BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Oct. 20, 2026 – Regions Bank on Tuesday announced the second annual Bank of Ideas Challenge, a student business plan presentation competition bringing together 36 students representing 11 teams from Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University. Students will develop and pitch ideas for solving real-world challenges in banking, including young adult banking, fintech innovation and student-athlete financial success.
The competition will culminate Oct. 26 at Regions Field in Birmingham, where two finalist teams from Alabama A&M and two finalist teams from Alabama State will present their ideas to Regions leaders in the final round competition. Each member of the final round competition will receive a $750 Regions Bank Visa® gift card and other special recognitions.
What is the Bank of Ideas Challenge?
The Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge is an annual student business plan presentation competition that invites college students from two universities to join Regions in developing solutions to real-world challenges facing the financial services industry. The 2026 competition brings together Alabama A&M and Alabama State students to explore business issues impacting customer needs, financial wellness, financial technology and the future of banking.
What Topics will Students Address?
Students will select one of three focus areas:
Each competing team will be evaluated on creativity, impact, feasibility and overall presentation effectiveness. In addition, students can build valuable skills in innovation, business strategy and problem solving as they present their ideas.
Why this Matters Now:
“The best ideas in banking start with understanding what customers need and how those needs are changing,” said John Jordan, head of Consumer Banking for Regions Bank. “The Bank of Ideas Challenge allows us to hear directly from the next generation of customers while giving students a meaningful opportunity to develop ideas around financial wellness, technology and the customer experience. Their perspectives can challenge conventional thinking, spark new ideas and help all of us think differently about the future of banking.”
The Bank of Ideas Challenge allows us to hear directly from the next generation of customers while giving students a meaningful opportunity to develop ideas around financial wellness, technology and the customer experience.”John Jordan, head of Consumer Banking for Regions Bank
Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge Kicks Off Magic City Classic Celebration
The Bank of Ideas Challenge is taking place ahead of the Magic City Classic, the annual football matchup in Birmingham between Alabama A&M and Alabama State. The winning team will be recognized during Magic City Classic events, including the Magic City Classic Players/Team Luncheon and the Magic City Classic Parade.
Regions Bank is the official bank of the Magic City Classic and the official sponsor of Magic City Classic volunteers.
“Our relationships with Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University are built on years of collaboration, investment and shared commitment to student success, said Leroy Abrahams, head of Community and Market Engagement for Regions Bank. “The Bank of Ideas Challenge expands that work in a meaningful way by connecting students with real-world business opportunities, encouraging innovation and helping prepare the next generation of leaders. We are honored to deepen our support of these institutions and the important role they play in advancing educational and economic opportunity.”
Our relationships with Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University are built on years of collaboration, investment and shared commitment to student success.” Leroy Abrahams, head of Community and Market Engagement for Regions Bank
Regions’ longtime community partnerships with Alabama State and Alabama A&M are part of the bank’s ongoing collaboration with several Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Through these relationships, the bank supports on-campus financial wellness opportunities, talent acquisition, student outreach, and other meaningful work.
In addition, Regions offers an Alabama A&M Visa® debit card and prepaid Regions Now Card®, along with an Alabama State Visa® debit card and prepaid Regions Now Card® so students, alumni and fans can cheer for their teams as they conduct everyday financial transactions.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $163 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,200 banking offices and more than 1,750 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.