Academy Bank, a community bank based in Kansas City and a subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corp., has been named to FORTUNE magazine’s list of America’s Most Innovative Companies for 2025. This is the second time in three years that Academy Bank has received this recognition, having previously been honored in 2023.
FORTUNE’s annual list highlights 300 U.S.-based companies that are recognized for transforming their industries through innovation. Academy Bank is among only ten companies from Kansas and Missouri 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 selection process for the America’s Most Innovative Companies list was developed by FORTUNE in partnership with research firm Statista. The evaluation covers three main areas: product innovation, process innovation, and innovation culture. Product innovation considers design and usability of products and services; process innovation reviews various company processes such as procurement and marketing; while innovation culture assesses creativity and entrepreneurship within the organization based on employee feedback.
According to FORTUNE, the 300 companies 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 emphasizes convenience, security, and seamless client experience through investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies like robotic process automation. These efforts aim to deliver accessible and secure banking solutions.
The bank has also received other recent awards including a 2025 HCM Distinction Award for Talent at Work from ADP, Fortune’s Best Business CDs designation, Top Mortgage Lender from the Kansas City Business Journal, and a Silver Stevie Award in the 2024 American Business Awards for its website redesign.
Academy Bank operates more than 75 banking centers across Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri. It offers commercial banking services with $2.9 billion in assets under management. The bank is privately held by Dickinson Financial Corporation headquartered in Kansas City. Its sister institution, Armed Forces Bank based in Leavenworth, Kansas serves military clients globally with numerous on-base locations.
For more information about Academy Bank’s services or recognitions visit www.academybank.com
