We’re proud to share that Starion Bank has been named a 2025 Innovation of the Year honoree by American Banker recognized in the Embedded Finance category for our partnership with DoorDash, Fiserv, and Central Payments to bring better financial tools to contract workers across the country.
Each year, American Banker names only ten standout financial innovations. This year, we join a short list of honorees that has previously included organizations like Visa and Ally. This national recognition reflects something we’ve always believed to be true: Innovation isn’t about size. It’s about insight, impact, people, and the ability to dig into a challenge.
Building Embedded Finance That Works for Real People
Our award-winning project, Delivering Embedded Finance to Contract Workers, helped bring banking services directly into the DoorDash platform their Dashers (independent DoorDash delivery drivers) use every day. With Starion serving as the sponsor bank, and in partnership with DoorDash, Fiserv, and Central Payments, Dashers can now open and manage deposit accounts and debit cards—right from the app.
That means faster access to their earnings. Less friction in their day. And financial tools that work around their schedules—not the other way around.
“This wasn’t about building a flashy new product,” said Steve Heydt, Starion’s SVP and Experience Manager. “We built this because it could genuinely help people. And it gave us a chance to show that a community bank in North Dakota can deliver innovative solutions, too.”
People and Customers First—from Every Angle
For us, this partnership wasn’t just with DoorDash—it was with the Dashers. It was easy to imagine them becoming our customers, because they already felt like our customers. People working hard to support their families, pay for school, or get ahead—just like the folks we serve every day. Whatever they were working toward, we’re proud we could play a part in helping them get paid—quickly, reliably, and in a way that works for them.
“This award being in the ‘innovation’ category might make it seem like this was a technology play—but really, it was just another example of what we’ve always done best: focusing on people,” continued Heydt. “That’s what guided every decision we made along the way.”
And while the Dashers were always top of mind, so were our own customers.
This wasn’t innovation for innovation’s sake. It was innovation designed to work for real people, powered by care, collaboration, and Starion’s commitment to getting things right and doing things well.
What It Means to Be Innovative—at Starion
Innovation can feel like a buzzword. Around here, it means something more personal.
It’s about being curious and open-minded.
It’s about building things that genuinely make life better.
It’s about finding ways to take our customers—and our teammates—a little farther every time.
“You don’t have to be a big bank to build something that works,” said Dave Rogstad, our Chief Banking Officer. “You need a team that cares. That asks questions, wants to solve problems, and really shows up for the customer. That’s what we have at Starion.”
We’ve always believed that thoughtful, safe innovation has a place at a community bank. And this award is a testament to what’s possible when the right teams, partners, and purpose come together.
What It Means for Our Customers
If you’re a Starion customer today, this recognition won’t change the way your accounts work—and it doesn’t have to.
This award is not about adding bells and whistles or changing how we serve you. It’s about reinforcing that the tools, platforms, and infrastructure we use are trusted by national companies and recognized at a national level. That the systems behind the service are award-winning—and that the people behind them are, too.
It’s a reminder that Starion Bank isn’t just the bank you trust. It’s also the bank that others trust to build what’s next.
Proud of Where We’ve Been—Excited About What’s Next
In 2024, Forbes named us one of just three Best Banks in North Dakota. Now, we’re proud to carry that momentum forward with this national innovation award alongside 10 other organizations pushing the industry forward.“This recognition belongs to our team,” said Craig Larson, President and CEO. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done—and even more excited about what’s ahead. Every product we build is designed to move our customers forward. That’s how we take people farther.”
We’re proud to be based in North Dakota. Proud to be family-owned. And proud to prove that innovative, meaningful work can come from anywhere.
Even here.
