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.
Fed’s Bowman: Credit union acquisitions indicate need for merger rethink
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said the increase in credit union acquisitions of taxpaying community banks indicates regulators should rethink how they evaluate bank mergers.
September 29, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Gooden-Welch Bill Prioritizes Big Box Retailers over Consumers
ICBA and other groups today sent a letter to House leaders warning that pending interchange legislation would reduce access to credit, increase security risks associated with credit card use, and limit credit card rewards programs.
September 27, 2022 |
Press Release
Interchange Fraud
States demand crypto lender cease interest-bearing accounts
Several states announced cease-and-desist actions against cryptocurrency lender Nexo alleging that its interest-bearing accounts function as an unlicensed security.
September 27, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets Technology
ICBA Brings Successful ThinkTECH Accelerator Innovation Program In-house
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced plans to bring its award-winning, community banker-led ThinkTECH Accelerator program in-house with a new, dedicated office based in the innovation hub of Atlanta.
September 27, 2022 |
Press Release
Technology
ICBA offers hurricane resources as Ian approaches
ICBA updated its Hurricane Preparedness resource center with the latest on Hurricane Ian. With Ian on pace to make landfall with the west coast of Florida early Friday, the page offers community bankers tools to help weather the storm.
September 27, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Crisis Preparedness
CFPB ending no-action-letter, sandbox policies
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is allowing its ICBA-supported policies on no-action letters and compliance assistance sandboxes to expire, cementing the agency’s transition away from Office of Innovation programs.
September 27, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB Compliance
CFPB looks to spur automated mortgage refinancing, forbearance
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau requested feedback on ways to spur new mortgage products that streamline and automate loan refinancing.
September 23, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
Nacha announces framework to fight credit-push fraud
Nacha released a new strategy for payments industry participants to address scams that deceive consumers into sending payments to fraudsters under false pretenses.
September 23, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Cards Cybersecurity Technology Fraud
ICBA urging grassroots messages opposing Durbin Amendment expansion
With ICBA-opposed legislation to expand on the Durbin Amendment now introduced in both the House and Senate, ICBA is calling on community bankers to continue the grassroots campaign against the anti-consumer bill.
September 23, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lending Payments
ICBA urges House to reject Durbin Amendment expansion
ICBA told House leaders it strongly opposes the Credit Card Competition Act of 2022 (H.R. 8874), controversial legislation to create new credit card routing mandates that expand on Durbin Amendment interchange restrictions.
September 22, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lending Payments
Fed raises rates as projections reflect impact
The Federal Open Market Committee raised the federal funds rate target by another 75 basis points and released updated projections reflecting the impact of its campaign against inflation.
September 22, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Inflation
Treasury announces Emergency Capital Investment Program recipients
The Treasury Department announced that it has made over $8.28 billion of investments in 162 community financial institutions across the country through the Emergency Capital Investment Program.
September 22, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Liang: Treasury-led CBDC group a work in progress
The Treasury Department is still working out the details of a Treasury-led interagency work group on considering the adoption of a U.S. central bank digital currency, Treasury Undersecretary Nellie Liang said.
September 21, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Payments
ICBA Strongly Opposes Gooden-Welch Credit Card Bill
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the House introduction of the Credit Card Competition Act.
September 20, 2022 |
Press Release
Credit Cards Lending Payments
As feds report on digital assets, ICBA poll suggests consumer skepticism
Following the Biden administration’s release of reports on digital assets policy, ICBA released new polling conducted by Morning Consult indicating consumers support a regulatory framework for digital assets and are skeptical of the creation of a U.S. central bank digital currency.
September 19, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets Technology
Article, campaign spotlight harmful impact of Durbin Amendment expansion
ICBA-opposed legislation to create new credit card routing mandates that expand on Durbin Amendment payments interventions would dramatically affect credit card rewards programs, according to a new report from The Points Guy.
September 19, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lending Payments
ICBA ThinkTECH alums earn Finovate honors
ICBA and The Venture Center recognized this year’s Finovate Fall 2022 Best of Show winners, LemonadeLXP and Quilo, both of which were 2022 ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator participants.
September 19, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
As Feds Report on Digital Assets, New ICBA Polling Points to Consumer Skepticism with Crypto, CBDC
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) released new polling conducted by Morning Consult indicating consumers support a regulatory framework for digital assets and are skeptical of the creation of a U.S. central bank digital currency.
September 17, 2022 |
Press Release
Digital Assets
CFPB planning standards for nonbank ‘buy now, pay later’ lenders
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it is developing consumer protections for “buy now, pay later” products similar to those that apply to credit cards.
September 16, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator Alumni LemonadeLXP, Quilo Win “Best of Show” Honors at Finovate Fall 2022
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and The Venture Center celebrate this year’s Finovate Fall 2022 Best of Show winners, LemonadeLXP and Quilo, both of which were members of the 2022 ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator cohort.
September 16, 2022 |
Press Release
ICBA urges National Flood Insurance Program extension
ICBA called on Congress to extend the National Flood Insurance Program authorization before it expires Sept. 30 to avoid further disruptions to the housing market.
September 16, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Flood Insurance Compliance Housing Finance/GSEs
House members urge SBA to change PPP loan forgiveness policy
A group of House members led by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) sent an ICBA-supported letter to the Small Business Administration calling for common-sense reform to Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness.
September 16, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Crisis Preparedness
Senate bill would bar Fed from issuing CBDC
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced legislation to prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency.
September 16, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets Technology
A Note from the Chairman - Bancard Amplifies Our Voices
From digital transformation to the ramp up to instant payments with FedNow and beyond, payments have become the hot topic du jour. However, as community banking executives, we’re juggling multiple balls in the air, and a laser focus on payments can be challenging.
September 15, 2022 |
Payments Quarterly
Payments
Increase Credit Card Income with Comprehensive Marketing Programs
Card programs make significant contributions to banks’ revenue through interchange fees, interest charges on credit card balances, and balance transfer fees. Large financial institutions with deep pockets bombard consumers with card marketing campaigns to garner adoption and ideally gain top-of-wallet status.
September 15, 2022 |
Payments Quarterly
Payments
Cannabis banking co-sponsors in talks on compromise Senate bill
Lead co-sponsors of ICBA-advocated legislation to allow legal cannabis-related businesses to access banking services said they are working with key senators to advance the House-passed bill in the Senate.
September 15, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Cannabis banking
CFPB: Credit report furnishers must investigate disputes
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires credit report furnishers to investigate potential inaccuracies in consumer credit reports.
September 15, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
Durbin Amendment expansion grassroots continues
Community bankers can continue using ICBA’s Be Heard grassroots action center to oppose legislation that would create new credit card routing mandates that expand on Durbin Amendment payments interventions.
September 15, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lending Payments
Marketing Your Credit Card Program: A Community Bank in Alabama Weighs In
Ecommerce credit card spend is expected to surpass $500 billion in 2022 for the first time, according to insiderintelligence.com. Community bank marketers will need to be strategic in their outreach efforts, however, if they hope to capture a piece of the pie.
September 15, 2022 |
Payments Quarterly
Payments
Knowledge is Power – Turn Your Customers into Defenders
Falling victim to fraud or a scam can be an embarrassing and costly experience. According to a CNBC report published earlier this year, consumers reported fraud losses of more than $5.8 billion in 2021, with imposter fraud and investment scams leading the pack.
September 15, 2022 |
Payments Quarterly
Payments
Marketing in the round: Using a 360-degree marketing strategy to reach today’s prospects
In the pre-digital age of marketing, connecting with potential new customers was relatively simple. Everyone watched the same TV channels, listened to the same radio stations, and read the same local newspapers.
September 15, 2022 |
Payments Quarterly
Payments
Start simple: free marketing assets for community banks
There are several resources available to community bankers who want to market their credit or debit card program. Below are sites we recommend, which all house free marketing and educational materials to increase awareness and card usage.
September 15, 2022 |
Payments Quarterly
Payments
OCC announces chief climate risk officer
The OCC announced the appointment of Yue (Nina) Chen as chief climate risk officer. Chen will lead the agency’s Office of Climate Risk and development of climate risk management frameworks for the federal banking system.
September 13, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Climate
FinCEN underestimating burden of info-sharing requests: ICBA
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network underestimates the regulatory burden of information sharing requests between banks and law enforcement under the USA PATRIOT Act, ICBA told the agency.
September 13, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Data Security/Fraud Technology FinCEN
Farm Credit System reports favorable results despite headwinds
The Farm Credit Administration reported that tight labor markets, rising interest rates, a strong dollar, high energy prices, and drought conditions are creating uncertainty in rural economies and farm input prices—though the Farm Credit System is reporting favorable financial results.
September 13, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agriculture
FDIC Second-Quarter Deposit Data Show Proposed Assessment Rate Hike Not Needed
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the FDIC’s latest Quarterly Banking Profile.
September 08, 2022 |
Press Release
Deposit Insurance
ICBA Statement on Federal Home Loan Bank Review
ICBA statement on the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s comprehensive review of the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
September 06, 2022 |
Press Release
FHLB Federal Housing Finance Agency
ICBA: Two-Thirds of Voters Support Cannabis Banking Access
Two-thirds of voters (65%) support allowing cannabis-related businesses to have access to banking services in states where cannabis is legal, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) announced.
September 02, 2022 |
Press Release
Cannabis banking
OCC announces assessment rate cuts targeting community banks
The OCC will reduce assessment rates on OCC-chartered community banks by 40% starting next year, Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu announced.
September 02, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA recognizes National Preparedness Month
ICBA recognized National Preparedness Month in September by issuing tips to help Americans secure their financial documents before disaster strikes.
September 02, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Risk
ICBA voices opposition to Durbin Amendment expansion
ICBA this week expressed strong opposition to legislation that would create new credit card routing mandates that expand on Durbin Amendment payments interventions.
September 02, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lending
Fed raises order limits for nickels, dimes, quarters
The Federal Reserve said it will raise order limits for nickels, dimes, and quarters, effective Tuesday. Limits for pennies are unchanged.
September 02, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Crisis Preparedness
ICBA Shares Financial Preparedness Tips for Consumers During National Preparedness Month in September
In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the nation’s community bankers are reminding Americans to create a plan to ease their worries and speed their financial recovery in the wake of a natural disaster.
September 01, 2022 |
Press Release
Community Bank Awareness
Brad M. Bolton: Compliance as a focal point
Managing compliance is a role that community bankers take more seriously than any other segment of the financial services industry.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Charles Potts: Agtech’s innovation opportunities
Agtech—the application of technology to every aspect of the food production process, from farm to table—is growing in importance to the mission of ICBA and community banks.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Lindsay LaNore: Lessons from an escape room
As teams, how well do we work under pressure? The ICBA Community Banker University team recently had a chance to think about that when, at our annual strategy and teambuilding meeting, we found ourselves locked in an escape room.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Tailor-made community banking
These community banks tailor their products and services not just to their neighborhood demographics but to everyone’s needs, from bank accounts for gig economy workers to microloans for consumers. In short, they do what community banks do best.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Capitalize on social payments
Social payments methods like Venmo and Cash App continue to grow in popularity, and the data is there to prove it, creating an opportunity to give customers what they want: 24/7 access to cashless, P2P and mobile transactions. So how do social payments fit in community banks’ long-term future?
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
How to reach customers with disabilities
Some people living with disabilities eschew banking services because they feel financially underserved or physically barred. Through sensitive customer service, affordable products and ADA-compliant accessibility, community banks can make them feel welcomed and accommodated.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The spirit of service
Community banks stand out in today’s financial services space because our business model depends on an ecosystem where the bank only benefits when customers do.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Aaron Stetter: ICBA's fall legislative outlook
Legislation addressing everything from farm lending to credit union overreach is set to go before Congress this autumn. Now’s the time to make your voice heard on the issues that affect community banks and their customers.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
A Loan So Good, Borrowers Can’t Stop Talking About It
SPONSORED | See what real borrowers are saying about the Kasasa Loan® — and why its flexibility, control, and transparency are changing the loan game for consumers and community banks alike.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Jim Reber: Buying time (maybe)
A sell-off in 2022 isn’t following previous bear markets.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Banking Milestones: Celebrate Yesterday’s Innovations, and Embrace Tomorrow’s Opportunity
SPONSORED | For many banks, it may seem difficult to keep pace with innovation, given the number of solutions that power each line of business within your institution. Rather than being held back by aging platforms, let’s celebrate yesterday’s innovations, but look ahead towards opportunity.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Gamification’s Place in Community Banking
SPONSORED | How can gamification benefit your community bank? In more ways than you might realize. Zogo has mastered the art of incentivizing gamification that bolsters loyalty, engagement, activity, and more. Thanks to gamification, finance can be fun - find out how!
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
How OnBoard’s Board Governance Solution Helps Banks Be Their Best
SPONSORED | First Citizens Bank, an Iowa state-chartered bank, uses OnBoard’s board management software to increase efficiency and deliver a consistent, improved process for its boards, committees, and loan approval processes.
September 01, 2022 |
Independent Banker
Why Today’s Innovation Is Tomorrow’s Normal—With Tim Shangle, AVP, Innovation and Data Analytics, ChoiceOne Bank
ICBA Names 2022 National Community Bank Service Awards Winners
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the winners of its 2022 National Community Bank Service Awards, which celebrate the outstanding service and creative volunteer efforts of the nation’s community banks. Stories are featured in the September issue of ICBA Independent Banker.
August 31, 2022 |
Press Release
Community Bank Awareness
Romero Rainey: ICBA opposing bill to expand Durbin Amendment
ICBA continues speaking out against policymakers’ efforts to expand on harmful Durbin Amendment interventions on payment card systems, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey wrote in a recent blog post.
August 30, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lending
FedNow rollout set for May-July
The Federal Reserve said it plans to roll out its FedNow instant payments service between May and July of next year.
August 30, 2022 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Payments Instant Payments
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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