Aaron Dorn, Chairman, President & CEO, Studio Bank

In an interview with Invest:, Aaron Dorn, president and CEO of Studio Bank, discussed the evolving banking landscape in Tennessee and the institution’s client-focused approach, emphasizing the balance needed between technology and human relationships, and highlighted Studio Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, cybersecurity, and workforce development. “Middle Tennessee and Chattanooga offer abundant opportunities, and we are committed to deepening our presence in these regions,” Dorn added.

From a boutique bank perspective, what are some of the trends that are shaping the banking landscape in Nashville and Tennessee?
The banking landscape in Nashville has continued to be marked by significant growth opportunities. Banks serve a broad swath of businesses and individuals, and in a vibrant, growing market like Nashville and Middle Tennessee in general, growth drives much of how banks operate and serve clients. One relatively new development in banking, which is still emerging, is the role of digital currencies and their impact on the industry, particularly for community banks. For example, stablecoins, coupled with legislation working its way through Congress, will influence how banks serve clients.

Another major factor is AI and its effect on client service. Much of the banking we do at Studio Bank is built on highly trusted, credible relationships with human beings. This is a core part of our value proposition, with our expertise, human connections, and personalized advice. We would never want AI to interfere with that but rather to enhance it. Every bank must develop a philosophy and operational practices for using AI in a human-centric way. I am very confident that Studio Bank’s approach to client service will remain consistent, even as we integrate new tools like stablecoins and AI.

What is your vision for the future of branch banking in Tennessee as far as balancing technology and personalized service?
At its core, community banking is about serving human beings who are creating things, whether that is a new business, a new life for their family, or contributing to their community. Our purpose at Studio Bank is to empower creators, and we believe all human beings are creators in some way. The balance with new and existing technology lies in asking the right question: How can we use this tool to better serve human beings in the way they want to be served? Different banks may approach this differently based on their philosophy or operational constraints, but the ultimate goal should be empowering people as they need and prefer. Adopting new technologies must include client feedback to ensure we are neither overdoing nor underdoing implementation. Preserving the human aspect of client service is critical. Technology should never replace personal relationships but should instead strengthen them by making interactions more efficient and meaningful.

What opportunities for growth and expansion has Studio Bank found in Tennessee, and are you looking to open new branches or offer any new services?
We remain deeply committed to growth in Middle Tennessee, with a long-term vision of becoming the market leader here. That said, there are other exceptional communities across Tennessee where our value proposition would be highly valued. In Chattanooga, we found a team that aligns perfectly with our culture and philosophy, along with significant experience in commercial and private banking. When presented with such an opportunity – a great team in a great market – the decision to invest and expand was clear.

At the same time, we have recruited nearly as many team members in Middle Tennessee this year as in Chattanooga, demonstrating that our growth is not solely focused outside our home base. We still have a substantial runway in Middle Tennessee, though we remain open to strategic expansion in other communities across the state, and perhaps beyond in the future. Our long-term vision is to build a truly special company with a meaningful impact, primarily centered in Middle Tennessee but extending further over time.

What role is Studio Bank playing when it comes to fostering financial inclusion and serving underbanked communities?
Banking exists to serve human beings and their incredible capacity to create, which is a universal calling that applies to everyone, regardless of background. To fulfill our purpose, we must serve all communities, including those that are underbanked. This requires building relationships through time, energy, and resources, just as we do in more traditionally banked communities.

We engage in several initiatives to support underbanked populations, including partnerships with affinity groups, educational outreach programs, and nonprofit board service with organizations that serve these communities. The key is investing not just financially but also with time, which is our most limited and precious resource, to foster trust and connection. Financial inclusion is not just a goal but a responsibility, and we approach it with the same dedication as every other aspect of our mission.

How is Studio Bank promoting financial literacy and education programs?
Financial literacy takes a number of different shapes with us. We have a partnership with a high school here in town where we provide entrepreneurship education. We participate in Junior Achievement, a phenomenal organization that conducts financial literacy activities with young children. Additionally, we host homebuyer seminars for first-time homebuyers, often in collaboration with community housing organizations. These seminars educate individuals on the home-buying process, financial preparation, managing finances post-purchase, and addressing unexpected expenses associated with homeownership.

We also organize seminars where we host community groups within our bank, often featuring our bankers as speakers who provide content on financial literacy or financial empowerment. One of our most substantial initiatives is the Women’s Collective, which focuses on empowering women business owners and executives through financial education. At the beginning of this year, we completed a strategic planning process involving female board members and founder’s advisory board members to refine the vision for this program.

What cybersecurity measures is Studio Bank implementing to protect clients and operations?
Cybersecurity is a top concern for any business, particularly for banks. We have implemented multiple layers of security, including multifactor authentication, real-time network scanning, and numerous other protective measures. However, we find that the weakest link in security is often the human element, such as individuals clicking on malicious links or using easily guessable passwords.

To address this, we prioritize training and awareness for both employees and clients. We educate them on setting up secure systems and recognizing potential threats. Additionally, we incentivize our bankers to maintain strong security practices, such as avoiding suspicious links and adhering to password policies. The solution is multifaceted, requiring continuous vigilance, training, reminders, and strict policies. This is another example of how technology can be leveraged to protect clients, but human awareness remains critical. Cyber fraud is one of the most pervasive risks for any company.

Regarding workforce development, what measures is Studio Bank implementing to attract and retain a skilled labor force?

Attracting and retaining diverse, talented team members requires a multifaceted approach. It begins with intentional outreach and building relationships with individuals and organizations involved in workforce development. Equally important is fostering a workplace culture where employees feel valued and fulfilled. People want to spend their time in an environment where they are rewarded and inspired by the company’s purpose. Ongoing education and mentorship are also crucial. Some of this occurs through formal training, but much of it happens informally through an open-door culture where leaders actively mentor employees. At Studio Bank, we emphasize leadership that encourages growth and knowledge-sharing, ensuring that experienced bankers pass their expertise to newer team members. Diversity is another key focus. A genuine commitment to diverse perspectives shapes our culture and outreach efforts. By fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeking diverse talent, we strengthen our organization.

Looking ahead, where would you like Studio Bank to be in terms of new achievements, expansions, and developments in the next two to three years?

Our long-term vision is to establish Studio Bank as a market-leading institution in Middle Tennessee and beyond. Over the next two to three years, we will continue our focus on organic growth driven by exceptional client service. We aim to attract experienced bankers with strong client relationships who align with our culture of success and fulfillment.

Middle Tennessee and Chattanooga offer abundant opportunities, and we are committed to deepening our presence in these regions. Our strategy remains consistent with what we have done over the past seven years by delivering impeccable service, building a team of skilled bankers, and maintaining a culture that fosters both client and employee success. This approach ensures sustainable growth and positions us as a trusted financial partner in the communities we serve.