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.
2024 Summer Internship Diaries - Vol. 3
Last week was jam packed with exciting events and opportunities that we all enjoyed participating in. All of us interns have had time to develop skills within the workplace, and we have all delighted in taking on new projects within our departments.
October 04, 2024 |
News
2024 Summer Internship Diaries - Vol. 2
As we finish our second week here at ICBA, we already have made incredible memories with fellow interns and other ICBA employees. The workplace culture is vibrant and supportive, and we all have grown to appreciate it even in the short time we have been working here.
October 04, 2024 |
News
2024 Summer Internship Diaries - Vol. 6
As we approach the final few weeks as interns here at ICBA, we have been thinking about our futures while looking back on the time we have spent here this summer.
October 04, 2024 |
News
2024 Summer Internship Diaries - Vol. 5
After a restful 4th of July week, we were excited to return to a full week of exciting activities. We kicked off the week with a volunteer activity at Food and Friends, a local social services organization that prepares, packages, and delivers medically tailored meals.
October 04, 2024 |
News
2024 Summer Internship Diaries - Vol. 4
After four weeks as interns at ICBA, we have continued to have new and exciting experiences together which have all felt valuable to our time here.
October 04, 2024 |
News
ICBA Foundation raising funds for Hurricane Helene relief
The ICBA Foundation Disaster Relief Program is requesting tax-deductible donations to assist community banks and employees affected by Hurricane Helene.
October 04, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA: Record-setting 17th credit union acquisition requires response
Following this year’s 17th acquisition of a tax-paying community bank by a tax-exempt credit union—a new single-year record—ICBA repeated its call for policymakers to respond.
October 04, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
2024 Summer Internship Diaries - Vol. 1
Last week, we began our internship program here at ICBA. Starting a new position is an exciting time, but it comes with unique challenges that we must face together. The first week is critical, where we learn, work, and create with others for the first time.
October 04, 2024 |
News
Swift to start live trials of digital asset transactions next year
Swift announced that banks and central banks across North America, Europe, and Asia in 2025 will be able to use its network to conduct pilot transactions in digital assets and central bank digital currencies.
October 04, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
Record-High Community Bank Acquisitions by Tax-Exempt Credit Unions Requires Policy Response
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement after this year’s 17th acquisition of a tax-paying bank by a tax-exempt credit union — a new single year record.
October 03, 2024 |
Press Release
Credit Unions
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
ICBA Shares Consumer Tips to Protect Financial Data During Cybersecurity Awareness Month
In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) offers tips to help consumers protect their sensitive financial information and minimize the risk of cyber threats.
October 01, 2024 |
Press Release
Cybersecurity
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
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Communication Is Key to Mitigating Fraud
By sharing information … we can also stop fraud in its tracks for the benefit of our banks, customers and the industry at large.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Lucas White: Conquering Check Fraud One Check at a Time
Requiring solutions like Positive Pay, offering ongoing education and putting caps on the size of checks that can be deposited remotely are all strategies that can help mitigate our risk.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Technology Is Revamping Equipment Financing
From 3D printers to robotic feeders, equipment has shifted toward tech-savvy solutions that require community banks’ equipment financing expertise.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Specialize and Thrive: Community Banks Find Success Lending to Niche Markets
When it comes to organic growth, niche lending is one way to reach lucrative new markets. Here, three community banks tell us how they work with specialized industries such as aviation, commercial fishing, and veterinary and dental practices. The goal is to build partnerships that are valuable to both business and bank.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Fidelity Bank Is Transforming Women's Entrepreneurship
By promoting education, advocacy, networking and financial support, Fidelity Bank's P.O.W.E.R. program is setting a new standard for how financial institutions can contribute to the success and empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Establishing the Right Dynamic at Family-Owned Banks
Family-run community banks, like any family business, come with both strengths and challenges. Family members from three family banks tell us about their paths to community banking, and what it takes to maintain strong connections both inside and outside work.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Grand Savings Bank Lends a Hand After the Storm
On June 5 and 6, employees at Grand Savings Bank in Grove, Okla., volunteered to serve meals to families and volunteers cleaning up after two tornadoes hit Decatur, Ark., on May 26.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Can Faster Payments Lead to Faster Fraud?
Community banks can thwart criminals’ attempts to scam people via instant payments by deploying multilayered controls, including educating customers on how to not fall for scams.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Payments
The Pros and Cons of Offering Trust Services
Offering fiduciary services can add depth to your wealth management offerings, but it won’t be right for every community bank. Bankers and other experts weigh in.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
D&O, Liability and Cyber Insurance: How to Keep Up
Emerging threats make it important to update insurance coverage, whether it’s for directors and officers, cybersecurity or professional liability insurance.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Is Your Bank Compliant With New Email Authentication Rules?
Recent updates regarding email standards will require additional oversight from community banks to ensure customers receive important email communications.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Jim Reber: October, Effectively
How have the financial markets performed in the tenth month?
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Susan Sullivan Kinney and Brian Laverdure: The Cryptocurrency Debate
Despite its popularity and precarity, cryptocurrency remains mostly unregulated at a government level. So, to address the unknowns surrounding this sector and protect consumers, ICBA is advocating for clear legislation.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Helpful Tips for Streamlining the Core Conversion Process
At each step of the process, a core conversion will hold new challenges. Make sure you have the tools and knowledge to address these issues and support your employees through it all.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Payments
How Generative AI Can Revolutionize Cybersecurity in Community Banking
As AI grows in prominence, it’s spreading across different facets of the banking industry and its operations. And while AI fraud itself has become a significant concern, the technology's potential benefits mean that community banks have begun dabbling in this area of opportunity.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Payments
United Bank: Incubating Success for Local Businesses
United Bank’s Church Street Incubator serves as a launchpad for budding companies by reducing their financial burden and building community.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Powering Potential: ICBA Certification Q&A with Ryan Capouch
Ryan Capouch, BSA and compliance officer at Reliabank in Sioux Falls, S.D., boasts more than a decade of experience and certifications including certified community bank compliance officer (CCBCO) and certified BSA/AML professional (CBAP) designations.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Charles Potts: Tackling Fraud With Technology
Can tech help solve community bank's fraud and risk concerns? Here's what we think.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Lindsay LaNore: 5 Values to Look for in Prospective Leaders
What qualities and values are key signs of a great potential leader?
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
The Independent Banker Reader Survey Results Are In
See the top findings from Independent Banker's 2024 Readership Survey.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Out of Office: Kelsey Goates
After she found a passion for fitness, the central Texas community banker and ICBA 40 Under 40 2024 honoree began hosting weekly workouts to share her passion with her community.
October 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Marketing Made Easier with Ready-to-Use Toolkits
Whether your bank’s goal is to acquire new card accounts or boost usage from your existing cardholders, marketing plays a key role. No marketing means stagnant portfolios and low revenue.
September 30, 2024 |
Payments Quarterly
Lessen the Impact of Card Fraud with ICBA Payments’ Fraud Loss Protection Plan
Card fraud losses constitute a significant percentage of a bank’s card program’s costs. In fact, according to the Nilson Report, card fraud accounted for $33 billion in losses worldwide in 2022, with $13.6 billion of those losses occurring in the United States.
September 30, 2024 |
Payments Quarterly
Leveling Up with Payments
It’s not an easy time for community banking. Each day, we must balance changing interest rates, increasing fees, new technology demands, and mounting customer expectations, which leaves us wondering what’s left for innovation.
September 30, 2024 |
Payments Quarterly
Instant Payments Pilot Opportunity
In case you missed it, ICBA recently announced a partnership with Pidgin, a company that provides best-in-class faster payments capabilities.
The partnership is aimed at supporting community banks on their instant payments journeys, while ensuring they have the options and solutions they need to be competitive as instant payments accelerate in the market.
September 30, 2024 |
Payments Quarterly
ICBA Names René Shonerd as Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer
The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) announced today that René Shonerd has joined as executive vice president and chief information officer (CIO).
September 30, 2024 |
Press Release
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
Advanced Cybersecurity Considerations for Community Banks
SPONSORED | Is it time for your community bank to move beyond traditional SIEM systems? Discover how cybersecurity advancements like Extended Detection and Response leverage AI and machine learning for superior threat detection. Explore key factors like scalability, compatibility, and advanced features crucial for your cybersecurity evolution.
September 30, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Payments
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
Will AI Supercharge Regtech for Community Banks?
By harnessing artificial intelligence’s power, regtech has greater potential to streamline regulatory compliance and offer cost savings for community banks that use it, say experts.
September 27, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
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
Out of Office: Kaitlyn Dummitt
As a seasoned painter, AVP of marketing at $1.73 billion-asset Waterford Bank, N.A. in Toledo, Ohio, continues to discover new ways to enhance her artistic prowess.
September 26, 2024 |
Independent Banker
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
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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