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.
ICBA’s State of the Union ‘junk fee’ response makes news
ICBA’s response to President Joe Biden’s comments on “junk fees” during Tuesday’s State of the Union address made headlines.
February 09, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Cards
ICBA urges committee to enhance data privacy bill
ICBA expressed support for provisions of legislation designed to improve consumer privacy and data security accountability for more entities that handle consumer data.
February 09, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Data Security/Fraud Privacy
New polling indicates consumer opposition to Durbin Amendment expansion
The Electronic Payments Coalition released new polling conducted by Morning Consult indicating that consumers across all income levels are benefiting from credit card rewards to help make ends meet during uncertain economic times.
February 09, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Interchange Lending
CFPB issues guidance on digital mortgage platforms
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advisory opinion to prevent digital mortgage comparison-shopping platforms from illegally referring borrowers to only lenders paying referral fees.
February 08, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
OCC updates booklet on branch closings
The OCC issued the “Branch Closings” booklet of the Comptroller’s Licensing Manual. The revised booklet replaces the booklet of the same title issued June 2017, makes corrections where necessary, and contains updated guidance.
February 08, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA to Fed: Consider Impact of Climate Risk Management Proposals
ICBA today said it appreciates that the Federal Reserve Board tailored its proposed climate risk management framework to institutions over $100 billion in assets, though the association expressed concerns about the impact of such proposals for community banks.
February 07, 2023 |
Press Release
Climate
ICBA Rejects President Biden’s Misleading Remarks on ‘Junk Fees’ During State of the Union Address
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.
February 07, 2023 |
Press Release
Overdraft Services
FDIC issues update on amended HMDA threshold
The FDIC issued a Financial Institution Letter on changes to the loan-origination threshold for reporting Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data on closed-end mortgage loans following a recent court decision. The OCC previously issued a similar bulletin.
February 06, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
Politico spotlights ‘powerful’ ICBA push for crypto oversight
ICBA’s push for policymakers to rein in the crypto industry as part of its agenda for the 118th Congress made headlines in Politico.
February 06, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets Technology
SEC rethinking climate disclosure proposal: report
The Securities and Exchange Commission is considering “softening” its ICBA-opposed proposed rule to institute climate-related investor disclosures, according to The Wall Street Journal.
February 06, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Climate
House, Senate committee hearings underway this week
The House and Senate’s banking committees this week are scheduled to host their first hearings of the 118th Congress.
February 06, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Capital Small Business Lending
ICBA requests clarity on HUD appraisal guidance
ICBA called on the Department of Housing and Urban Development to clarify lender obligations under draft guidance on borrower requests for Reconsideration of Value, or ROV, of appraised properties for Federal Housing Administration single-family loans.
February 06, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Mortgage Lending
FHA Single Family Housing Policy Feedback: Single Family Mortgagee Letter - Borrower Request for Review of Appraisal Results
ICBA called on the Department of Housing and Urban Development to clarify lender obligations under draft guidance on borrower requests for Reconsideration of Value, or ROV, of appraised properties for Federal Housing Administration single-family loans.
February 03, 2023 |
News
Mortgage Lending Housing Finance/GSEs
Proposal would require banks to verify U.S. Treasury checks
The Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service issued a proposed rule to amend its regulations governing the payment of checks drawn on the U.S. Treasury.
February 03, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA: CFPB credit card proposal misrepresents community bank model
ICBA raised concerns with a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed rule on credit card late fees and the bureau’s mischaracterizations of community bank credit card lending.
February 02, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Cards
Fed raises interest rates 25 basis points
The Federal Open Market Committee raised the federal funds rate target by 25 basis points to a range of 4.5% to 4.75%.
February 02, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
OCC issues bulletin on amended HMDA threshold
The OCC issued a bulletin on changes to the loan-origination threshold for reporting Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data on closed-end mortgage loans following a recent court decision.
February 02, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA: Credit Card Proposal Raises Questions About CFPB’s Recognition of Community Bank Business Model
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on today’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed rule on credit card fees for late payments.
February 01, 2023 |
Press Release
Compliance Credit Cards Community Bank Awareness
Listen Up: Talent recruitment and retention
Is there a strategy or method to recruiting and retaining talent? In episode 3 of the Independent Banker podcast, community banker Kim Kirk and fintech insider Tommy Marshall discussed today’s competitive job market and explained how they attract and keep skilled employees in a highly competitive job market.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Out of Office: Brian Dowers
Since 2009, senior vice president and chief operations officer of $700 million-asset Fountain Trust Company in Covington, Ind., has made several long-distance motorcycling trips across the U.S.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
First Bank of Alabama: STEM day at the races
First Bank of Alabama partners with Talladega Superspeedway track to host a hands-on educational STEM program event for seventh graders.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Community banks that weathered Hurricane Ian
Following the damage of Hurricane Ian last fall, Florida’s community banks rallied to help affected employees and customers, providing above-and-beyond service without missing a beat.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
How community banks can leverage payment trends
Data analysis can illuminate patterns and trends in your customers’ transactions. Community bankers and industry experts share how to best put this data to use.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Payments
Navigating new overdraft fee guidance for community banks
The CFPB recently issued new guidance on overdraft fees that was unanticipated by community banks. Learn what this means for the industry and how community banks can stay in compliance.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy Compliance
Jim Reber: Time to lock in?
SBICs can hit the sweet spot on the yield curve.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Our banking family
When we assemble at LIVE, it’s about coming together to ignite the passion for community banking on behalf of our communities in a way that moves the industry forward.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Member Benefits: Advocacy through digital channels
Digital media gives community bankers a platform for advocacy, and ICBA’s Virtual Advocacy Primer details how you can put it to work.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
MDIs and CDFIs bolster minority-owned businesses
When the U.S. Treasury created the Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP), it provided MDIs and CDFIs with an influx of capital that they’re using to help minority-owned businesses in their communities.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
What is digital twin technology?
Through digital twinning, a range of industries are better understanding situational risk using technologies that can simulate scenarios using a virtual version of an organization.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Payments
Biometrics: Security technology for community banks
The field of biometrics is evolving every day, incorporating new technology that could enhance community banks’ defenses against fraud. Industry experts explain how this technology works and its importance to protecting customer data.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Charles Potts: Assesing potential fintech partners
Maximizing each step in the innovation journey, including the fintech evaluation process, will set you on the right path to a fruitful fintech partnership.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Payments
Brad M. Bolton: Passion for LIVE
[ICBA LIVE is] an opportunity to continue training up the next generation, so I would encourage community bank leaders to join us and bring your rising community continuators with you.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Lilly Thomas: Shaping the regulatory year ahead
With a full agenda of topics that need attention, ICBA’s government relations team is meeting with the regulatory agencies, writing comment letters and offering up research and ideas to help shape the discussion.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Lindsay LaNore: Fighting the February lull
Here are 12 ways to light up your February and find your focus.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Scottsdale Community Bank: Making microloans
De novo Scottsdale Community Bank set out to provide microloans to small and mid-size businesses, family organizations and nonprofits—a project that was inspired by the humble lemonade stand.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Lending
3 Simple Strategies to Maximize your Financial Education Offerings
SPONSORED | Financial literacy is the backbone of consumers’ ability to manage their money and make smart, informed choices. But the absence of accessible, effective financial education is drastically decreasing the average financial literacy rate, thus handicapping people’s potential financial prosperity. This crisis of financial knowledge has led to rapidly rising financial anxiety rates, especially amongst Millennials and Gen Z.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Payments
When Every Minute Matters, Choose FirstClose Equity
SPONSORED | Everything old is new again, right? Case in point: Home Equity. These products have been around for decades but in recent years have taken a back seat to cash-out refinances. Now this is changing as borrowers with historically low first mortgage rates and generationally high levels of tappable equity rediscover HELOCs.
February 01, 2023 |
Independent Banker
Lending
FDIC extends deadline on proposed updates to logo rules
The FDIC extended by 45 days the public comment period for proposed changes to its regulations relating to the FDIC’s official sign, official advertising statement, deposit insurance misrepresentations, and misuse of the agency’s name or logo. Comments are now due by April 7.
January 31, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA Delivers Policy Priorities to 118th Congress
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today shared its policy priorities for the 118th Congress with members of the House and Senate.
January 30, 2023 |
Press Release
Advocacy Community Bank Awareness
Digital transformation webinar series continues tomorrow
ICBA’s Digital Transformation Demystified webinar series continues tomorrow with part three on building or perfecting a digital transformation plan.
January 30, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Instant Payments
House Financial Services Committee announces majority staff
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) announced the panel’s majority staff for the 118th Congress. Staffers include Staff Director Matthew Hoffmann, Chief Counsel and Policy Director Kimberly Betz, and Director of Operations Lindsey Shackelford.
January 30, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
ICBA supports federal actions to mitigate nonbank risks
ICBA said it supports several federal actions announced Friday that will help mitigate the risks posed by special-purpose depository institutions and digital assets.
January 30, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
New resource spotlights six phases of FedNow journey
The Federal Reserve released a guide on the six phases of the FedNow Service journey. The document shows key activities and decisions for organizations to prepare for and go live with FedNow.
January 30, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Instant Payments
ICBA urges CFPB to limit burden of rulemaking on consumer data
ICBA called on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to limit the regulatory burden of its pending rulemaking to establish standards for sharing consumer financial data.
January 27, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Compliance
ICBA meets with Waters on CDFI certification changes
ICBA continued its campaign opposing changes to the Community Development Financial Institution certification application during a meeting with House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.).
January 27, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CDFI MDI
ICBA Supports Federal Actions to Mitigate Nonbank Risks
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on today’s federal actions to help mitigate the risks posed by crypto-asset firms.
January 27, 2023 |
Press Release
Digital Assets Technology Fintech Regulation
ICBA announces passing of former chief executive Ken Guenther
ICBA is mourning the passing of former ICBA President and CEO Ken Guenther, who died Wednesday. Guenther’s fierce passion for community banking has served as an inspiration for many in the industry.
January 27, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Community Bank Awareness
NCUA extends credit union interest rate ceiling
The National Credit Union Administration board voted to extend the 18% interest rate ceiling for loans made by federal credit unions through Sept. 10, 2024.
January 27, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
ICBA LIVE 2023: What to expect
With educational sessions on hot‑button issues, inspirational speakers and beneficial networking opportunities, ICBA LIVE is the greatest community banking event in the country. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect from the event, held this year from March 12–16 in Honolulu.
January 26, 2023 |
Independent Banker
ICBA Names Stephanie Foster as Director, ThinkTECH Accelerator
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the hire of Stephanie Foster as director, ThinkTECH Accelerator. Foster serves in a newly created position following ICBA’s announced plans to bring its highly successful ThinkTECH Accelerator program inhouse.
January 25, 2023 |
Press Release
Technology
ICBA Shares Tips on How to Protect Your Financial Information
In recognition of Data Privacy Week, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) is reminding consumers of practical steps to help safeguard their sensitive data and protect against losses in the event of a data breach or compromise.
January 23, 2023 |
Press Release
Cybersecurity
Senators echo concerns with CDFI application change
Senate Banking Committee members Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) encouraged the Treasury Department to consider all comments responding to its proposal to revise Community Development Financial Institution certification application and reporting requirements.
January 23, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CDFI Department of Treasury
ICBA to Regulators: Apply Stricter Resolution Standards on Large Regional Banks
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today urged federal regulators to apply stricter regulatory standards on large regional banks.
January 23, 2023 |
Press Release
Regulatory Relief
ICBA urges CFPB to preempt state TILA law
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was incorrect in determining that the Truth in Lending Act does not preempt a recently enacted New York State disclosure law, ICBA said in a new comment letter.
January 23, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
ICBA, groups to CFPB: Seek input on review of credit card late fee safe harbor
ICBA and other groups called on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to comply with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act as it considers reducing or eliminating the safe harbor fee that credit card issuers may charge to avoid scrutiny of their fees as unreasonable.
January 23, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance Credit Cards
FHFA announces Fannie, Freddie fee updates
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will reduce their upfront fee for commingled securities to 9.375 basis points after announcing a 50-point fee last year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced.
January 20, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Secondary Mortgage Market Secondary Mortgage Market
Regulators should rethink climate proposals: ICBA op-ed
While federal regulators are working to finalize climate risk proposals that purportedly target the nation's largest financial institutions, the proposals would inevitably subject community banks to new and expensive regulatory burdens, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey wrote in a new op-ed.
January 20, 2023 |
News
Climate
Brainard: Fed ‘staying the course’ in tackling inflation
The Federal Reserve is “determined to stay the course” to address inflation and restore price stability, Fed Vice Chair Lael Brainard said.
January 20, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Inflation
CFPB issues guidance on ‘negative option’ subscriptions
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a circular affirming that companies offering “negative option” subscription services must comply with federal consumer financial protection law.
January 20, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
FinCEN announces BSA penalty inflation adjustments
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network today is set to issue a final rule to reflect annual inflation adjustments to its civil monetary penalties as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990.
January 19, 2023 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
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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