The digital transformation of community banks is not just a buzzword; it's a vital pivot towards sustaining relevance and competitive edge in an increasingly tech-centric financial world. The latest episode of the Leaders in Payments podcast, featuring Carey Ransom, Managing Director of BankTech Ventures, provides a deep dive into this transformation. BankTech Ventures stands out by directly involving bankers in the investment process, ensuring the solutions not only fit the banks' needs but also resonate with the communities they serve. The organization acts as an R&D arm, navigating through the plethora of available fintech options to guide community banks toward top-tier, strategic solutions. This careful selection is driven by a dual focus on cost reduction and revenue enhancement, targeting both customer-facing and internal processes. The episode is a must-listen for anyone in the banking or fintech industries, as well as for those interested in how technology reshapes traditional business models. With a comprehensive examination of the state of community banking and the strategic use of technology, the podcast stands as a testament to the transformative power of fintech and the enduring spirit of community banking.