Academy Bank Named One of America's Most Innovative Companies by FORTUNE for 2025
KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Bank – a full-service community bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corp. – has once again earned national recognition for its commitment to innovation, landing a spot on FORTUNE magazine's prestigious list of America's Most Innovative Companies for 2025. This marks the second time in three years the Kansas City-based bank has been honored, having also received the accolade in 2023.
Now in its third year, FORTUNE's annual list celebrates 300 U.S.-based companies that are transforming industries and setting new standards in innovation. Academy Bank is one of just 10 companies in Kansas and Missouri to be included in the 2025 rankings.
"We're incredibly proud to be recognized once again by FORTUNE as an innovation leader," said Paul Holewinski, CEO of Academy Bank. "This award affirms our belief that forward-thinking solutions, both for our clients and within our internal operations, are key to long-term success."
The America's Most Innovative Companies list, developed by FORTUNE in collaboration with global research firm Statista, is based on evaluations in three equally weighted categories:
Product innovation – Examines a company's products and services for design, usability and more
Process innovation – Looks at a wide range of processes in a company, such as procurement, sales and marketing
Innovation culture – Measures the creativity and inherent sense of entrepreneurship within a company, primarily based on associate/employee evaluations
According to FORTUNE, the 300 U.S.-based honorees on its 2025 ranking collectively generated over $12.6 trillion in revenue, with a median revenue of $22 billion.
"This recognition is a direct reflection of our associates' unwavering commitment to fresh thinking and finding better ways of serving our communities," Holewinski added.
Academy Bank joins a distinguished group of innovators across various industries on the Fortune Most Innovative Companies list, reinforcing its dedication to providing a superior banking experience through fast, easy and personal service. Academy Bank's innovative approach to banking emphasizes convenience, security and providing a seamless client experience. Investments in AI and automation, including robotic process automation, translate to cutting-edge banking solutions that are accessible, secure and simple.
Academy Bank is consistently recognized for excellence in banking by a variety of respected local and national organizations. Recent Academy Bank accolades include a 2025 HCM Distinction Award for Talent at Work from global human capital management technology provider ADP, Fortune's Best Business CDs" and "Top Mortgage Lender" from the Kansas City Business Journal. The institution also won a Silver Stevie Award in the 2024 American Business Awards for the redesign of the Academy Bank website.
About Academy BankAcademy Bank is a full-service commercial bank with $2.9 billion in assets and more than 75 banking centers in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri. Academy Bank provides a wide range of financial solutions for business and individuals, including commercial and business banking, treasury management and mortgage services. Academy Bank is privately held and family-owned by Dickinson Financial Corporation, a $4.3 billion holding company headquartered in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Academy Bank's sister bank, Armed Forces Bank, headquartered in Leavenworth, Kansas, proudly serves active and retired military and civilian clients around the world with more on-base locations than any military bank in the country. For more information, visit www.academybank.com
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