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.
Treasury Department withdraws from climate group
The Treasury Department announced it has withdrawn from the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System, which focuses on climate risk management. The department noted that the NGFS was organized to help to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, from which the United States has withdrawn.
January 31, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Department of Treasury
Discount pricing for ICBA LIVE ends today
Final discount pricing for ICBA LIVE, the world’s largest gathering of community bankers, ends today.
January 31, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA urging grassroots outreach on community bank priorities
ICBA is calling on community bankers to use its Be Heard Grassroots Action Center to urge members of Congress to support policy priorities for the 119th Congress.
January 31, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Grassroots/Be Heard
Fed maintains rates following three rounds of cuts
The Federal Open Market Committee voted to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at a range of 4.25% to 4.5%, citing an uncertain economic and inflation outlook.
January 30, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
Trump administration rescinds federal funds freeze memo, says pause is still on
The Trump administration rescinded the original memo outlining its freeze for some federal agency grant and loan programs while noting the funding pauses spelled out in previous executive orders remain in effect.
January 30, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Government Banks
ICBA LIVE discount pricing ends tomorrow
Final discount pricing for ICBA LIVE, the world’s largest gathering of community bankers, ends tomorrow, Jan. 31.
January 30, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA reviewing impact of Trump administration freeze on SBA programs
ICBA is reviewing the community banking industry impact of the Trump administration’s pause to some federal agency grant and loan programs, which has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge until Monday.
January 29, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Small Business Administration
FinCEN: Companies not required to file BOI despite Supreme Court ruling
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network said reporting companies are not required to file beneficial ownership information despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning a lower court injunction.
January 29, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
ICBA urges CFPB to halt informal regulatory actions
In light of President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order freezing new rulemaking activity, ICBA urged the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to stop issuing new informal regulatory actions.
January 29, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
‘Bank of Dave’ inspiration speaking at ICBA LIVE
Dave Fishwick, the English businessman whose story inspired the Netflix hit “Bank of Dave” and other movies about community banking, will be speaking at ICBA LIVE 2025.
January 28, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FinCEN: Companies not required to file BOI despite Supreme Court ruling
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network said reporting companies are not required to file beneficial ownership information despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning a lower court injunction.
January 28, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Data Security/Fraud Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
ICBA congratulates new Treasury secretary
After the Senate voted 68-29 to confirm Scott Bessent as the next Treasury secretary, ICBA congratulated Bessent on his confirmation and said it looks forward to working with him to implement needed policy reforms.
January 28, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Department of Treasury
CFTC to hold public roundtables on digital assets
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced it will soon begin a series of public roundtables on several evolving issues, including digital assets.
January 28, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
ICBA Congratulates Scott Bessent on Treasury Secretary Confirmation
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on Scott Bessent's confirmation for Treasury secretary.
January 27, 2025 |
Press Release
Department of Treasury
Report: More credit union M&A deals failing as acquisitions increase
As credit union mergers and acquisitions have increased, so have terminations of announced transactions, according to a recent report.
January 27, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
House hearing on community banking next week
The House Financial Services Committee announced hearings for February, including a “Making Community Banking Great Again” hearing at 10 a.m. (Eastern time) Wednesday, Feb. 5.
January 27, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
This week: FOMC announces rate decision on Wednesday
This week: FOMC announces rate decision on Wednesday
January 27, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Commerce & Banking
President Trump creates crypto council, bans CBDC
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that creates a working group on digital assets markets “to support the responsible growth and use of digital assets, blockchain technology, and related technologies across all sectors of the economy.”
January 24, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
ICBA: Ensure community banks are represented at agencies
As President Donald Trump considers nominees to lead the federal banking agencies under his new administration, policymakers have a unique opportunity to secure representation for community banks, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey wrote in a recent op-ed.
January 24, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies/Regulators
Last call: ICBA seeks bankers for Subchapter S working group
With major tax legislation high on the congressional agenda, ICBA is making a final call for interested Subchapter S bankers to join the new Subchapter S Tax Working Group. ICBA members who do not currently serve in ICBA leadership are encouraged to apply.
January 24, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA applauds priorities of FDIC’s Hill
ICBA congratulated Travis Hill on his appointment as acting chairman of the FDIC and said it looks forward to future collaboration on his stated objectives for the agency.
January 23, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
ICBA: Acquisition by controversial credit union fuels need for policy action
ICBA said the latest announced acquisition of a community bank by a tax-exempt credit union—featuring a controversial credit union and the first such deal in California—demands a policy response.
January 23, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
N.Y. Judge: Reg E wire lawsuit against Citibank can proceed
Citibank’s request to dismiss a lawsuit was rejected by a federal judge who said Regulation E consumer protections extend to wire transactions.
January 23, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Controversial Credit Union Leverages Tax Exemption to Acquire Community Bank, Fueling Need for Policy Action
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement after the latest announced acquisition of a community bank by a credit union—the first of 2025 and the first ever in California.
January 23, 2025 |
Press Release
NCUA Credit Unions
ICBA seeking Subchapter S bankers for new working group
With major tax legislation high on the congressional agenda, ICBA is recruiting interested Subchapter S bankers for its new Subchapter S Tax Working Group. ICBA members who do not currently serve in ICBA leadership are encouraged to apply.
January 22, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
ICBA thanks President Trump for rulemaking pause
ICBA thanked President Donald Trump for issuing an executive order freezing new rulemakings.
January 22, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies/Regulators Compliance
FDIC’s Hill announces regulatory review
Following his appointment as acting chairman of the FDIC, Travis Hill pledged to conduct a “wholesale review” of the agency’s regulations, guidance, and manuals.
January 22, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
ICBA Thanks President Trump for Regulatory Freeze
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s executive order freezing new rulemakings.
January 21, 2025 |
Press Release
Regulatory Relief
ICBA urges effective crypto policies that provide regulatory clarity
ICBA encouraged the Trump administration to ensure regulatory clarity for banks as it considers new policies on digital assets.
January 21, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies/Regulators
ICBA op-ed: Washington must ensure community banks represented at agencies
As President Donald Trump considers nominees to lead the federal banking agencies under his new administration, policymakers have a unique chance to secure representation for community banks, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey wrote in a new op-ed.
January 21, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies/Regulators
ICBA welcomes President Donald Trump
ICBA and the nation's community banks welcomed President Donald Trump following his inauguration, citing the historic opportunity to make significant improvements to financial services policy.
January 21, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
ICBA Welcomes President Donald Trump
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
January 20, 2025 |
Press Release
Community Bank Awareness
ICBA Urges Effective Crypto Policies That Provide Clarity for Community Banks
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today released the following statement on reports that President-elect Donald Trump is planning to issue an executive order on digital assets.
January 17, 2025 |
Press Release
Digital Assets
ICBA Foundation raising funds for Calif. wildfire relief
The ICBA Foundation Disaster Relief Program is requesting tax-deductible donations to assist community banks and employees affected by recent wildfires in California.
January 17, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA Names 2025-26 Board Nominees to Advance Community Banking Priorities
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced its 2025-26 board of directors’ nominees, setting the stage for the organization’s next chapter in advancing the community banking industry. ICBA’s current board will vote on the nominations March 11-14 in Nashville, Tenn., during ICBA LIVE 2025—the largest gathering of community banks in the world.
January 17, 2025 |
Press Release
ICBA-advocated de novo bill introduced in House, Senate
ICBA expressed strong support for the introduction of legislation to promote the creation of de novo community banks.
January 17, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
De Novo Banks
ICBA recruiting Subchapter S bankers for new working group
With major tax legislation high on the congressional agenda, ICBA is recruiting interested Subchapter S bankers for its new Subchapter S Tax Working Group.
January 17, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
ICBA Supports Bill Promoting Community Bank Formation to Meet Needs of Local Communities
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today released the following statement on the introduction of ICBA-supported legislation to promote the creation of new community banks.
January 16, 2025 |
Press Release
Registration open for ICBA Capital Summit
Registration is now open for the ICBA Capital Summit, scheduled for May 12-15 in Washington, D.C.
January 16, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA guidebook on CFPB’s 1033 rule spotlights ongoing advocacy
ICBA recently released its Open Banking Guidebook detailing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
January 16, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Infographic highlights support for community bank policy issues
ICBA continued spreading the word about its latest polling results—which show Americans support community bank policy priorities—in an infographic sent to Beltway insiders.
January 16, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA remembers Bill Rosacker
Former ICBA Executive Committee Member William Rosacker died in Shakopee, Minn., on Jan. 12 at the age of 80. Rosacker had a 51-year career in banking and was president of United Bankers’ Bank in Bloomington from 1985 to 2019.
January 15, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies issue joint statement on California wildfires
Federal banking regulators and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation released an interagency statement on supervisory practices for financial institutions in areas of California affected by wildfires and straight-line winds.
January 15, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies/Regulators
CFPB withdraws ICBA-opposed proposal on non-sufficient-funds fees
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau withdrew its proposed rule to restrict the use of non-sufficient-funds fees, as advocated by ICBA.
January 15, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance
Registration open for ICBA Capital Summit
Registration is now open for ICBA Capital Summit, scheduled for May 12-15 in Washington, D.C.
January 14, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
New Polling Shows Public Support for Policies in ICBA’s ‘Repair, Reform, and Thrive’ Plan
With the new 119th Congress and incoming Trump administration getting started in Washington, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today released new polling data showing Americans support community bank policy priorities laid out in ICBA’s new “Repair, Reform, and Thrive” plan.
January 14, 2025 |
Press Release
Community Bank Awareness
ICBA polling shows Americans support community bank policy priorities
ICBA today is releasing new polling data showing Americans support the community bank policy priorities laid out in ICBA’s new “Repair, Reform, and Thrive” plan.
January 14, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FDIC announces relief for California banks
The FDIC announced regulatory relief to facilitate recovery in areas of California affected by wildfires and straight-line winds.
January 14, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
ICBA Dividend Program Nears $85 Million Distributed Since Inception
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced that the Travelers ICBA insurance program will distribute its 23rd consecutive dividend to participants in the Policyholder Safety Group Dividend plan, bringing the total amount distributed since the program’s inception to nearly $85 million.
January 13, 2025 |
Press Release
FDIC’s Hill: ‘Crushing’ compliance costs hurt community banks
Overzealous and misguided supervision contributes to crushing compliance costs for community banks, according to FDIC Vice Chairman Travis Hill.
January 13, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
'40 Under 40' nominations open
Independent Banker magazine recently opened nominations for its 2025 “40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders” awards.
January 13, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB proposes to expand EFTA coverage to digital assets, video games
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed an interpretive rule on how Regulation E and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act apply to emerging payment mechanisms, such as stablecoins and digital assets that operate as a medium of exchange or pay for goods and services.
January 13, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Independent Banker: Top CEO challenge is growing deposits
More than half of community bank executives say their biggest challenge in 2025 is growing deposits, according to the latest Independent Banker magazine.
January 10, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fed’s Bowman urges tailored community bank regulations
Regulators should support the banking system with a more pragmatic approach, including tailoring regulations to the size of the bank, Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said.
January 10, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies/Regulators
House panel names vice chair, subcommittee chairs
House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.) announced the panel’s vice chairman, subcommittees chairs, vice chair for communications, and committee whip for the 119th Congress.
January 10, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
ICBA Names Peter Nelson Senior Executive Vice President of Member Engagement
The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) today announced Peter Nelson as senior executive vice president of member engagement. Nelson will assume his new duties on Feb. 10 and will lead ICBA’s efforts to enhance the overall member experience.
January 09, 2025 |
Press Release
ICBA Foundation delivers $180,000 in hurricane disaster relief
The ICBA Foundation Disaster Relief Program announced it has collected and disbursed $180,000 to assist community banks and their employees affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton, including a $25,000 matching contribution from ICBA.
January 09, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
OCC: Banks affected by California wildfires can close
The OCC issued a proclamation allowing national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches to close offices in areas of California affected by wildfires.
January 09, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Romero Rainey: With historic opportunity, ICBA pushing for meaningful change
With a new Congress and administration arriving in Washington this month, the nation’s community banks have a momentous opportunity to make significant changes to the regulatory system, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said.
January 09, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
ICBA introduces plan for new Congress and administration
ICBA this week unveiled its plan for the 119th Congress and incoming administration to address banking regulations and kickstart economic growth in local communities.
January 08, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
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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