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Main Street Matters Blog

Find out what's happening in communities across America, from grassroots advocacy efforts, to fintech innovations and everyday successes of Main Street banks.

Main Street Matters

ICBA’s Community Bank Mission Critical to 2023 Successes

Dec 18, 2023
At a time when consequential failures at large, risky banks led to major media outlets erroneously directing blame to Main Street community banks, ICBA was there defending and promoting the community banking business model—differentiating community banks when it was needed most.

ICBA: Accelerating Community Bank Innovation

Dec 6, 2023
This time of year, we often take stock of our accomplishments and look ahead to the possibilities and opportunities awaiting us in the coming year. Certainly, when it comes to blazing ICBA’s innovation path for community bankers, we’ve upped the ante significantly in 2023.

Beyond Cards: ICBA Payments Launches to Help Community Banks Meet Their “Why”

Nov 14, 2023
As payments has evolved, so has ICBA Bancard, and with that came the opportunity to rebrand who we are in light of our why. I’m proud to introduce ICBA Payments.

Unlocking Potential: Community Banker University is now ICBA Education

Nov 6, 2023
As ICBA and our industry continues to differentiate and evolve, we are excited to announce the next stage of our journey as we rebrand from Community Banker University to ICBA Education.

Why Shifts in Payments Behavior Are Driving Community Bank Innovation

Nov 3, 2023
We have been experiencing an acceleration in innovation since the start of the pandemic. MuleSoft reported that in 2022, 72 percent of customer interactions occurred over digital channels—nearly double that of 2021—proof that we are living the digital-first experience.

ICBA’s Rebrand: Writing the Next Chapter for Community Banking

Nov 1, 2023
Our mission is central to everything we do, and the pride that comes from that every day is nothing short of inspiring. Much like the community banks we serve, ICBA is continuously evolving, growing, and building momentum.

The Howey Test, Crypto, and Community Banks: How the Debate between the SEC and CFTC Impacts Community Banks

Oct 31, 2023
What is the true nature of cryptoassets? Are they securities or commodities? This question, perhaps more than any other, has propelled policy debates over the past few years.

Regulatory Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence and What They Mean for Community Banks

Oct 30, 2023
Federal banking regulators so far have approached regulating the use of artificial intelligence through the lens of existing regulations, rather than creating a new set of guidelines. But based on various regulatory announcements, there are some salient risks community banks should consider when using the technology.

Artificial Intelligence: Hype vs. Reality and What it Means for Community Banks

Oct 26, 2023
To help separate fact from fiction, let’s start with a working definition of AI and related terms, before discussing a few notable use cases for community banks.

Domestic Regulatory Environment for Digital Assets Continues to Evolve

Oct 23, 2023
The significant upheaval in the crypto markets—and its impact on consumers and national security—has accelerated Washington’s attention to digital assets policy. Prudential banking regulators, the White House, and the Treasury Department have pursued a range of intertwining policy initiatives, all with direct consequences for the nation’s community banks.