ICBA Newsroom
The ICBA Newsroom collects and centralizes all the NewsWatch Today articles, press releases, Main Street Matters blogs, advocacy letters and other news that impacts community bankers.
New op-ed: Credit unions that act like big banks should be regulated like them
Members of Congress and the American public should consider why credit unions are acting like the nation’s largest banks while enjoying tax and regulatory advantages, according to a new MarketWatch opinion piece (subscription required).
October 03, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Agencies issue joint statement on institutions affected by Hurricane Helene
Federal and state financial regulators issued a joint statement saying they recognize the serious impact of Hurricane Helene on the customers and operations of many financial institutions and will provide appropriate regulatory assistance to affected institutions subject to their supervision.
October 03, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Survey: Regulatory burden is top community bank concern
Regulatory burden has risen to the top of community banker concerns alongside cost of funds, according to the Conference of State Bank Supervisors Annual Community Bank Survey.
October 03, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA shares tips for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, ICBA released tips to help consumers protect their sensitive financial information and minimize the risk of cyber threats.
October 02, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Cybersecurity
CFPB issues advisory on medical debt collection
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advisory opinion that said debt collectors, which may include third-party “revenue cycle management” companies, are violating federal law when they collect on inaccurate or legally invalid medical debts.
October 02, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance
FDIC, OCC announce relief for banks affected by Hurricane Helene
The FDIC announced regulatory relief to facilitate recovery in areas of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. The FDIC also published a disaster webpage with more information for banks that are affected.
October 02, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA continues advocating 1033 exemption in latest report
In a new American Banker article (subscription required), ICBA continued its call for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to include a community bank exemption in its pending 1033 rule on sharing consumer financial data.
October 01, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
FHFA proposes updates to FHLBank liquidity rules
The Federal Housing Finance Agency issued a proposed rule that would amend its regulation of Federal Home Loan Bank unsecured credit limits.
October 01, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Housing Finance Agency
FHFA issues climate risk advisory to FHLBanks
The Federal Housing Finance Agency issued an advisory bulletin that provides guidance to the Federal Home Loan Banks on incorporating climate-related risks into their risk-management frameworks.
October 01, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Housing Finance Agency
FHFA advises FHLBanks on credit risk and liquidity
The Federal Housing Finance Agency issued an advisory bulletin to the Federal Home Loan Banks that details expectations for providing members with access to advances in a safe and sound manner.
September 30, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Housing Finance Agency
FDIC announces relief for Georgia, Vermont banks
The FDIC announced regulatory relief to facilitate recovery in areas of Georgia affected by Tropical Storm Debby and areas of Vermont affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.
September 30, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA urging community banker participation in EGRPRA review
ICBA recently issued a guide to help community bankers participate in the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review process launched by banking regulators this year.
September 30, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FinCEN sanctions Russian virtual currency cybercriminals
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network sanctioned PM2BTC, a Russian virtual currency exchanger associated with Sergey Sergeevich Ivanov, as being a money-laundering concern in connection with illicit finance.
September 27, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
ICBA Community tops 4,000 users
The ICBA Community online platform continues to grow and has now surpassed 4,000 members.
September 27, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA push on credit union deals garners more media attention
ICBA’s campaign opposing credit union acquisitions of tax-paying community banks continued generating headlines with a new Bloomberg report on the FDIC’s recent policy update on bank mergers.
September 27, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Blog post: Community bankers find solutions, connections at ICBA LIVE
The challenges community bankers face—from compliance issues to cybersecurity and staffing concerns—require the industry to come together to amplify its voice and find solutions at ICBA LIVE 2025, according to a new ICBA blog post.
September 26, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Community bankers report reg burden during EGRPRA outreach meeting
Community bankers voiced discontent with excessive regulatory burdens during an ICBA-advocated outreach meeting under the current Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review.
September 26, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
OCC
OCC: Banks affected by Hurricane Helene can close
The OCC said national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches and agencies of foreign banks can close in areas of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee affected by Hurricane Helene.
September 26, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Senator Moran: Help needed for agriculture
The current farm bill is not adequate to provide relief or safety nets for U.S. farmers, nor is it reflective of the current state of the farm economy, said Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a lead sponsor of the ICBA-advocated ACRE Act (S. 2371/H.R. 3139).
September 25, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Farm Bill
CFPB sets up webpage for standard-setting organizations
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau set up a webpage for public comment applications to become a recognized standard setter under the Personal Financial Data Rights Rule.
September 25, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
ICBA: Record-tying credit union acquisition comes amid increased scrutiny
Following this year’s 16th credit union acquisition of a community bank — which ties the record for most in a single year — ICBA continued its call for Congress to investigate credit union policies.
September 25, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
ICBA files appellate brief in CRA rule legal challenge
ICBA and other groups filed an appellate brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit as part of their legal challenge to federal banking regulators’ Community Reinvestment Act final rule.
September 24, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance CRA
Survey shows rise in sophisticated fraud tactics
Sixty-two percent of institutions reported a rise in sophisticated fraud tactics, according to a new survey by the Center for Payments, Nacha, and ICBA.
September 24, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fraud
ICBA continues urging participation in EGRPRA review
ICBA recently issued a guide to help community bankers participate in the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review process launched by banking regulators this year.
September 24, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies/Regulators
ICBA briefing today ahead of EGRPRA outreach meeting
With the federal banking agencies hosting a virtual outreach meeting this week under their latest Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review, ICBA is hosting a briefing at 1 p.m. (Eastern time) today for bankers delivering oral comments.
September 23, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies/Regulators
ICBA files appellate brief in CRA rule legal challenge
ICBA and other groups filed an appellate brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit as part of their legal challenge to federal banking regulators’ Community Reinvestment Act final rule.
September 23, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CRA
CFPB proposes amendment to remittance transfer rule
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a proposed rule with an amendment to disclosure requirements for certain international money transfers.
September 23, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance
FinCEN publishes beneficial ownership toolkit
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network published a toolkit for small-business owners with beneficial ownership reporting requirements.
September 20, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
Independent Banker breaks down instant payment adoption
The latest Independent Banker magazine details community banks’ uptake of instant payment systems such as FedNow and Real-Time Payments.
September 20, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA urging community banker participation in EGRPRA review
ICBA recently issued a guide to help community bankers participate in the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review process launched by banking regulators this year.
September 20, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB releases FAQs on ‘buy now, pay later’ products
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released frequently asked questions to help industry participants understand, implement, and comply with the requirements in Regulation Z for “buy now, pay later” products.
September 19, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance
Fed cuts rates by 50 basis points
The Federal Open Market Committee voted to cut target interest rates by 50 basis points due to improved confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward its 2% goal.
September 19, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
ICBA testifies before Congress on community bank support for small business
ICBA Rural America and Agriculture Committee Chairman Gus Barker told Congress that community banks have served rural America well for decades and play a vital role in the economic prosperity of small businesses, farms, and families in thousands of local communities.
September 19, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agriculture
ICBA urges policymakers to take on crypto scams, improve information sharing
The persistent growth of romance confidence scams emphasizes the urgent need for policymakers to prioritize national security, counter illicit finance uses of cryptocurrency, and improve information sharing with community banks, ICBA told Congress.
September 19, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
Following ICBA advocacy, FDIC includes credit unions in merger guidance
As advocated by ICBA, the FDIC approved a new statement of policy on bank mergers that for the first time explicitly states that additional scrutiny may be needed for deals involving tax-exempt credit unions.
September 18, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
CFPB: Banks need to keep proof of consent for certain overdraft fees
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a circular that says a financial institution violates the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E if “there is no proof that it has obtained consumers’ affirmative consent before levying overdraft fees for ATM and one-time debit card transactions.”
September 18, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance
OCC approves separate rule, guidance on bank mergers
The OCC approved a final rule updating its regulations for business combinations involving national banks and federal savings associations and a policy statement clarifying its review of applications under the Bank Merger Act.
September 18, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
DOJ rescinds bank merger guidelines in favor of generic standards
The Justice Department announced that it is withdrawing its 1995 bank merger guidelines, saying its 2023 merger guidelines for all industries will be its sole and authoritative policy.
September 18, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Private-sector companies join tokenization project
More than 40 private-sector companies will join a group of central banks in Project Agorá, which will explore how tokenization and a wholesale central bank digital currency could enhance cross-border payments.
September 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
ICBA testifying this week on supporting rural businesses
ICBA Rural America and Agriculture Committee Chairman Gus Barker is scheduled to testify before Congress this week on streamlining and coordinating support for rural small businesses.
September 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
FinCEN to small businesses: Don’t wait to file beneficial owner reports
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network called on small businesses to begin filing initial beneficial ownership reports under the Corporate Transparency Act.
September 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA releases EGRPRA guide for community banker outreach
ICBA issued a guide to help community bankers participate in the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review process launched by banking regulators this year.
September 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
EGRPRA s.2155
FDIC board meeting tomorrow on custodial deposits, mergers
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York releases its Empire State manufacturing survey for September at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time).
September 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies announce ICBA-requested comment extension on bank-fintech arrangements
Federal banking regulators extended until Oct. 30 the comment period on a request for information on bank-fintech arrangements.
September 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fintech Regulation
Treasury sanctions Cambodian scam centers
The Treasury Department sanctioned Cambodian businessman Ly Yong Phat, L.Y.P. Group Co., and O‑Smach Resort for their role in human rights abuse related to the treatment of trafficked workers subjected to forced labor in online scam centers.
September 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Department of Treasury
House committee chair calls for interview with Gruenberg
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) called for a transcribed interview with FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg after Gruenberg refused to testify at a planned hearing on FDIC workplace misconduct.
September 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Independent Banker details SCOTUS decisions affecting community banking
The latest Independent Banker magazine spotlights three Supreme Court decisions that may curb the administrators that oversee community banks.
September 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Poll shows growing demands for credit union policy reform
ICBA released new polling data showing Americans are growing increasingly uneasy with credit unions’ regulatory exemptions and support reforms to policies that arbitrarily favor these tax-exempt financial firms.
September 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Today is deadline to file claims for Wawa data security incident
Today is the deadline for financial institutions to file claims in a settlement between financial institutions (including community banks) and Wawa arising out of a 2019 data security incident at the company.
September 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Security
ICBA advocacy briefing next week
ICBA next week is hosting a complimentary community bank briefing on key congressional and regulatory developments.
September 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FDIC board meeting on custodial deposit accounts, bank mergers
The FDIC board of directors scheduled a meeting for next week on a notice of proposed rulemaking on custodial deposit accounts with transaction features and to issue a final statement of policy on bank merger transactions.
September 11, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA: Nonbank payments firms benefit from regulatory imbalance
ICBA said it agrees with a Financial Stability Board report that nonbank service providers involved in cross-border payments are not subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as banks.
September 11, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA: Credit unions shouldn’t use Wall Street to acquire community banks
ICBA called on the National Credit Union Administration to bar tax-exempt credit unions from using funds raised from Wall Street investors to finance acquisitions of tax-paying community banks.
September 11, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
ICBA, groups urge Congress to advance farm bill this year
ICBA and other agricultural stakeholders called on Congress to advance a meaningful farm bill in 2024 that addresses worsening conditions in farm country.
September 10, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Farm Bill
FBI: Crypto fraud complaints rise 45% in 2023
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center said it received more than 69,000 complaints from the public regarding financial fraud involving the use of cryptocurrency last year.
September 10, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
FinCEN: Banks lead in reporting mail-related check fraud
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network said it received more than 15,000 reports from financial institutions on mail theft-related check fraud in the six months after it issued an alert on the issue last year.
September 10, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
Agencies issue guidance on Cybersecurity Assessment Tool sunsetting
The FDIC and OCC issued bulletins on last week’s interagency announcement that regulators are sunsetting the Cybersecurity Assessment Tool on Aug. 31, 2025.
September 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB targets rental, medical debt in latest report
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued its annual report to Congress on debt collection, which focuses on medical debt and rental debt.
September 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance
ICBA honors National Community Bank Service Award recipients
ICBA announced the winners of the 2024 National Community Bank Service Awards in recognition of the creative and exemplary efforts of the nation’s community banks to help their local communities.
September 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA: AML/CFT modernization should not expand reg burden
ICBA told the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network that its proposed rule to update anti-money-laundering and countering-the-financing-of-terrorism programs would create additional burdens on banks without benefitting FinCEN’s efforts to reduce financial crimes.
September 05, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
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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