Branson Bank Receives National ABA Community Commitment Award

(Branson, MO) On October 13, the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation announced their 2026 Community Commitment Award Recipients and Branson Bank received one of seven of the prestigious national awards. The categories include, Financial Education, Financial Inclusion, Protecting Older Americans, Supporting Military Families (2 recipients), Volunteerism, and the George Bailey Distinguished Service Award. Branson Bank received the Protecting Older Americans award for the bank’s fraud awareness and education program led by Rebecca Mullen, VP-Compliance Officer, AML/CFT Officer.

Recognized at ABA’s Annual Convention in Salt Lake City on Oct. 27th, Mullen and President, Eric Simkins accepted the award on behalf of the local community bank.

“Becca’s dedication to educating our community and bringing partners together to fight financial fraud reflects the very best of Branson Bank’s commitment to community,” said Eric Simkins, President. “We are proud of her leadership and grateful to see these efforts recognized through this national ABA Community Commitment award. It reinforces the importance of our work and the difference we can make when we come together to protect our neighbors.”

According to the ABA Foundation release on October 13, 2026, the Community Commitment Award winners embody banking at its best and have demonstrated success in measurable terms. A selection committee, made up of independent, national experts in each of the seven categories, reviewed bank nominations from across the country and chose winners based on specific criteria, including the creativity and effectiveness of the specific program.

“The 2026 Community Commitment Award winners exemplify the extraordinary commitment banks make every day to strengthen the communities they serve,” ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols said. “Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships and dedicated service, these banks are helping expand opportunity, address critical community needs and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

In the Protecting Older Americans category, the award recipient is Branson Bank, Branson, Missouri. Branson Bank’s fraud awareness initiative combines community education practical prevention tools and regional collaboration to protect older adults from financial exploitation. The bank helped establish the Tri-Lakes Financial Crimes Group, which brings together more than 60 representatives from financial institutions, law enforcement and government agencies, and its prevention efforts have helped customers avoid more than $5.1 million in potential fraud losses.

Taking a proactive role to protect its community from financial fraud and exploitation, Branson Bank has expanded public education and outreach, developed resources, and brought together community partners to stop scam and fraud. In July 2024, Branson Bank partnered with local law enforcement to help establish the Tri-Lakes Financial Crimes Group. The group has since grown to more than 60 members representing financial institutions, local and federal law enforcement agencies, and government organizations, creating a collaborative network focused on sharing intelligence, identifying emerging fraud trends, and strengthening responses to financial crimes across the Tri-Lakes and Southwest Missouri region.

Education remains a top priority to combat fraud before it occurs. In 2025, Rebecca Mullen delivered more than 15 fraud awareness presentations throughout the community, educating individuals on how to identify and avoid scams, including impersonation schemes, identity theft, romance scams, and financial coercion to name a few.

“Fraud prevention starts with awareness and a community willing to look out for one another,” said Mullen. “By sharing knowledge and working together, we can help protect our most vulnerable, prevent financial loss, and give people the confidence to recognize and report scams.”

Branson Bank continues to help address the growing threat of financial exploitation and the devastating financial and emotional consequences it can have on victims. The bank’s efforts extend beyond its customers, offering education and support to anyone in the community affected by scams and reinforcing its commitment to a more informed, connected, and financially secure region.