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.
Lawmakers call on Gruenberg to resign or testify
Republican members of the House Financial Services Committee called on FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg to appear before the committee next month if he has not stepped down before then.
August 15, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit unions use loopholes to undercut community banks: former exec
Credit unions use their tax-exempt status to weaken community banks and their capacity to meet the credit needs of local communities, according to a former credit union executive who now works for a community bank.
August 15, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust: The Bankers Behind the Screen
Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust strikes a balance between personalized service and quick convenience with its growing collection of Teller On Demand kiosks.
August 15, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Independent Banker offers ideas to budget strategically
The 2025 budgeting season will be difficult because of the current interest rate environment, according to a new Independent Banker article, but there are opportunities for community banks to budget strategically.
August 14, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB: federal rules apply to contract-for-deed arrangements
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advisory opinion and research report on contracts for deed, a form of home seller financing.
August 14, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance
FDIC issues notice on asset manager exemption notice
The FDIC issued a Financial Institution Letter on an amended Labor Department rule governing how qualified professional asset managers handle exemption requests under the Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption rule.
August 14, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lindsay LaNore: 7 Essentials for Your Leadership Backpack
Be prepared as you learn, teach and lead.
August 14, 2024 |
Independent Banker
ICBA: Removing medical debt information from credit reporting won’t work
ICBA told the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that its proposed rule to remove medical debt information from credit reporting will lead to inaccurate reports and hinder community banks’ ability to comply with other regulations.
August 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
ICBA: Agencies don’t need specific regulations on AI
ICBA said the Treasury Department and federal banking agencies do not need to issue specific regulations to govern artificial intelligence usage because overly prescriptive regulations may stifle the use of AI in the banking sector.
August 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Artificial Intellegence Department of Treasury
Fed’s Bowman: Bankers and regulators aren’t on the same page about M&A
When it comes to process reform for mergers and acquisitions, it can feel like bankers and regulators are living in different worlds, according to Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman.
August 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
A Compelling Employee Perk: Education Benefits
Investing in employees’ professional growth has proven to contribute to both their success and retention rates. What steps can community banks and their leadership take to help employees along their career paths?
August 13, 2024 |
Independent Banker
ICBA: FHFA overstepping with FHLBank inquiry
The Federal Housing Finance Agency does not have the authority to redefine the mission of the Federal Home Loan Banks, ICBA told American Banker.
August 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Housing Finance Agency
FDIC issues guidance on interactive teller machines
The FDIC issued guidance on whether the use of interactive teller machines at a location other than an established branch facility would require banks to file a domestic branch application.
August 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA requests comment extension on bank-fintech arrangements
ICBA and other groups requested a 30-day extension to the comment period for the regulatory agencies’ request for information on bank-fintech arrangements.
August 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fintech Innovation
Richwood Bank Cultivates Community with Each Cup
Richwood Bank brews up both coffee and funding for the community through its one-of-a-kind bank-owned coffee chain. Here’s how it worked with the Fed to make it happen.
August 12, 2024 |
Independent Banker
FDIC announces initial dates for new resolution filings
The FDIC announced initial submission dates for its final rule requiring resolutions plans for banks with at least $100 billion in assets and “informational filings” for banks over $50 billion.
August 09, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Independent Banker deciphers FHFA credit score transition
A new Independent Banker article breaks down the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s new credit scoring requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and ICBA’s concerns with the models.
August 09, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
OCC: Banks affected by Hurricane Debby can close
The OCC issued a proclamation allowing national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches to close offices in areas of Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., affected by Hurricane Debby.
August 09, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Climate
Lucas White: Getting Comfortable With Fintechs
With fintechs, the more you get involved, the more you learn. There’s a whole continuum of fintechs out there that support community bank needs.
August 09, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
ICBA continues call for 1033 exemption in new article
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should exempt banks with less than $850 million in assets from its pending rule on sharing consumer financial data, ICBA told American Banker.
August 08, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
ICBA: Fed has discretion to deny master account access
ICBA told a U.S. appellate court that federal law provides the Federal Reserve Banks with the discretion to deny or grant master account access.
August 08, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
EGRPRA outreach meeting registration closes tomorrow
ICBA encourages community bankers interested in providing oral comments at federal regulators’ virtual public outreach meeting on banking regulations to register by tomorrow’s deadline.
August 08, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
8 Budgeting Ideas That Support Growth
Smart budgeting allows for adaptation to changing financial and economic conditions. But the most important thing, say experts, is that community banks focus on investing in what’s working for them.
August 08, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
ICBA urges Congress to advance community bank tax priorities
ICBA urged members of the House Ways and Means Committee Tax Teams to advance several community banking industry tax initiatives as they craft priorities for tax legislation in 2025.
August 07, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Taxes & Budget
Independent Banker: What community banks can learn from behavioral economics
Research into behavioral economics has generated insights on how consumers make decisions, which can help community banks meet the needs of customers, according to the latest issue of Independent Banker magazine.
August 07, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
EGRPRA outreach meeting registration closes Friday
ICBA encourages community bankers interested in providing oral comments at federal regulators’ virtual public outreach meeting on banking regulations to register by this Friday’s deadline.
August 07, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies/Regulators
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Remaining Nimble Against a Litany of Regulation
It’s not about trying to buck guidance, but rather seeking to ensure appropriate regulation that provides suitable safeguards while retaining flexibility.
August 07, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Agencies request comment on data collection proposal
Federal financial regulators requested comment on a proposed rule that would establish data standards for certain information collections submitted to the agencies.
August 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
EGRPRA outreach meeting registration closes Friday
ICBA encourages community bankers interested in providing oral comments at federal regulators’ virtual public outreach meeting on banking regulations to register by this Friday’s deadline.
August 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FHA publishes final rule on engagement with mortgagors in default
The Federal Housing Administration published a final rule to update a HUD regulation that requires mortgagees to meet in person with borrowers who are in default on their mortgage payments.
August 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA objects to FCC using Weiss Ratings for access to certain programs
ICBA told the Federal Communications Commission that Weiss Ratings is ill-suited for use as a gatekeeper for certain FCC programs.
August 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FCC
OCC: Banks in Florida, Georgia affected by Hurricane Debby can close
The OCC issued a proclamation allowing national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches to close offices in areas of Florida and Georgia affected by Hurricane Debby.
August 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Powering Potential: Fuel Your Team's Career Growth
ICBA Education’s Professional Development Planner provides clear direction for community banks aiming to support the career growth of their staff.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Out of Office: Rich Ohnmacht
The executive vice president and chief commercial banking officer of $425 million‑asset Woodsboro Bank in Woodsboro, Md., shares his passion for the saxophone and what keeps him playing.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
6 Things to Consider Before Opening a New Branch
A new branch can present new opportunities for community banks—if you plan thoroughly and calculate the risk involved.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance Growing the Community
Charles Potts: Making the Case for Responsible Innovation
The rapid pace of today’s financial services landscape pulls community banks in varied directions. You must balance technology upgrades with budgetary constraints and identify your bank’s pressing priorities.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
How To Assess Your Community Bank's Physical Security Risk
Evaluate your community bank’s zones, employees and strategies to ensure your physical security is strong enough to dissuade criminals.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Tioga State Bank Celebrates 160 Years
It’s an extraordinary achievement when any institution surpasses 100 years of service, much less 150 years. But this year, Tioga State Bank, N.A., in Spencer, N.Y., has gone beyond even that impressive milestone.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Certification Q&A: Guadalupe Arroyo
Guadalupe Arroyo has found her passion in financial auditing as senior auditor and assistant vice president of Western State Bank in Garden City, Kan. We talked to Arroyo about her career and how ICBA Education services have helped hone her expertise.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Member Milestones 2024: Steadfast Banks for Modern Times
Every time a community bank celebrates a significant anniversary, it’s a reminder that our relationship-based business model transcends time and generations. Here, ICBA recognizes and honors its member banks’ 100th, 125th and 150th anniversaries. Read on for stories of how their impact and expertise have persevered through each new year, decade and century.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
CFO Roundtable 2024: Preparation, Perspective, Diligence
This past year has been one of fluctuation for many community banks, amid inflation,
rule changes and other uncertainties. Independent Banker caught up with several chief financial officers to get a handle on how community banks are weathering these changes.
August 05, 2024 |
Independent Banker
3 Ways Banks Can Increase Deposits Amid Slow Loan Demand
SPONSORED | Maximize your SMB's financial potential amidst tough market conditions! Unlock three powerful strategies to help you increase SMB deposits and turn challenges into opportunities.
August 05, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Ron Haynie & Tim Roy: Deciphering FHFA's Credit Score Transition
The FHFA continues to transition away from FICO, leaving lenders wondering about the potential impact it may have on the industry. Here’s what we know so far.
August 02, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Explore and Evaluate Core Providers With IBT Apps’ Resource Kit
SPONSORED | The Core Technology Survival Kit is available for community bankers! Whether you’re just beginning your core modernization journey and exploring your options or evaluating your current provider and considering a change, you’ll greatly benefit from this kit.
August 02, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Payments
What Is Behavioral Economics, and Could It Help Your Bank Grow?
Much of our financial decision-making is driven by cognitive biases and emotions—and behavioral economics is the science behind that. Learn more about this field and how it’s driving some community banks to introduce products and services that engage and attract customers to make better decisions.
August 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Managing Liquidity in an Uncertain Rate Environment
SPONSORED | With elevated customer demand for safe cash investments, increased competition for deposits, and potential rate cuts on the horizon, banks are strategizing carefully to maintain competitiveness while minimizing risk exposure when it comes to savings rates.
August 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
IRS reports problems with crypto tax enforcement
Digital asset seizure values have grown exponentially, topping $7 billion in 2022, but compliance enforcement with virtual currency is difficult, according to a new Treasury Department report.
July 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Department of Treasury Digital Assets
Ohio Community Banker Named TCM Bank Chairman
TCM Bank, N.A., the credit card bank of ICBA Payments, announced the election of new board members Robert Barnes, president and CEO of PriorityOne in Magee, Miss.; Brad Bolton, president and CEO of Community Spirit Bank in Red Bay, Ala.; and Anita Drentlaw, president and CEO of New Market in Lakeville, Minn. Jack Hartings, Chairman of People Bank Co. of Coldwater, Ohio, who previously served on the board, was elected chair of the TCM Bank Board of Directors.
July 17, 2024 |
Press Release
Bank Director/Board Member
ICBA: New FHLBank lending restrictions will reduce access to home loans
A recent Federal Home Loan Bank of New York decision to impose new reporting requirements on member banks will restrict access to home loans, ICBA said.
July 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FHLB
ICBA continues seeking feedback on check fraud
ICBA continues encouraging community bankers to share their experiences and input on the challenge of check fraud.
July 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fraud
Navigating Compliance in Cannabis Banking
With potential regulatory guidance for cannabis banking on the horizon, these community banks are positioning themselves strongly and safely within this growing industry.
July 17, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
FinCEN official: Beneficial ownership reporting only takes 20 minutes to complete
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Deputy Director Jimmy Kirby said most companies should be able to file beneficial ownership information reporting quickly and without the help of an attorney or accountant.
July 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
ICBA: New Federal Home Loan Bank Lending Restrictions Will Harm Access to Home Loans
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today issued the following statement on the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s recent announcement that it will restrict lending by its member banks.
July 16, 2024 |
Press Release
FHLB
ICBA: FHLBanks’ mission should not be changed
ICBA told the Federal Housing Finance Agency that the Federal Home Loan Banks’ mission is clear and does not need to be substantially changed or clarified.
July 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FHLB Federal Housing Finance Agency
FDIC holding second signage webinar for bank officers
The FDIC this month is scheduled to hold the second of four webinars for bank officers and employees on its final rule governing the usage of official FDIC signs, advertising, name, logo, and more.
July 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Michael Benedict: Are We There Yet?
Take a look at the nagging persistence of portfolio mark‑to‑market.
July 16, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy Growing the Community
Comments on FHLBank system mission review due today
Today is the deadline for community bankers and others to submit comments on the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s request for input on the mission of the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
July 15, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FHLB Federal Housing Finance Agency
AT&T discloses customer data breach
AT&T released a statement on unauthorized access of customer data from a third-party cloud platform.
July 15, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Data Breach Cybersecurity
Fed researchers: Banks that share name with failed institutions experience loss of business
Federal Reserve researchers said banks that share their name with a failed bank experience a half-percent drop in transaction deposits relative to banks with similar characteristics but different names.
July 15, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Customers Bank's Dynamic AI Strategy
In response to the growing prominence of artificial intelligence in everyday bank operations, Customers Bank has embraced generative AI and developed an internal training program to educate its employees on how to use it.
July 15, 2024 |
Independent Banker
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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