greatest needs.
One example came during the holiday season, when thousands of local families faced uncertainty after SNAP benefits were unexpectedly interrupted. Through the combined efforts of businesses, volunteers, and community organizations, more than 3,500 grocery bags were distributed to families throughout Volusia County.
According to Carla, Surety Bank was an important part of making that effort possible.
Beyond community events and charitable initiatives, the partnership has also helped strengthen public safety.
As financial scams targeting older adults became increasingly common, Surety Bank worked alongside the Sheriff's Office to provide education, share industry expertise, and help detectives better recognize the warning signs of fraud.
That collaboration ultimately helped lead to the creation of the Volusia Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes Unit—a dedicated team focused on protecting residents from fraud and financial exploitation.
Working together, those efforts have helped recover more than $2 million for local victims of financial crimes.
For Carla, those results reflect what makes Surety Bank different.
"They're not just another hometown bank," she says. "They care about their community."
She believes that commitment starts with customer service but extends far beyond banking. Whether supporting nonprofit organizations, helping law enforcement address emerging scams, or simply answering the phone when someone needs help, Surety Bank has built relationships rooted in trust.
"People trust them," Carla says. "They've built that trust with their customers, and that's why people stay."
As Surety Bank celebrates a century of serving Central Florida, partnerships like this demonstrate that community banking isn't defined only by financial services—it's measured by the impact a bank has on the people and communities it serves.
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that when communities succeed, everyone succeeds. Through partnerships built on trust, service, and shared purpose, that commitment continues today—and will continue for generations to come.
As Surety Bank celebrates 100 years of community banking, one thing has remained constant throughout every decade: our commitment to people.
For Alexandra Wells, VP BSA Officer, that commitment is what makes community banking different.
After spending more than 20 years in the legal field, Alexandra joined Surety Bank in 2019, bringing together her legal experience and newly earned accounting degree to help protect customers from fraud, financial crimes, and suspicious activity. Since then, she has advanced through the Bank Secrecy Act department while helping strengthen Surety's commitment to customer protection. But for Alexandra, the work is about far more than regulations and risk management.
"It's about people," she says.
That philosophy became especially clear when an elderly customer began exhibiting unusual banking activity.
The customer, who had recently lost her husband and hired a caretaker, suddenly began cashing checks and making transactions that were completely out of character. Surety Bank's frontline staff noticed the changes immediately. Because they knew the customer and understood her normal banking habits, they recognized that something wasn't right.
The situation was escalated to Alexandra for further review.
After analyzing the account activity, Alexandra and another Surety employee visited the customer at her home. During the visit, several warning signs became apparent. The caretaker repeatedly answered questions on the customer's behalf, and purchases were being made that didn't align with the customer's typical behavior.
Further investigation revealed that the caretaker had gained access to the customer's debit card and was using it for personal purchases, including online shopping and vehicle rentals.
By acting quickly, Surety Bank was able to contact the customer's family, stop the unauthorized activity, and help prevent additional financial loss.
"It's one of the advantages of being a community bank," Alexandra explains. "Because we know our customers, we can recognize when something doesn't seem right and take action."
Stories like this highlight what has set Surety Bank apart for the past century. While technology and banking services continue to evolve, the foundation of community banking remains the same: relationships.
For Alexandra, those relationships extend beyond customers and into the workplace as well.
"At Surety Bank, you're not just a number," she says. "You're a person. We know each other by name, and we genuinely care about one another."
That culture of caring is reflected throughout the organization, from employees supporting one another through life's challenges to teams working together to serve customers with a personal touch.
As Surety Bank enters its second century, Alexandra believes the values that have guided the Bank for the last 100 years will continue to shape its future.
"We've always cared about our customers and our employees," she says. "That's the culture of Surety Bank, and I believe that's something that will continue for another century to come."
After 100 years, it's still how we've always done it: putting people first.
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), corporate due diligence files are completed during onboarding and are not reviewed on a regular basis. Over time, documents expire, registrations lapse, and required updates are overlooked.
The problem is that these files are not simply internal paperwork or a bank requirement. In many states, maintaining accurate and current corporate due diligence documentation is part of an MSB’s broader compliance responsibilities.
When documentation is incomplete or outdated, it can create operational disruptions that directly affect your business.
One of the most common issues we continue seeing involves outdated or incomplete documentation for businesses whose checks are being cashed.
In many cases, the MSB believes everything is in order until a transaction is reviewed and a problem is identified. By that point, funds may have already been provided to the customer.
When documentation is missing or expired, it can result in:
These situations are often avoidable with consistent file maintenance and regular internal reviews.
Corporate due diligence should be treated as an ongoing operational responsibility, not a one-time onboarding task.
Business information changes regularly. Companies may:
Without ongoing reviews, these changes can easily go unnoticed until they create a problem during transaction processing or compliance review.
Requirements vary depending on the state and type of business, but corporate due diligence files commonly include:
Many of these documents require periodic renewal or updates.
One recurring issue involves businesses failing to maintain active registration status with the Secretary of State.
In states like Florida, corporations are required to file annual reports to remain active. If those filings are missed, the business can become inactive or suspended.
During the due diligence process, Surety Bank reviews business registration status as part of transaction and compliance reviews. If a business is no longer active with the state, transactions may be delayed or unable to proceed until the issue is resolved.
Unfortunately, many MSBs do not discover the problem until after they have already provided funds to the customer.
One of the best ways to avoid these situations is by implementing consistent internal reviews of your corporate due diligence files.
It is recommended that MSBs review files at least twice a year to ensure documentation remains current and complete.
Even simple tracking methods can make a significant difference. Many businesses successfully use spreadsheets or internal checklists to monitor:
A small amount of organization upfront can help prevent larger operational and compliance issues later.
Corporate due diligence reviews are not simply administrative tasks. They are part of maintaining a strong compliance program and protecting your business from avoidable risk.
Strong documentation practices help businesses:
Most importantly, they help identify problems before they affect day-to-day operations.
Maintaining corporate due diligence files may not feel urgent until a transaction is delayed, a registration is found inactive, or documentation cannot be produced when needed.
Consistent reviews, updated records, and proactive tracking procedures help keep operations running smoothly and reduce preventable risk.
In many cases, the businesses with the fewest operational disruptions are simply the ones that stay organized and review their files consistently throughout the year.
For John Hamlin, business has always been about relationships.
As the owner of Hamlin & Associates and several affiliated companies, John has spent decades helping businesses succeed. Throughout his career, he's learned that the strongest partnerships aren't built on transactions alone. They're built on trust, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to helping people when they need it most.
That's one of the reasons he's been banking with Surety Bank for nearly 20 years.
When John first moved to the Daytona Beach area, Surety Bank was recommended to him by a trusted contact. From his very first interactions with the team, he noticed something different.
"It reminded me more of an old-school bank that cared," John recalls. "I wasn't just an account number. They took the time to learn my name, understand my business, and get to know me."
Over the years, John has worked with other financial institutions, but those experiences only reinforced what makes Surety unique. While larger banks often offered similar products and technology, they couldn't provide the same level of personal attention.
"You can go anywhere and get online banking," he says. "Surety offers that too. The difference is they also offer the personal relationship."
For John, that relationship has meant having direct conversations when questions arise, receiving honest guidance, and knowing that decisions are made by people who understand both his business and his goals.
After nearly two decades as a customer, John says he's never felt the need to call and complain about an employee or a banking experience.
"Everybody in this bank is of service," he explains. "They're accommodating, they're friendly, and they're always willing to help. That's rare."
As Surety Bank celebrates its 100th anniversary, John believes the bank's longevity comes down to something simple: maintaining the personal touch while continuing to evolve.
"You guys can do everything the big banks do," he says. "They can't do everything you do."
For John, that's what community banking should be. Modern conveniences matter, but relationships matter more.
And after nearly 20 years, that's why Surety Bank continues to be his bank of choice.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it's how we will always do it!
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), the independent review is viewed as another annual compliance requirement to complete, submit to the bank, and move on from until next year.
In reality, the independent review is one of the most important tools available to help identify weaknesses in your compliance program before they become larger problems.
A completed review alone is not enough.
What matters is what happens after the review is finished.
Independent testing is one of the pillars of an effective BSA/AML compliance program. Its purpose is not simply to satisfy a requirement. A quality review evaluates the strength of your compliance program, identifies weaknesses or gaps, reviews transaction monitoring procedures, and provides recommendations to improve controls and reduce risk.
A strong independent review gives MSB owners visibility into areas that may need attention before regulators or financial institutions identify them first.
One of the biggest issues we see is MSBs treating the independent review as a one-time document instead of an operational tool.
In many cases, findings are not addressed, recommendations are delayed, or the same deficiencies continue appearing year after year. This creates a pattern that signals a lack of improvement and a lack of attention to compliance responsibilities.
When the same issues continue repeating, risk increases significantly.
Repeated deficiencies can eventually lead to increased monitoring requirements, additional compliance costs, regulatory scrutiny, or even fines and penalties. In more serious situations, it can also create risk for the MSB’s banking relationship or licensing status.
In some cases, businesses may be required to undergo additional compliance monitoring by an outside third party until improvements are made.
The goal is not to create an additional burden, but instead to identify and correct issues before they become larger operational or regulatory problems.
Independent reviews frequently identify issues involving:
While some of these may seem minor individually, repeated deficiencies over time can create significant compliance concerns if they are not corrected.
No compliance program is perfect. What matters most is identifying issues, addressing them promptly, and demonstrating improvement over time.
An independent review should show progress year after year. If the same findings continue appearing without corrective action, regulators and financial institutions may view that as a lack of commitment to compliance obligations.
Although the independent review report is a bank-required document, MSBs are required to undergo independent testing because the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requires every MSB to maintain an effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program, and independent testing is one of the core required elements of that program.
While FinCEN requires independent testing to be conducted periodically, Surety Bank’s policy requires independent testing to be completed every 12 months for MSB customers.
Completing reviews consistently and addressing findings in a timely manner helps maintain a stronger and more effective compliance program throughout the year.
Compliance is not built once a year during an independent testing. It is built through consistent attention to processes, documentation, monitoring, and corrective action throughout the year.
The independent testing is designed to help identify weaknesses before they create larger operational or regulatory problems. Using it properly can help protect your business, your banking relationship, and your long-term success.
For John Simmons, banking with Surety has always been about relationships.
A longtime customer of Surety Bank, John has seen firsthand what it looks like when a financial institution truly shows up for its community. As a husband of 38 years, a father of four daughters, and a Director at St. Barnabas Episcopal School, his perspective is grounded in both family and service.
When the school began to grow, a new challenge emerged. They had run out of space to fit all of the students. Expansion wasn’t just a nice-to-have, it was necessary to continue serving students and families well. Like many organizations in that position, they explored their options carefully.
Then came a call that changed everything.
The president of Surety Bank reached out directly, bringing together key stakeholders in a conversation focused on one thing: how to help. What followed was more than a transaction, it was a collaborative effort. The bank stepped in not just with financial guidance, but with a clear commitment to walk alongside the school’s leadership every step of the way.
That experience left a lasting impression on John.
In his words, Surety Bank was “there 120%,” offering direction, support, and reassurance during a critical moment. But what stood out most was how they got there.
“They treat people as people,” John explains. “They actually answer the phone. They communicate.”
In an era where many businesses prioritize efficiency over connection, that kind of responsiveness feels increasingly rare. Yet for Surety Bank, it’s part of their DNA.
John’s story is a reminder that the best banking relationships aren’t built on numbers alone. They’re built on trust, accessibility, and a genuine investment in the people they serve.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it’s how we will always do it!
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that community banking means more than serving customers inside the walls of a branch. It means investing in the people, organizations, and partnerships that help our communities thrive.
That commitment is something Carla Quann, Director of Community Relations for the Volusia Sheriff's Office, has experienced firsthand.
"Our goal is to support everyone in our community," Carla explains. "Ryan [James] wanted to be a part of what we're doing because he cares about the community."
The partnership between Surety Bank and the Volusia Sheriff's Office began when Surety Bank President & CEO Ryan James joined the Volusia Sheriff's Foundation Board. Since then, the relationship has grown into a collaborative effort focused on addressing some of the community's greatest needs.
One example came during the holiday season, when thousands of local families faced uncertainty after SNAP benefits were unexpectedly interrupted. Through the combined efforts of businesses, volunteers, and community organizations, more than 3,500 grocery bags were distributed to families throughout Volusia County.
According to Carla, Surety Bank was an important part of making that effort possible.
Beyond community events and charitable initiatives, the partnership has also helped strengthen public safety.
As financial scams targeting older adults became increasingly common, Surety Bank worked alongside the Sheriff's Office to provide education, share industry expertise, and help detectives better recognize the warning signs of fraud.
That collaboration ultimately helped lead to the creation of the Volusia Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes Unit—a dedicated team focused on protecting residents from fraud and financial exploitation.
Working together, those efforts have helped recover more than $2 million for local victims of financial crimes.
For Carla, those results reflect what makes Surety Bank different.
"They're not just another hometown bank," she says. "They care about their community."
She believes that commitment starts with customer service but extends far beyond banking. Whether supporting nonprofit organizations, helping law enforcement address emerging scams, or simply answering the phone when someone needs help, Surety Bank has built relationships rooted in trust.
"People trust them," Carla says. "They've built that trust with their customers, and that's why people stay."
As Surety Bank celebrates a century of serving Central Florida, partnerships like this demonstrate that community banking isn't defined only by financial services—it's measured by the impact a bank has on the people and communities it serves.
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that when communities succeed, everyone succeeds. Through partnerships built on trust, service, and shared purpose, that commitment continues today—and will continue for generations to come.
As Surety Bank celebrates 100 years of community banking, one thing has remained constant throughout every decade: our commitment to people.
For Alexandra Wells, VP BSA Officer, that commitment is what makes community banking different.
After spending more than 20 years in the legal field, Alexandra joined Surety Bank in 2019, bringing together her legal experience and newly earned accounting degree to help protect customers from fraud, financial crimes, and suspicious activity. Since then, she has advanced through the Bank Secrecy Act department while helping strengthen Surety's commitment to customer protection. But for Alexandra, the work is about far more than regulations and risk management.
"It's about people," she says.
That philosophy became especially clear when an elderly customer began exhibiting unusual banking activity.
The customer, who had recently lost her husband and hired a caretaker, suddenly began cashing checks and making transactions that were completely out of character. Surety Bank's frontline staff noticed the changes immediately. Because they knew the customer and understood her normal banking habits, they recognized that something wasn't right.
The situation was escalated to Alexandra for further review.
After analyzing the account activity, Alexandra and another Surety employee visited the customer at her home. During the visit, several warning signs became apparent. The caretaker repeatedly answered questions on the customer's behalf, and purchases were being made that didn't align with the customer's typical behavior.
Further investigation revealed that the caretaker had gained access to the customer's debit card and was using it for personal purchases, including online shopping and vehicle rentals.
By acting quickly, Surety Bank was able to contact the customer's family, stop the unauthorized activity, and help prevent additional financial loss.
"It's one of the advantages of being a community bank," Alexandra explains. "Because we know our customers, we can recognize when something doesn't seem right and take action."
Stories like this highlight what has set Surety Bank apart for the past century. While technology and banking services continue to evolve, the foundation of community banking remains the same: relationships.
For Alexandra, those relationships extend beyond customers and into the workplace as well.
"At Surety Bank, you're not just a number," she says. "You're a person. We know each other by name, and we genuinely care about one another."
That culture of caring is reflected throughout the organization, from employees supporting one another through life's challenges to teams working together to serve customers with a personal touch.
As Surety Bank enters its second century, Alexandra believes the values that have guided the Bank for the last 100 years will continue to shape its future.
"We've always cared about our customers and our employees," she says. "That's the culture of Surety Bank, and I believe that's something that will continue for another century to come."
After 100 years, it's still how we've always done it: putting people first.
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), corporate due diligence files are completed during onboarding and are not reviewed on a regular basis. Over time, documents expire, registrations lapse, and required updates are overlooked.
The problem is that these files are not simply internal paperwork or a bank requirement. In many states, maintaining accurate and current corporate due diligence documentation is part of an MSB’s broader compliance responsibilities.
When documentation is incomplete or outdated, it can create operational disruptions that directly affect your business.
One of the most common issues we continue seeing involves outdated or incomplete documentation for businesses whose checks are being cashed.
In many cases, the MSB believes everything is in order until a transaction is reviewed and a problem is identified. By that point, funds may have already been provided to the customer.
When documentation is missing or expired, it can result in:
These situations are often avoidable with consistent file maintenance and regular internal reviews.
Corporate due diligence should be treated as an ongoing operational responsibility, not a one-time onboarding task.
Business information changes regularly. Companies may:
Without ongoing reviews, these changes can easily go unnoticed until they create a problem during transaction processing or compliance review.
Requirements vary depending on the state and type of business, but corporate due diligence files commonly include:
Many of these documents require periodic renewal or updates.
One recurring issue involves businesses failing to maintain active registration status with the Secretary of State.
In states like Florida, corporations are required to file annual reports to remain active. If those filings are missed, the business can become inactive or suspended.
During the due diligence process, Surety Bank reviews business registration status as part of transaction and compliance reviews. If a business is no longer active with the state, transactions may be delayed or unable to proceed until the issue is resolved.
Unfortunately, many MSBs do not discover the problem until after they have already provided funds to the customer.
One of the best ways to avoid these situations is by implementing consistent internal reviews of your corporate due diligence files.
It is recommended that MSBs review files at least twice a year to ensure documentation remains current and complete.
Even simple tracking methods can make a significant difference. Many businesses successfully use spreadsheets or internal checklists to monitor:
A small amount of organization upfront can help prevent larger operational and compliance issues later.
Corporate due diligence reviews are not simply administrative tasks. They are part of maintaining a strong compliance program and protecting your business from avoidable risk.
Strong documentation practices help businesses:
Most importantly, they help identify problems before they affect day-to-day operations.
Maintaining corporate due diligence files may not feel urgent until a transaction is delayed, a registration is found inactive, or documentation cannot be produced when needed.
Consistent reviews, updated records, and proactive tracking procedures help keep operations running smoothly and reduce preventable risk.
In many cases, the businesses with the fewest operational disruptions are simply the ones that stay organized and review their files consistently throughout the year.
For John Hamlin, business has always been about relationships.
As the owner of Hamlin & Associates and several affiliated companies, John has spent decades helping businesses succeed. Throughout his career, he's learned that the strongest partnerships aren't built on transactions alone. They're built on trust, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to helping people when they need it most.
That's one of the reasons he's been banking with Surety Bank for nearly 20 years.
When John first moved to the Daytona Beach area, Surety Bank was recommended to him by a trusted contact. From his very first interactions with the team, he noticed something different.
"It reminded me more of an old-school bank that cared," John recalls. "I wasn't just an account number. They took the time to learn my name, understand my business, and get to know me."
Over the years, John has worked with other financial institutions, but those experiences only reinforced what makes Surety unique. While larger banks often offered similar products and technology, they couldn't provide the same level of personal attention.
"You can go anywhere and get online banking," he says. "Surety offers that too. The difference is they also offer the personal relationship."
For John, that relationship has meant having direct conversations when questions arise, receiving honest guidance, and knowing that decisions are made by people who understand both his business and his goals.
After nearly two decades as a customer, John says he's never felt the need to call and complain about an employee or a banking experience.
"Everybody in this bank is of service," he explains. "They're accommodating, they're friendly, and they're always willing to help. That's rare."
As Surety Bank celebrates its 100th anniversary, John believes the bank's longevity comes down to something simple: maintaining the personal touch while continuing to evolve.
"You guys can do everything the big banks do," he says. "They can't do everything you do."
For John, that's what community banking should be. Modern conveniences matter, but relationships matter more.
And after nearly 20 years, that's why Surety Bank continues to be his bank of choice.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it's how we will always do it!
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), the independent review is viewed as another annual compliance requirement to complete, submit to the bank, and move on from until next year.
In reality, the independent review is one of the most important tools available to help identify weaknesses in your compliance program before they become larger problems.
A completed review alone is not enough.
What matters is what happens after the review is finished.
Independent testing is one of the pillars of an effective BSA/AML compliance program. Its purpose is not simply to satisfy a requirement. A quality review evaluates the strength of your compliance program, identifies weaknesses or gaps, reviews transaction monitoring procedures, and provides recommendations to improve controls and reduce risk.
A strong independent review gives MSB owners visibility into areas that may need attention before regulators or financial institutions identify them first.
One of the biggest issues we see is MSBs treating the independent review as a one-time document instead of an operational tool.
In many cases, findings are not addressed, recommendations are delayed, or the same deficiencies continue appearing year after year. This creates a pattern that signals a lack of improvement and a lack of attention to compliance responsibilities.
When the same issues continue repeating, risk increases significantly.
Repeated deficiencies can eventually lead to increased monitoring requirements, additional compliance costs, regulatory scrutiny, or even fines and penalties. In more serious situations, it can also create risk for the MSB’s banking relationship or licensing status.
In some cases, businesses may be required to undergo additional compliance monitoring by an outside third party until improvements are made.
The goal is not to create an additional burden, but instead to identify and correct issues before they become larger operational or regulatory problems.
Independent reviews frequently identify issues involving:
While some of these may seem minor individually, repeated deficiencies over time can create significant compliance concerns if they are not corrected.
No compliance program is perfect. What matters most is identifying issues, addressing them promptly, and demonstrating improvement over time.
An independent review should show progress year after year. If the same findings continue appearing without corrective action, regulators and financial institutions may view that as a lack of commitment to compliance obligations.
Although the independent review report is a bank-required document, MSBs are required to undergo independent testing because the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requires every MSB to maintain an effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program, and independent testing is one of the core required elements of that program.
While FinCEN requires independent testing to be conducted periodically, Surety Bank’s policy requires independent testing to be completed every 12 months for MSB customers.
Completing reviews consistently and addressing findings in a timely manner helps maintain a stronger and more effective compliance program throughout the year.
Compliance is not built once a year during an independent testing. It is built through consistent attention to processes, documentation, monitoring, and corrective action throughout the year.
The independent testing is designed to help identify weaknesses before they create larger operational or regulatory problems. Using it properly can help protect your business, your banking relationship, and your long-term success.
For John Simmons, banking with Surety has always been about relationships.
A longtime customer of Surety Bank, John has seen firsthand what it looks like when a financial institution truly shows up for its community. As a husband of 38 years, a father of four daughters, and a Director at St. Barnabas Episcopal School, his perspective is grounded in both family and service.
When the school began to grow, a new challenge emerged. They had run out of space to fit all of the students. Expansion wasn’t just a nice-to-have, it was necessary to continue serving students and families well. Like many organizations in that position, they explored their options carefully.
Then came a call that changed everything.
The president of Surety Bank reached out directly, bringing together key stakeholders in a conversation focused on one thing: how to help. What followed was more than a transaction, it was a collaborative effort. The bank stepped in not just with financial guidance, but with a clear commitment to walk alongside the school’s leadership every step of the way.
That experience left a lasting impression on John.
In his words, Surety Bank was “there 120%,” offering direction, support, and reassurance during a critical moment. But what stood out most was how they got there.
“They treat people as people,” John explains. “They actually answer the phone. They communicate.”
In an era where many businesses prioritize efficiency over connection, that kind of responsiveness feels increasingly rare. Yet for Surety Bank, it’s part of their DNA.
John’s story is a reminder that the best banking relationships aren’t built on numbers alone. They’re built on trust, accessibility, and a genuine investment in the people they serve.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it’s how we will always do it!
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that community banking means more than serving customers inside the walls of a branch. It means investing in the people, organizations, and partnerships that help our communities thrive.
That commitment is something Carla Quann, Director of Community Relations for the Volusia Sheriff's Office, has experienced firsthand.
"Our goal is to support everyone in our community," Carla explains. "Ryan [James] wanted to be a part of what we're doing because he cares about the community."
The partnership between Surety Bank and the Volusia Sheriff's Office began when Surety Bank President & CEO Ryan James joined the Volusia Sheriff's Foundation Board. Since then, the relationship has grown into a collaborative effort focused on addressing some of the community's greatest needs.
One example came during the holiday season, when thousands of local families faced uncertainty after SNAP benefits were unexpectedly interrupted. Through the combined efforts of businesses, volunteers, and community organizations, more than 3,500 grocery bags were distributed to families throughout Volusia County.
According to Carla, Surety Bank was an important part of making that effort possible.
Beyond community events and charitable initiatives, the partnership has also helped strengthen public safety.
As financial scams targeting older adults became increasingly common, Surety Bank worked alongside the Sheriff's Office to provide education, share industry expertise, and help detectives better recognize the warning signs of fraud.
That collaboration ultimately helped lead to the creation of the Volusia Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes Unit—a dedicated team focused on protecting residents from fraud and financial exploitation.
Working together, those efforts have helped recover more than $2 million for local victims of financial crimes.
For Carla, those results reflect what makes Surety Bank different.
"They're not just another hometown bank," she says. "They care about their community."
She believes that commitment starts with customer service but extends far beyond banking. Whether supporting nonprofit organizations, helping law enforcement address emerging scams, or simply answering the phone when someone needs help, Surety Bank has built relationships rooted in trust.
"People trust them," Carla says. "They've built that trust with their customers, and that's why people stay."
As Surety Bank celebrates a century of serving Central Florida, partnerships like this demonstrate that community banking isn't defined only by financial services—it's measured by the impact a bank has on the people and communities it serves.
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that when communities succeed, everyone succeeds. Through partnerships built on trust, service, and shared purpose, that commitment continues today—and will continue for generations to come.
As Surety Bank celebrates 100 years of community banking, one thing has remained constant throughout every decade: our commitment to people.
For Alexandra Wells, VP BSA Officer, that commitment is what makes community banking different.
After spending more than 20 years in the legal field, Alexandra joined Surety Bank in 2019, bringing together her legal experience and newly earned accounting degree to help protect customers from fraud, financial crimes, and suspicious activity. Since then, she has advanced through the Bank Secrecy Act department while helping strengthen Surety's commitment to customer protection. But for Alexandra, the work is about far more than regulations and risk management.
"It's about people," she says.
That philosophy became especially clear when an elderly customer began exhibiting unusual banking activity.
The customer, who had recently lost her husband and hired a caretaker, suddenly began cashing checks and making transactions that were completely out of character. Surety Bank's frontline staff noticed the changes immediately. Because they knew the customer and understood her normal banking habits, they recognized that something wasn't right.
The situation was escalated to Alexandra for further review.
After analyzing the account activity, Alexandra and another Surety employee visited the customer at her home. During the visit, several warning signs became apparent. The caretaker repeatedly answered questions on the customer's behalf, and purchases were being made that didn't align with the customer's typical behavior.
Further investigation revealed that the caretaker had gained access to the customer's debit card and was using it for personal purchases, including online shopping and vehicle rentals.
By acting quickly, Surety Bank was able to contact the customer's family, stop the unauthorized activity, and help prevent additional financial loss.
"It's one of the advantages of being a community bank," Alexandra explains. "Because we know our customers, we can recognize when something doesn't seem right and take action."
Stories like this highlight what has set Surety Bank apart for the past century. While technology and banking services continue to evolve, the foundation of community banking remains the same: relationships.
For Alexandra, those relationships extend beyond customers and into the workplace as well.
"At Surety Bank, you're not just a number," she says. "You're a person. We know each other by name, and we genuinely care about one another."
That culture of caring is reflected throughout the organization, from employees supporting one another through life's challenges to teams working together to serve customers with a personal touch.
As Surety Bank enters its second century, Alexandra believes the values that have guided the Bank for the last 100 years will continue to shape its future.
"We've always cared about our customers and our employees," she says. "That's the culture of Surety Bank, and I believe that's something that will continue for another century to come."
After 100 years, it's still how we've always done it: putting people first.
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), corporate due diligence files are completed during onboarding and are not reviewed on a regular basis. Over time, documents expire, registrations lapse, and required updates are overlooked.
The problem is that these files are not simply internal paperwork or a bank requirement. In many states, maintaining accurate and current corporate due diligence documentation is part of an MSB’s broader compliance responsibilities.
When documentation is incomplete or outdated, it can create operational disruptions that directly affect your business.
One of the most common issues we continue seeing involves outdated or incomplete documentation for businesses whose checks are being cashed.
In many cases, the MSB believes everything is in order until a transaction is reviewed and a problem is identified. By that point, funds may have already been provided to the customer.
When documentation is missing or expired, it can result in:
These situations are often avoidable with consistent file maintenance and regular internal reviews.
Corporate due diligence should be treated as an ongoing operational responsibility, not a one-time onboarding task.
Business information changes regularly. Companies may:
Without ongoing reviews, these changes can easily go unnoticed until they create a problem during transaction processing or compliance review.
Requirements vary depending on the state and type of business, but corporate due diligence files commonly include:
Many of these documents require periodic renewal or updates.
One recurring issue involves businesses failing to maintain active registration status with the Secretary of State.
In states like Florida, corporations are required to file annual reports to remain active. If those filings are missed, the business can become inactive or suspended.
During the due diligence process, Surety Bank reviews business registration status as part of transaction and compliance reviews. If a business is no longer active with the state, transactions may be delayed or unable to proceed until the issue is resolved.
Unfortunately, many MSBs do not discover the problem until after they have already provided funds to the customer.
One of the best ways to avoid these situations is by implementing consistent internal reviews of your corporate due diligence files.
It is recommended that MSBs review files at least twice a year to ensure documentation remains current and complete.
Even simple tracking methods can make a significant difference. Many businesses successfully use spreadsheets or internal checklists to monitor:
A small amount of organization upfront can help prevent larger operational and compliance issues later.
Corporate due diligence reviews are not simply administrative tasks. They are part of maintaining a strong compliance program and protecting your business from avoidable risk.
Strong documentation practices help businesses:
Most importantly, they help identify problems before they affect day-to-day operations.
Maintaining corporate due diligence files may not feel urgent until a transaction is delayed, a registration is found inactive, or documentation cannot be produced when needed.
Consistent reviews, updated records, and proactive tracking procedures help keep operations running smoothly and reduce preventable risk.
In many cases, the businesses with the fewest operational disruptions are simply the ones that stay organized and review their files consistently throughout the year.
For John Hamlin, business has always been about relationships.
As the owner of Hamlin & Associates and several affiliated companies, John has spent decades helping businesses succeed. Throughout his career, he's learned that the strongest partnerships aren't built on transactions alone. They're built on trust, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to helping people when they need it most.
That's one of the reasons he's been banking with Surety Bank for nearly 20 years.
When John first moved to the Daytona Beach area, Surety Bank was recommended to him by a trusted contact. From his very first interactions with the team, he noticed something different.
"It reminded me more of an old-school bank that cared," John recalls. "I wasn't just an account number. They took the time to learn my name, understand my business, and get to know me."
Over the years, John has worked with other financial institutions, but those experiences only reinforced what makes Surety unique. While larger banks often offered similar products and technology, they couldn't provide the same level of personal attention.
"You can go anywhere and get online banking," he says. "Surety offers that too. The difference is they also offer the personal relationship."
For John, that relationship has meant having direct conversations when questions arise, receiving honest guidance, and knowing that decisions are made by people who understand both his business and his goals.
After nearly two decades as a customer, John says he's never felt the need to call and complain about an employee or a banking experience.
"Everybody in this bank is of service," he explains. "They're accommodating, they're friendly, and they're always willing to help. That's rare."
As Surety Bank celebrates its 100th anniversary, John believes the bank's longevity comes down to something simple: maintaining the personal touch while continuing to evolve.
"You guys can do everything the big banks do," he says. "They can't do everything you do."
For John, that's what community banking should be. Modern conveniences matter, but relationships matter more.
And after nearly 20 years, that's why Surety Bank continues to be his bank of choice.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it's how we will always do it!
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), the independent review is viewed as another annual compliance requirement to complete, submit to the bank, and move on from until next year.
In reality, the independent review is one of the most important tools available to help identify weaknesses in your compliance program before they become larger problems.
A completed review alone is not enough.
What matters is what happens after the review is finished.
Independent testing is one of the pillars of an effective BSA/AML compliance program. Its purpose is not simply to satisfy a requirement. A quality review evaluates the strength of your compliance program, identifies weaknesses or gaps, reviews transaction monitoring procedures, and provides recommendations to improve controls and reduce risk.
A strong independent review gives MSB owners visibility into areas that may need attention before regulators or financial institutions identify them first.
One of the biggest issues we see is MSBs treating the independent review as a one-time document instead of an operational tool.
In many cases, findings are not addressed, recommendations are delayed, or the same deficiencies continue appearing year after year. This creates a pattern that signals a lack of improvement and a lack of attention to compliance responsibilities.
When the same issues continue repeating, risk increases significantly.
Repeated deficiencies can eventually lead to increased monitoring requirements, additional compliance costs, regulatory scrutiny, or even fines and penalties. In more serious situations, it can also create risk for the MSB’s banking relationship or licensing status.
In some cases, businesses may be required to undergo additional compliance monitoring by an outside third party until improvements are made.
The goal is not to create an additional burden, but instead to identify and correct issues before they become larger operational or regulatory problems.
Independent reviews frequently identify issues involving:
While some of these may seem minor individually, repeated deficiencies over time can create significant compliance concerns if they are not corrected.
No compliance program is perfect. What matters most is identifying issues, addressing them promptly, and demonstrating improvement over time.
An independent review should show progress year after year. If the same findings continue appearing without corrective action, regulators and financial institutions may view that as a lack of commitment to compliance obligations.
Although the independent review report is a bank-required document, MSBs are required to undergo independent testing because the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requires every MSB to maintain an effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program, and independent testing is one of the core required elements of that program.
While FinCEN requires independent testing to be conducted periodically, Surety Bank’s policy requires independent testing to be completed every 12 months for MSB customers.
Completing reviews consistently and addressing findings in a timely manner helps maintain a stronger and more effective compliance program throughout the year.
Compliance is not built once a year during an independent testing. It is built through consistent attention to processes, documentation, monitoring, and corrective action throughout the year.
The independent testing is designed to help identify weaknesses before they create larger operational or regulatory problems. Using it properly can help protect your business, your banking relationship, and your long-term success.
For John Simmons, banking with Surety has always been about relationships.
A longtime customer of Surety Bank, John has seen firsthand what it looks like when a financial institution truly shows up for its community. As a husband of 38 years, a father of four daughters, and a Director at St. Barnabas Episcopal School, his perspective is grounded in both family and service.
When the school began to grow, a new challenge emerged. They had run out of space to fit all of the students. Expansion wasn’t just a nice-to-have, it was necessary to continue serving students and families well. Like many organizations in that position, they explored their options carefully.
Then came a call that changed everything.
The president of Surety Bank reached out directly, bringing together key stakeholders in a conversation focused on one thing: how to help. What followed was more than a transaction, it was a collaborative effort. The bank stepped in not just with financial guidance, but with a clear commitment to walk alongside the school’s leadership every step of the way.
That experience left a lasting impression on John.
In his words, Surety Bank was “there 120%,” offering direction, support, and reassurance during a critical moment. But what stood out most was how they got there.
“They treat people as people,” John explains. “They actually answer the phone. They communicate.”
In an era where many businesses prioritize efficiency over connection, that kind of responsiveness feels increasingly rare. Yet for Surety Bank, it’s part of their DNA.
John’s story is a reminder that the best banking relationships aren’t built on numbers alone. They’re built on trust, accessibility, and a genuine investment in the people they serve.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it’s how we will always do it!
In the Summer 2025 issue of Building Central Florida Magazine, Surety Bank’s CEO Ryan James maps out a playbook for contractors battling the tariff-driven spikes in steel, aluminum, and other construction staples. James urges firms to replace one-job-at-a-time budgeting with rolling, company-wide cash-flow forecasts; to negotiate for delivery and payment flexibility; to lock in contingency capital before trouble hits; and to embed escalation clauses that keep margins intact—all while maintaining proactive, transparent communication with clients.
Read the full article on page 17:
Building Through the Turbulence – Building Central Florida Magazine
It’s easy to assume that in a digital world, check fraud is a thing of the past. But the reality is quite the opposite. In 2023 alone, check fraud losses in the Americas totaled a staggering $21 billion—representing 80% of all global check fraud cases. Despite a steady decline in the use of checks, fraudsters are doubling down on a still-vulnerable payment channel.
So what happens when a check your business issued ends up in the wrong hands?
Let’s say you wrote a vendor check back in February. Today, that check suddenly clears—but it’s been altered or stolen. What’s your next move? Do you catch it in time? Will your bank reimburse the loss? If you’re like many business owners, you’d expect your bank to take care of it. But depending on the terms in your bank’s Deposit Agreement, you may only have 30 days from the date of your statement to report the fraud and recover those funds. And once that window closes, so may your chances of getting that money back.
At Surety Bank, we want our business clients to know that help exists—and it's called Positive Pay.
Positive Pay is a fraud prevention tool that verifies checks presented for payment against a list of checks you’ve actually issued. If the details don’t match, the bank flags the check and reaches out before funds are released.
It’s like having a security checkpoint for every check your business issues.
Here’s what fraud can really cost your business:
Surety Bank’s Positive Pay solution is designed to reduce those risks before they become losses. Instead of waiting for fraud to strike, it gives business owners a chance to act first.
Most business owners don’t have the luxury of watching every check line item on their bank statement. Positive Pay works in the background—quietly checking, flagging, and helping you intercept fraud before it’s too late.
By offering this service, we’re not just protecting your account—we’re protecting your time, your reputation, and your peace of mind.
Check fraud isn’t going away. But your exposure to it can.
If you’re still issuing paper checks, it’s time to ask yourself: How am I protecting my business from check fraud? At Surety Bank, we’re ready to help you find the answer.
Reach out to our Treasury Management team to learn how Positive Pay can fit into your fraud prevention strategy.
Paper checks may feel old-school, yet they remain the easiest gateway for thieves. The U.S. Treasury reports that check-fraud suspicious-activity filings have climbed 385 percent since the pandemic, while 63 percent of companies faced attempted or actual check fraud in 2024, according to the Association for Financial Professionals’ 2025 survey.occ.govafponline.org Those numbers tell a blunt story: even as businesses adopt ACH and virtual cards, the humble check still opens a back door to five- and six-figure losses.
The phone lit up in the back office of Sunshine Custom Cabinets on a Thursday afternoon.
Co-owner Angela Moreno glanced at the caller ID from her bank and expected a routine wire inquiry. Instead she heard:
“Ms. Moreno, six checks just cleared your account for almost ten thousand dollars each. Can you confirm them?”
Angela had mailed only three checks that week, none over $4,500. Somewhere between the post-office drop box and her suppliers’ lockboxes, thieves had “washed” the envelopes, bleached the ink, and rewritten the checks for a cool $59,821.32—wiping out two payroll cycles in minutes.
The next 48 hours blurred into police reports, fraud affidavits, and tense conversations with employees wondering if Friday’s pay would arrive. The bank eventually credited most of the money, but cash flow froze for nearly a month, and the team sank forty billable hours into cleaning up—a cost no insurance policy reimbursed.
Check fraud has morphed from fax-era nuisance to organized, AI-enhanced side hustle. The good news: consistent, unglamorous discipline—secure mailing, rapid reconciliation, and an automated pre-clearance layer—sends fraudsters looking for softer targets. Angela calls that Thursday “the most expensive lesson I never budgeted for.” Tighten your routine today, and you won’t need the same wake-up call.
Need a practical walkthrough of daily controls—minus the jargon? Talk with our Treasury Management team about fitting these layers to your workflow before your next envelope hits the mail.
As more banking moves online, security has become just as important as convenience. Whether you’re checking a personal account or managing company finances, your computer habits play a critical role in keeping your information safe. A few consistent practices can greatly reduce your risk of fraud and protect sensitive data.
Malware can capture keystrokes, steal login credentials, and access personal files without you realizing it. To stay protected:
Make full use of the security tools your devices and bank provide:
Closing your browser window isn’t enough to end your session.
Browsers can store sensitive information like login pages or cached credentials. To protect yourself:
Phishing emails and fraudulent pop-ups can trick you into giving away banking information. Watch for:
Best practice: Always access your bank by typing the official web address directly into your browser, never through email or ad links.
Businesses face higher risks, so proactive steps are essential:
Online banking can be safe and reliable when paired with good cybersecurity habits. By:
…you can protect both your finances and your peace of mind.
The key is consistency. Security isn’t a one-time task—it’s a set of habits built into your everyday banking routine. Taking these steps ensures your accounts remain secure, your sensitive information stays private, and you can manage your finances confidently, whether personally or for your business.
In the heart of downtown, amidst the vibrant pulse of local eateries and community events, there’s a name that keeps coming up: Chef Nora. If you’ve dined at De La Vega, you’ve likely experienced her artistry on a plate. But beyond the signature flavors and culinary finesse, there's a deeper, richer story — one of family, perseverance, and community love. And now, with her latest venture, Golden Meals, Chef Nora is cooking up something even more personal.
Chef Nora’s journey into the restaurant world began two decades ago when she and her family — her parents, brother, and sister — moved from New Mexico to Florida. They left behind everything familiar on the word of a family friend who saw promise in a vacant restaurant spot downtown.
With only a bit of restaurant experience between them, they leapt into entrepreneurship. “It wasn’t just a job,” Nora recalls. “I had already worked in restaurants. I realized what I really wanted was to have my own.” The family rallied around her dream — a move that not only shaped their livelihoods but also laid the groundwork for something bigger than any one of them could have imagined.
Their first venture was De La Vega — a name that not only carried their family heritage but symbolized their growing identity in the community. “We started with Tex-Mex,” Nora explained, “but quickly realized there were too many of those already. So we pivoted to something unique: Latin fusion with a tapas concept.”
It was a family effort from the start. Nora spearheaded the menu, crafting recipes with creativity and care, while her brother took on the general manager role. “It was our school,” she says. “Everything we’ve learned in the past 20 years, we learned by doing.”
Today, De La Vega is more than a restaurant — it’s a beloved local fixture. With loyal customers, an ever-evolving menu, and a consistent focus on flavor, it’s the kind of place that gets recommended again and again.
The concept for Golden Meals was born not in a commercial kitchen, but in Nora’s own home. “My dad was living in the senior apartments, and I used to make meals for him — healthy, ready to eat, so he didn’t have to cook.” After he passed away three years ago, Nora found herself talking to his neighbors — many of whom had similar needs. The idea began to take shape: a meal service designed to support seniors, promote wellness, and most importantly, taste amazing.
But what started as a personal project in memory of her father has grown into something with far wider impact.
While initially conceived as a service for seniors, Golden Meals quickly found a broader audience. “Everyone needs healthy food — busy moms, students, professionals,” Nora notes. “We realized this wasn’t just about one group. It’s for anyone who wants quick, affordable, and nutritious meals.”
When a deli inside a local natural market became available, the opportunity felt serendipitous. “Everything was ready — the kitchen, the space. We just had to bring the concept and the heart.”
Golden Meals officially opened its doors four months ago, operating weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It functions as both a grab-and-go cafe and a meal delivery service, offering flexible access for people with packed schedules or limited mobility. And yes — delivery is currently free.
Unlike De La Vega’s Latin fusion focus, Golden Meals is all about clean, fresh ingredients and variety. “We’re not tied to any one cuisine here. We can offer pasta, Asian dishes, vegan options — whatever inspires us and serves our community.”
Everything is made in-house, from scratch. Think: vibrant green beans sautéed with garlic and olive oil, sweet potatoes roasted to perfection, and macaroni salad that’s light but packed with flavor. Sodium and sugar are kept low; flavor is boosted with herbs and spices, not additives.
“We don’t want ‘healthy’ to mean boring,” Nora laughs. “You can eat well and still love every bite.”
Why the name Golden Meals? It’s a tribute to Nora’s father and the community he was part of. “It started with the idea of serving those in their golden years,” she says. “But now it means meals that are golden in quality, golden in purpose. Meals that make you feel good.”
Nora doesn’t shy away from talking about the hurdles. “The recession in 2008 hit us hard,” she remembers. “We had to get creative - package deals, specials, anything to bring people in.” Then came the hurricanes, five in their first year in Florida. And of course, COVID lockdown.
“That was one of the toughest. We had no staff. It was just me, my brother, my nephew, my niece. We were cooking, cleaning, delivering — everything. But we made it. That’s what matters.”
For other small business owners, she offers a simple but powerful reminder: “You just keep going. You pivot, you adapt, you lean on your family and your community. And you never lose sight of why you started.”
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At East Coast Precision, a mid-sized manufacturing company in Florida, business was booming. Their team of 75 employees worked hard producing high-quality aerospace components, and their reputation for precision and reliability was unmatched. But as the company grew, its leadership team—Mark, the founder, and Sarah, the operations manager—realized their employee benefits needed a rethink.
The question wasn’t just about what benefits to offer, but why.
East Coast Precision had a unique culture. Their employees valued stability, but they also needed flexibility. Many had families, some were nearing retirement, and a few had been with the company since its early days. Their competitor across town shut down for two weeks every December, giving employees a built-in break. But Mark and Sarah knew that wouldn’t work for them—their production schedule relied on steady output, and some employees preferred to spread their vacation days throughout the year.
Then came the tougher decisions: PTO policies, sick days, and financial benefits. Some employees wanted a 401(k), but others, like newer hires fresh out of trade school, were more concerned about weekly take-home pay than long-term savings. The leadership team had to balance what was best for employees with what kept the business strong.
In the end, they set clear, fair policies:
The result? Employees felt valued, turnover dropped, and the company’s production remained steady.
This lesson applies beyond manufacturing. Whether you run a law firm, a retail store, or a tech startup, the benefits you offer should reflect your company’s values and mission.
For a deeper dive into how company culture and leadership impact employee benefits, check out this episode of The Expandable video series:
▶️ watch here
This video highlights the importance of strong leadership in shaping workplace culture, ensuring that employees are supported while keeping the organization’s mission at the forefront. The same principles apply when designing benefits—leaders must make choices that align with their company’s values while balancing business needs.
Ultimately, employee benefits should be a reflection of your company’s identity. They should serve your employees while keeping the business strong and able to serve its customers. Whether that means closing for two weeks each year or offering flexible PTO, the key is to make intentional choices—ones that align with your mission and show employees that they matter.
At Surety Bank, we understand that businesses thrive when they build strong relationships—both with their customers and their teams. When you design benefits that truly fit your company culture, you create a workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and ready to do their best work.
Adding a new product or service can significantly increase revenue for an MSB. Whether it is money transmission, ATM services, or another offering, early coordination with the bank helps ensure your new service launches smoothly and begins generating income as quickly as possible.
Many service-related delays occur when new offerings are added without notifying the bank in advance.
Each product or service comes with specific monitoring, reporting, and account requirements. The bank must be able to review activity accurately and ensure it aligns with regulatory expectations.
When a new service is launched without notice, activity may flow into the wrong account or lack required reporting. Fixing these issues after the service is live often causes delays or temporary interruptions.
ATM Services
If you are adding an ATM, the bank typically requires:
ATM activity cannot be combined with other MSB transactions due to reconciliation and compliance requirements.
Money Transmission Services
This includes services such as Western Union or other money transfer providers.
While these services may not require a separate account, they do require monthly reporting. At a minimum, reports must include:
These reports allow the bank to identify patterns, monitor risk, and meet regulatory obligations.
Even if a third-party provider has its own compliance program, the bank is still responsible for monitoring the activity flowing through your accounts.
Some MSBs assume that because a vendor manages compliance on their side, the bank does not need reporting. This is a common misconception. Ultimately, the funds flow through the bank, and the bank must conduct its own review.
Failing to provide required reporting can delay approvals, reviews, and future expansion plans.
Adding services often requires:
When these steps are completed in advance, services can go live quickly. When handled after launch, they often result in delays, holds, or additional review.
Growth is a positive step for any MSB. Whether you are adding a new product, service, or location, early communication with the bank helps ensure the process is efficient and compliant.
Starting the conversation early allows the bank to guide you, prepare properly, and help you move forward with fewer obstacles and less frustration.
If expansion is even a possibility, reaching out now can save significant time later.
Opening a new location is an exciting milestone for any MSB. New storefronts mean new customers, increased volume, and business growth. However, opening a new branch also brings additional banking, compliance, and operational requirements that must be completed before you can begin operating.
One of the most common causes of delayed openings is a lack of early or consistent communication with the bank. When the bank is informed early and kept in the loop, the process moves faster and far more smoothly.
From the bank’s perspective, opening a new MSB location is not simply adding another address. There are multiple regulatory, licensing, and operational steps that must be completed before the first transaction can take place.
We often see situations where a customer notifies the bank months in advance, receives a checklist of required items, then communication stops. When the customer reconnects and is ready to open, none of the required steps have been completed. At that point, the bank cannot approve activity, even if the storefront is ready.
Consistent communication ensures both sides stay aligned and prevents last-minute delays.
Depending on the state, services offered, and geographic location, opening a new branch may require:
Even experienced MSBs are sometimes surprised to learn that requirements vary by state and location. A location that works in one market may require different preparation in another.
Many MSBs assume that once a lease is signed and the store is ready, operations can begin immediately. From a banking and regulatory standpoint, this is not always the case.
If required licenses, amendments, or system testing are not completed, the bank cannot allow the location to operate. This is not meant to slow down your business. It is meant to protect both your operation and the bank from compliance violations.
The most efficient openings share a few things in common:
When communication stays consistent, opening timelines are shorter, approvals are smoother, and unexpected delays are far less likely.
When it comes to Money Service Businesses (MSBs), so much of the relationship between the bank and the customer happens behind the scenes through emails, phone calls, documents, and reviews. But sometimes, the most valuable conversations happen face to face.
Recently, Surety Bank conducted a series of on-site visits with MSB customers across Florida. In just two days, our team visited 12 businesses meeting owners where they operate, seeing workflows in real time, and having honest, productive conversations about compliance, fraud prevention, and growth.
The takeaway was clear: on-site visits create clarity, trust, and better outcomes for everyone involved.
From the bank’s side, we review transactions, reports, and data. But that only tells part of the story. Visiting MSBs in person allows us to see how your business actually operates, how customers flow through your store, how decisions are made, and what challenges you face day to day.
For many MSBs, this was the first time they were able to put a face to a name they usually only see in emails or hear on the phone. That alone made a difference. Customers were able to ask questions, share concerns, and better understand why certain compliance requirements exist, not just that they exist.
Site visits also help uncover small issues that can cause big delays later.
During one visit, a customer believed their corporate files were fully up to date. A quick spot check showed otherwise: expired corporate resolutions, missing documentation, and records that hadn’t been refreshed annually as required by Surety Bank policy.
That conversation mattered. Without those documents:
● Checks could be delayed or placed on hold
● Approvals could be paused
● Cash flow could be impacted
Addressing these gaps during a site visit helps MSBs avoid last-minute scrambles, rejected transactions, and unnecessary frustration.
Another consistent theme during site visits was fraud. MSBs are very aware that they are vulnerable and site visits give us the opportunity to talk through practical, preventative steps.
From understanding why certain customers are blocked, to recognizing patterns of suspicious activity, these conversations help MSBs make better decisions before a check is cashed rather than dealing with losses afterward.
Based on the success of these visits, Surety Bank will be conducting more on-site visits starting in the new year. While we can’t visit every MSB at once, we are prioritizing visits based on risk assessments and geographic proximity.
These visits are not audits. They are not meant to tell you how to run your business.
They are meant to:
● Build stronger relationships
● Provide clarity around compliance expectations
● Identify issues early
● Support MSBs with real, practical guidance
Most importantly, they reinforce one thing: we’re here, we’re accessible, and we care about your success.
If you would like to request a site visit or learn more about what to expect, we encourage you to reach out and our team will follow up to discuss next steps.
Email: msb@surety.bank
At Surety Bank, we believe strong partnerships are built through communication, transparency, and mutual understanding. On-site visits help bridge the gap between policy and practice and we look forward to continuing these conversations in person throughout the year ahead.
For many Money Service Businesses (MSBs), a point-of-sale (POS) check-cashing system is required in order to bank with Surety. Larger MSBs generally use these systems as intended but smaller, “mom-and-pop” MSBs often don’t fully understand the capabilities of the software they’re paying for each month.
This gap has created significant issues for MSBs and for our analysts when performing compliance reviews.
The truth is: your POS system is not just a transaction tool. It is a powerful compliance engine. And when it’s used correctly, it protects both your business and the bank.
Every approved vendor on Surety’s list provides a robust set of compliance features. These tools are designed to:
But when MSBs don’t know how to operate the system, or bypass required fields, these features fail, and risk increases.
The transcription captures several recurring issues we see during reviews. Below are the biggest problems and how to fix them.
MSBs must take a clear photo of each customer.
But many stores:
This becomes a problem when analysts need to match customers to suspicious activity.
Fix:
✔ Adjust the camera.
✔ Make sure the customer is actually looking at the lens.
✔ Retake the photo if it's unclear.
When an ID is scanned, the system autofills the address.
But 8 out of 10 profiles contain outdated, inaccurate addresses. This causes major compliance issues when filing CTRs or SARs.
Fix:
✔ Always verbally confirm the customer’s current address.
✔ Update the POS record manually when the ID address is outdated.
Some MSBs never used OFAC checks until Surety required POS systems.
Now they have access to the tool and still forget to use it.
Fix:
✔ Ensure OFAC checks run on every customer, every time.
This is one of the biggest issues.Many MSBs edit the payee section and mistakenly enter:
❌ The name of the person cashing the check (the conductor) instead of:
✔ The name of the entity the check is actually payable to.
This leads to:
Fix:
✔ Always enter the maker and payee correctly. ✔ Never leave fields blank. ✔ Never rely on whatever the system “guesses.”
Your POS system is capable of detecting fraudulent checks before you cash them. But some MSBs override alerts manually, sometimes losing thousands of dollars.
Fix:
✔ Trust the system.
✔ Never override a fraud alert.
✔ Stop the transaction and ask questions.
Most POS vendors offer:
MSBs are strongly encouraged to schedule additional training with their vendor to learn the system fully.
When MSBs use the POS system properly:
If the system is used upfront, risk drops dramatically and compliance becomes smoother for everyone.
Your POS system can only help you if you use it. By taking advantage of the features you’re already paying for, you’ll reduce risk, increase accuracy, and build a stronger compliance foundation for your business.
It’s November, your store is packed, the line at the register is snaking down the aisle and your seasonal staff is doing their best to keep up. You’re watching every sale, every return and every refund, knowing that the next six weeks can make or break your year. With card processing fees climbing, it’s tempting to push customers toward cash and even add a 3% “convenience” or “non-cash adjustment” fee when they tap or swipe a card. After all, there are no fees on cash… right?
The problem is that cash comes with its own price tag, one most retailers don’t see until it’s quietly eaten into their margins.
A study by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council found that the real cost of cash can range from 4.7% (grocery) to as high as 15.5% (bars and restaurants) once you factor in labor, handling and shrinkage. That means for every $100 in cash you accept, you might really be keeping only $84.50 to $95.30.
For many retailers, the biggest hidden cost is time:
For example, convenience stores—which operate in a similar high-volume, low-margin environment as many retailers—spend an estimated 15–20 hours per week just counting and handling cash. At an average wage of $14.33 per hour, that’s:
Over a year, that works out to $11,177–$14,903 in labor just to handle cash. During the holidays, when lines are longer and staff is stretched thinner, those hours often go up, not down.
Cash also keeps you in the dark longer than you might realize. With cash-heavy operations, you often don’t know your true daily performance until drawers are counted, deposits are prepared and everything is reconciled—sometimes hours after the store closes. That lag makes it harder to adjust staffing, reorder inventory or tweak promotions while it still matters.
Electronic payments, by contrast, can feed real-time metrics into your point-of-sale and treasury platforms. You can see, often down to the hour, what’s selling, which locations are busiest, which promotions are working and how your cash flow looks heading into the next day. That visibility is especially valuable in the holiday rush, when a fast decision about staffing or inventory can mean the difference between a record weekend and missed opportunities.
On top of labor, cash exposes retailers to risks that electronic payments help reduce:
This is why many banks are rolling out treasury platforms with fraud controls, positive pay, ACH options and remote deposit capture to help business customers move away from “cash management” and toward cash flow management. Framing the conversation around speed, security, real-time information and time savings can be more effective—and more honest—than simply pushing for “more cash.”
Let’s apply real numbers to a typical retail scenario.
Say you own a store and decide to add a 3% convenience fee to card transactions while still accepting cash. Here’s what happens on a $100 ticket:
Card payment with a 3% convenience fee
Cash payment with hidden costs (using the 15.5% example)
So for every $100 transaction, you effectively keep:
That’s a $15.41 difference per $100 ticket in favor of electronic payments.
During the holidays, when your volume spikes, that gap adds up quickly. The season you’ve been counting on to boost profits can quietly turn into the season where hidden cash costs quietly steal them away, one transaction at a time.
If you’d like to talk through how to reduce the hidden costs of cash, improve fraud protection and gain better real-time visibility into your business accounts and merchant processing, contact Surety’s Treasury Services Department to discuss business accounts and merchant accounts with built-in protection.
This is a fictitious story—but it's based on real events that happen to small businesses every single day.
The owner of a thriving local furniture business had just signed the biggest deal of the year. Everything seemed on track until her bookkeeper received an email from a familiar client with “updated wire instructions.” The message looked legitimate. No red flags. So the payment—nearly $50,000—was sent. Two days later, the real client called to say the deposit never arrived. The money was gone. And so was the illusion that something like this “would never happen to us.”
Within a week, long-time customers started asking tough questions. A supplier tightened payment terms. A local partnership quietly backed out of an event. And worse—people started whispering that the business “might not be secure.”
This is how quickly a single fraud incident can unravel years of hard-earned trust.
Even if you recover the stolen funds or file an insurance claim, the damage to your reputation can last far longer—and cut deeper.
Protecting your business starts with building strong internal controls and using the tools your bank offers:
Surety Bank offers many of these solutions through our Treasury team, and we can help tailor them to your specific operations.
Even with great controls, no system is bulletproof. If fraud strikes, your response will determine how much damage your reputation takes—and how quickly you can recover.
In the first 72 hours:
In the weeks that follow:
This fictitious business was lucky—it survived. But the lesson is clear: fraud isn’t just a financial risk, it’s a reputational one. And once trust is broken, it takes time, strategy, and transparency to win it back.
At Surety Bank, we help businesses of all sizes protect their operations from fraud. Whether you need payment controls, alert systems, or a plan for what to do in a crisis, our Treasury & Fraud Prevention Team is here to help.
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that community banking means more than serving customers inside the walls of a branch. It means investing in the people, organizations, and partnerships that help our communities thrive.
That commitment is something Carla Quann, Director of Community Relations for the Volusia Sheriff's Office, has experienced firsthand.
"Our goal is to support everyone in our community," Carla explains. "Ryan [James] wanted to be a part of what we're doing because he cares about the community."
The partnership between Surety Bank and the Volusia Sheriff's Office began when Surety Bank President & CEO Ryan James joined the Volusia Sheriff's Foundation Board. Since then, the relationship has grown into a collaborative effort focused on addressing some of the community's greatest needs.
One example came during the holiday season, when thousands of local families faced uncertainty after SNAP benefits were unexpectedly interrupted. Through the combined efforts of businesses, volunteers, and community organizations, more than 3,500 grocery bags were distributed to families throughout Volusia County.
According to Carla, Surety Bank was an important part of making that effort possible.
Beyond community events and charitable initiatives, the partnership has also helped strengthen public safety.
As financial scams targeting older adults became increasingly common, Surety Bank worked alongside the Sheriff's Office to provide education, share industry expertise, and help detectives better recognize the warning signs of fraud.
That collaboration ultimately helped lead to the creation of the Volusia Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes Unit—a dedicated team focused on protecting residents from fraud and financial exploitation.
Working together, those efforts have helped recover more than $2 million for local victims of financial crimes.
For Carla, those results reflect what makes Surety Bank different.
"They're not just another hometown bank," she says. "They care about their community."
She believes that commitment starts with customer service but extends far beyond banking. Whether supporting nonprofit organizations, helping law enforcement address emerging scams, or simply answering the phone when someone needs help, Surety Bank has built relationships rooted in trust.
"People trust them," Carla says. "They've built that trust with their customers, and that's why people stay."
As Surety Bank celebrates a century of serving Central Florida, partnerships like this demonstrate that community banking isn't defined only by financial services—it's measured by the impact a bank has on the people and communities it serves.
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that when communities succeed, everyone succeeds. Through partnerships built on trust, service, and shared purpose, that commitment continues today—and will continue for generations to come.
As Surety Bank celebrates 100 years of community banking, one thing has remained constant throughout every decade: our commitment to people.
For Alexandra Wells, VP BSA Officer, that commitment is what makes community banking different.
After spending more than 20 years in the legal field, Alexandra joined Surety Bank in 2019, bringing together her legal experience and newly earned accounting degree to help protect customers from fraud, financial crimes, and suspicious activity. Since then, she has advanced through the Bank Secrecy Act department while helping strengthen Surety's commitment to customer protection. But for Alexandra, the work is about far more than regulations and risk management.
"It's about people," she says.
That philosophy became especially clear when an elderly customer began exhibiting unusual banking activity.
The customer, who had recently lost her husband and hired a caretaker, suddenly began cashing checks and making transactions that were completely out of character. Surety Bank's frontline staff noticed the changes immediately. Because they knew the customer and understood her normal banking habits, they recognized that something wasn't right.
The situation was escalated to Alexandra for further review.
After analyzing the account activity, Alexandra and another Surety employee visited the customer at her home. During the visit, several warning signs became apparent. The caretaker repeatedly answered questions on the customer's behalf, and purchases were being made that didn't align with the customer's typical behavior.
Further investigation revealed that the caretaker had gained access to the customer's debit card and was using it for personal purchases, including online shopping and vehicle rentals.
By acting quickly, Surety Bank was able to contact the customer's family, stop the unauthorized activity, and help prevent additional financial loss.
"It's one of the advantages of being a community bank," Alexandra explains. "Because we know our customers, we can recognize when something doesn't seem right and take action."
Stories like this highlight what has set Surety Bank apart for the past century. While technology and banking services continue to evolve, the foundation of community banking remains the same: relationships.
For Alexandra, those relationships extend beyond customers and into the workplace as well.
"At Surety Bank, you're not just a number," she says. "You're a person. We know each other by name, and we genuinely care about one another."
That culture of caring is reflected throughout the organization, from employees supporting one another through life's challenges to teams working together to serve customers with a personal touch.
As Surety Bank enters its second century, Alexandra believes the values that have guided the Bank for the last 100 years will continue to shape its future.
"We've always cared about our customers and our employees," she says. "That's the culture of Surety Bank, and I believe that's something that will continue for another century to come."
After 100 years, it's still how we've always done it: putting people first.
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), corporate due diligence files are completed during onboarding and are not reviewed on a regular basis. Over time, documents expire, registrations lapse, and required updates are overlooked.
The problem is that these files are not simply internal paperwork or a bank requirement. In many states, maintaining accurate and current corporate due diligence documentation is part of an MSB’s broader compliance responsibilities.
When documentation is incomplete or outdated, it can create operational disruptions that directly affect your business.
One of the most common issues we continue seeing involves outdated or incomplete documentation for businesses whose checks are being cashed.
In many cases, the MSB believes everything is in order until a transaction is reviewed and a problem is identified. By that point, funds may have already been provided to the customer.
When documentation is missing or expired, it can result in:
These situations are often avoidable with consistent file maintenance and regular internal reviews.
Corporate due diligence should be treated as an ongoing operational responsibility, not a one-time onboarding task.
Business information changes regularly. Companies may:
Without ongoing reviews, these changes can easily go unnoticed until they create a problem during transaction processing or compliance review.
Requirements vary depending on the state and type of business, but corporate due diligence files commonly include:
Many of these documents require periodic renewal or updates.
One recurring issue involves businesses failing to maintain active registration status with the Secretary of State.
In states like Florida, corporations are required to file annual reports to remain active. If those filings are missed, the business can become inactive or suspended.
During the due diligence process, Surety Bank reviews business registration status as part of transaction and compliance reviews. If a business is no longer active with the state, transactions may be delayed or unable to proceed until the issue is resolved.
Unfortunately, many MSBs do not discover the problem until after they have already provided funds to the customer.
One of the best ways to avoid these situations is by implementing consistent internal reviews of your corporate due diligence files.
It is recommended that MSBs review files at least twice a year to ensure documentation remains current and complete.
Even simple tracking methods can make a significant difference. Many businesses successfully use spreadsheets or internal checklists to monitor:
A small amount of organization upfront can help prevent larger operational and compliance issues later.
Corporate due diligence reviews are not simply administrative tasks. They are part of maintaining a strong compliance program and protecting your business from avoidable risk.
Strong documentation practices help businesses:
Most importantly, they help identify problems before they affect day-to-day operations.
Maintaining corporate due diligence files may not feel urgent until a transaction is delayed, a registration is found inactive, or documentation cannot be produced when needed.
Consistent reviews, updated records, and proactive tracking procedures help keep operations running smoothly and reduce preventable risk.
In many cases, the businesses with the fewest operational disruptions are simply the ones that stay organized and review their files consistently throughout the year.
For John Hamlin, business has always been about relationships.
As the owner of Hamlin & Associates and several affiliated companies, John has spent decades helping businesses succeed. Throughout his career, he's learned that the strongest partnerships aren't built on transactions alone. They're built on trust, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to helping people when they need it most.
That's one of the reasons he's been banking with Surety Bank for nearly 20 years.
When John first moved to the Daytona Beach area, Surety Bank was recommended to him by a trusted contact. From his very first interactions with the team, he noticed something different.
"It reminded me more of an old-school bank that cared," John recalls. "I wasn't just an account number. They took the time to learn my name, understand my business, and get to know me."
Over the years, John has worked with other financial institutions, but those experiences only reinforced what makes Surety unique. While larger banks often offered similar products and technology, they couldn't provide the same level of personal attention.
"You can go anywhere and get online banking," he says. "Surety offers that too. The difference is they also offer the personal relationship."
For John, that relationship has meant having direct conversations when questions arise, receiving honest guidance, and knowing that decisions are made by people who understand both his business and his goals.
After nearly two decades as a customer, John says he's never felt the need to call and complain about an employee or a banking experience.
"Everybody in this bank is of service," he explains. "They're accommodating, they're friendly, and they're always willing to help. That's rare."
As Surety Bank celebrates its 100th anniversary, John believes the bank's longevity comes down to something simple: maintaining the personal touch while continuing to evolve.
"You guys can do everything the big banks do," he says. "They can't do everything you do."
For John, that's what community banking should be. Modern conveniences matter, but relationships matter more.
And after nearly 20 years, that's why Surety Bank continues to be his bank of choice.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it's how we will always do it!
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), the independent review is viewed as another annual compliance requirement to complete, submit to the bank, and move on from until next year.
In reality, the independent review is one of the most important tools available to help identify weaknesses in your compliance program before they become larger problems.
A completed review alone is not enough.
What matters is what happens after the review is finished.
Independent testing is one of the pillars of an effective BSA/AML compliance program. Its purpose is not simply to satisfy a requirement. A quality review evaluates the strength of your compliance program, identifies weaknesses or gaps, reviews transaction monitoring procedures, and provides recommendations to improve controls and reduce risk.
A strong independent review gives MSB owners visibility into areas that may need attention before regulators or financial institutions identify them first.
One of the biggest issues we see is MSBs treating the independent review as a one-time document instead of an operational tool.
In many cases, findings are not addressed, recommendations are delayed, or the same deficiencies continue appearing year after year. This creates a pattern that signals a lack of improvement and a lack of attention to compliance responsibilities.
When the same issues continue repeating, risk increases significantly.
Repeated deficiencies can eventually lead to increased monitoring requirements, additional compliance costs, regulatory scrutiny, or even fines and penalties. In more serious situations, it can also create risk for the MSB’s banking relationship or licensing status.
In some cases, businesses may be required to undergo additional compliance monitoring by an outside third party until improvements are made.
The goal is not to create an additional burden, but instead to identify and correct issues before they become larger operational or regulatory problems.
Independent reviews frequently identify issues involving:
While some of these may seem minor individually, repeated deficiencies over time can create significant compliance concerns if they are not corrected.
No compliance program is perfect. What matters most is identifying issues, addressing them promptly, and demonstrating improvement over time.
An independent review should show progress year after year. If the same findings continue appearing without corrective action, regulators and financial institutions may view that as a lack of commitment to compliance obligations.
Although the independent review report is a bank-required document, MSBs are required to undergo independent testing because the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requires every MSB to maintain an effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program, and independent testing is one of the core required elements of that program.
While FinCEN requires independent testing to be conducted periodically, Surety Bank’s policy requires independent testing to be completed every 12 months for MSB customers.
Completing reviews consistently and addressing findings in a timely manner helps maintain a stronger and more effective compliance program throughout the year.
Compliance is not built once a year during an independent testing. It is built through consistent attention to processes, documentation, monitoring, and corrective action throughout the year.
The independent testing is designed to help identify weaknesses before they create larger operational or regulatory problems. Using it properly can help protect your business, your banking relationship, and your long-term success.
For John Simmons, banking with Surety has always been about relationships.
A longtime customer of Surety Bank, John has seen firsthand what it looks like when a financial institution truly shows up for its community. As a husband of 38 years, a father of four daughters, and a Director at St. Barnabas Episcopal School, his perspective is grounded in both family and service.
When the school began to grow, a new challenge emerged. They had run out of space to fit all of the students. Expansion wasn’t just a nice-to-have, it was necessary to continue serving students and families well. Like many organizations in that position, they explored their options carefully.
Then came a call that changed everything.
The president of Surety Bank reached out directly, bringing together key stakeholders in a conversation focused on one thing: how to help. What followed was more than a transaction, it was a collaborative effort. The bank stepped in not just with financial guidance, but with a clear commitment to walk alongside the school’s leadership every step of the way.
That experience left a lasting impression on John.
In his words, Surety Bank was “there 120%,” offering direction, support, and reassurance during a critical moment. But what stood out most was how they got there.
“They treat people as people,” John explains. “They actually answer the phone. They communicate.”
In an era where many businesses prioritize efficiency over connection, that kind of responsiveness feels increasingly rare. Yet for Surety Bank, it’s part of their DNA.
John’s story is a reminder that the best banking relationships aren’t built on numbers alone. They’re built on trust, accessibility, and a genuine investment in the people they serve.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it’s how we will always do it!
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that community banking means more than serving customers inside the walls of a branch. It means investing in the people, organizations, and partnerships that help our communities thrive.
That commitment is something Carla Quann, Director of Community Relations for the Volusia Sheriff's Office, has experienced firsthand.
"Our goal is to support everyone in our community," Carla explains. "Ryan [James] wanted to be a part of what we're doing because he cares about the community."
The partnership between Surety Bank and the Volusia Sheriff's Office began when Surety Bank President & CEO Ryan James joined the Volusia Sheriff's Foundation Board. Since then, the relationship has grown into a collaborative effort focused on addressing some of the community's greatest needs.
One example came during the holiday season, when thousands of local families faced uncertainty after SNAP benefits were unexpectedly interrupted. Through the combined efforts of businesses, volunteers, and community organizations, more than 3,500 grocery bags were distributed to families throughout Volusia County.
According to Carla, Surety Bank was an important part of making that effort possible.
Beyond community events and charitable initiatives, the partnership has also helped strengthen public safety.
As financial scams targeting older adults became increasingly common, Surety Bank worked alongside the Sheriff's Office to provide education, share industry expertise, and help detectives better recognize the warning signs of fraud.
That collaboration ultimately helped lead to the creation of the Volusia Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes Unit—a dedicated team focused on protecting residents from fraud and financial exploitation.
Working together, those efforts have helped recover more than $2 million for local victims of financial crimes.
For Carla, those results reflect what makes Surety Bank different.
"They're not just another hometown bank," she says. "They care about their community."
She believes that commitment starts with customer service but extends far beyond banking. Whether supporting nonprofit organizations, helping law enforcement address emerging scams, or simply answering the phone when someone needs help, Surety Bank has built relationships rooted in trust.
"People trust them," Carla says. "They've built that trust with their customers, and that's why people stay."
As Surety Bank celebrates a century of serving Central Florida, partnerships like this demonstrate that community banking isn't defined only by financial services—it's measured by the impact a bank has on the people and communities it serves.
For 100 years, Surety Bank has believed that when communities succeed, everyone succeeds. Through partnerships built on trust, service, and shared purpose, that commitment continues today—and will continue for generations to come.
As Surety Bank celebrates 100 years of community banking, one thing has remained constant throughout every decade: our commitment to people.
For Alexandra Wells, VP BSA Officer, that commitment is what makes community banking different.
After spending more than 20 years in the legal field, Alexandra joined Surety Bank in 2019, bringing together her legal experience and newly earned accounting degree to help protect customers from fraud, financial crimes, and suspicious activity. Since then, she has advanced through the Bank Secrecy Act department while helping strengthen Surety's commitment to customer protection. But for Alexandra, the work is about far more than regulations and risk management.
"It's about people," she says.
That philosophy became especially clear when an elderly customer began exhibiting unusual banking activity.
The customer, who had recently lost her husband and hired a caretaker, suddenly began cashing checks and making transactions that were completely out of character. Surety Bank's frontline staff noticed the changes immediately. Because they knew the customer and understood her normal banking habits, they recognized that something wasn't right.
The situation was escalated to Alexandra for further review.
After analyzing the account activity, Alexandra and another Surety employee visited the customer at her home. During the visit, several warning signs became apparent. The caretaker repeatedly answered questions on the customer's behalf, and purchases were being made that didn't align with the customer's typical behavior.
Further investigation revealed that the caretaker had gained access to the customer's debit card and was using it for personal purchases, including online shopping and vehicle rentals.
By acting quickly, Surety Bank was able to contact the customer's family, stop the unauthorized activity, and help prevent additional financial loss.
"It's one of the advantages of being a community bank," Alexandra explains. "Because we know our customers, we can recognize when something doesn't seem right and take action."
Stories like this highlight what has set Surety Bank apart for the past century. While technology and banking services continue to evolve, the foundation of community banking remains the same: relationships.
For Alexandra, those relationships extend beyond customers and into the workplace as well.
"At Surety Bank, you're not just a number," she says. "You're a person. We know each other by name, and we genuinely care about one another."
That culture of caring is reflected throughout the organization, from employees supporting one another through life's challenges to teams working together to serve customers with a personal touch.
As Surety Bank enters its second century, Alexandra believes the values that have guided the Bank for the last 100 years will continue to shape its future.
"We've always cared about our customers and our employees," she says. "That's the culture of Surety Bank, and I believe that's something that will continue for another century to come."
After 100 years, it's still how we've always done it: putting people first.
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), corporate due diligence files are completed during onboarding and are not reviewed on a regular basis. Over time, documents expire, registrations lapse, and required updates are overlooked.
The problem is that these files are not simply internal paperwork or a bank requirement. In many states, maintaining accurate and current corporate due diligence documentation is part of an MSB’s broader compliance responsibilities.
When documentation is incomplete or outdated, it can create operational disruptions that directly affect your business.
One of the most common issues we continue seeing involves outdated or incomplete documentation for businesses whose checks are being cashed.
In many cases, the MSB believes everything is in order until a transaction is reviewed and a problem is identified. By that point, funds may have already been provided to the customer.
When documentation is missing or expired, it can result in:
These situations are often avoidable with consistent file maintenance and regular internal reviews.
Corporate due diligence should be treated as an ongoing operational responsibility, not a one-time onboarding task.
Business information changes regularly. Companies may:
Without ongoing reviews, these changes can easily go unnoticed until they create a problem during transaction processing or compliance review.
Requirements vary depending on the state and type of business, but corporate due diligence files commonly include:
Many of these documents require periodic renewal or updates.
One recurring issue involves businesses failing to maintain active registration status with the Secretary of State.
In states like Florida, corporations are required to file annual reports to remain active. If those filings are missed, the business can become inactive or suspended.
During the due diligence process, Surety Bank reviews business registration status as part of transaction and compliance reviews. If a business is no longer active with the state, transactions may be delayed or unable to proceed until the issue is resolved.
Unfortunately, many MSBs do not discover the problem until after they have already provided funds to the customer.
One of the best ways to avoid these situations is by implementing consistent internal reviews of your corporate due diligence files.
It is recommended that MSBs review files at least twice a year to ensure documentation remains current and complete.
Even simple tracking methods can make a significant difference. Many businesses successfully use spreadsheets or internal checklists to monitor:
A small amount of organization upfront can help prevent larger operational and compliance issues later.
Corporate due diligence reviews are not simply administrative tasks. They are part of maintaining a strong compliance program and protecting your business from avoidable risk.
Strong documentation practices help businesses:
Most importantly, they help identify problems before they affect day-to-day operations.
Maintaining corporate due diligence files may not feel urgent until a transaction is delayed, a registration is found inactive, or documentation cannot be produced when needed.
Consistent reviews, updated records, and proactive tracking procedures help keep operations running smoothly and reduce preventable risk.
In many cases, the businesses with the fewest operational disruptions are simply the ones that stay organized and review their files consistently throughout the year.
For John Hamlin, business has always been about relationships.
As the owner of Hamlin & Associates and several affiliated companies, John has spent decades helping businesses succeed. Throughout his career, he's learned that the strongest partnerships aren't built on transactions alone. They're built on trust, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to helping people when they need it most.
That's one of the reasons he's been banking with Surety Bank for nearly 20 years.
When John first moved to the Daytona Beach area, Surety Bank was recommended to him by a trusted contact. From his very first interactions with the team, he noticed something different.
"It reminded me more of an old-school bank that cared," John recalls. "I wasn't just an account number. They took the time to learn my name, understand my business, and get to know me."
Over the years, John has worked with other financial institutions, but those experiences only reinforced what makes Surety unique. While larger banks often offered similar products and technology, they couldn't provide the same level of personal attention.
"You can go anywhere and get online banking," he says. "Surety offers that too. The difference is they also offer the personal relationship."
For John, that relationship has meant having direct conversations when questions arise, receiving honest guidance, and knowing that decisions are made by people who understand both his business and his goals.
After nearly two decades as a customer, John says he's never felt the need to call and complain about an employee or a banking experience.
"Everybody in this bank is of service," he explains. "They're accommodating, they're friendly, and they're always willing to help. That's rare."
As Surety Bank celebrates its 100th anniversary, John believes the bank's longevity comes down to something simple: maintaining the personal touch while continuing to evolve.
"You guys can do everything the big banks do," he says. "They can't do everything you do."
For John, that's what community banking should be. Modern conveniences matter, but relationships matter more.
And after nearly 20 years, that's why Surety Bank continues to be his bank of choice.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it's how we will always do it!
For many Money Services Businesses (MSBs), the independent review is viewed as another annual compliance requirement to complete, submit to the bank, and move on from until next year.
In reality, the independent review is one of the most important tools available to help identify weaknesses in your compliance program before they become larger problems.
A completed review alone is not enough.
What matters is what happens after the review is finished.
Independent testing is one of the pillars of an effective BSA/AML compliance program. Its purpose is not simply to satisfy a requirement. A quality review evaluates the strength of your compliance program, identifies weaknesses or gaps, reviews transaction monitoring procedures, and provides recommendations to improve controls and reduce risk.
A strong independent review gives MSB owners visibility into areas that may need attention before regulators or financial institutions identify them first.
One of the biggest issues we see is MSBs treating the independent review as a one-time document instead of an operational tool.
In many cases, findings are not addressed, recommendations are delayed, or the same deficiencies continue appearing year after year. This creates a pattern that signals a lack of improvement and a lack of attention to compliance responsibilities.
When the same issues continue repeating, risk increases significantly.
Repeated deficiencies can eventually lead to increased monitoring requirements, additional compliance costs, regulatory scrutiny, or even fines and penalties. In more serious situations, it can also create risk for the MSB’s banking relationship or licensing status.
In some cases, businesses may be required to undergo additional compliance monitoring by an outside third party until improvements are made.
The goal is not to create an additional burden, but instead to identify and correct issues before they become larger operational or regulatory problems.
Independent reviews frequently identify issues involving:
While some of these may seem minor individually, repeated deficiencies over time can create significant compliance concerns if they are not corrected.
No compliance program is perfect. What matters most is identifying issues, addressing them promptly, and demonstrating improvement over time.
An independent review should show progress year after year. If the same findings continue appearing without corrective action, regulators and financial institutions may view that as a lack of commitment to compliance obligations.
Although the independent review report is a bank-required document, MSBs are required to undergo independent testing because the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requires every MSB to maintain an effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program, and independent testing is one of the core required elements of that program.
While FinCEN requires independent testing to be conducted periodically, Surety Bank’s policy requires independent testing to be completed every 12 months for MSB customers.
Completing reviews consistently and addressing findings in a timely manner helps maintain a stronger and more effective compliance program throughout the year.
Compliance is not built once a year during an independent testing. It is built through consistent attention to processes, documentation, monitoring, and corrective action throughout the year.
The independent testing is designed to help identify weaknesses before they create larger operational or regulatory problems. Using it properly can help protect your business, your banking relationship, and your long-term success.
For John Simmons, banking with Surety has always been about relationships.
A longtime customer of Surety Bank, John has seen firsthand what it looks like when a financial institution truly shows up for its community. As a husband of 38 years, a father of four daughters, and a Director at St. Barnabas Episcopal School, his perspective is grounded in both family and service.
When the school began to grow, a new challenge emerged. They had run out of space to fit all of the students. Expansion wasn’t just a nice-to-have, it was necessary to continue serving students and families well. Like many organizations in that position, they explored their options carefully.
Then came a call that changed everything.
The president of Surety Bank reached out directly, bringing together key stakeholders in a conversation focused on one thing: how to help. What followed was more than a transaction, it was a collaborative effort. The bank stepped in not just with financial guidance, but with a clear commitment to walk alongside the school’s leadership every step of the way.
That experience left a lasting impression on John.
In his words, Surety Bank was “there 120%,” offering direction, support, and reassurance during a critical moment. But what stood out most was how they got there.
“They treat people as people,” John explains. “They actually answer the phone. They communicate.”
In an era where many businesses prioritize efficiency over connection, that kind of responsiveness feels increasingly rare. Yet for Surety Bank, it’s part of their DNA.
John’s story is a reminder that the best banking relationships aren’t built on numbers alone. They’re built on trust, accessibility, and a genuine investment in the people they serve.
This is how Surety Bank has always done it and it’s how we will always do it!
100th Anniversary Stories
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