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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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Senate hearing tomorrow on CDFIs

The Senate Banking Committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow for a subcommittee hearing on community development financial institutions.
October 16, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   CDFI 

Credit unions labeling themselves community banks: Romero Rainey

Community bankers have for years warned of the expansion of credit union powers, but Navy Federal Credit Union’s new “Community Bank” brand indicates credit unions recognize they’ve gone too far, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey wrote in a recent LinkedIn post.
October 16, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

ICBA National Campaign Toolkit offers audio materials

The ICBA National Campaign Toolkit features numerous assets for community banks and state partners, including customizable audio ads.
October 16, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Marketing 

Farmers and Merchants' Digital Transformation in Farm Country

Working in an agricultural community, Farmers and Merchants Bank is supporting its farm customers by innovating its products and services.
October 16, 2023 | Independent Banker   Lending 

CFTC charges head of failed crypto bank with fraud

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission charged the former head of failed crypto brokerage firm Voyager Digital with fraud and registration failures in connection with the digital asset platform.
October 13, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Digital Assets 

Payments council releases instant payments operational guide

The U.S. Faster Payments Council released a new resource for banks working to implement instant payments.
October 13, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Faster Payments 

CFPB, DOJ: Law protects credit applicants regardless of immigration status

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Justice Department said in a joint statement that all credit applicants are protected from discrimination under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, regardless of their immigration status.
October 13, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance 

Lindsay LaNore: How to Dress Up Discussions

Workdays can bring both exciting opportunities and challenging headwinds, and often it’s the ability to have open dialogue that makes it easier to manage both. Being able to communicate effectively within your team can unlock potential for new ideas, products and efficiencies.
October 13, 2023 | Independent Banker  

ICBA Proposes Solution to Promote Mortgage Affordability

ICBA, Community Home Lenders of America, and National Association of REALTORS today proposed a solution to reduce historically high long-term mortgage rates relative to long-term Treasury bonds.
October 12, 2023 | Press Release   Mortgage Lending 

CFPB issues guidance on fees for providing account information

ICBA said it is reviewing new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance requiring banks and credit unions over $10 billion in assets to provide account information requested by customers without charging fees.
October 12, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance 

FDIC launches deposit insurance awareness campaign

The FDIC launched a national campaign to increase the public’s awareness of deposit insurance and how it can protect people’s money in the event of a bank failure.
October 12, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

Bowman: Regulators should avoid harming bank viability

Banking regulators should ensure changes to the regulatory framework do not harm the long-term viability of banks, especially midsized and smaller banks, Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said.
October 12, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Reserve 

An Update on Data Protection Regulations

Last year, the CFPB issued an advisory opinion on privacy protection for personal data compiled from community banks. Here’s what you need to know.
October 12, 2023 | Independent Banker   Advocacy Compliance 

ICBA Statement on Today’s CFPB Advisory Opinion

Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on today’s guidance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
October 11, 2023 | Press Release   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 

Fed’s Bowman: Advocacy on CDFI proposal making a difference

Federal Reserve Board Governor Michelle Bowman recognized community banker concerns with proposed changes to the community development financial institution certification application.
October 11, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA supports bill to establish USDA Express loan program

ICBA expressed support for a recently introduced House bill based on an ICBA proposal to speed up approval times for USDA loans and thereby enhance access to credit in rural communities.
October 11, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   USA Farm Loan Programs 

Agencies issue additional guidance on open-source security

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other agencies issued a fact sheet on improving security of open-source software in operational technology and industrial control systems.
October 11, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity 

Credit unions now labeling themselves community banks: Romero Rainey

Community bankers have for years warned of the expansion of credit union powers, but Navy Federal Credit Union’s new “Community Bank” brand indicates credit unions recognize they’ve gone too far, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey writes in a new LinkedIn post.
October 11, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

Oxford Bank Presents Cybersecurity Lessons from the FBI

Oxford Bank connected its community with the FBI during an educational, interactive session about the importance of cybersecurity and awareness.
October 11, 2023 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Nacha expanding spot checks of ACH Contact Registry info

Nacha encouraged financial institutions to ensure their information in the ACH Contact Registry is correct and up to date.
October 10, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   ACH 

Credit union data reporting exemption covered in Politico

A new Politico column draws attention to the lack of regulatory transparency at tax-exempt credit unions, particularly their exemption from federal reporting requirements on overdraft fees.
October 10, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

Chopra: CFPB’s 1033 consumer data proposal coming this month

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau this month will propose standards for sharing consumer financial data, CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said.
October 10, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA releases handout on 1071 rule for small-business customers

ICBA added a new handout for small-business customers to its collection of customizable tools on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Section 1071 rule.
October 10, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance 

Interagency appraisal panel meeting next month

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Appraisal Subcommittee next month is scheduled to hold its third public hearing on appraisal bias, the residential appraisal process, and associated regulations.
October 10, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

Derek Williams: Strengthening Cybersecurity Together

While cyberattacks are not going away, we’re all in this battle together and can learn from one another.
October 10, 2023 | Independent Banker  

How Community Banks Can Cut Down Data Privacy Threats

Education on how to keep data safe is important for both community bank employees and their customers. Community bankers and data privacy experts share their tips to help keep data safe.
October 09, 2023 | Independent Banker   Compliance Payments 

ICBA releases handout on 1071 rule for small-business customers

ICBA added a new handout for small-business customers to its collection of customizable tools on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Section 1071 rule.
October 06, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 

FDIC proposes corporate governance, risk management guidelines

The FDIC proposed guidelines to establish corporate governance and risk management standards for covered institutions with total consolidated assets of $10 billion or more.
October 06, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

House bill introduces ICBA-proposed USDA Express loan program

A newly introduced House bill would implement an ICBA proposal to speed up approval times for USDA loans and thereby enhance access to credit in rural communities.
October 06, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   USA Farm Loan Programs 

ICBA backs bipartisan bill to update small-issue bond programs

ICBA expressed support for bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate to reform small-issue bond programs that support first-time farmers and manufacturing.
October 06, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Agriculture 

Rebeca Romero Rainey: Combatting Cyber Threats

We need to continue our training … to identify threats and prepare ourselves, our staff and our customers for what’s possible and what’s potentially next.
October 06, 2023 | Independent Banker  

New HR subgroup on ICBA Community

ICBA launched a new human resources subgroup on its ICBA Community online platform.
October 05, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA updates advocacy dashboard

ICBA updated its “Advocacy in Action” government relations dashboard for the fourth quarter with the latest community banking advocacy successes and priorities.
October 05, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

Lawmakers targeting credit cards that benefit retailers: op-ed

Retailers benefit from the convenience of credit cards at the same time they’re asking Congress to impose new routing restrictions, according to a new Washington Times op-ed.
October 05, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Cards 

Bowman: Credit union acquisitions show need for rethinking merger standards

Credit union acquisitions of community banks support the case for including credit unions and other nonbanks in regulatory policies on proposed bank mergers, Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said.
October 05, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

Future-Proof Your Community Bank's Core

It’s a stressful time when your core contract is up for renewal. Is your community bank getting what it needs? More importantly, will it still be in five years or more? Here’s why it’s vital to take a closer look at those contracts and make sure you’re getting the best core for your bank’s future.
October 05, 2023 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Sheltered Harbor offers three pillars for cyber resiliency: blog

With Cybersecurity Awareness Month underway, a new ICBA blog post spotlights how the Sheltered Harbor initiative supports community bank cyber resilience.
October 04, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity 

ICBA-CISA exercise returns this fall

ICBA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are scheduled to host another tabletop exercise to support community bank cybersecurity this fall.
October 04, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity 

ICBA offers teller specialist program for the team

The ICBA Teller Specialist Certificate Program equips community bank tellers with the knowledge and tools needed to meet the demanding requirements of the frontline banking environment.
October 04, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

How to Excel in Niche Lending

From microbreweries to veterinary businesses, new companies pop up every day, but the needs of each business customer are different. We spoke to specialty community bank lenders on how they serve their chosen niches and, in turn, help their customers achieve their dreams.
October 04, 2023 | Independent Banker   Lending 

Independent Banker focuses on all things cybersecurity

The October issue of ICBA Independent Banker magazine features six things community banks need to know about cybersecurity today.
October 03, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity 

Regulators propose updated reporting on web addresses

The federal banking agencies proposed regulatory reporting changes related to the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s accounting standards update on troubled debt restructurings and vintage disclosures.
October 03, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Regulatory Compliance 

Supreme Court to begin hearing arguments on CFPB constitutionality

The U.S. Supreme Court today is set to hear arguments in a case challenging the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
October 03, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance 

ICBA urging outreach on 1071, credit card legislation

ICBA continues urging community bankers to reach out to their lawmakers on two key initiatives pending in Congress.
October 03, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending Payments 

Chris Cole: Basel III Endgame Proposals Targeted at Large Banks

With legislation like the Interagency Proposal to Amend Regulatory Capital Requirements for Large Banks, it’s as important as ever for community bankers to share their opinions on why “too big to fail” banks and community banks should be regulated differently.
October 03, 2023 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

ICBA Provides Consumer Tips to Safeguard Financial Data During Cybersecurity Awareness Month

In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the nation’s community banks are offering tips to consumers on practical measures they can take to protect their sensitive data and reduce risk.
October 02, 2023 | Press Release   Cybersecurity 

New ICBA podcast on how community banks can use AI

The latest episode of ICBA’s “Independent Banker” podcast spotlights what artificial intelligence means for community banks and how they can take advantage of it.
October 02, 2023 | Podcast   Technology 

Short-term funding extension averts government shutdown

Congress on Saturday passed a short-term government funding extension, which President Joe Biden signed into law, averting a government shutdown. The agreement keeps the government funded at current levels until Nov. 17.
October 02, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Crisis Preparedness 

FinCEN issues updated guidance on beneficial ownership reporting

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued additional guidance and resources on pending beneficial ownership information reporting requirements.
October 02, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance Technology 

6 Things Community Banks Need to Know About Cybersecurity Today

From dealing with emerging cyber threats, such as attacks on third-party open banking APIs or deep fakes via WormGPT, to finding ways to get all your employees to be aware and proactive, we spoke to community bankers and experts about the tools and knowledge that will help you fight cyberattacks.
October 02, 2023 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Gruenberg: Interest in reforming deposit insurance has dissipated

There does not seem to be any imminent likelihood of changes to U.S. deposit insurance coverage, FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg said.
September 29, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Deposit Insurance Deposit Insurance 

OCC issues 2024 supervision plan

The OCC released its bank supervision operating plan for fiscal 2024, which the agency’s staff uses to guide supervisory priorities, planning, and resource allocations.
September 29, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

Central bank group says CBDC experiment successful

The Bank for International Settlements said an experiment showed that wholesale central bank digital currencies can be used to facilitate cross-border trading and settlement between financial institutions.
September 29, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Digital Assets 

FDIC updates consumer compliance exam manual

The FDIC issued an updated version of its Consumer Compliance Examination Manual, which exam staff use for supervisory activities.
September 29, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

FinCEN seeking comment on application for reporting identifier

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is seeking additional comment on a proposed application that entities would use to obtain an identifier for reporting beneficial ownership information.
September 29, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity Technology 

FinCEN proposes extending deadline for filing beneficial owner info

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued a proposal to extend the deadline for certain reporting companies to file their initial beneficial ownership information reports.
September 28, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

CISA launches cybersecurity public awareness campaign

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency announced the launch of a nationwide cybersecurity public awareness campaign to educate Americans on how to stay safe online.
September 27, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity Technology 

ICBA opposing congressional efforts to advance rate caps

ICBA and other groups expressed united opposition to a legislative proposal to impose a national cap on the fees and interest charged on consumer loans.
September 27, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending 

Senate preps for vote on resolution to reverse 1071 rule

With the Senate set to act as soon as this week on a resolution to block the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Section 1071 rule, ICBA is urging community bankers to urge their senators to support the measure.
September 27, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance Payments 

ICBA Commends Senate Banking Committee for Passing Bipartisan Cannabis-Banking Bill

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today commended the Senate Banking Committee for its passage of the SAFER Banking Act (S. 2860), bipartisan legislation that would establish a safe harbor from federal sanctions for financial institutions that serve cannabis-related businesses in states where cannabis is legal.
September 27, 2023 | Press Release   Cannabis banking 

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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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