Digital assets come to Tennessee banking: Q&A on the TBA-Stablecore partnership
Nick Elledge
Co-founder & COO,
Stablecore
This spring, the Tennessee Bankers Association named Stablecore its exclusive Endorsed Partner for stablecoin and digital asset infrastructure, giving TBA’s member banks a vetted path into a fast-moving corner of financial services. The Tennessee Bankers Association sat down with Nick Elledge, co-founder and COO at Stablecore, to talk about what the endorsement means, why digital assets belong on every bank’s radar, and how Stablecore helps banks move forward without getting ahead of their compliance obligations.
What initially drew you to the Young Bankers Division, and what ultimately inspired you to step into a leadership role with TBA?
I attended my first Young Bankers event in 2012 after being invited by a teammate who was serving on the Young Bankers Board. With encouragement from both my teammate and management, I became more involved by attending events throughout the year. Over time, my management pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue a leadership role within the Division, which ultimately led to me stepping into a director position.
What do you see as the most pressing challenges facing today’s banking industry, and where do you believe young bankers are uniquely positioned to lead or drive change?
Over the last several years I feel banks have faced several challenges such as economic and regulatory uncertainty and cybersecurity risks, all while dealing with increasing customer expectations. Young Bankers can provide a unique perspective with strength in technology, along with fresh ideas to help bridge traditional banking principles with the future needs of customers and communities.
What advice would you share with emerging banking leaders who are early in their career but eager to make a meaningful impact and connection within the industry?
Be willing to listen and never hesitate to ask questions. Seek out a strong industry mentor whether inside or outside your organization—and lean into their experience and insight. Advocate for yourself by pursuing opportunities such as banking schools and industry events to gain a broader understanding of the industry and continue building peer connections you can learn from.
What can senior banking leaders do to better engage, develop, and retain the rising talent within their organizations?
I believe being willing to have open communication is key. Young bankers desire to have meaningful development opportunities and be given clear communication around potential career paths within the organization. This open communication, paired with recognizing contributions and learning opportunities helps associates feel valued, leading to greater motivation and productivity.
What life or career advice has stayed with you over the years and continues to influence the way you approach things today?
Growing up playing sports taught me the importance of being a true team player. That meant not only taking responsibility for my own role but also being willing to step up whenever something needed to be done. It reinforced the value of avoiding an “it’s not my job” mindset and consistently putting the greater good of the team ahead of personal interests—a lesson that extends well beyond sports and into everyday life.
As Chairman, what are one or two goals you have for the Young Bankers Division over the next year?
As Chairman, I want to expand opportunities for engagement, strengthen our network, and create more meaningful touchpoints throughout the year. My goal is to ensure every Young Banker in Tennessee feels connected, supported, and empowered to grow both personally and professionally.