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.
ICBA: CFPB’s overdraft rule must be enjoined and overturned
ICBA said the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s overdraft rule is likely to negatively affect consumers and their access to banking services and should be legally stopped.
January 08, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Section 1033 guidebook now available
ICBA released the Open Banking Guidebook detailing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
January 08, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
ICBA Foundation Provides $180,000 in Disaster Relief for Hurricane-Affected Communities
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Foundation Disaster Relief Program today 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 08, 2025 |
Press Release
Community Bank Awareness
ICBA Introduces ‘Repair, Reform, and Thrive’ Plan for New Congress and Administration
ICBA today unveiled its new “Repair, Reform, and Thrive” plan for the new 119th Congress and incoming Trump administration to address the nation’s broken banking regulations and kickstart economic growth in local communities.
January 07, 2025 |
Press Release
Agriculture Community Bank Awareness FCS
ICBA introduces plan for new Congress and administration
ICBA today is unveiling its plan for the new 119th Congress and incoming Trump administration to address banking regulations and kickstart economic growth in local communities.
January 07, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
ICBA publishes Section 1033 guidebook
ICBA released the Open Banking Guidebook detailing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
January 07, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Fed’s Barr stepping down as vice chair for supervision
The Federal Reserve announced that Michael Barr will step down from his position as vice chair for supervision on Feb. 28.
January 07, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
Rebecca Kruse Named ICBA Payments President, Juan Costantini Joins as Executive Vice President, General Counsel
ICBA Payments®, the payments-services subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA), today announced that Rebecca Kruse has been appointed president.
January 06, 2025 |
Press Release
A call for fairness in credit union policies: new ICBA blog post
Following a record number of credit union acquisitions of community banks last year, ICBA is renewing its push for leveling the tax and regulatory playing field, according to a new ICBA blog post.
January 06, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Fed payment services will operate normally on Thursday
The Federal Reserve said that while its Washington, D.C., offices will be closed this Thursday due to the national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, its payment systems will operate normally.
January 06, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
End the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac conservatorship: blog
With a new Congress and administration coming to Washington, it’s time for policymakers to free Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from government control to support the nation’s housing sector, according to a Main Street Matters blog post.
January 06, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
Blog: Innovation takes ICBA forward
ICBA doubled down on its commitment to innovation in 2024, according to a new ICBA blog post.
January 03, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FHFA, Treasury preview process on ending GSE conservatorship
The Federal Housing Finance Agency and Treasury Department announced a process for eventually receiving public input on options and potential effects of ending the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
January 03, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Housing Finance Agency
Tickets available for ’80s-themed ICBA PAC auction
Tickets are now available for ICBA PAC’s 36th Annual Auction Fundraiser, scheduled for March 12 during ICBA LIVE in Nashville.
January 03, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Podcast: Following successful 2024, community bankers look forward to 2025
2024 was a successful year for ICBA’s advocacy efforts, which sets the table for more wins in 2025, according to the latest Independent Banker podcast.
January 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
After latest credit union acquisition, ICBA says policymakers must act
The record-extending 22nd credit union acquisition of a community bank in 2024 demands a response from policymakers, ICBA said following the announcement of the latest deal.
January 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Latest beneficial ownership update: Companies not required to file
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network announced that, in light of a recent federal court order, reporting companies are not currently required to file beneficial ownership information, or BOI.
January 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
Growth Goals: Navigating IPOs and OTC Trading
Is your community bank thinking about launching an initial public offering or over-the-counter trading of stocks to raise liquidity? The rewards could be great—but both options come with extra regulatory requirements and costs. Careful consideration is critical.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Smart Org Changes That Could Boost Your Bank’s Trajectory
As community banks face increased competition, emerging roles and employees’ desire for advancement, it could be the right time for your community bank to assess its organizational structure to make sure it’s set up efficiently and in a way that brings the whole team together. We hear from five community banks that have reconfigured their org charts to hone overall operations, reinforce culture and create opportunities for employees to succeed.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
2025 Lending Outlook: Cautious Optimism
Falling interest rates are expected to fuel borrowing activity at community banks. We examine the prospects for commercial, consumer/mortgage and ag lending in the new year.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lending
4 Regulatory Developments Coming in 2025
Community bankers have a variety of new regulatory changes to prepare for in 2025, across agencies and banking functions. As always, forewarned is forearmed.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
2025 Community Bank CEO Outlook: Balancing Between Deposits and Loans
While the business of community banking is ongoing, a new year is always a good time to take stock of the challenges and opportunities ahead. We surveyed community bank presidents and CEOs about their plans for 2025—and found that those plans look very different from our last survey in 2022.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Michael Benedict: Make Portfolio Strategy Fun Again
Things are looking up for portfolio management in 2025.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Lance Noggle: It's Time to Bolster Cybersecurity Measures—Now and Forever
As the costs of data breaches continue to rise, it’s essential for community banks to access and use available federal cybersecurity tools for combating fraudsters and bad actors.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Payments
Lucas White: Why Advocacy Should Be a Top Priority in 2025
“We have a new administration and elected officials who need to fully understand the community bank difference.”
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Out of Office: Kati LeBreton
The vice president and director of P.O.W.E.R., a program for women in business, at $1 billion-asset Fidelity Bank in New Orleans, hosts The Big Bad Boot, a podcast about true crime, urban legends and spooky Louisiana lore with her brother, Caleb Morse.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Community Bank Delaware Salutes Space Heroes
Last July, Community Bank Delaware in Lewes, Del., donated $3,000 to American Legion Post 28, an organization branch founded in 1920 to support local veterans, military personnel, their families and the broader community.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Nurturing the Community Bank Ecosystem
“Without a doubt, advocacy serves as the most critical piece of our mission in 2025. With a shift in control in Congress and the White House, our focus will be on regulatory relief and proportionate rulemaking.”
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Charles Potts: The Innovations We'll See in 2025
They say the only constant is change, and 2025 is shaping up to prove that point. We are in for a dynamic year, influenced by customer demand, product accessibility and partner potential.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
How to Balance Human and Machine While Using Chatbots
Community banks’ reputations are built on personal connection. But with an effective chatbot, banks can free up staff to focus on customers’ more complex needs. It just takes effective training.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Stearns Bank Lays Groundwork in Minnesota's Hmong Community
Stearns Bank is fostering trust, financial empowerment and meaningful relationships with Minnesota’s sizable Hmong community by establishing a branch in one of their cultural hubs.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Commercial Bank of Mott Helps Fund a Home Base for the Community
The Commercial Bank of Mott set out to plan, fund and build a community center that will serve as a new hub for all locals to enjoy.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
How Can Community Banks Ride the Digital Wallet Wave?
Looking to drive card usage and ensure continued deposit recapture? As the use of digital wallets continues to accelerate, here’s how you can participate and benefit from this trend.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Payments
Powering Potential: ICBA Certification Q&A with Arlene Cooper
Arlene Cooper, internal audit officer at CNB Bank in Carlsbad, N.M., is a certified community bank internal auditor (CCBIA) and certified community bank compliance officer (CCBCO). She shares insights on compliance challenges and her approach to upholding ethical standards at CNB Bank.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lindsay LaNore: 8 Healthy Habits for Conflict Resolution
Strategies for Consumer-Centric Banking: an Exclusive Bud Webinar
SPONSORED | Bud Financial has joined community bankers for an Independent Banker webinar where we’ve explored the actions they would take to drive success, revenue and customer engagement.
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
ENTER NOW: 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders awards
Nominations for 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders 2025 are now open!
January 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
ICBA Applauds Congressional Passage of Funding Bill with Farm Bill, Farm Aid
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement applauding the inclusion of a farm bill extension and a $10 billion farm aid package in the year-end continuing resolution.
December 21, 2024 |
Press Release
Agriculture Farm Bill
TCM Bank Appoints C.J. Littrell as President, Jacob Eisen to Continue as TCM Bank CEO
ICBA Payments, the payments-services subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), today announced that C.J. Littrell has been appointed president of its credit card bank, TCM Bank, N.A. Littrell will retain his role as chief operating officer (COO), working closely with Jacob Eisen, who continues as TCM Bank’s permanent CEO. As president and COO, Littrell will oversee the bank’s strategic initiatives, drive operational efficiency, and work alongside Eisen and members of the TCM Bank board of directors to continue strengthening TCM Bank’s partnerships with community banks nationwide.
December 20, 2024 |
Press Release
ICBA encourages grassroots calls on farm aid package
ICBA is urging community bankers to call their members of Congress to urge inclusion of an emergency farm aid package in a final funding bill when Congress approves a continuing resolution, or CR.
December 20, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Farm Bill
’80s-themed ICBA PAC auction set for ICBA LIVE
ICBA PAC is hosting its 36th Annual Auction Fundraiser on Wednesday, March 12, during ICBA LIVE in Nashville. Tickets for the ’80s-themed event go on sale Friday, Jan. 3.
December 20, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies adjust CRA asset thresholds
Federal regulators announced the 2025 updated asset-size thresholds used to define "small banks" and "intermediate small banks" under their current Community Reinvestment Act regulations.
December 20, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance CRA
ICBA urging congressional outreach on spending package’s farm provisions
ICBA is calling on community bankers to contact their members of Congress and urge support for including a farm bill extension and farm aid package in a pending end-of-year funding bill.
December 19, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Farm Bill
Fed cuts rates by 25 basis points
The Federal Open Market Committee voted to cut target interest rates by 25 basis points due to an easing labor market and inflation moving toward its 2% goal.
December 19, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
CFPB targets credit card reward programs
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a circular warning that some credit card companies operating rewards programs may be breaking the law.
December 19, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
ICBA applauds farm aid package, farm bill extension
ICBA applauded the initial inclusion of a farm bill extension and a $10 billion farm aid package in the year-end continuing resolution before Congress.
December 18, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Farm Bill
ICBA-advocated trigger leads bill passes Senate
ICBA-advocated legislation that would protect the financial privacy of mortgage applicants passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
December 18, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
Romero Rainey: Credit unions should pay taxes—period
Credit unions should pay taxes, as The Wall Street Journal rightly pointed out in a recent editorial, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said in a LinkedIn post.
December 18, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
ICBA urges Congress to pass emergency farm aid
ICBA called on Congress to pass a farm bill extension and a farm aid package in addition to assisting citizens recovering from weather-related disasters.
December 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
ICBA Applauds CR Farm Aid Package, Farm Bill Extension
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement applauding the initial inclusion of a farm bill extension and a $10 billion farm aid package in the year-end continuing resolution.
December 17, 2024 |
Press Release
Congressional Matters Agriculture Farm Bill
OCC: Commercial credit risk stabilizing
The OCC reported that the federal banking system remains sound but said it expects banks to remain diligent and adhere to prudent risk management practices across all risk areas.
December 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
OCC
ICBA: New ACH proposals are burdensome, risky
ICBA said it opposes the addition of a fourth daily same-day Automated Clearing House processing window because it would be burdensome for community banks by adding late-day operational stress, accounting challenges, and settlement risk.
December 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ACH
ICBA to Congress: Pass Farm Bill Extension and Farm Aid Before Adjournment
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement urging Congress to pass a farm bill extension and a farm aid package in addition to assisting citizens recovering from weather-related disasters.
December 16, 2024 |
Press Release
Agriculture Farm Bill
ICBA announces ThinkTECH Accelerator Cohort
ICBA announced the selected companies for its eighth ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator Program (AP8). The solutions represent vendor management, check fraud prevention, integration, digital banking for families, conversational AI, and commercial lending.
December 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FCC eliminates use of Weiss ratings as standard for banks
The Federal Communications Commission eliminated the use of the Weiss ratings as the standard for U.S. banks to be considered “acceptable to FCC” for purposes of issuing qualifying program letters of credit.
December 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Report: Gaps in cross-border payment regulation open the door for fraud
Inconsistencies in regulations on cross-border payments create opportunities for fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit financial activities, according to the Financial Stability Board.
December 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fraud
ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator Cohort Revealed
The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) today announced the selected companies for its eighth ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program (AP8).
December 16, 2024 |
Press Release
Report: Most fraud complaints involve crypto
Most fraud-related complaints involve fraudulent crypto investments initiated through social media contacts that later develop into relationship confidence scams, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
December 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
CFPB issues final rule capping overdraft fees
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a final rule on overdraft services that will cap fees at banks and credit unions with more than $10 billion in assets.
December 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance
Community bank net income rises in Q3
Community bank net income rose 6.7% in the third quarter on higher net interest income and was up 3.9% from a year ago, according to the FDIC’s latest Quarterly Banking Profile.
December 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
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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