ICBA Newsroom
The ICBA Newsroom collects and centralizes all the NewsWatch Today articles, press releases, blog posts, advocacy letters and other news that impacts community bankers.
ICBA: Latest credit union acquisition fueled by tax exemption
Following the latest acquisition of a community bank by a tax-exempt credit union, ICBA said the deal demonstrates why the growing skepticism of credit union tax and regulatory exemptions must evolve into policymaker action.
September 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
OCC decreases assessment rates
The OCC announced a decrease in assessment rates for the Sept. 30 semiannual assessment that will apply to all OCC-regulated institutions—its fifth decrease in assessments since 2017.
September 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
OCC
Yes, You CAN Offer Government-Guaranteed Lending Without Burdening Staff
SPONSORED | Government-guaranteed lending isn’t just smart—it’s essential for community banks looking to serve more local businesses, add non-interest income, and stay competitive. See how the right qualified Lender Service provider can help—without burdening your team.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Q&A: Growth-Related Challenges for the Evolving Community Bank
Whether growing organically or through mergers and acquisitions, even positive change can present challenges. We talked to two community bankers about considerations and issues they’ve noticed as their banks have grown.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Rob Birgfeld: Amplify Community Banking With Local Influencers
Influencer marketing doesn’t have to target social media stars with millions of followers. It can start at a local level, with community banks reaching out to trusted individuals known within the community.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Jack E. Hopkins: Riding the Pendulum of Regulatory Compliance
“Even in the face of optimism, we recognize that with regulation, the only constant is change.”
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Out of Office: Skyler Kanipe
The project manager at $1.4 billion-asset Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) in Benton, Kentucky, is always on the lookout for her next vintage find.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
CedarStone Bank Recognizes and Thanks Local Teachers
Through its annual Teacher of the Year program, CedarStone Bank recognizes the dedication of Wilson County educators who inspire students and make a difference in their schooling every day.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Reduce Collateralization: A Path to Greater Efficiency and Depositor Satisfaction
SPONSORED | Banks can use a reciprocal deposit network to make large deposits eligible for millions in aggregate FDIC insurance across network banks — replacing the need for collateral or repos.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Making a Difference, One Act at a Time
“We live, thrive and face challenges in lockstep with our communities.”
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Addressing Operational Pain Points With Regtech
Community banks face a variety of challenges day to day—risk, fraud, cybersecurity, etc.—that are perpetuated by a lack of time or staff. Regtech can help take the weight off bankers’ shoulders.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Building Bright Futures with Financial Education
High school financial literacy courses are an opportunity for community banks to set local youth up for success. See how some community banks are making a difference in financial education today.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Charles Potts: How the Regtech Revolution Represents Banking Today
In many ways, ICBA’s core pillars—advocacy, education and innovation—define today’s community bank priorities. Extending those areas to the products and services driving bank investments, regulatory technology solutions emerge as a major player.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Payments
2025 National Community Bank Service Awards
Gulf Coast Bank in Abbeville, Louisiana, and Legends Bank in Clarksville, Tennessee, run thoughtful and strategic programs that support their neighbors. That’s why they’ve been named the winners of the 2025 National Community Bank Service Awards. We talk to them and the runners-up about why and how they do the good work they do.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Katahdin Trust Company Shoots and Scores for Youth Athletes
In March, $1 billion-asset Katahdin Trust Company (KTC) in Houlton, Maine, teamed up with Big Time Hoops to host its All Star Weekend. The event features a free youth skills clinic that gives young athletes across Maine a chance to sharpen their basketball skills.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Powering Potential: Inside the ThinkTECH Accelerator
ICBA’s ThinkTECH Accelerator readies participating companies that have early-stage solutions and helps them tailor their products for community banks.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
What Should Community Banks Know About Cross-Border Payments?
As cross-border payments reforms take shape, community banks must navigate promising opportunities and significant adjustments in this evolving space.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Payments
How to Balance Collections With Compassion for Customers
Community banks face the delicate task of collecting past-due loans while maintaining a compassionate approach, There are ways to be successful at both, experts say.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Michael Benedict: Putting the 'Strategy' in 'Portfolio Strategy'
How can you use your portfolio to create operating leverage?
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Amy Ledig: Setting Deregulatory Priorities to Help Community Banks
A rundown of five areas where ICBA’s advocacy is making an impact.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Independent Banker
Independent Banker is the award-winning monthly member publication of ICBA. Continually rated the best news source by community bankers, IB provides timely, relevant information and insights to help community banks continue to flourish.
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