Beyond the Deal: Creative Ways Banks Are Expanding Merchant Reach

Growth doesn’t just come from mergers; it comes from momentum. Banks today are finding innovative ways to expand their merchant programs through smarter partnerships, better small business integration and a renewed focus on relationship-driven growth. This panel brings together leaders who are doing more than maintaining merchant portfolios — they’re transforming them. From embedding merchant services in small business lending and deposit packages to leveraging banker training, marketing collaborations and local partnerships, explore practical strategies that actually move the needle. Whether your bank is growing through acquisition, partnership or organic expansion, you’ll leave with creative, actionable ideas to accelerate your merchant growth in 2026 and beyond.

Speakers: Jessie Denny, TowneBank; Sarah Humphrey, Deluxe; Shane Patnoi, Washington Trust Bank; Steve Pentony, Peoples Bank