Washington, D.C. (Jan. 27, 2025) — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on Scott Bessent's confirmation for Treasury secretary.

“ICBA and the nation's community bankers congratulate Scott Bessent on his confirmation to serve as the next Treasury secretary. During his nomination hearing, Bessent called for regulatory policies that will allow community banks, small businesses, and local communities to lead the nation’s economic recovery.

“With the financial, tax and regulatory policies advanced by the Treasury Department having a substantial impact on community banks and the local communities they serve, ICBA’s ‘Repair, Reform, and Thrive’ plan and our recent open letter to the 119th Congress outline comprehensive policy reforms that address our most pressing policy challenges.

“We look forward to working closely with Secretary Bessent, the Trump administration, and the 119th Congress to implement needed policy reforms to help community banks meet the needs of local communities.”

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.