ICBA Education Resources

ICBA Education offers a variety of educational publications and digital tools to help your bank and its employees succeed in a variety of industry topics.


2023 CRA Final Rule - Comprehensive Summary ICBA released a comprehensive summary of the recently released interagency final rule to reform Community Reinvestment Act regulations. The new summary recaps the new rule’s coverage, assessment areas, new tests, community development credit, recordkeeping requirements, and more. Learn More Publications ICBA Education
2023 CRA Final Rule - High Level Summary ICBA released a high-level summary of the recently released interagency final rule to reform Community Reinvestment Act regulations. This four-page summary breaks down the nearly 1,500-page rule for banks that qualify under the small, intermediate, and large bank asset thresholds. It also details the new retail lending test and rules on assessment areas. Learn More Publications ICBA Education
ADA General Accessibility Accommodations Policy Describes the bank’s intention to ensure that its services are accessible and accommodating to individuals with disabilities. Includes a policy statement; roles and responsibilities of bank board, executives, committees, and employees; grievance processes; and contact for inquiries, questions, assistance, and general information. Learn More Policies Compliance
ADA Website Accessibility Accommodations Policy Addresses the need of the bank’s website to provide equal treatment to all its customers and the public under Title II of the ADA, the Rehabilitations Act of 1973, and Department of Justice (DOJ) web accessibility directives in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA and the United States Access Board’s Section 508 Standards. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Agricultural Lending Policy Establishes the parameters and structure covering agricultural lending, including interest rates, pricing of loans, lending limits, and credit criteria. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Appraisals and Evaluations Bank Policy Establishes guidelines to assist the bank in protecting its interest in real estate-related transactions. Includes appraiser and evaluator qualifications and selection, as well as the competency requirements. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Artificial Intelligence Governance Policy This policy offers guidance for directors, officers, and staff in effectively managing cyber risks in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). It addresses critical aspects, such as strategic planning, approval authority, acceptable use, incident response, and vendor management. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Audit Working Papers With the Audit Working Papers you can establish strong audit procedures to help support your bank's internal control environment and mitigate institution risk. Ensure a complete and comprehensive cross-departmental audit scope with this customizable resource that can be scaled to fit the size, complexity, and risk profile of your bank. Learn More Subscriptions AuditingICBA Education
Automated Clearing House Crafted specifically for community financial institutions, the ACH Policy offers a comprehensive solution for establishing a robust framework governing Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions. Aligned with the National Automated Clearing House (NACHA) rules and guidelines, this customizable Word document covers ACH responsibilities, compliance measures, and risk management concerns for both originating and receiving financial institutions. Learn More Policies ACH
Bank Compliance Check Up The Bank Compliance Check Up Program provides a comprehensive system and checklists for monitoring and determining the bank’s compliance with deposit, lending, administrative regulations, and other banking laws. Also included are over 40 training agendas and quizzes! Learn More Subscriptions ICBA Education
Bank Director Bible - PDF The Bank Directors’ Bible (4th Edition, 2023) provides industry best practices, insights into issues encountered by community bank directors in today’s environment and how to effectively serve on community bank boards of all sizes. Learn More Publications ICBA Education
Bank Director Glossary - Third Edition 2022 Searchable PDF Bank Director Glossary includes more than 200 pages of customary terms used by regulators, executive officers, industry consultants, and attorneys. Presented alphabetically with clear and to the point definitions, this valuable reference guide is a must have for any community bank director or officer. Learn More Publications ICBA Education
Bank Director Video Series The Bank Director Video Series features 7 different presentations that vary from 14-20 minutes in length. These can be used during board meetings, for annual training, new director training or topic refreshers. Learn More Publications ICBA Education
Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) Identifies risks inherent in the acquisition, retention, and use of BOLI. Covers specific types and limitations on BOLI, including key persons, cost recovery, split-dollar life insurance, and life insurance on borrowers. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Bank Protection Act Policy Provides the requirements of the regulatory agencies and covers all aspects of bank security, including designation of a security officer, security devices, maintenance, testing, training, and robbery procedures. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Bank Secrecy and Anti-Money Laundering Policy Provides procedures as required by the regulatory agencies. Includes information on exempt persons, internal records, currency transaction reports, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Customer Identification Program and Customer Due Diligence, wire transfers, and anti-money laundering. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Board of Directors Policy Designed to assist the board in recognizing and carrying out its duties and responsibilities for overall direction of the bank. Includes planning and budgeting, monitoring operations, overseeing business performance, training, committees, and code of conduct. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Boardroom Strategies For Financial Institutions Boardroom Strategies for Financial Institutions focuses on the relationships among board members and how to be effective inside the boardroom. It is a must have for new and experienced board members. This book is a companion book to The Ultimate Guide for Bank Directors, Revised Edition. Learn More Publications ICBA Education
Branch Closing Policy Sets forth the procedures required by the regulatory agencies to close a branch office, including profit analysis and availability of services. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
BSA/AML Video Training Series The BSA/AML Video Training Series features 5 different presentations customized to provide job specific training for every member of your bank staff including Senior Management and Directors. This live action series contains fresh content, best practices, the latest hot topics in BSA/AML, and is everything your bank needs to comply with the annual training requirements. Learn More Digital ICBA Education
Business and Travel Expense Policy Defines the general types of expenses the bank will incur; establishes the budgeting and operational procedures needed to implement the policy; and provides policy guidelines for travel and entertainment. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Business Continuity Management Policy Designed to provide a risk management plan to avoid potential losses. Includes policy implementation, bank security, emergency procedures, back-up sites, loss prevention, liquidity, insurance policies, asset protection, and risk management training. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
CAN SPAM Policy Outlines the specific procedures when initiating electronic mail messages to any recipient with the primary purpose of communicating a commercial message, primarily emails whose purpose is to advertise or promote a commercial product or service, which includes website content. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Capital, Earnings, and Dividend Policy Provides a clear outline of the bank's goals and parameters for maintaining an adequate capital base, and states how the payment of dividends relates to those goals and parameters. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Charitable Contributions Policy Establishes the types of contributions the bank will grant and sets forth the budgeting and operational procedures needed to implement the policy. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Check Fraud: A Practical Guide to Altered, Forged, and Counterfeit Checks for Community Bankers This guide is a resource to help ICBA members both minimize the incidents of check fraud related to altered, forged, and counterfeit checks and take appropriate steps to recover funds or otherwise minimize loss, when it does occur. This publication is for general information purposes and is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal advice. The information in this publication is current as of March 2024. The guide explains how the laws and regulations governing checks assign liability for check fraud to individual banks involved in the issuance, transmittal, and receipt of checks. In addition, it lists various defenses a bank may raise to avoid liability for check fraud. To get the breakdown of the issue, how it affects you, and what you can do about it, read our in-depth guide to check fraud either here, or with the download button on this page. Please note, this is a ICBA Member-only guide and you must be logged in to view it. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Check Fraud: Detection Mechanisms Understand the potential technology solutions and operational mechanisms that are available to community banks to detect instances of check fraud. This is a reference for community banks to evaluate tools and leverage internal practices to identify and prevent check fraud. To get the breakdown of the issue, how it affects you, and what you can do about it, read our in-depth guide to check fraud here. Please note, this is a ICBA Member-only guide and you must be logged in to view it. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Check Fraud: Engagement With Federal Bank Regulators This guide was developed by community bankers working together as part of ICBA’s Check Fraud Task Force. This document offers suggestions on when to contact regulators, how to frame feedback, and where to direct your communication based on the experiences of peer community bankers. It's for general information purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal advice, an endorsement of any specific company or product, or a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter. Please follow internal bank operating procedures and policies and consult with legal counsel for specific questions. To get the breakdown of the issue, how it affects you, and what you can do about it, read our in-depth guide to check fraud here. Please note, this is a ICBA Member-only guide and you must be logged in to view it. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Check Your Ad The Check Your Ad Program takes the guesswork out of determining the appropriate requirements for deposit and lending advertisements so that you can ensure your advertisements are compliant before an auditor or examiner finds a violation. Learn More Subscriptions ICBA EducationMarketing
Climate Change Regulation on Community Banks Report This white paper demonstrates that community banks are experts at monitoring the risk of their lending and investment portfolios and do not need more regulation to manage their potential climate risks. ICBA will oppose any climate risk regulation that adversely impacts community banks and their ability to support their communities and customers. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy Guides compliance with the Bank Bribery Act. Sets forth the basic policies of ethical conduct, the foundation of basic business standards, and personal conduct. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Commercial Lending Policy Covers the bank's approach to commercial/business loans, including credit types, interest rates, pricing, borrower information requirements, legal lending limits, credit criteria, collateral, documentation, credit structure, and financial statement requirements. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Community Bank Perspective on the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) commends the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP) for initiating a wholistic review of its operations, and inviting dialogue and the pursuit of innovation through the publication of 12 requests for information (RFI). ICBA responded to each RFI with the hope that the bureau uses the comments to reorient itself and focus on what it was intended to accomplish: facilitating greater consumer choice and efficient markets, while still vigorously enforcing consumer financial law in a way that guarantees due process. This paper is a summary of ICBA’s response to each RFI. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Community Bank Regulatory Relief: A Roadmap to Economic Growth & Prosperity Community banks have served as America’s engines of local economic growth since our nation’s founding, and the United States remains the only country in the world served by a broadly based, vibrant community banking sector. As our economy and financial system continue to evolve, community banking must be preserved and strengthened. The empowerment of community banks is a sure route to rekindling America’s economic vitality. Today we have an opportunity to comprehensively rethink, restructure, and modernize the regulation of the American financial services industry to ensure that it promotes economic growth, prosperity, and job creation. Regulatory relief for community banks is a critical part of this effort. The purpose of this paper is to describe what is unique about American community banks, survey the regulatory environment in which they operate, identify regulatory barriers, and recommend solutions that will allow them to serve as engines of economic growth and prosperity for generations to come Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Community Reinvestment Policy Sets the tone for Community Reinvestment Act compliance, whether by strategic plan or lending, investment, or service tests. Includes information on delineation of assessment area, performance standards, performance evaluation, data collection, reporting, disclosures, and public file. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Compliance Acronym Quick Reference Guide This compliance acronym reference guide will allow you to quickly parse out the abbreviations that can at times become confusing. Learn More Publications ICBA Education
Compliance Deskbook and Bulletin Service The Compliance Deskbook is a compliance officer’s one-stop-shop for accessing compliance regulations, important dates, agency guidance, questionnaires, updates, and other resources. Learn More Publications ICBA Education
Compliance Management Policy This is an overall policy for demonstrating how your bank will comply with the banking compliance regulations. Provides information on compliance officer and compliance council responsibilities, monitoring and control, and compliance risk ratings. Includes a risk ratings flow chart. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Compliance Working Papers One of the three elements of an effective compliance program is monitoring and corrective action. These compliance working papers are essential for monitoring your financial institution’s compliance with federal consumer compliance laws and regulations. Learn More Subscriptions ICBA Education
Consumer Lending Policy Establishes standards for individual credit decisions such as anti-discrimination, credit criteria, credit documentation, regulatory requirements, loan types, and exceptions. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Core Processor Resource Guide A community bank’s core processor should be a strategic partner that supports the bank’s long-term business objectives. The ICBA Core Processor Resource Guide will help community banks with some of the more important aspects of managing this relationship to maximize the return on their technology investments. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Credit Policy Addresses the composition and control of the loan portfolio as a whole, and establishes standards for individual credit decisions. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Cross-Selling of Products and Service Policy May be used as a freestanding policy or incorporated into your bank's broader-coverage marketing policy. Covers responsibilities for administering and overseeing the cross-selling program, participation and involvement, access and use of customer data for prospecting, compensation and incentives, elements for effective training and coaching, and quality assurance. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Current Expected Credit Loss Policy Designed to maintain an adequate methodology for complying with CECL. This policy cover the role of the Board and Management; an overview of the allowance for credit losses; the components of the primary allowance for credit loss and reporting and testing. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Cybersecurity Policy Written to assist all affected directors, officers, and staff in understanding and managing cyber risks. Topics include threat intelligence, situational awareness, risk assessment, inventory log management and monitoring, strategic planning, incident response, change management, staffing, training, and vendor management. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Disposal of Consumer and Customer Information Policy Sets forth the bank’s systems and policies regarding the destruction of customer and consumer information. Defines various bank records and outlines steps to destroy information contained in them. Includes information to review a third-party service. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy Diversity and inclusion standards have been set and this policy assists a financial institution in defining how it will implement, monitor, and convey their standards in the hiring and promoting of employees and in dealing with suppliers. Includes a policy statement suitable for public sharing. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Do They Know They’re Tax Exempt? Credit unions have fallen short in fulfilling the terms of their original mandate, which once warranted a lucrative tax subsidy. This sentiment is felt by many individuals and organizations across the financial services industry but has failed to reach Washington policymakers in the form of equitable policy resolutions that persuade credit unions to return to their governing principles. Credit unions were not intended to act as an alternative to banks but to complement their activities through offering safe and subsidized financial services to a specific clientele of financially underserved individuals. Instead, credit unions have deviated from this mandate by competing for the same customers as regular for-profit banks at the expense of these vulnerable communities while engaging in high-risk operating practices that have etched away at their once distinctive niche in the world of financial services. If credit unions cannot abide by their original mandate deserving of a tax subsidy, then taxpayers are financing an unequal playing field that leaves behind the financially underserved, cheats federal and state tax authorities, and unfairly disadvantages legitimate for-profit institutions like community banks. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Do-Not-Call Policy Provides banks with guidance on complying with FTC and FCC regulations dealing with telemarketing practices. Covers federal Do Not Call Registry, internal lists, customers and non-customers, training, and retention periods. Includes a template for a Do Not Call Policy that you can give to individuals when they request a copy. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Dormant Accounts Policy Addresses responsibility, defining dormant/inactive accounts, processing, reporting, and service charges and interest payments. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Electronic Banking Risk Management Policy Establishes detailed policy guidelines for use of electronic banking, including security of customer information, third-party vendors, security controls, passwords, authentication, and strategic risk. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Electronic Data Processing Policy Outlines the basic standards required to meet all areas of the bank's data processing operations. Provides structure and guidance to management, establishes controls, and addresses outside vendors, program security, and documentation. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Recovery Policy Sets the basic plan for emergency preparedness including employee training and protection, succession, alternative headquarters, back-up facilities, back-up systems, and testing. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Environmental Risk and Liability Bank Policy Covers the bank's approach to commercial/business loans, including credit types, interest rates, pricing, borrower information requirements, legal lending limits, credit criteria, collateral, documentation, credit structure, and financial statement requirements. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
E-Sign Act Policy The E-Sign Act provides a general rule of validity for electronic records and signatures for transactions in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce. E-Sign allows the use of electronic records to satisfy any statute, regulation, or rule of law requiring that such information be provided in writing, if the consumer has affirmatively consented to such use and has not withdrawn such consent. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Executive Officer Policy Defines the relationship between the board and executive management and between executive management and the bank's other personnel. Covers hiring practices, management succession, promotions, and salary administration. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Fair Credit Reporting Act Policy Defines the bank's responsibilities under the act, including loan and deposit declinations. Establishes guidelines for investigative reports and use of prescreened lists. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Fair Debt Collection Act Policy Establishes the bank's intent for proper debt collection practices, including collection guidelines, collection activities, and third-party communications. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Fair Lending Policy Establishes fair lending activities, including taking loan applications, telephone inquiries, advertising, and credit evaluation standards. Also covers loan decisions, notifications, and adverse action. Includes discussion on prohibited actions, disparate treatment, and disparate impact. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
FDIC Signage & Advertisement Requirements The FDIC has recently updated the requirements regarding FDIC insurance. As part of that update, all FDIC-insured institutions must have a policy regarding these FDIC requirements. Streamline compliance with FDIC signage and advertisement requirements using our FDIC Signage & Advertisement Requirements Policy. Tailored specifically for community banks, this customizable policy solution assists your institution in adhering to the latest FDIC regulations, including display guidelines for official signs and advertisement statements. Stay ahead of compliance challenges and protect your institution’s integrity. Learn More Policies
Financial Inclusion Report Approximately 6 percent of Americans are unbanked,1 having no relationship with a bank, and an additional 16 percent are underbanked having used some form of alternative financial service. In this white paper we'll discuss how community banks can close the gap between consumers and the services they need. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Fintech Strategy Roadmap Community banks are, and always have been, innovators focused on the prosperity of the customers and local communities they serve. Community banks are not strangers to change. For more than 150 years, community banks have evolved in step with the technological changes occurring within the financial services industry With customer preferences changing at an expeditious rate and expectations from users for a seamless omni-channel experience on the rise, disruption is occurring within numerous industries including financial services. The latest wave of rapid transformation is bringing financial technology or fintech to the forefront of the financial services conversation. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Fixed Asset Management Policy Describes the responsibilities and processes utilized in the management of the bank's building, fixtures, furniture, and equipment. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Flood Insurance Policy Ensures the proper use of flood hazard determination form, customer notification, insurance coverage, escrow, and forced placement procedures. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Focus on Farm Policy The farm bill plays an important role in stabilizing our nation’s farmers and ranchers, assisting many rural communities, and meeting the nutritional needs of millions of lower-income Americans. Thousands of community banks and their agricultural and rural customers are also significantly affected by farm bill policies. This white paper outlines important policies and solutions to ensure the new farm bill allows community banks to continue meeting the needs of farmers, ranchers and others in rural America. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Funds Management Policy Designed to ensure that the bank is managed to provide adequate liquidity and a satisfactory and consistent level of profit within suitable interest rate risk constraints. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Holding Company Policy Sets forth the underlying philosophy and structure for all relationships and transactions between the bank and the holding company. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Home Equity Lending Policy Guides the bank in establishing requirements for marketing, underwriting standards, collateral valuation management, individual account and portfolio management, and servicing for open and closed-end loans. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Reporting Policy Establishes internal procedures that result in the proper recording of loan information, submission, and proper disclosures to the public. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Human Resources Policy Provides management with a clear understanding of what the bank expects from its employees and, in turn, what employees can expect from the bank. Covers equal employment opportunity, employee classifications, employee compensation, hiring practices, vacations, sick leave, family and medical leave, education, termination, and sexual harassment. Includes new employee orientation and training. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
I.T. Asset Lifecycle Policy Establishes lifecycles for the hardware and software that is used within the bank as defined by the manufacturer or determined by the bank, identified by the manufacturer's plans for providing technical support and developing patches to correct any identified security vulnerabilities or operability issues. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
ICBA Compensation Survey and Report ICBA’s Compensation & Benefits Survey, conducted by ICBA’s Preferred Service Provider, Avannis, is easier than ever to complete. Enrollment is now open and closes on April 30. Survey runs May 1-May 31,2025. Report and dynamic dashboard will be available fall of 2025. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
ICBA Guidelines For Responding to ADA Demand Letters This year, many companies, including community banks, have received demand letters from plaintiffs’ law firms alleging the company is violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) because their websites are not sufficiently accessible to individuals with visual disabilities. Read further to see our guidelines for handling such issues. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
ICBA Open Banking (Section 1033) Guidebook The ICBA Open Banking (Section 1033) Guidebook provides an overview of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) final rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The rule establishes a consumer’s right to access and share their financial data in a standardized format through an API-enabled developer portal. This guide explains the rule’s purpose of enabling open banking, outlines compliance requirements for financial institutions, and highlights key definitions, exemptions, and implementation timelines. It also details ICBA’s advocacy efforts, including securing exemptions for small banks and supporting safeguards for consumer data. The document serves as a resource for understanding the rule’s impact on data providers, consumers, and the financial services industry. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
ICBA Principles for GSE Reform and a Way Forward In September 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Treasury Department placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) into conservatorship. Described at the time to the public as a temporary “time out” to allow both companies to stabilize, the plan of those policymakers who put the GSEs into conservatorship was to release both institutions from this “time out” once they were financially sound again. More than eight years have passed, and a third administration has inherited these conservatorships. Unfortunately, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have less capital today than when they were placed under control of their regulator and the Treasury. Yet, both companies have returned to profitability and have worked through the majority of their defaulted loans, all while continuing to provide the liquidity to the housing market that’s been critical for its recovery from the worst recession in more than 80 years Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
ICBA Principles for Tax Reform Ultimately, tax and regulatory reform will determine the character of American economic life in future generations. A tax and regulatory system that promotes consolidation, implicitly or explicitly, not only in the financial industry but also across the economy, will result in fewer and larger businesses, less consumer choice and commodified product offerings. Local businesses, decision making and values will continue to be displaced by nationally-owned corporations that are remote from individual communities. Commerce based on one-off transactions will displace relationship-based partnerships. Tax reform, accomplished thoughtfully and in conjunction with regulatory reform, could help to thwart these trends and preserve and strengthen local businesses and communities Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Identifying and Addressing Redlining Risk Your guide to fair lending and redlining scrutiny. It provides a high-level overview of the types of discrimination claims that a bank can face.In addition provides a more detailed treatment of redlining and what your bank can do to protect itself from redlining violations. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Identity Theft Prevention Policy (Red Flag) Provides guidance regarding the nature of identity theft, ways to prevent or deter it, response to suspected or actual instances, and education of bank staff and customers. This policy includes the final rules and guidelines implementing sections 114 and 315 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act) including "red flag" guidance. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Incident Response Plan Policy Lays out the steps to be followed should a bank experience a breach of data or loss of customer information. Includes an Incident Response policy, steps to take for specific types of incidents, a sample customer notification letter, and an incident response form. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Industrial Loan Companies: Closing the Loophole to Avert Consumer and Systemic Harm ICBA urges Congress to pass an amendment to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to permanently close the ILC loophole, just as Congress has closed past banking loopholes that threatened to undermine consolidated supervision and the separation of banking and commerce Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Information Security Program Policy This policy and the sub-policies it contains are designed to provide guidance to all bank employees of the confidentiality and importance of safely maintaining customer information. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Insider and Affiliate Credit Policy For compliance with insider lending. Designed to address the particular credit and legal standards that apply to insiders, including lending limitations for individuals and affiliates. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Interest Rate Risk Policy Establishes the guidelines to ensure that the bank is managed to recognize, measure, and control interest rate risk by setting risk limits, strategies, and reporting formats. Updated to reflect the current expectations of the regulators as outlined in FIL-2-2012 Supervisory Guidance: Interest Rate Risk Management. Major topics covered in the policy: Risk measurement methodologies Interest rate risk scenarios - rate shocks, risk components Risk parameters System maintenance - inputs and assumptions, system capabilities Assumption sensitivity analysis Risk management strategies Assignment of responsibilities Reporting Independent review and back-testing Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Internal and External Audit Designed to assist board members with their audit responsibilities. Includes audit function structure and committee meetings, technical duties, compliance, filing audit reports, roles and responsibilities of the auditor, the audit program, program effectiveness, external audit firms, and review of external audit. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Internal Controls Policy Addresses the various controls to ensure efficient and effective bank operations, the reliability of financial reporting, and an effective risk management system. Covers administrative, accounting, and operating controls. Learn More Policies ICBA EducationSubject Matter
Internet and E-Mail Risk Management Policy Establishes a set of policies for use of the Internet and e-mail facilities. Includes guidelines for customers' privacy, procedures in the case of disruptions of bank operations, bank computers, terminals, software, and their electronic connections. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Investment Policy Covers the delegation of investment authority and accountability, the definition of acceptable types of investments, and how to maximize the bank's profitability while meeting the local communities' credit/financing needs. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Liquidity Contingency Funding Plan Policy Provides a written contingency funding plan as required by Interagency Guidance on Funding and Liquidity Risk Management. Delineates strategies and actions addressing potential liquidity shortfalls in emergency situations. Includes identification of stress events, stress levels, early warning indicators, parameters for liquidity stress testing, sources of funds and funding strategies, lines of responsibility and communication, as well as a detailed crisis action plan. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Liquidity Risk Management Policy Designed to ensure that the bank is managed to provide an adequate level of liquidity to meet both predicted and unexpected cash needs while maintaining a planned net interest margin. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Litigation Risk Policy Defines the risks associated with real or threatened litigation. Covers legal counsel's role and responsibilities, risk management, assessment of potential losses, and system controls. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Loan Review Policy Covers loan review committee duties and loan review officer responsibilities and qualifications, as well as scope of review, sample selection, and types of review. Highlights a rating system that includes eight grades, upgrading and downgrading information, and portfolio monitoring with three tiers. Also includes a special concern classification, loan watch list, and corrective action reporting and training. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Loan Workout Policy Establishes an appropriate practice for renewing and restructuring troubled credits. Addresses the requirements that are appropriate for the complexity of the bank’s loans and that are consistent with safe and sound lending practices and regulatory reporting requirements. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Management of Country Risk Policy Addresses the risk that economic, social, and political conditions in a foreign country may adversely affect a bank's financial interests. Covers responsibility, policies and procedures, country exposure reporting system, risk analysis, country risk ratings, exposure limits, and monitoring provisions. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Marijuana Business and MRB Lending Policy Establishes a prudent framework for financial institutions to responsibly conduct business with legal marijuana/cannabis businesses in their communities while acknowledging and mitigating the legal and regulatory risks posed by doing so. The Marijuana Business and MRB Lending Policy can be customized to fit the institution’s risk profile and line of business strategy and assures lending, compliance, and BSA/AML staff have access to necessary information that addresses the many marijuana/cannabis issues that must be understood, documented, and monitored. Includes a Due Diligence Checklist. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Marijuana/Cannabis and MRB Policy This policy establishes the responsibilities and requirements for conducting banking activities for legal marijuana and cannabis businesses, including those Tier 2 and Tier 3 businesses that have a secondary or tertiary relationship with marijuana related businesses. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Marketing Policy Provides guidelines for the management of the bank's marketing function, including development of the annual marketing plan and ongoing decision making. Includes regulatory compliance, geographic limitations, and prohibited activities. Learn More Policies ICBA EducationMarketing
Merchant Services Policy Guides the bank in managing its relationship with Visa/MasterCard merchants. Topics include management of risk, capital adequacy, merchant approval processes, pricing, and fraud monitoring. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Military Lending Act Bank Policy This policy outlines the objective of the Military Lending Act to extend protections to a broader range of closed-end and open-end products. Includes information on the MAPR, disclosure requirements, limitations and interpretations of the Department of Defense. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Model Risk Management Policy Establishes methodology to mitigate potential risks arising from the bank's reliance on financial models and to ensure that the sources and the magnitude of the bank's model risk are understood and managed effectively. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Modernizing Anti-Money Laundering & Anti-Terrorist Financing Laws & Regulations In today’s world, it is imperative that financial institutions, law enforcement, and our government work together to combat and prevent financial crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing. Community bankers are committed to supporting balanced, effective measures that will prevent terrorists from using the financial system to fund their operations and prevent money launderers from hiding the proceeds of criminal activities. However, anti-money laundering/combatting the financing of terrorism and Bank Secrecy Act compliance programs consume a growing share of community banks’ scarce resources. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Money Services Businesses Policy This policy provides guidance to assess the risks associated with servicing MSBs. Topics include the identification, documentation, and monitoring of these entities, as well as the operational areas and reviews that must be conducted to be in compliance. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Overdrafts Policy Designed to address the risk associated with overdrafts, including the responsibility to communicate the policy to customers, payment or return of items, collection, charge-off and account closings, error resolution, and reporting Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Pandemic Policy This may be used as a stand alone policy or incorporated into your Business Continuity Policy. Contains guidance from The Interagency Statement on Pandemic Planning. Includes sample Pandemic Plan. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Planning and Budgeting Policy Identifies the responsible parties and outlines the process for developing and implementing the strategic plan and the budget. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Postal Banking - A Flawed Proposal in Pursuit of a Worthy Goal - Part 1 Part one in a three part series, this installment outlines how the pursuit of postal banking would harm the already stressed primary function of the United States Postal Service, mail delivery. Learn More Publications Government BanksPostal Service Banking
Postal Banking - A Flawed Proposal in Pursuit of a Worthy Goal - Part 2 Part two in a three part series, we argue that USPS simply does not possess the know-how to succeed at banking, that legislative mandates would undermine revenues, and that the agency would likely fail at the twin objectives of postal banking. Learn More Publications Government BanksPostal Service Banking
Postal Banking - A Flawed Proposal in Pursuit of a Worthy Goal - Part 3 Community bankers are committed to serving their communities, including unbanked populations. A community cannot thrive without inclusive access to the banking system. This concern is too important to entrust to an untested proposal. Learn More Publications Government BanksPostal Service Banking
Pre-Employment Background Screening Policy Reflects information contained in the FDIC’s Financial Institution Letter 46-2005 on Pre-Employment Background Screening. Covers the purpose and scope of the policy, responsibility, service providers, minimum screen requirements, additional screening procedures, and policy review. Note: This policy is included in our Human Resources policy (#184). Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Professional Development Planner Help employees explore careers and position them for growth at your community bank with ICBA Education’s Professional Development Planner. The Professional Development Planner offers a detailed overview of more than 80 community bank job functions and assists employees in exploring and shaping their careers by outlining the experience, skills, and competencies needed to achieve their professional goals. Learn More Subscriptions ICBA Education
Quality Control System Policy Sets the guidelines for establishing a quality control system. Covers the purpose and scope of a quality control system, system operation, investigation, and policy review. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Real Estate Lending Policy Covers in detail the general policies that apply to all real estate secured lending, portfolio diversification, notices, pricing, CRE, product structure, IORR, construction lending, development loans, and concentration management. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Policy Establishes internal procedures to ensure proper compliance with the act, such as disclosures, escrow accounts, mortgage servicing transfers, and error resolution. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Reconsideration of Value (ROV) Policy The Reconsideration of Value Policy is designed to streamline the process of handling appraisal disputes efficiently and in compliance with regulatory guidelines. This customizable policy helps your financial institution manage requests for appraisal reconsideration, ensuring a consistent and fair approach while mitigating risk. By establishing clear procedures, your team can address borrower concerns confidently, improving customer satisfaction and maintaining compliance. Learn More Policies ICBA EducationSubject Matter
Regulation B: Equal Credit Opportunity Act Policy Provides guidance for lenders on the requirements of this regulation as well as prescreening, the interview and application process, credit evaluation, action notifications, signature policy, and credit reporting. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Regulation CC: Expedited Funds Availability Act Policy Establishes internal procedures to address proper funds availability, disclosure, collection of checks, return of unpaid checks, and payment of interest on deposited funds. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Regulation D: Reserve Requirements of Depository Institutions Includes definitions for the various types of deposit accounts, as well as eligibility, transaction limitations, and penalties. Provides the computation and reporting requirements of Regulation D and establishes internal procedures that assist personnel in complying with the reserve requirements. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Regulation DD: Deposit Account Terms, Disclosures, and Advertising Policy Addresses acceptable account terms, appropriate disclosure of these terms, and uniformity in advertising. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Regulation E: Electronic Funds Transfer Act Policy Establishes the internal procedures for proper issuance of access devices, disclosure, limitations on customer liability, documentation of transfers, and error resolution. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Regulation E: International Remittance Transfer Policy Act Provides guidance for those banks that will act as Remittance Transfer Providers. Dodd-Frank added consumer protections for remittance transfers sent by consumers in the United States to individuals and businesses in foreign countries. The systems required by this regulation are intended to significantly improve the predictability of remittance transfers, as well as provide consumers with better information for comparison shopping. This policy is designed for those banks that will process more than 100 remittance transfers annually. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Regulation F: Correspondent Banking Policy Designed to limit the risks that the failure of another depository institution poses to the bank. Provides the board with a methodology for establishing criteria to select a correspondent bank and outlines procedures for identifying, monitoring, and managing correspondent relationships and correspondent concentration risks. Updated to guide compliance with the Interagency Guidance on Correspondent Concentration Risks (FIL-18-2010) and Regulation F: Limitations on Interbank Liabilities. Includes a Concentration Risk Worksheet in Microsoft® Excel to calculate and monitor credit and funding exposures for correspondents on a stand-alone and organization-wide basis. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Regulation GG - Unlawful Internet Gambling Policy Policy states how the bank will implement its compliance with Regulation GG and how it will identify and block, or otherwise prevent and prohibit restricted transactions. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Regulation P: Consumer Privacy Policy Addresses the collection, use, and retention of customer information, including maintenance of accurate information, limiting employee access, protection via security procedures, maintaining customer privacy in business relationships with third parties, and disclosure of privacy principles to customers. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Regulation Z: Regulation Z Suite This suite of policies includes Lending Advertising Policy, Closed-End Consumer Non-Real Estate Loans Policy, Consumer Closed-end Real Estate Loan Policy, HELOC and Other Open End Products Policy, Consumer Credit Card Policy, and Appendix. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Remote Deposit Capture Policy Identifies and explains the inherent risks associated with RDC, establishes a sound risk management program and outlines internal controls and written procedures for managing the on-going risk. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Right to Financial Privacy Policy Establishes limitations and duties regarding the release of information sought by government agencies. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Risk Management Policy Provides the overall framework for the supervision, management, operation, and control of the bank’s risk management program. Includes duties and responsibilities of the risk management committee and risk management officer. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
SAFE Act Bank Policy Guides the bank in compliance with the SAFE Act in a manner appropriate to the nature, size, complexity, and scope of the bank's operations. Addresses registration requirements for mortgage loan originators and the bank, required information, use of unique identifiers and maintaining registrations. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Safe Deposit Box Policy Will ensure that the bank operates in a manner that complies with all applicable laws and provides absolute safety and privacy to customers with safe deposit boxes. Covers objectives, definitions and scope, responsibility, CIP, rental contracts, state law issues, customer and master keys, access, employee access, delinquency and termination, fees/charges, record keeping, insurance, audit, and policy review. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Safeguarding Customer Information Policy Pertains to the protection of customer information from unauthorized or illegal disclosure. Covers the development and implementation of an information security program, including responsibility, assessment of risk, management and control of risk, employee education and training, testing, monitoring, oversight of service provider arrangements, updating/adjusting the program, and reporting to the board. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Sale of Nondeposit Investments Policy Applies to all retail sales of nondeposit products, including marketing and promotional activities. Covers objectives, scope, responsibility, minimum standards, program management, setting and circumstances of sales, disclosures and advertising, suitability, qualifications and training, compensation, fiduciary accounts, third-party arrangements, compliance and audit, exceptions to policy, and policy review. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Secondary Mortgage Market Policy This policy establishes the guidelines for the bank to follow to stay in compliance with the rules, regulations, and industry standards that apply to the origination and sale of whole loans by the bank. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Bank Policy This policy outlines the financial relief protection extended to servicemembers when they are called into active military duty. Covers issues with direct implications to community banks, such as the bank’s obligations in reducing interest rates, installment and lease contracts, coverage of certain family members, and automatic extensions of power of attorney. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Social Media Policy and Guidelines Provides guidance on how social media will be approached, proper methods for promoting the bank’s message and image, and consequences of not following guidelines. Includes Management and User Guidelines for Social Media. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Social Media Toolkit and Policy Provides guidance on how social media will be approached, proper methods for promoting the bank’s message and image, and consequences of not following guidelines. Includes Management and User Guidelines for Social Media. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Technology Risk Management Policy Covers responsibility and management structure; security concerns related to physical systems, personnel, computers/databases, audit trails, and cyber threats; electronic banking; contingency planning; and potential exceptions. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Ultimate Guide for Bank Directors New Version May 2024! The Ultimate Guide for Bank Directors – Back to Basics helps bank directors and management focus on what matters: keeping all aspects of the bank in balance by minimizing concentrations, keeping the risk at bay, and maintaining good liquidity, capital, earnings and credit quality. All the while, keeping a steady hand on the controls of the bank. This is a must read for every board member or bank executive. Learn More Publications ICBA Education
Unfair and Deceptive Credit Practices Policy Establishes procedures for receiving and handling consumer complaints. States the bank's intent to prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in connection with any transaction for a consumer financial product or service. Sets guidelines to properly handle consumer credit contracts, late charge accounting practices, and cosigner practices. Policy template includes Review Procedures and Consumer Complaint Procedures. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Unfairness and Discrimination: Examining the CFPB’s Conflation of Distinct Statutory Concepts Banks are committed to serving the families and businesses in their communities and proudly supply the financial products and services that provide important economic opportunities for individuals, families, and small business owners. It follows that banks support fair, objective, and transparent enforcement of civil rights and fair lending laws. However, we cannot support the CFPB's recent actions, taken without legislative authority, to extend fair lending laws beyond the bounds carefully set by Congress. Learn More PublicationsWhite Papers ICBA Education
Vendor Risk Management Provides guidance on managing the risks that may arise from outsourced relationships, including responsibilities, risk assessment, due diligence, contracts, security and confidentiality, controls, business resumption, and monitoring. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Wire Transfer Policy Identifies the risks and establishes the policies dealing with wire transfers. Covers how to accurately process requests made in person, by phone, or other electronic means, with emphasis on regulatory requirements, money laundering, and settlement by giving best practice examples. Learn More Policies ICBA Education
Work From Home Policy This policy is written to include both long-term and emergency situations for bank employees working at home or in a remote location, and addresses the determination and availability of employees, productivity issues, home office and equipment assessment, remote access considerations, safeguarding information, monitoring, and reimbursement considerations. A short-term telecommuting agreement is also included. Learn More Policies ICBA Education

Charitable Contributions Policy

Establishes the types of contributions the bank will grant and sets forth the budgeting and operational procedures needed to implement the policy.

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ICBA Education

Check Fraud: A Practical Guide to Altered, Forged, and Counterfeit Checks for Community Bankers

This guide is a resource to help ICBA members both minimize the incidents of check fraud related to altered, forged, and counterfeit checks and take appropriate steps to recover funds or otherwise minimize loss, when it does occur.

This publication is for general information purposes and is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal advice. The information in this publication is current as of March 2024.

Credit unions were not intended to act as an alternative to banks but to complement their activities through offering safe and subsidized financial services to a specific clientele of financially underserved individuals.

Environmental Risk and Liability Bank Policy

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ICBA Education

ICBA Open Banking (Section 1033) Guidebook

The ICBA Open Banking (Section 1033) Guidebook provides an overview of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) final rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The rule establishes a consumer’s right to access and share their financial data in a standardized format through an API-enabled developer portal. This guide explains the rule’s purpose of enabling open banking, outlines compliance requirements for financial institutions, and highlights key definitions, exemptions, and implementation timelines. It also details ICBA’s advocacy efforts, including securing exemptions for small banks and supporting safeguards for consumer data. The document serves as a resource for understanding the rule’s impact on data providers, consumers, and the financial services industry.

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ICBA Education

ICBA Principles for GSE Reform and a Way Forward

In September 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Treasury Department placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) into conservatorship. Described at the time to the public as a temporary “time out” to allow both companies to stabilize, the plan of those policymakers who put the GSEs into conservatorship was to release both institutions from this “time out” once they were financially sound again. More than eight years have passed, and a third administration has inherited these conservatorships.

Unfortunately, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have less capital today than when they were placed under control of their regulator and the Treasury. Yet, both companies have returned to profitability and have worked through the majority of their defaulted loans, all while continuing to provide the liquidity to the housing market that’s been critical for its recovery from the worst recession in more than 80 years

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Risk measurement methodologies
Interest rate risk scenarios - rate shocks, risk components
Risk parameters
System maintenance - inputs and assumptions, system capabilities
Assumption sensitivity analysis
Risk management strategies
Assignment of responsibilities
Reporting
Independent review and back-testing

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ICBA Education

Social Media Toolkit and Policy

Marketing & PR Toolkit

Elder Abuse Prevention

Crisis Preparedness

Cyber & Data Security

Cancellation Policy

Digital product purchases cannot be cancelled once the order has been processed and the product is available to use.

Refunds will not be granted unless there is a technical issue that cannot be resolved that prevents the purchaser from accessing and/or using the product. Refund requests for technical issues must be received within 15 days of the date of purchase.

Please Note - Shipping/Handling and Sales Tax will be charged where applicable.

Full payment must be received prior to shipping or digital access is provided.

Shipping of hard copy resource materials may be delayed. Please contact ICBA Education for assistance.