RYAN G. JAMES

PRESIDENT & CEO, SURETY BANK, DELAND

Surety Bank celebrates 100 years in business in 2026. James has led the DeLand institution since 2009, steering it to success by providing banking services in nontraditional industries such as check cashing, cryptocurrency and cannabis. He says the bank “thrives on innovation, particularly in anti-money-laundering,” and has a lean, technologically advanced team. James is a Florida Bankers Association board member, hosts “The Paper Podcast” and has contributed financial insights and expertise to the Wall Street Journal and American Banker magazine.

EDUCATION: Florida State University (BS)

DAILY RITUAL: My two constants are working out and reading. Exercise keeps me physically sharp and mentally clear, while reading ensures I'm always learning and staying ahead of trends in banking, finance and leadership. Together they create a discipline that carries over into every decision I make at the bank.

INDUSTRY INNOVATION: The convergence of digital banking, decentralized finance and regulatory evolution is reshaping what community banking can be. Artificial intelligence in compliance and underwriting, the mainstreaming of digital assets, and embedded finance partnerships are the three forces community banks must reckon with and embrace to remain relevant over the next decade.