Academy Bank Celebrated in Forbes 2025 Best-in-State Banks Recognition

Academy Bank Celebrated for Excellence in Banking

Academy Bank, recognized as one of America's Best-in-State Banks for 2025 by Forbes, continues to stand out in the competitive banking landscape. This achievement places the bank among a distinguished group of institutions known for their exceptional customer satisfaction and trust. The accolade, which marks the eighth consecutive year Forbes has released such a ranking in conjunction with Statista Inc., reflects the bank's commitment to serving communities effectively.

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Academy Bank operates as a full-service community bank and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation. Paul Holewinski, the bank's CEO, expressed pride in this recognition, stating, "This honor represents the strong relationships we've built along with our unwavering dedication to the communities we serve. It underscores the high standards we uphold and our commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals through personalized services and innovative solutions."

Selection Process and Survey Insights

The selection process for Forbes' list involved a rigorous independent survey, which engaged approximately 26,000 consumers across the U.S. Participants evaluated banks based on their personal experiences regarding checking or savings account services. Key factors for assessment included trustworthiness, customer service quality, transparency of fees, the adequacy of digital tools, and overall satisfaction with financial advice received.

Notably, survey data contributed a substantial 80% to a bank's overall score, while sentiment analysis of over 500,000 online reviews provided additional insights, comprising 20% of the total assessment. Ultimately, Academy Bank's high performance secured its place among 191 recognized institutions, a testament to its effective and community-focused banking approach.

Commitment to Accessibility and Customer Trust

Academy Bank’s success is attributed to its dedication to accessibility and trustworthiness in financial dealings. This enduring reputation is reinforced by their recent honor in Fortune magazine's list of "America's Most Innovative Companies for 2025." This double recognition from prominent business publications highlights the bank's innovative solutions and commitment to meeting diverse customer needs.

With assets totaling approximately $2.9 billion and a footprint extending across over 75 banking centers in states such as Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri, Academy Bank is positioned as a key player in the regional banking sector. It offers a comprehensive range of financial services tailored to both business and individual clients, including commercial banking, treasury management, and mortgage services.

Academy Bank is part of Dickinson Financial Corporation, which oversees multiple banking services, including the Armed Forces Bank based in Leavenworth, Kansas. This branch serves military personnel and families globally, indicating a strong commitment to all community segments.

For Academy Bank, receiving accolades such as the Forbes Best-in-State Banks recognition is not just a symbol of achievement but also a foundational element of strategy aimed at fostering customer relations and ensuring that services resonate with client expectations. As the banking landscape evolves, Academy Bank continues to prioritize innovation and dependability, affirming its role as a trusted partner in financial matters.

For more details on Academy Bank's services and the accolades it has received, visit Academy Bank's official website.