Skip to Main Content
ICBA
ICBA
  • Member Login
  • Member Login

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.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter Example Text Press Resources Example Text

Build Up Your Protections

Fraud remains a pervasive and growing problem for community banks—with tangible losses. According to a survey from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, every dollar lost to fraud costs U.S. financial services firms $4.23, 16 percent higher than in 2020.
March 16, 2023 | Payments Quarterly   Payments 

Georgia Banker Elected ICBA Chairman

Derek B. Williams, president and CEO of Century Bank & Trust in Milledgeville, Ga., was elected chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) for 2023-24. His term begins March 16 at the conclusion of the ICBA LIVE national convention in Honolulu.
March 16, 2023 | News  

ICBA Announces 2023-24 Executive Committee

The Independent Community Bankers of America today announced the election of its 2023-24 Executive Committee during the 2023 ICBA LIVE national convention in Honolulu.
March 16, 2023 | News   Advocacy 

NCUA considering ICBA-opposed subordinated debt today

With the National Credit Union Administration meeting today on a rule to relax restrictions on issuing subordinated debt, a former NCUA official raised concerns in a recent blog post.
March 16, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

FedNow Service will launch in July

The Federal Reserve is scheduled to launch its FedNow Service in July, Fed officials announced at ICBA LIVE 2023 in Hawaii.
March 16, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Reserve 

Incoming ICBA Chairman Derek Williams: Community Banking Light Continues to Burn Bright

Incoming Independent Community Bankers of America Chairman Derek Williams urged community banks attending ICBA LIVE to fuel a legacy of compassion, courage and commitment that attracts and inspires others and illuminates the path forward.
March 16, 2023 | Press Release   Advocacy Community Bank Awareness 

Passwordless Authentication: The Next Ecosystem?

It has been a continuous conversation over the past several years, and one that is gaining further momentum with each reported data breach—when, or should, banks shift to passwordless authentication?
March 16, 2023 | Payments Quarterly   Payments 

How Visa’s Updated Compelling Evidence Rule Impacts Community Banks

Fraud remains a pervasive and growing problem for community banks—with tangible losses. According to a survey from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, every dollar lost to fraud costs U.S. financial services firms $4.23, 16 percent higher than in 2020.
March 16, 2023 | Payments Quarterly   Payments 

Closing The Digital Divide, Opening New Threats

While cash is still considered to be the most secure form of payment by merchants and consumers, there are a litany of options—including checks, credit and debit cards, wire transfers, and ACH payments—and more recently, new and innovative solutions are emerging—further altering the payments ecosystem.
March 16, 2023 | Payments Quarterly   Payments 

Customers as a First Line of Defense

As the payment card industry continues to strengthen its overall fraud posture with the introduction of security features like machine learning fraud detection, chip cards, EMV 3DS (previously termed 3DS 2.0), and one-time passcodes, criminals have resorted to classic techniques such as social engineering to successfully perpetrate account takeover attempts.
March 16, 2023 | Payments Quarterly   Payments 

Preventing Mobile Fraud in Nine Steps

As consumer smart phone adoption has grown over the years, so has the share of online purchases transacted via mobile devices—and with it, incidents of fraud.
March 16, 2023 | Payments Quarterly   Payments 

ICBA’s Romero Rainey: Community Bank-Focused Advocacy, Innovation, Education Will Light the Way

During her keynote speech at ICBA LIVE, Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today told community bankers that ICBA’s advocacy, education and innovative efforts are driven by community banks' passion to succeed for their customers and communities.
March 15, 2023 | Press Release   Advocacy 

ICBA Commends Federal Reserve for Reviewing Silicon Valley Bank Oversight

Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on today’s announcement from the Federal Reserve.
March 14, 2023 | Press Release   Deposit Insurance 

ICBA: Silicon Valley Bank and the Nation’s Largest Banks Are Not Community Banks

Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued this response following a joint statement released from the Treasury Department, FDIC, and Federal Reserve following Friday’s closure of Silicon Valley Bank.
March 13, 2023 | Press Release   Deposit Insurance 

ICBA voicing community bank resiliency amid banking industry developments

Amid a series of developments following the closure of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday, ICBA said it is ensuring the community banking voice is being heard while it reminded consumers they can bank with confidence at a community bank.
March 13, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

ICBA, groups urge Congress to oppose proposed tax hikes

ICBA and other groups called on Congress to oppose the more than $4 trillion in proposed tax increases targeting Main Street businesses in the Biden administration’s new fiscal 2024 budget.
March 13, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

ICBA LIVE Kicks Off Today: “Light the Fire. Light the Way” Illuminates the Path Forward for Community Banks

Starting today, community bankers and industry leaders from across the country will gather for the 2023 Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) national convention, ICBA LIVE, at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort.
March 13, 2023 | Press Release  

House committee starts flood insurance reauthorization process

The House Financial Services Committee kicked off its efforts to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program before it expires Sept. 30.
March 13, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Flood Insurance Compliance 

CFPB seeking input on impact of mortgage loan originator rules

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau requested feedback on the economic impact of its mortgage loan originator rules on small mortgage companies.
March 13, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA: Consumers Can Bank with Confidence at Community Banks

Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued a statement on today’s bank closure.
March 11, 2023 | Press Release   Deposit Insurance Digital Assets 

Latest ICBA podcast spotlights cybersecurity collaboration

The latest episode of ICBA’s “Independent Banker” podcast spotlights cybersecurity collaborations and how to turn vendor relationships into true partnerships to maximize value.
March 10, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity Technology 

ICBA’s Balcer discusses Durbin Amendment expansion on podcast

ICBA chief of government relations and public policy Anne Balcer appeared on the “Coffee with Closers” podcast to discuss top community bank advocacy priorities, including opposing efforts to apply Durbin Amendment routing restrictions to credit cards.
March 10, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Cards Lending 

FDIC issues guidance on Fair Hiring in Banking Act

The FDIC released a Financial Institution Letter on amendments to Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act under the Fair Hiring in Banking Act.
March 10, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

USDA budget would fund $5.6B guaranteed farm loans, $2B for B&I guarantees

The USDA’s portion of the Biden administration’s proposed fiscal 2024 budget would provide $5.6 billion in guaranteed farm operating and ownership loans, the same amount USDA recommended for the 2023 budget cycle.
March 10, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

House members raise concerns with CFPB’s 1071 rule

Several members of Congress expressed concerns with the community bank impact of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s pending rule implementing Section 1071 small-business reporting requirements.
March 10, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA Calls for Research on Digital Asset Impact on Community Banks

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) called on the federal government to support and prioritize research on the specific effects of digital assets on community banks and their customers.
March 08, 2023 | Press Release   Digital Assets 

Fintech Application Period Kicks Off for ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator

The Independent Community Bankers of America officially kicked off its application period for initial 2023 ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program, with a focus on deposit gathering and retention, and real-time/instant payment solutions.
March 08, 2023 | Press Release  

ICBA Selects the Plateau Group as a Preferred Service Provider for Payment Protection Insurance

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the continuation of its long-standing affiliation with the Plateau Group, first established through its partnership with ICBA Reinsurance, as ICBA’s newest Preferred Service Provider.
March 07, 2023 | Press Release  

ICBA Bancard Names Executive Vice President of Client Engagement and Business Development

ICBA Bancard, the payments services subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America, today announced Alicia Marrone as executive vice president of client engagement and business development.
March 06, 2023 | Press Release  

Why community banks should urge updates to TRID mortgage disclosures: blog

ICBA encourages community bankers to submit comments urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to test and ultimately adopt an ICBA proposal to update mortgage disclosures, ICBA’s Ron Haynie writes in a new blog post.
March 06, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Mortgage Rules 

ICBA backs bill to strengthen CFPB cost-benefit analysis

ICBA expressed support for newly reintroduced House legislation that would require a thorough cost-benefit analysis for proposed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules.
March 06, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA calls for research on community bank impact of digital assets

ICBA called on the federal government to support and prioritize research on the specific effects of digital assets on community banks and their customers.
March 06, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Digital Assets Technology Fintech Regulation 

ICBA accepting service award nominations

ICBA is accepting nominations for its National Community Bank Service Award program recognizing community banks that provide outstanding volunteer services to local communities.
March 06, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA Statement on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac 2022 Earnings Release

Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the 2022 earnings releases from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
March 03, 2023 | Press Release   Secondary Mortgage Market Secondary Mortgage Market Housing Finance/GSEs 

ICBA urging comments supporting updated TRID disclosures

ICBA is encouraging community bankers to call on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to adopt an ICBA proposal to improve mortgage disclosures required under TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rules.
March 03, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

Treasury lays out objectives of CBDC working group

A Treasury-led interagency working group charged with advancing work on a possible U.S. central bank digital currency has narrowed its objectives into three key policy areas, Treasury's Nellie Liang said.
March 02, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Payments 

Unity Bank’s fields of gold

Unity Bank volunteers help people facing food insecurity in their community.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Brad Bolton: Keep advocating

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as chairman. I will continue to advocate for community banking, and for the rest of my career, stand side by side with you to fight our future battles.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

ICBA's Marketing Communications Toolkit

Using ICBA’s Marketing Communications Toolkit, your community bank can tell its story with intention and precision.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

Jim Reber: Collateral advantage

A variety of MBS pools can spread your risk.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Lending 

Out of Office: Natalie Bartholomew

The Northwest Arkansas community president of $2.4 billion-asset First Community Bank in Batesville, Ark., is part of the fifth generation to live on her family farm. She recently bought a new greenhouse and runs an Instagram account that highlights her farm and home.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Listen Up: Partners in fraud prevention

Interested in learning about the many ways you can protect your financial institution from fraud? Episode 4 of the Independent Banker podcast features Pioneer Trust Bank’s Betsy Steinberg and ICBA Bancard’s Rebecca Kruse to inform listeners of the types of fraud cases to protect your customers and services from.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Compliance Payments 

Valley Bank helps lead women home

Valley Bank is working side by side with Walter Hoving Home, a place of refuge for women struggling with addiction and other personal challenges, to offer residents financial empowerment.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

BankOnBuffalo redefines mobile banking

BankOnBuffalo has hit the road with its new mobile bank, BankOnWheels, to meet the needs of underserved communities.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Lindsay LaNore: 7 ideas for cultivating inspiration

The theme for ICBA LIVE 2023 is “Light the Fire. Light the Way.” As leaders, that’s a huge part of what we do: spark enthusiasm, encourage creativity and guide our teams on the paths to success.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Charles Potts: How to use data to drive bank growth

Working hand in hand with digital transformation, data provides a powerful tool for community banks. Its accessibility, readability and applicability in today’s digital-first environment has enhanced community banks’ ability to serve their customers, creating a heightened experience.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

Phishing solutions for community banks

Phishing has been around almost as long as email itself, which means hackers have had plenty of time to perfect their practices. It’s more likely than not that community bank staff will fall for a scam, but how can the bank best respond?
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Compliance Payments 

Aaron Stetter: Setting a course for the new Congress

ICBA is getting the community banking message out, from sending a letter detailing ICBA’s policy priorities to every member of the new Congress to reinforcing that messaging with advertisements in Politico, Capitol Hill’s must-read publication.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

Updates to the beneficial ownership rules

Starting in 2024, banks will be required to collect beneficial ownership information on accounts they maintain. Here’s what’s changing and what it means for community banks.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Compliance 

The benefits of offering virtual advisor services

Spurred by social distancing and shutdowns during the pandemic, many community banks turned to virtual financial advisory services, and these new practices are expected to stick around.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Community banks’ guide to FedNow resources

The time has come for the long-awaited FedNow launch. As community banks navigate this process, there are plenty of resources available to answer questions and provide guidance.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Excel Disasters: 5 spreadsheet mistakes that cost billions

SPONSORED | Learn how your team can fight the hidden danger lurking between the columns: human error.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Market your community bank with first-party data

Customer data fuels efficient and effective marketing these days. Community banks own an enviable amount of data, but not all are leveraging it to its fullest extent.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

ICBA's Terry Jorde has eyes to the horizon

Terry Jorde didn’t originally plan on entering the community banking industry. But with a fortuitous move to North Dakota, she worked up from teller and bookkeeper to an industry leader. As Jorde, ICBA chief of staff, prepares to retire, she and her colleagues reflect on her journey.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Crafting a marketing plan when a community bank merges

There are so many factors that community bank marketing teams need to consider following a merger or acquisition. How can they ease customers’ anxiety? How does employee satisfaction affect customer retention? We spoke to experts and community bankers on how to market during a merger.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

New ICBA chairman Derek Williams’ commitment to community

Derek Williams, president and CEO of Century Bank & Trust in Georgia, is bringing his passion for community banking to his term as ICBA chairman for 2023/24.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Getting Started with Faster Payments and FedNow

Your customers are demanding faster payments and the ability to provide it to them creates a big win for your bank. PCBB's insights paper, Getting Started with Faster Payments and FedNowSM, helps you prepare for faster payments and explores FedNow as an option.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Payments 

New Guide Helps Banks Make Informed Cannabis Lending Decisions

SPONSORED | Cannabis-related businesses are actively seeking bank lending, while bankers are increasingly viewing these customers as a source of new earning assets. By understanding the risks of lending to this industry, bankers can make informed decisions and gain financial rewards.
March 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Cannabis banking Lending 

Rebeca Romero Rainey: Authentic connection

Community banks stand out in today’s financial services space because our business model depends on an ecosystem where the bank only benefits when customers do.
February 25, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Special-purpose nonbank Custodia continues push for Fed master account

Custodia Bank is reportedly continuing its effort to procure a master account with the Federal Reserve after the special-purpose depository institution was denied last month.
February 21, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Reserve 

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.

Marketing Resource Center

Visit this page regularly for new customizable press releases, opeds, tutorials, sharable videos, tip sheets, and sample social media posts which are available exclusively for ICBA members.

Access the toolkit Example Text

ICBA NewsWatch Today

ICBA offers numerous specialty newsletters related to the community banking industry. Sign up for ICBA's daily email news bulletin for current and breaking industry news

Read Articles Example Text

Subscribe to Independent Banker Magazine

Independent Banker® is the monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America, recognized as the number one source ICBA members rely on for community banking news.

Subscribe Now Example Text

Manage Your Email Notifications and Subscriptions

Sign up to receive or manage your email messages from ICBA. Questions? Contact ICBA.

Subscribe Now Example Text

Subscribe to Independent Banker Magazine