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The ICBA Newsroom collects and centralizes all the NewsWatch Today articles, press releases, blog posts, advocacy letters and other news that impacts community bankers.

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Independent Banker offers ideas to budget strategically

The 2025 budgeting season will be difficult because of the current interest rate environment, according to a new Independent Banker article, but there are opportunities for community banks to budget strategically.
August 14, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

CFPB: federal rules apply to contract-for-deed arrangements

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advisory opinion and research report on contracts for deed, a form of home seller financing.
August 14, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   CFPB Compliance 

FDIC issues notice on asset manager exemption notice

The FDIC issued a Financial Institution Letter on an amended Labor Department rule governing how qualified professional asset managers handle exemption requests under the Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption rule.
August 14, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Lindsay LaNore: 7 Essentials for Your Leadership Backpack

Be prepared as you learn, teach and lead.
August 14, 2024 | Independent Banker  

ICBA: Removing medical debt information from credit reporting won’t work

ICBA told the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that its proposed rule to remove medical debt information from credit reporting will lead to inaccurate reports and hinder community banks’ ability to comply with other regulations.
August 13, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   CFPB 

ICBA: Agencies don’t need specific regulations on AI

ICBA said the Treasury Department and federal banking agencies do not need to issue specific regulations to govern artificial intelligence usage because overly prescriptive regulations may stifle the use of AI in the banking sector.
August 13, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Artificial Intellegence 

Fed’s Bowman: Bankers and regulators aren’t on the same page about M&A

When it comes to process reform for mergers and acquisitions, it can feel like bankers and regulators are living in different worlds, according to Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman.
August 13, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

A Compelling Employee Perk: Education Benefits

Investing in employees’ professional growth has proven to contribute to both their success and retention rates. What steps can community banks and their leadership take to help employees along their career paths?
August 13, 2024 | Independent Banker  

ICBA: FHFA overstepping with FHLBank inquiry

The Federal Housing Finance Agency does not have the authority to redefine the mission of the Federal Home Loan Banks, ICBA told American Banker.
August 12, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Housing Finance Agency 

FDIC issues guidance on interactive teller machines

The FDIC issued guidance on whether the use of interactive teller machines at a location other than an established branch facility would require banks to file a domestic branch application.
August 12, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA requests comment extension on bank-fintech arrangements

ICBA and other groups requested a 30-day extension to the comment period for the regulatory agencies’ request for information on bank-fintech arrangements.
August 12, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Fintech Innovation 

Richwood Bank Cultivates Community with Each Cup

Richwood Bank brews up both coffee and funding for the community through its one-of-a-kind bank-owned coffee chain. Here’s how it worked with the Fed to make it happen.
August 12, 2024 | Independent Banker  

FDIC announces initial dates for new resolution filings

The FDIC announced initial submission dates for its final rule requiring resolutions plans for banks with at least $100 billion in assets and “informational filings” for banks over $50 billion.
August 09, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Independent Banker deciphers FHFA credit score transition

A new Independent Banker article breaks down the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s new credit scoring requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and ICBA’s concerns with the models.
August 09, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

OCC: Banks affected by Hurricane Debby can close

The OCC issued a proclamation allowing national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches to close offices in areas of Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., affected by Hurricane Debby.
August 09, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Climate 

Lucas White: Getting Comfortable With Fintechs

With fintechs, the more you get involved, the more you learn. There’s a whole continuum of fintechs out there that support community bank needs.
August 09, 2024 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

ICBA continues call for 1033 exemption in new article

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should exempt banks with less than $850 million in assets from its pending rule on sharing consumer financial data, ICBA told American Banker.
August 08, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   CFPB 

ICBA: Fed has discretion to deny master account access

ICBA told a U.S. appellate court that federal law provides the Federal Reserve Banks with the discretion to deny or grant master account access.
August 08, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Reserve 

EGRPRA outreach meeting registration closes tomorrow

ICBA encourages community bankers interested in providing oral comments at federal regulators’ virtual public outreach meeting on banking regulations to register by tomorrow’s deadline.
August 08, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

8 Budgeting Ideas That Support Growth

Smart budgeting allows for adaptation to changing financial and economic conditions. But the most important thing, say experts, is that community banks focus on investing in what’s working for them.
August 08, 2024 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

ICBA urges Congress to advance community bank tax priorities

ICBA urged members of the House Ways and Means Committee Tax Teams to advance several community banking industry tax initiatives as they craft priorities for tax legislation in 2025.
August 07, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

Independent Banker: What community banks can learn from behavioral economics

Research into behavioral economics has generated insights on how consumers make decisions, which can help community banks meet the needs of customers, according to the latest issue of Independent Banker magazine.
August 07, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

EGRPRA outreach meeting registration closes Friday

ICBA encourages community bankers interested in providing oral comments at federal regulators’ virtual public outreach meeting on banking regulations to register by this Friday’s deadline.
August 07, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Agencies/Regulators  

Rebeca Romero Rainey: Remaining Nimble Against a Litany of Regulation

It’s not about trying to buck guidance, but rather seeking to ensure appropriate regulation that provides suitable safeguards while retaining flexibility.
August 07, 2024 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

Agencies request comment on data collection proposal

Federal financial regulators requested comment on a proposed rule that would establish data standards for certain information collections submitted to the agencies.
August 06, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

EGRPRA outreach meeting registration closes Friday

ICBA encourages community bankers interested in providing oral comments at federal regulators’ virtual public outreach meeting on banking regulations to register by this Friday’s deadline.
August 06, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

FHA publishes final rule on engagement with mortgagors in default

The Federal Housing Administration published a final rule to update a HUD regulation that requires mortgagees to meet in person with borrowers who are in default on their mortgage payments.
August 06, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA objects to FCC using Weiss Ratings for access to certain programs

ICBA told the Federal Communications Commission that Weiss Ratings is ill-suited for use as a gatekeeper for certain FCC programs.
August 06, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   FCC 

OCC: Banks in Florida, Georgia affected by Hurricane Debby can close

The OCC issued a proclamation allowing national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches to close offices in areas of Florida and Georgia affected by Hurricane Debby.
August 06, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Powering Potential: Fuel Your Team's Career Growth

ICBA Education’s Professional Development Planner provides clear direction for community banks aiming to support the career growth of their staff.
August 06, 2024 | Independent Banker  

Out of Office: Rich Ohnmacht

The executive vice president and chief commercial banking officer of $425 million‑asset Woodsboro Bank in Woodsboro, Md., shares his passion for the saxophone and what keeps him playing.
August 06, 2024 | Independent Banker  

6 Things to Consider Before Opening a New Branch

A new branch can present new opportunities for community banks—if you plan thoroughly and calculate the risk involved.
August 06, 2024 | Independent Banker   Compliance Growing the Community 

Charles Potts: Making the Case for Responsible Innovation

The rapid pace of today’s financial services landscape pulls community banks in varied directions. You must balance technology upgrades with budgetary constraints and identify your bank’s pressing priorities.
August 06, 2024 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

How To Assess Your Community Bank's Physical Security Risk

Evaluate your community bank’s zones, employees and strategies to ensure your physical security is strong enough to dissuade criminals.
August 06, 2024 | Independent Banker   Compliance 

Tioga State Bank Celebrates 160 Years

It’s an extraordinary achievement when any institution surpasses 100 years of service, much less 150 years. But this year, Tioga State Bank, N.A., in Spencer, N.Y., has gone beyond even that impressive milestone.
August 06, 2024 | Independent Banker  

Certification Q&A: Guadalupe Arroyo

Guadalupe Arroyo has found her passion in financial auditing as senior auditor and assistant vice president of Western State Bank in Garden City, Kan. We talked to Arroyo about her career and how ICBA Education services have helped hone her expertise.
August 06, 2024 | Independent Banker  

Member Milestones 2024: Steadfast Banks for Modern Times

Every time a community bank celebrates a significant anniversary, it’s a reminder that our relationship-based business model transcends time and generations. Here, ICBA recognizes and honors its member banks’ 100th, 125th and 150th anniversaries. Read on for stories of how their impact and expertise have persevered through each new year, decade and century.
August 06, 2024 | Independent Banker  

CFO Roundtable 2024: Preparation, Perspective, Diligence

This past year has been one of fluctuation for many community banks, amid inflation, rule changes and other uncertainties. Independent Banker caught up with several chief financial officers to get a handle on how community banks are weathering these changes.
August 05, 2024 | Independent Banker  

3 Ways Banks Can Increase Deposits Amid Slow Loan Demand

SPONSORED | Maximize your SMB's financial potential amidst tough market conditions! Unlock three powerful strategies to help you increase SMB deposits and turn challenges into opportunities.
August 05, 2024 | Independent Banker   Lending 

Ron Haynie & Tim Roy: Deciphering FHFA's Credit Score Transition

The FHFA continues to transition away from FICO, leaving lenders wondering about the potential impact it may have on the industry. Here’s what we know so far.
August 02, 2024 | 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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