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Take care of the customer.

A black and white photo of a bank building
An old photo of a man and woman standing in front of a house.

A HISTORY IN BANKING

Think Forward

We got our start as a small business, a small bank in a small town, in 1927. With $25,000 in assets, A.C. Brown founded Security State Bank of Hannaford, purchasing a stone building that still proudly stands today on Wheat Street.

Three generations of the Brown family have provided leadership in our organization. W.O. “Bill” Brown joined his father, A.C., and two other employees in 1948, and in 1975, Mark joined his father, Bill.

In 1991, the organization began to expand across North Dakota. To reflect our growth outside of Hannaford, our name was changed to Security State Bank of North Dakota.
In 2000, the Brown family established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to expand ownership to its valued employees. Today’s employee-owners proudly hold over 40% ownership.
In 2007, as the organization continued to expand across North Dakota and Minnesota, Security State Bank of North Dakota changed its name to Bank Forward. Around this time, insurance, tax, and investment services were also added to our menu of offerings.
In 2012, the Forward Foundation was established. This 501(3)(c) nonprofit is dedicated to enhancing children’s lives in the communities we serve. Over $1 million has been donated to families and organizations to impact children positively.
Yes, things have changed since 1927, but not everything. Our founder A.C. Brown had a simple formula for success, “Take care of the customer!” It’s a promise we’ve kept for over 90 years and one we intend to stick to.
New Bank in 1959
First
second
In 1991, the organization began to expand across North Dakota. To reflect our growth outside of Hannaford, our name was changed to Security State Bank of North Dakota.
In 2000, the Brown family established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to expand ownership to its valued employees. Today’s employee-owners proudly hold over 40% ownership.
In 2007, as the organization continued to expand across North Dakota and Minnesota, Security State Bank of North Dakota changed its name to Bank Forward. Around this time, insurance, tax, and investment services were also added to our menu of offerings.
In 2012, the Forward Foundation was established. This 501(3)(c) nonprofit is dedicated to enhancing children’s lives in the communities we serve. Over $1 million has been donated to families and organizations to impact children positively.
Yes, things have changed since 1927, but not everything. Our founder A.C. Brown had a simple formula for success, “Take care of the customer!” It’s a promise we’ve kept for over 90 years and one we intend to stick to.

Being a community bank is something we take great honor in.

While times change, technology advances, and we have expanded across North Dakota and Minnesota, our philosophy has remained unchanged for nearly a century: take care of our customers, our employees, and our communities. It’s simple. It worked in 1927, and it works today.

Tom Watson, President of Bank Forward

Where we are today.

Over 240 Employees

13 Locations

   $1B+    in Assets

MOVING FORWARD

Our Mission

We believe in the commitment to seek out and provide financial and insurance solutions for tomorrow, not just for today. In doing so, we help our customers, employees and the community “fast forward” to the goals they strive to achieve in life.
Good Care

Take good care of the customer.

Success

Our success comes from the prosperity of our customers and our communities.

Smart

Demonstrate smart banking decisions based on sound banking principles.

Staff

Hire and be thankful for a good staff.

About Page Our Customers

Our Customers Matter Most

Not only do we provide our customers with the best in banking, insurance, tax, and investment services, but we are also dedicated to being active members of our communities. We support many regional organizations and projects with products, services, and assistance and serve as volunteers for local organizations that strengthen our communities.
MEET OUR TEAM
About Page Ours Employees

Our Commitment to Our Employees

Our employees are our greatest asset. The commitment to our employees is shown by investing in them through a competitive compensation package, professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefit package, including an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
BROWSE CAREERS

Our Communities

We serve 13 communities and their trade areas in North Dakota and Minnesota. Our highest priority is the prosperity of our customers and our communities.
Explore Our Locations
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Contact
  • Customer Service | Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
  • Digital Banking Customer Service | Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
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Routing Number: 091310864

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