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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.

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Romero Rainey: press Senate on PPP reforms

With the Senate considering Paycheck Protection Program reforms after the House passed its reform bill last week, community banks should urge lawmakers to enact recommended changes, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey wrote.
June 02, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Community bank hosts Pence for small-biz roundtable

ICBA Minority Bank Advisory Council member George Andrews and others at Unity National Bank in Atlanta last week hosted top administration officials for a roundtable discussion on U.S. small businesses.
June 02, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA testifying tomorrow on CDFIs, minority banks

ICBA is scheduled to testify tomorrow before Congress on community development financial institutions and minority depository institutions.
June 02, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   MDI 

OCC ruling clarifies permissible interest on transferred loans

The OCC finalized its rule clarifying that when banks sell or assign a loan, interest permissible prior to the transfer continues to be permissible afterward.
June 01, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending 

Tell Congress PPP changes needed

ICBA is calling on community bankers to provide Congress with policy recommendations to make the Paycheck Protection Program more workable for lenders and borrowers.
June 01, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

FDIC issues CRA exam schedules

The FDIC issued the lists of institutions scheduled for Community Reinvestment Act examinations during the third and fourth quarter of 2020, as required by law.
June 01, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   CRA 

SBA and Treasury set aside $10B in PPP funding for CDFIs

The Small Business Administration and the Treasury Department announced plans to set aside $10 billion of round two of Paycheck Protection Program funding for Community Development Financial Institutions.
May 29, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

House passes PPP reform bill

The House voted 417-1 to pass legislation to ease restrictions on the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, as advocated for by ICBA.
May 29, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Fed provides update on Main Street Lending Program

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has provided additional guidance related to the Fed’s Main Street Lending Program for potential borrowers and lenders.
May 29, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending 

ICBA, state groups call for PPP reform

ICBA and 43 state banking associations wrote to Congress seeking more workable forgiveness loan terms under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.
May 28, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

FDIC extends comment period on ILC proposal

The FDIC extended the public comment period for its proposed rule regarding industrial banks and industrial loan companies to July 1, 2020.
May 28, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending 

SBA: Resolve loans marked “research” in PPP portfolios

The Small Business Administration sent out a notice reminding lenders that loans marked with a “research” status in their Paycheck Protection Program portfolios should be reviewed for accuracy and completeness, by 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Thursday, May 28.
May 28, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA comments on FDIC proposal to mitigate deposit-insurance impact of PPP

ICBA commended the FDIC’s proposal to partially mitigate the effects of participating in the Paycheck Protection Program and other emergency programs on deposit-insurance assessments, while calling for additional relief measures.
May 28, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

NCUA chief testifies on move benefitting largest credit unions

National Credit Union Administration Chairman Rodney Hood testified on his agency's recent announcement that it is changing its methodology for designating low-income credit unions.
May 14, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

SBA answers questions on PPP loan increases, disbursements

The SBA issued an interim final rule with answers to questions on Paycheck Protection Program loan increases and disbursements as well as 1502 reporting.
May 14, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Crisis Preparedness 

ICBA's PPP loan-forgiveness push gaining traction

ICBA's ongoing push for policymakers to provide guidance on Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness made headlines in the Financial Times, American Banker, Forbes, Banking Dive, and more.
May 14, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Crisis Preparedness 

FDIC proposes mitigating deposit-insurance impact of PPP

The FDIC approved a proposed rule to mitigate the effects of participating in the Paycheck Protection Program and other emergency programs on deposit-insurance assessments.
May 13, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Crisis Preparedness 

Agencies: Sound security needed for cloud systems

Security breaches involving cloud computing services highlight the importance of sound security controls and management’s understanding of the shared responsibilities between cloud service providers and their financial institution clients, federal regulators said.
May 01, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity 

ICBA revamps COVID-19 resource center

April 27, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Crisis Preparedness 

ICBA to Fed: Main Street program should serve Main Street

ICBA told the Federal Reserve it is concerned the agency's Main Street Lending Program excludes small businesses because it has a minimum loan amount of $1 million.
April 17, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending 

ICBA FAQs detail Economic Impact Payments

ICBA updated its frequently asked questions on the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic with information on Economic Impact Payments—the federal stimulus payments going out to eligible individuals and households.
April 13, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Payments 

Agencies extend comment period on Volcker rule reform

Federal regulators said they will consider comments submitted before May 1 on their proposal to modify the Volcker rule’s general prohibition on banking entities investing in or sponsoring hedge funds or private equity funds. The previous deadline was April 1.
April 03, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

The Latest on the SBA Paycheck Protection Program

April 01, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

Nacha provides relief on signature requirements

Nacha said it will not enforce signature and similar authentication requirements for receiving depository financial institutions until further notice.
March 30, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

Fed announces financial reporting relief

The Federal Reserve said it will not take action against financial institutions with $5 billion or less in total assets for submitting certain financial statements within 30 days of the March 31 filing deadline.
March 27, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

There When It Counts: Behind the Scenes of ICBA Advocacy

The Senate is convening now to advance the economic stimulus package responding to the coronavirus outbreak. We at ICBA often say that our star shines brightest when we are in the midst of a challenge—just as community bankers do.
March 25, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

Agencies: Coronavirus loan modifications are not TDRs

Federal and state banking regulators said Sunday that they will not direct supervised institutions to automatically categorize coronavirus-related loan modifications as troubled debt restructurings.
March 23, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

ICBA makes news for turning up heat on credit unions

This week’s ICBA pushback against credit union advocacy meetings in Washington is making news.
February 28, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

Fed’s Bowman: Regs limit community bank mortgage lending

Federal Reserve Gov. Michelle “Miki” Bowman said the declining presence of community banks in the consumer real estate mortgage market is a key challenge facing the housing sector.
January 17, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Mortgage Rules 

An Open Letter to Congress: Community Banks Focused on Achievable Bipartisan Solutions

With a proven track record of common-sense legislative achievements that benefit Main Street consumers, small businesses, farmers and ranchers, we remain committed to pragmatic legislative solutions that will build on recent successes and expand the reach of our nation's economic prosperity to every urban, suburban and rural community we serve.
January 06, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Blog Details What's Next for Cannabis Banking

A new Main Street Matters post breaks down what's next for cannabis banking following the bipartisan House vote advancing the SAFE Banking Act.
October 16, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Grassroots/Be Heard Cannabis banking 

Fed Close on Faster Payments—Make Some Noise

With the Federal Reserve closing in on its decision about whether to take a leadership role in faster payments, ICBA is urging community bankers to contact policymakers in support of Fed involvement.
July 22, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Reserve Grassroots/Be Heard Payments Faster Payments 

Agencies Update CRA Community List

June 27, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA to Congress: Extend Safeguards on Personal Info to All Entities

ICBA urged Congress to require all entities that are responsible for handling personal consumer information to be held to the same standards as financial institutions.
May 09, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Data Security/Fraud 

CFPB Issues Proposed Rule on Debt Collection

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Under its proposal, debt collectors would be restricted in how frequently, and the way in which they contact consumers. The proposal also provides additional information to consumers to help them identify debts and respond to collection attempts.
May 09, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance 

FDIC Seeks Feedback on Proposed Call Report Revisions

The FDIC is requesting feedback on proposed revisions to the call report. The revision introduces reporting requirements on the proposed Community Bank Leverage Ratio.
May 09, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Call Report 

Crapo: Grassroots Advocacy Works

Community bank grassroots advocacy was instrumental in passing the S. 2155 regulatory relief law and remains critical to advancing additional reforms, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) told community bankers in Washington.
May 01, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Grassroots/Be Heard Regulatory Relief 

Treasury Tosses Old Tax Rules

The Treasury Department finalized the repeal of 296 unnecessary, duplicative or obsolete tax regulations. Treasury said the elimination of regulatory “deadwood” helps advance the policies of President Trump’s Executive Orders 13777 and 13789, which direct the department to identify and reduce burdensome tax regulations.
March 15, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

Romero Rainey: Another Wall Street Tall Tale

While megabanks have been withdrawing from local communities in the wake of the financial crisis they created, a new Wall Street Journal article claims these areas can’t possibly get by without them, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey writes. ICBA and community bankers have a more positive story to share, she wrote on Main Street Matters.
March 05, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Too-Big-To-Fail/Systemic Risk 

Report Notes Solid, But Slower Growth in 2018

The Federal Reserve said it will stick to its “patient” approach as it determines future adjustments amid concerns of a slowing global economy and last year’s financial turmoil, according to the central bank’s annual report to Congress.
February 25, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Reserve 

ICBA Advocates Uniformity, Certainty in FCC Rules

ICBA and other financial services trade associations filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court, advocating for uniformity and certainty in hearing challenges to FCC rules.
February 20, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   FCC 

ICBA Expands Toolkit to Promote Savings

ICBA updated its Tell Your Story toolkit with a customizable press release to help community bankers encourage financial responsibility during America Saves Week, slated for Feb. 25-March 2.
February 20, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Senate Banking Panel Issues Subcommittee Assignments

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) announced the panel’s subcommittee assignments for the 116th Congress. The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection will be led by Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
January 22, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Grassroots/Be Heard 

Luetkemeyer Urges Rule Distinguishing Guidance

Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.) urged federal regulators to begin a formal rulemaking to clarify the distinctions between guidance and rules. In a letter to regulators, Luetkemeyer encouraged the agencies to adopt the principles of a September 2018 interagency statement on the role of supervisory guidance. He said the clarity will ensure banks and examiners clearly understand the grounds for enforcement actions.
January 22, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Regulatory Relief 

ICBA to FDIC: Deny Square’s Latest Application

ICBA expressed disappointment in federal regulators’ insufficient proposal to reduce reporting burdens and repeated its call for a true short-form call report. Following its weeks-long grassroots advocacy campaign, ICBA said the call report for the first and third quarters should consist of a balance sheet, income statement, and statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.
January 22, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Technology Fintech Regulation 

ICBA Urges True Short-Form Call Report

ICBA expressed disappointment in federal regulators’ insufficient proposal to reduce reporting burdens and repeated its call for a true short-form call report. Following its weeks-long grassroots advocacy campaign, ICBA said the call report for the first and third quarters should consist of a balance sheet, income statement, and statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.
January 22, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Call Report 

ICBA Seeks Hearings on ‘Emergency’ CU Merger

ICBA called on key congressional committees to hold hearings on the National Credit Union Administration’s approval of an “emergency merger” between Pentagon Federal Credit Union and Progressive Credit Union.
January 22, 2019 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

Independent Banker Profiles Community Bankers of the Year

The December issue of Independent Banker® magazine features profiles of ICBA’s Community Bankers of the Year. The profiles of Ken LaRoe, Scott McComb, Josh Rowland, and Stan Wilmoth feature their views on values, human connections, civic partnership, and community service.
December 10, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Congress Extends Flood Program Until Friday

Congress extended the National Flood Insurance Program through this Friday. With the program set to expire at the end of last week, the last-minute vote averted a lapse.
December 03, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Flood Insurance Compliance 

Podcast Features Community Bank Payment Trends

ICBA Bancard’s Tina Giorgio and TCM Bank’s Damon Moorer were featured in the latest This Month In Banking podcast by the Kafafian Group. The 30-minute recording discusses how Bancard and TCM support community banks’ credit card offerings and offers insight on trends affecting payments.
November 30, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Payments 

Agencies Planning Resolution Reform: McWilliams

The FDIC and Federal Reserve are reviewing resolution-planning regulations for bank holding companies, FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams said. McWilliams said that while the largest financial institutions remain an untested resolution challenge, the agencies are looking to make resolution planning more targeted and will release a proposal in the coming months.
November 30, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Too-Big-To-Fail/Systemic Risk 

Visa: EMV Shift Crushing Counterfeit Fraud

The shift to EMV chip technology has reduced card-present counterfeit payment fraud by 82 percent at chip-enabled merchants, Visa said. More than 3.1 million merchants are now accepting chip cards—67 percent of U.S. storefronts—and 98 percent of U.S. payment volume in September was on EMV cards.
November 30, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Payments 

Court Delays Bureau’s Small-Dollar Rule

A federal court this week granted the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s request to delay the effective date of its rule on small-dollar loans. The decision delays the August 2019 compliance date as the bureau plans to issue proposed rules in January that will reconsider the rule. The bureau plans to propose revisiting only the ability-to-repay provisions, which it said have greater consequences for consumers and the industry than the payment provisions.
November 09, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance 

FDIC Call Features S. 2155 Consumer Compliance Provisions

The FDIC is hosting an upcoming teleconference on consumer compliance topics related to the S. 2155 regulatory relief law. Scheduled for 2 p.m. (Eastern time) Thursday, Oct. 25, the teleconference will feature a formal presentation on provisions of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act as well as a question-and-answer segment.
October 15, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

FinCEN Issues Advisory on Iran

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued an advisory to help financial institutions better detect and report potentially illicit transactions related to Iran. The advisory provides information on the threats the Iranian regime poses to the U.S. financial system, describes deceptive financial strategies that the Iranian regime uses to evade sanctions, and provides red flag indicators related to specific malign activities and typologies.
October 15, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

FHFA Seeks Input on ‘Duty to Serve’ Modifications

The Federal Housing Finance Agency is seeking input on proposed modifications to the Underserved Markets Plans for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The “duty to serve” plans require the enterprises to serve three specified underserved markets—manufactured housing, affordable housing preservation, and rural housing.
October 04, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Housing Finance/GSEs 

Fannie, Freddie Update PMI Standards

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac revised eligibility requirements for private mortgage insurers, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced. The updates include changes to: risk-based asset requirements, the treatment of approved risk-transfer transactions, and risk-transfer credit arising from counterparty risk associated with reinsurance transactions. The standards establish minimum financial and operational requirements for doing business with the enterprises.
October 01, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Housing Finance/GSEs 

Agencies Issue Customer Identification Program Exemptions

Federal regulators exempted loans for property and casualty insurance policies from Customer Identification Program rules. Banks engaging in insurance premium finance lending must continue to comply with all other regulatory requirements implementing the Bank Secrecy Act, including the requirement to file suspicious activity reports.
October 01, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

Boston Fed Encourages Tokenization Collaboration

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston researchers encouraged stakeholders to continue collaborating on the development of payment tokenization. Noting that tokenization mitigates risk by eliminating the need to store and transmit a customer’s primary account number, a new paper says that collaboration will help expand its use in e-commerce, evaluate third-party token service providers, educate consumers, and anticipate future innovations.
October 01, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Payments 

FinCEN Wants to Talk BSA Reporting with Hurricane-Affected Banks

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network said financial institutions affected by Hurricane Florence should contact FinCEN and their functional regulator as soon as practicable to discuss any delays in their ability to file Bank Secrecy Act reports. FinCEN can be reached at FRC@fincen.gov.
October 01, 2018 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

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