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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.

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Fed to conduct public outreach on monetary policy review next year

The Federal Reserve announced that the 2025 periodic review of its monetary policy strategy, tools, and communications will include public outreach events.
November 25, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Reserve 

ICBA LIVE registrants eligible for special drawing

Community bankers who register for ICBA LIVE 2025 by Friday, Nov. 29, will be entered into a drawing for one of three prizes.
November 22, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

CFPB finalizes rule on oversight of digital payment apps

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule to supervise the largest nonbank companies offering digital funds transfer and payment wallet apps.
November 22, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 

ICBA releases new check fraud guide

ICBA’s Check Fraud Task Force this week published a new guide that explains how and when community banks should contact regulators about check fraud.
November 22, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Fraud 

ICBA releases guide on contacting regulators about check fraud

ICBA’s Check Fraud Task Force published a new guide that explains how and when community banks should contact regulators about check fraud.
November 21, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Fraud 

Comments on FDIC brokered deposit rule due today

ICBA is encouraging community bankers to use its guide to submit unique comment letters on the FDIC’s notice of proposed rulemaking on brokered deposit restrictions ahead of today’s deadline.
November 21, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

ThinkTECH Connect today

ICBA’s ThinkTECH Connect—which offers community bankers a fast-paced introduction to innovative fintech companies—is scheduled for noon (Eastern time) today. Community bankers can attend the session live or get the recording.
November 21, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Independent Banker highlights technology trends

When assessing new technology, community bankers should ask themselves what requires the most human interaction but is tedious or repetitive work, according to the latest Independent Banker magazine.
November 20, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Treasury notes risks in cross-border payments

If a poorly designed cross-border payments system were widely adopted, it could do significant harm to international financial stability and economic security, according to a senior Treasury Department official.
November 20, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Department of Treasury 

FDIC’s Gruenberg to retire in January

FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg told colleagues he will retire on Jan. 19, according to media reports of his message to agency staff.
November 20, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

New podcast on combating holiday-season fraud

The latest Independent Banker podcast spotlights how community bankers can get ahead of year-end fraud and raise awareness among consumers as the holidays approach.
November 19, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

FDIC extends comment period for custodial deposit proposal

The FDIC extended to Jan. 16 the comment period for its proposed rule on recordkeeping requirements for custodial accounts.
November 19, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

Blog: New Marketing Resource Center helps community banks tell their story

ICBA released a dynamic toolkit designed to equip community banks with everything they need to create consistently impactful marketing campaigns, according to a new Main Street Matters blog post.
November 19, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Marketing 

ICBA launches Marketing Resource Center

ICBA’s Marketing Resource Center—which brings member banks valuable, vetted marketing materials to better tell their stories—is available starting today.
November 18, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Marketing 

Romero Rainey: Credit unions’ fuzzy math reveals tax exemption insecurity

While credit unions have a history of playing fast and loose with the facts, they now appear willing to say just about anything to distract from the impact of their taxpayer subsidies, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey wrote in a new op-ed on LinkedIn.
November 18, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

FinCEN updates FAQs on beneficial ownership

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network updated two frequently asked questions related to access to beneficial ownership information.
November 18, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 

ICBA supports FARM Act

ICBA said it supports the Farmer Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act (H.R. 10045), which would offer targeted relief to farmers who have suffered crop losses due to the impact of adverse weather conditions and low commodity prices.
November 15, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Farm Bill 

Comments on FDIC brokered deposit rule due next week

ICBA published a guide to help community bankers submit unique comment letters on the FDIC’s notice of proposed rulemaking on brokered deposit restrictions ahead of next week’s deadline.
November 15, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

ICBA urges community bankers to comment on FDIC brokered deposit rule

ICBA published a guide to help community bankers submit unique comment letters on the FDIC’s notice of proposed rulemaking on brokered deposit restrictions ahead of next week’s deadline.
November 14, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

Independent Banker details fight against new FHLB regulations

When the Federal Housing Finance Agency last year began a deep dive on the Federal Home Loan Bank System, ICBA urged the agency not to fix what isn’t broken, as detailed in the latest Independent Banker magazine.
November 14, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

FinCEN warns banks about deepfake fraud schemes

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued an alert to help financial institutions identify fraud schemes associated with the use of deepfake media created with generative artificial intelligence tools.
November 14, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 

ICBA urging community bankers to comment on FDIC brokered deposit rule

ICBA published a guide to help community bankers submit unique comment letters on the FDIC’s notice of proposed rulemaking on brokered deposit restrictions.
November 13, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

Senate hearing next week on Credit Card Competition Act

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, Nov. 19, on his ICBA-opposed bill to create credit card routing mandates.
November 13, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Cards 

FDIC: Unbanked households at record low

Only 4.2% of U.S. households were unbanked in 2023, according to the FDIC’s latest biennial survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households, the lowest national unbanked rate since the survey began in 2009.
November 13, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

ICBA Foundation makes a difference

Support from the ICBA Foundation helped Rolling Fork, Miss., rebuild after a devastating tornado last year.
November 12, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Invitation-only event next month for leaders of large community banks

ICBA’s Breaking Barriers Symposium is set for Dec. 4-5 in Washington, D.C.
November 12, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA: Another credit union acquisition as policy questions mount

After the 20th credit union acquisition of a community bank this year—and another featuring a credit union crossing state lines to buy a community bank—ICBA said the record number of transactions is being noticed by the public and policymakers.
November 12, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

CFPB penalizes Navy Federal Credit Union for overdraft fees

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered Navy Federal Credit Union to refund more than $80 million in overdraft fees to consumers, change its overdraft practices, and pay a $15 million civil penalty.
November 08, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 

ICBA urging community bankers to comment on FDIC brokered deposit rule

ICBA published a grassroots guide to help community bankers submit unique comment letters on the FDIC’s notice of proposed rulemaking on brokered deposit restrictions.
November 08, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

Fed cuts rates by 25 basis points

The Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to cut target interest rates by 25 basis points due an easing labor market and inflation moving toward its 2% goal. The cut lowers the federal funds rate to a range of 4.5% to 4.75%.
November 08, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA: Another Taxpayer-Fueled Acquisition as Policy Questions Mount

Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement after the latest acquisition of a tax-paying bank by a tax-exempt credit union, extending this year’s record to 20.
November 08, 2024 | Press Release   Credit Unions 

ICBA publishes election analysis

With the re-election of President Donald Trump, control of the Senate shifting to Republicans, and the House still up in the air, ICBA released an analysis of the 2024 election exclusively for community banks.
November 07, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Government Banks 

FDIC committee on economic inclusion to meet next week

The FDIC announced that its Advisory Committee on Economic Inclusion (ComE-IN) will meet at 9 a.m. (Eastern time) Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Washington, D.C.
November 07, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

ICBA matches $25k donation for Hurricane Relief Fund

The ICBA Foundation’s Hurricane Relief Fund—which is dedicated to supporting community bankers, their employees, and communities—continues to grow, including via a $25,000 match from ICBA.
November 07, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

FDIC to unveil online tool to promote creation of minority banks

The FDIC announced that today it will introduce an online tool to help financial institutions, investors, and other interested groups to identify neighborhoods that could benefit from banking services.
November 06, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

Coming soon: Analysis of 2024 election impact on community banking

With Election Day 2024 in the books, ICBA will release an analysis of the pending election results and their impact on community banks.
November 06, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA matches $25k donation for Hurricane Relief Fund

The ICBA Foundation’s Hurricane Relief Fund—which is dedicated to supporting community bankers, their employees, and communities—continues to grow with generous support, including a $25,000 match from ICBA.
November 06, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Romero Rainey: ICBA Looks Forward to Working with Election Winners on Community Bank Policies

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the 2024 elections. “ICBA and the nation’s community bankers congratulate the winners of last night’s elections and look forward to working with them on the key policy issues affecting community banks and the communities they serve.
November 06, 2024 | Press Release   Community Bank Awareness 

New op-ed: Don't fix what isn't broken at Federal Home Loan Banks

The Federal Housing Finance Agency’s regulatory crackdown on the Federal Home Loan Banks threatens the housing finance system at a time of high prices and limited supply, ICBA wrote in a new op-ed.
November 04, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Housing Finance Agency 

Federal working group designed to boost CDFI access to capital

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced the formation of a working group to increase capital for affordable housing lending from the Federal Home Loan Banks.
November 04, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   CDFI Federal Housing Finance Agency 

Former NCUA official profiles rogue credit union

A new blog post spotlights a growth-focused credit union that has rapidly expanded its footprint and obscured its declining net worth by acquiring smaller credit unions and issuing subordinated debt.
November 04, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

ICBA: Credit union penalty exemplifies consumer impact of lagging oversight

ICBA said a new regulatory action against VyStar Credit Union for harming consumers through its botched rollout of a new online banking system exemplifies the risks posed by lagging credit union regulation.
November 01, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

ICBA calls for additional EGRPRA outreach meetings

ICBA commended the federal banking agencies for hosting a virtual community banker outreach meeting under their current regulatory review and called for at least three more meetings.
November 01, 2024 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   EGRPRA s.2155 

Here Comes the Snow: Lending Support for Winter Businesses

Rain or shine, community banks are there to serve their communities. But how about snow? For some, the cold weather is more than welcome. We talked to four community banks located in winter-centric areas—Alaska, Minnesota, Colorado and northern New York—about how they take advantage of seasonal snowfall and lend to meet the needs of those at the cold front.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker   Lending 

Michael Benedict: Bridging the Gap

Rate cuts may not provide immediate margin relief, but you can take steps to reduce near-term pressure.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

Community Bank Tactics for Recruiting Tech Superstars

The battle for tech talent continues to be a difficult one for community banks. But with the right approach, bank leadership can appeal to a segment of tech-savvy individuals fit for the job.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker  

Easing the Way: Current and Upcoming Banking Technology Trends

The best technology is the kind that supports both the customer and the community bank. We look at some key industry challenges and where tech could potentially ease pain points. Importantly, we encourage banks to ask one essential post-implementation question: Is this technology getting the job done?
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker   Payments 

How to Prepare for a Potential 1071 Implementation

While ICBA continues to challenge the 1071 rule’s legality, community banks must prepare for its potential passage.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker   Compliance 

Alternative Credit Scoring Models: Beyond FICO

Community banks can expand access to capital by looking at other factors for loan approval. Here’s what to consider.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker   Lending 

Tim Roy: Pushing Back Against Upcoming FHLB Regulations

Significant changes could be in store for the Federal Home Loan Bank system, with possible negative effects for community banks.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

Native American Bank Dedicates a Day to Gratitude

On June 28, Denver-based Native American Bank, N.A., hosted a Customer Appreciation Day at Yellow Bird Woman Park near its Browning, Mont., branch.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker  

Out of Office: Rachell Bilbrey

The senior vice president and director of treasury at $1.8 billion-asset Builtwell Bank in Chattanooga, Tenn., finds creative fulfillment through conceptualizing, creating and styling home interiors.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker  

Lucas White: Staffing for the Digital Future

We can teach technology, but we can’t teach the passion that comes with community banking. It has to be inherent.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker  

Ion Bank: A Reflection of the Customers It Serves

Ion Bank makes a point of fostering a diverse workplace and supporting local communities through its multilingual staff, fundraising efforts and inclusive outreach.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker  

Powering Potential: A Guide to In-Person ICBA Events

ICBA’s in-person events offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth. Discover how stepping out of the office and into a collaborative environment can enhance understanding, retention and network building.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker  

5 Tips for Handling Fintech Partnership Contracts

Go into fintech contract negotiations with clear intention to save your community bank from future conflict.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker   Compliance 

You’ve Launched a New Website—What Happens Now?

SPONSORED | “Build it and they will come” is great for a baseball field. But when you’ve just put your all into a new website, find out how to generate ROI, produce actionable results and more.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

Rebeca Romero Rainey: AI, the New Frontier

To safeguard our banks, we must understand how AI is being used today for the good and the bad, then evolve our risk management procedures accordingly.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker  

Independent Financial: A New Model for Expanding Healthcare Access

Independent Financial asked what its community needed most, then undertook an innovative approach to supporting public health.
November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker  

Lindsay LaNore: How To Be a Memorable Leader

November 01, 2024 | Independent Banker  

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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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