Patrick Sobers is an executive vice president at NBH Bank.

The rise of fintech companies is reshaping the landscape of the banking and lending industry. According to relevant data, fintech firms captured 38% of the personal loan market last year, up from just 5% in 2013, and they are increasingly turning their attention to small business lending.

This impact is not limited to local markets. An Accenture report released last month predicts that by 2025, traditional banks could lose up to $280 billion in global payment revenues due to competition from digital payment companies and non-bank institutions.

This challenge is not new, but the key lies in how to leverage the existing strengths of traditional banks, which is especially important for community banks.

In the lending market, the core selling points of fintech lenders are speed and convenience: they use algorithms to quickly analyze borrowers' credit data and provide loan approval decisions within 24 hours.

However, as economic uncertainty begins to build, it is worth noting that the lending models of the fintech industry were developed entirely during the longest economic expansion in U.S. history and have not yet been tested by a recession or a major credit crunch.

When an economic downturn truly arrives, the primary question for small business borrowers may be: "Who do I turn to?" For fintech companies, the answer may be no one, or at best a 1-800 customer service line or a distant call center, rather than a trusted banker who understands your business.

Community banks should not fear leveraging their one-on-one advantage to build true partnerships with lending clients.

This is not intended to disparage fintech companies or large banks, but being able to communicate with a trusted local human being is of immeasurable value to small business owners.

Human connection is valuable not only in difficult economic times but also when unexpected issues arise during operations. For example, if a payment is missed due to an owner's illness or a temporary business setback, a community bank might make the same decision as an impersonal lender, but at least it will sit down with you to discuss options before taking action.

Borrowers often expect convenient funding and quick closings from fintech companies, but this may not always align with the long-term interests of the business—somewhat like a patient going to a doctor and directly telling the doctor the diagnosis and treatment plan. Business owners know a lot about their operations, but they are often not financial management experts.

Community banks understand that making the loan is the easy part; the real challenge lies in engaging deeply with the business and thoroughly understanding its operations before making a credit decision.

Community banks act as advisors and financial consultants to business clients. They thoroughly understand the company's cash flow situation and operating account details in order to design loan structures that complement the business's operations and are easier to manage. This results in a comprehensive banking relationship that includes cash and accounts payable management, helping businesses achieve their goals and avoid risks.

As part of this partnership, community banks must be willing to say "no" when businesses make unwise decisions. For example, if the cost of renovating an office building is too high or business growth is insufficient to support it, borrowing for that purpose may not be the best option, and a good lender will say so directly. Maintaining client relationships should take precedence over pursuing loan volume.

Community banks should position themselves as supporters of businesses during difficult times. Even if a small business in their market is working with a fintech company, community banks should always keep their doors open and be ready to help.

Emphasizing these clear advantages of community banks will ultimately yield long-term rewards. As fintech continues to advance, businesses will still value a solid, human relationship with a banker who can be reached with just a phone call or a short drive.