SEC chair, commissioner push for rational crypto framework

Apr 28, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
In his first public remarks since being sworn in as Securities and Exchange Commission chair, Paul Atkins said he looks forward to working with market participants, the administration, and Congress to “establish a rational, fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for crypto assets.”

Romero Rainey Named to Washingtonian’s Top Influencers for Community Bank Advocacy

Apr 25, 2025 | Press Release
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey has once again been selected for Washingtonian magazine's 500 Most Influential People feature, as part of the publication’s banking and finance list.

After another acquisition, ICBA continues push on credit union tax breaks

Apr 23, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
Following the latest acquisition of a tax-paying community bank by a tax-exempt credit union, ICBA continued its call for Congress to eliminate the federal tax exemption for credit unions over $1 billion in assets.

ICBA urging grassroots outreach on ACRE Act

Apr 23, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
With Congress potentially taking up tax legislation when it returns from the current congressional recess, ICBA is calling on community bankers to urge their lawmakers to co-sponsor legislation that would provide tax relief to support rural lending.

House Democrats urge Treasury to exempt CDFI Fund from cuts

Apr 23, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and 87 House Democrats asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to exclude the CDFI Fund from a recent executive order directing it to scale back operations.

ICBA Continues Call to End Tax Breaks for Largest Credit Unions Following Latest Community Bank Acquisition

Apr 22, 2025 | Press Release
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement following the latest acquisition of a tax-paying community bank by a tax-exempt credit union.

ICBA urging grassroots outreach on ACRE Act

Apr 22, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
With Congress potentially taking up tax legislation when it returns from the current congressional recess, ICBA is calling on community bankers to urge their lawmakers to co-sponsor legislation that would provide tax relief to support rural lending.

ICBA seeks participants for cross-border payments group

Apr 22, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
ICBA is seeking 12-15 community bankers to join its working group on cross-border payments.

French Hill, Byron Donalds slated for ICBA Capital Summit

Apr 22, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), and Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender are scheduled to speak during next month’s ICBA Capital Summit in Washington, D.C.

Community bankers to hear quick pitches from fintechs Thursday

Apr 21, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
ICBA ThinkTECH Connect—which provides a quick look at fintech companies that may be of interest to community banks—is scheduled for noon (Eastern time) this Thursday, April 24.

FDIC modifies resolution planning for large banks

Apr 21, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
The FDIC modified its approach to resolution planning for large banks.

Fed proposes stress test changes

Apr 21, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
The Federal Reserve proposed changes that would reduce the volatility of capital requirements stemming from its annual stress test results.

Independent Banker: Capital Summit shapes the future of community banking

Apr 18, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
At ICBA Capital Summit—slated for May 12-15 in Washington, D.C.—community bankers engage in important discussions about the future of community banking, advocate for policies that support local economies, and share best practices with peers, according to the latest Independent Banker magazine.

ICBA urges OCC to preserve dedicated supervision for community banks

Apr 18, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
In response to the OCC’s decision to combine its community, midsize, and large bank supervision functions, ICBA said merging supervisory functions threatens to dilute the nuanced oversight that effective community bank supervision requires in favor of a one-size-fits-all model.

Fed’s Barr: Banks are frontline defenders against deepfake-enabled fraud

Apr 18, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
Banks play a critical role in safeguarding against deepfake-driven fraud given their direct handling of financial transactions and sensitive customer data, according to Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr.

ICBA urges OCC to preserve dedicated supervision for community banks

Apr 17, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
In response to the OCC’s announced decision to combine its community, midsize, and large bank supervision functions, ICBA said merging supervisory functions threatens to dilute the nuanced oversight that effective community bank supervision requires and jeopardizes the tailored regulatory approach that community banks deserve.

ICBA, other groups affirm support for legislation to prohibit mortgage trigger leads

Apr 17, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
ICBA and other groups expressed support for the reintroduction of legislation in the House and Senate to protect the financial privacy of mortgage applicants.

Acquisition ignites calls to end tax exemption for large credit unions

Apr 17, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
ICBA reiterated its call for policymakers to eliminate the federal tax exemption for credit unions with more than $1 billion in assets following the fourth announced credit union acquisition of a tax-paying community bank this year.

ICBA Urges OCC to Preserve Dedicated Supervision for Community Banks

Apr 16, 2025 | Press Release
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement in opposition to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s announced decision to merge its community, midsize, and large bank supervision functions into a single line of business.

After community bank acquisition, ICBA urges end to tax exemption for billion-dollar credit unions

Apr 16, 2025 | NewsWatch Today
ICBA reiterated its call for policymakers to eliminate the federal tax exemption for credit unions with more than $1 billion in assets following the fourth announced credit union acquisition of a tax-paying community bank this year.