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.
Introducing ICBA Payments’ New Chairman: Ruth Christopher
When she launched her career as a certified public accountant (CPA), Ruth Christopher wasn’t necessarily envisioning a role at a community bank. But after a few years at a regional CPA firm, a partner encouraged her to apply as an internal auditor at one of their client banks, Citizens Bank of Las Cruces, N.M.
September 25, 2023 |
Payments Quarterly
Football, Fun and Fundraising at One Community Bank
On Oct. 21, One Community Bank in Waunakee, Wisconsin, will host an outdoor viewing party for the University of Wisconsin-Madison football game. The event is a fundraiser for the Waunakee School District Student Financial Assistance Fund.
September 25, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Unlock Your Portfolio’s Potential with Credit Card Marketing
Marketing programs are critical to portfolio health and expansion. The key to success is simple: get started and take action! The steps below should help you start your journey.
September 25, 2023 |
Payments Quarterly
Key stakeholders join opposition to credit card routing bill
A key member of the House along with major airlines and transportation unions last week announced their opposition to legislation that would impose credit card routing restrictions, which ICBA continues urging community bankers to speak out against.
September 25, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Cards Payments
Fed’s Bowman urges community banks to weigh in on agency rulemakings
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman encouraged community bankers to provide feedback on agency rulemakings.
September 25, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Climate CRA Risk
Branding on Purpose
There’s been a lot of chatter lately about brand power and how brand drives an organization’s outward expression of its mission and values by being at the heart of great client and employee experiences.
September 25, 2023 |
Payments Quarterly
Rethinking Merchant Services
Banks have traditionally relied on interest income from loans and deposits, but non-traditional financial services companies are providing competition for these core products. To survive long term, banks must find alternative revenue streams and recognize the demand for innovative products and services.
September 25, 2023 |
Payments Quarterly
Mid-year Checkpoint on Digital Payments Transformation
With over half of 2023 now firmly in the rearview mirror, we’re hoping community banks have put our digital payments transformation resources (icba.org/digital-transformation) to good use—leveraging our whitepaper and workbook to refresh (or create) a digital payments strategy and accompanying roadmap.
September 25, 2023 |
Payments Quarterly
Payments
Grassroots urgent as Senate prepares to act on 1071 reversal
With the Senate set to act as soon as this week on a resolution to block the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Section 1071 rule, ICBA is urging community bankers to urge their senators to support the measure.
September 25, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
SBA Advocacy roundtables on new overtime proposal
The Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy this week is hosting roundtable discussions on the Labor Department’s proposal to increase the number of employees who are entitled to overtime compensation. Banks with less than $850 million in assets—which are defined as small businesses by the SBA—are invited to join.
September 25, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Small Business Administration
Member Benefits: Tips for IT Outsourcing
For community banks that are considering or are already working with a third-party IT vendor, ICBA’s IT Outsourcing Toolkit has a collection of resources that address the process and considerations.
September 22, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
CFPB outlines proposals to remove medical bills from credit reports
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it is beginning a rulemaking process to remove medical bills from Americans’ credit reports.
September 22, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA opposing latest effort to advance credit card routing bill
ICBA continues calling on community bankers to urge their senators to oppose legislation that would impose credit card routing restrictions amid renewed efforts to attach it to government funding measures.
September 22, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Cards Payments
Consumer groups press CFPB for arbitration crackdown
Several consumer groups recently petitioned the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for a rulemaking on pre-dispute arbitration.
September 22, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
FDIC’s Hill cites credit unions in discussion of bank merger review
If the FDIC reopens its policies on bank mergers, it should consider competition from credit unions and other nonbank institutions that perform bank-like functions, FDIC Vice Chairman Travis Hill said.
September 22, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance Credit Unions De Novo Banks
Modernizing the Community Reinvestment Act
To meet the needs of today’s world, the Community Reinvestment Act is getting an update. Here’s what to know about it.
September 21, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Charles Potts: How Curiosity Leads to Innovation
How many times have you asked your customers what they need or how you can serve their needs? Asking these questions is crucial to improving the customer experience and ultimately ensuring lifelong relationships.
September 20, 2023 |
Independent Banker
ICBA Commends House Committee Passage of Bill Barring Creation of U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today commended the House Financial Services Committee for passing ICBA-advocated legislation to restrict the ability of the federal government to introduce a U.S. central bank digital currency.
September 20, 2023 |
Press Release
Digital Assets Payments
CFPB issues guidance on credit denials by lenders using AI
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued guidance about certain legal requirements that lenders must adhere to when using artificial intelligence and other complex models.
September 20, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance Technology
Generative AI in Community Banking: What's the Risk?
Generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Jasper, is growing and evolving rapidly. How can community banks leverage this technology while avoiding scams?
September 19, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Compliance Payments
ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator Alum Chimney Wins “Best of Show” Honors at FinovateFall 2023
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) celebrates this year’s FinovateFall 2023 Best of Show winner, Chimney, a member of the 2022 ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator cohort.
September 19, 2023 |
Press Release
Technology
Jim Reber: Monetary Policy for the WIN
The Fed was battling inflation 50 years ago, too.
September 18, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Another court rules against CFPB’s 1071 rule
Another federal district court has ruled that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may not enforce its Section 1071 small-business rule until the Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the bureau’s funding structure.
September 18, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA, groups oppose effort to slip credit card bill into military funding package
ICBA and other groups expressed united opposition to efforts by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) to attach their ICBA-opposed credit card routing bill to a must-pass appropriations bill.
September 18, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Cards Payments
Senate panel to mark up cannabis banking bill this month
The Senate Banking Committee said it would meet Sept. 27 to consider ICBA-advocated legislation to establish a safe harbor from federal sanctions for financial institutions that serve cannabis-related businesses in states where cannabis is legal.
September 18, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Cannabis banking
Primis Bank Brings Banking to Your Front Door
Inspired by a fateful food delivery, Primis Bank launched V1BE, a banking delivery service that serves both individuals and businesses.
September 15, 2023 |
Independent Banker
ICBA ThinkTECH Solutions Forum Spotlights Faster Payments Offerings for Community Banks
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) hosted its first ThinkTECH Solutions Forum yesterday. This forum, which was designed to foster industry collaboration in support of community bank adoption of faster payments, is the first of three such forums planned for this year.
September 15, 2023 |
Press Release
Payments Technology Fintech Innovation
Financial Services Industry Opposes Effort by Senators Durbin & Marshall to Force Credit Card Routing Mandates into Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Funding Bill
Today, 11 trade associations representing virtually all banks and credit unions, including those primarily serving military-affiliated customers and members, released the following joint statement opposing the effort by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) to attach their proposed credit card routing legislation (S. 1838) to the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 4366):
September 15, 2023 |
Press Release
Payments
CFPB updates FAQs on 1071 rule
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau updated its frequently asked questions on its Section 1071 small-business rule.
September 15, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
Innovation and relationship banking define community bank value proposition: ICBA leaders
Data show that consumers and small businesses value the symbiotic relationship between innovation and relationship banking that community banks offer, ICBA community bankers wrote in a new LinkedIn post.
September 15, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fintech Innovation
ICBA urges CBDC opposition at House hearing
ICBA reiterated to Congress its opposition to the creation of a U.S. central bank digital currency.
September 15, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
Romero Rainey: ICBA campaigns targeting credit union policies
With credit union executives in Washington this week for advocacy meetings, ICBA launched several campaigns to raise questions about credit union policies among lawmakers, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey announced.
September 15, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Senator renews push to advance ICBA-opposed credit card routing bill
ICBA is calling on community bankers to voice strong opposition to renewed efforts by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to force Senate consideration of legislation to advance credit card routing restrictions.
September 15, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Payments
Lindsay LaNore: Look for Learning Everywhere
Learning happens everywhere, and those lessons can have a big impact on our work performance, perspective and team culture.
September 14, 2023 |
Independent Banker
ICBA meets with OCC on re-presentment concerns
ICBA leadership community bankers and staff this week met with OCC officials on the agency’s supervisory approach to how banks treat single items that are repeatedly rejected for insufficient funds.
September 14, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance FDIC
ICBA Statement on Swearing-in of Federal Reserve Board Members
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on today’s swearing-in of members of the Federal Reserve Board.
September 14, 2023 |
Press Release
Federal Reserve Agencies/Regulators
What Does Pay by Bank Mean for Community Banks?
Now that FedNow has launched, it’s time to put some focus on a new payments form: Pay by Bank.
September 13, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Payments
ICBA grassroots campaigns continue with Congress back in Washington
With Congress back in Washington following the August recess, ICBA continues its grassroots campaigns on key advocacy issues.
September 13, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
SEC’s Gensler to Congress: Securities laws apply to crypto industry
Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler told Congress that most crypto tokens and intermediaries are subject to U.S. securities laws despite the industry’s “wide-ranging noncompliance.”
September 13, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Cybersecurity
Judge vacates ICBA-opposed CFPB exam manual update
A federal judge vacated last year’s ICBA-opposed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau actions expanding the bureau’s authority to examine banks for discrimination.
September 13, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
FHFA plans stakeholder forums on new credit score models
The Federal Housing Finance Agency said it will hold stakeholder forums and listening sessions in the coming weeks on its plans to transition Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to new credit score models.
September 13, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance Federal Housing Finance Agency
FS-ISAC spotlights MinIO threat targeting corporate networks
The Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center’s latest weekly risk summary covers an unknown threat actor exploiting vulnerabilities in the MinIO Object Storage system to remotely execute arbitrary code on vulnerable servers.
September 13, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Cybersecurity
Veritex Community Bank Throws a Fastball for Financial Literacy
This baseball season, every strikeout thrown by Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly spurs a $100 donation to Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas—courtesy of Veritex Community Bank.
September 12, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Derek Williams: At the Heart of Service
There’s a commitment to the community that’s based on one fact: Service is not something we strive for; it’s simply a part of who we are.
September 11, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Rakuten credit union application confirmed following ICBA outreach
The National Credit Union Administration reportedly confirmed that Rakuten Inc. has applied for a federal credit union charter after ICBA asked the agency for confirmation.
September 11, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Barr: Fed program on novel activities will continue to grow
The Federal Reserve’s new program to supervise novel, technology-driven activities in the banks it oversees will continue to grow as new technologies emerge, Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr said.
September 11, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Technology
ICBA urges bipartisan response to SBA 7(a) changes ahead of House markup
ICBA and other groups urged the House Small Business Committee to work toward a bipartisan response to recent Small Business Administration changes to its 7(a) loan program.
September 11, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
1071 Small Business Administration
ICBA community bankers discuss navigating challenges in new video
ICBA leadership community bankers discussed the vital role of community banks in a video discussion with the Travillian executive search and talent advisory firm.
September 11, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Community Bank Awareness
How Technology Can Simplify Banks' Workflow
As compliance obligations mount, community bankers reveal the benefits regtech brings to their banks and offer tips for finding the right partners.
September 08, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Compliance Payments
ICBA rejects Kevin O’Leary’s inaccurate message on bank lending
ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey pushed back against erroneous claims from television personality Kevin O'Leary that banks are not lending to small businesses in the current economic environment.
September 08, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lending
Chopra: CFPB’s 1033 proposal coming next month
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau next month will propose standards for sharing consumer financial data, CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said.
September 08, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
Community bank net income rises 3.4% in Q2
Community banks reported a 3.4% second-quarter increase in net income from the previous quarter and a 0.7% increase from the same period a year ago, according to the FDIC’s latest Quarterly Banking Profile.
September 08, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Community Bank Awareness
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Advocate for a Positive Environment
We advocate for community bankers to continue to have an environment where they can help their customers, and we respond creatively to ensure our customers still have access to solutions that meet their needs.
September 07, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Leveling Up: How Community Banks Should Navigate Asset Size Growth Thresholds
As your bank grows in asset size, it’s vital to keep up with compliance regulations to meet the standards of each new threshold. By planning ahead and preparing your staff, the process can be seamless.
September 06, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Compliance Growing the Community
FDIC launching new site for consumer compliance, CRA exam activities
The FDIC said it will launch a new Banker Engagement Site through FDICconnect this month for examination-related activities.
September 06, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA conducting Marketing and Communications Toolkit survey
ICBA is conducting a survey to learn how member community bankers use its "Tell Your Story" Marketing and Communications Toolkit to help elevate and distinguish community banking in the hearts and minds of the public.
September 06, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Marketing
ICBA Honors 2023 National Community Bank Service Award Recipients
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the winners of its 2023 National Community Bank Service Awards in recognition of the creative and exemplary efforts of the nation’s community banks to help their local economies flourish. Stories are featured in the September issue of ICBA Independent Banker.
September 06, 2023 |
Press Release
ICBA Seeks Information from Federal Credit Union Agency on Rakuten Charter Application
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today asked the National Credit Union Administration to provide information on whether Rakuten Inc. has applied for a federal credit union charter or for insurance under the agency’s Share Insurance Fund.
September 06, 2023 |
Press Release
Credit Unions
New tool ensures advertising regulatory compliance
The Check Your Ad Program, a new tool from Community Banker University, takes the guesswork out of advertising regulatory compliance.
September 06, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
FDIC promotes tips to prevent elder financial abuse
The latest FDIC Consumer News offers tips for spotting and preventing elder financial abuse. The publication encourages consumers to choose advisors carefully, be careful with powers of attorney, protect personal financial information, and more.
September 06, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Elder Financial Abuse
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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