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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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ICBA to Congress: Postal banking not the answer

ICBA told Congress that postal banking is not the solution to reaching more unbanked Americans and lawmakers should reject such proposals.
June 10, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Government Banks Postal Service Banking 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, June 10, 2021

The seven-day average of daily US infections held below 15,000 as of Tuesday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, down 17% from a week ago and a level not seen since the early days of the pandemic.
June 10, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, June 9, 2021

Declines in US Covid-19 cases, emergency department visits, hospital admissions and deaths were largest in age groups that were most vaccinated. according to a new CDC-published study.
June 09, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

Crapo challenges new bank IRS reporting proposal

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) pushed back against a Biden administration proposal that would require financial institutions to report information on account flows to the IRS.
June 09, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending 

ICBA continues push against House ‘true lender’ repeal

ICBA and other groups again urged in a joint letter to House members their opposition to a Senate-passed resolution to repeal the OCC’s “true lender” rule.
June 09, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending 

Swap guidance continues LIBOR transition

A Commodity Futures Trading Commission panel recommended best practices for switching interdealer trading conventions from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate in U.S. dollar interest rate swaps.
June 09, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending LIBOR 

CFPB issues FAQ on EFT and Reg E

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued frequently asked questions on unauthorized transfer and error resolution provisions under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E.
June 08, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance Compliance 

IRS begins contacting families on Child Tax Credit

The IRS said it started sending letters to more than 36 million American families who may be eligible to receive monthly Child Tax Credit payments starting in July.
June 08, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

ICBA releases new elder abuse awareness resources

ICBA released customizable resources to help community banks recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day next week.
June 08, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, June 8, 2021

People who have been vaccinated against coronavirus are more than 90% protected against infection and, if they do become infected, they have milder disease than unvaccinated people, a new CDC study shows.
June 08, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

ICBA requests more time for interchange feedback

ICBA and other groups called on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors to grant a 30-day extension for its Notice of Proposed Rule Making on Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing.
June 03, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Interchange 

ICBA updates data privacy guide

ICBA recently released an updated guide for community banks on data privacy laws and regulations. The guide walks community bankers through some of the more prominent state, federal, and international data privacy laws.
June 03, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Risk Cybersecurity 

ICBA to OCC: Rescind charter policy shift

ICBA and other groups wrote to request the OCC rescind its interpretive letter expanding eligibility to apply for a national trust charter as well as the conditional charter approvals for Anchorage Digital Bank, Paxos National Trust and Protego Trust Bank.
June 02, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Regulatory Relief 

Nick Denning Joins ICBA Bancard as Senior Vice President, Payments Industry Relations

ICBA Bancard, the payments services subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America, announced the hire of Nick Denning as senior vice president of payments industry relations.
June 02, 2021 | Press Release  

ICBA Offers Tips to Help Demystify the Home Buying Process

In recognition of National Homeownership Month in June, ICBA and the nation’s community banks are reminding consumers to consult their local community bank to learn about programs that can make homeownership easier and more affordable
June 02, 2021 | Press Release   Housing Finance/GSEs 

GAO urges agency collaboration re: alternative data use

The Government Accountability Office reissued its recommendation to the FDIC for enhanced collaboration with other financial regulators concerning the use of alternative data in credit underwriting.
June 02, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Regulatory Relief 

ICBA, Independent Banker Spotlights Community Bank Emerging Leaders in Annual 40 under 40 List

Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America, announced its 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders.
June 01, 2021 | Press Release  

PPP funding exhausted as loan application deadline passes

The Paycheck Protection Program closed to new loan applications more than a year and several iterations after the emergency program was enacted.
June 01, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Crisis Preparedness Lending 

Fed proposes changes to intraday credit policy

The Federal Reserve Board requested public comment on proposed changes to its policy governing the provision of intraday credit, or daylight overdrafts, to healthy institutions with accounts at the Federal Reserve Banks.
June 01, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Federal Reserve 

Event on LIBOR transition next week

The Alternative Reference Rates Committee said it is holding an event next week on the impact of the transition from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate on the derivatives market.
June 01, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, June 2, 2021

With about 34,500 new cases reported last week, the US saw the lowest number of weekly Covid-19 cases among children since early October, the American Academy of Pediatrics said Tuesday.
June 01, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

Out of Office: Kyle DeCicco

The executive vice president and senior loan officer at $740 million-asset Sanibel Captiva Community Bank in Sanibel, Fla., competes in Ironman triathlons, tests of endurance that involve swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and running a marathon.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Chief risk officers on how they manage today’s risks

The more community banks grow, the more risk they take on. Chief risk officers are the ones behind the scenes making growth possible. Four CROs sound off on their increasingly important role within community banks.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Sunflower Bank is making change for schools

For two decades, Sunflower Bank has empowered customers to raise money for schools in their community. These efforts have generated more than $1.4 million for schools and started financial conversations among students.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Jim Reber: Tighten up

Agency spreads continue to grind lower.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

How your bank can attract and keep diverse talent

Community banks are close to the areas they serve, so it follows that having a diverse workforce that’s representative of their communities would be part of their mission. But doing so often requires a conscious effort to attract talent of various backgrounds. Here’s how experts say banks can appeal to a diverse pool of candidates.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Why community banks are banking on artists

Boosting the arts is a natural extension of the commitment many community banks make to their communities. For some institutions, this work is about championing the work of local creatives. For others, it’s part of their brand. Here’s how several community banks are engaging art and artists in their own ways.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Will 2021 be another banner year for mortgage lending?

Even with the disruption of the pandemic, 2020 was a huge year for mortgage lending, with many community banks seeing record numbers of home loans, refinancings and more. The question is whether that momentum will continue.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Lending 

Aaron Stetter: Congress needs hearings on credit unions

We’re calling on Congress to hold hearings on credit unions’ misuse of their outdated tax exemption. With credit union acquisitions of banks rising, policymakers must re-evaluate and eliminate this exemption.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

Lindsay LaNore: Time for a check-in

Employees thrive when they receive regular, constructive feedback. Some experts suggest that having additional midyear or quarterly check-ins can be more effective than traditional annual reviews alone.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Tenacity drives Stearns Bank

The community bank in St. Cloud, Minn., has cultivated a culture that combines creativity and hard work. The result is an award-winning workplace that fosters growth for both employees and the bank.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Robert Fisher: Lead with integrity

One of my early mentors told me, ‘It’s often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.’ That piece of advice has … allowed us to be a little more progressive as a bank.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Rebeca Romero Rainey: Staying the course

We must work to remain optimistic in the face of adversity and keep in mind that no matter how difficult that feat may be, it’s worth the effort.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Charles Potts: A culture of innovation

Innovation is a high priority for many community bank leaders, so it’s critical that we have a foundational definition of innovation.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Payments 

What you need to know about digital issuance

Instant issue cards are becoming more common at financial institutions, as they can maximize card usage and even attract customers. But another option, digital issuance, combines that speed with increasingly popular digital services.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Stop elder financial abuse with data analytics

Elder financial abuse has been on the rise for the past decade, but so has data analytics technology, which banks can use to fight this fraud. Experts share strategies for community banks to protect their customers from identity fraud.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Compliance Payments 

40 Under 40: 2021’s Emerging Community Bank Leaders

Our third annual 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders competition highlights young community bankers who stepped up to help their banks navigate a chaotic year. They delivered economic relief. They introduced new technology. They kept their communities close when they had to be distanced. Most importantly, they found opportunities to lead when their banks and their customers most needed them. Meet our 2021 winners and see how they champion community banking across various categories.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

ICBA updates data privacy guide

ICBA this week released an updated guide for community banks on data privacy laws and regulations. The guide is available here and in the Cyber and Data Security Mitigation section of ICBA’s Operational Risk resource center.
May 28, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity 

CFPB: Manufactured housing borrowers have higher interest rates

Roughly 42 percent of loans for manufactured homes are secured by “chattel” loans secured by the home but not the land, according to a report from CFPB.
May 28, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

Remove GSE product restrictions: ICBA, minority bank council

ICBA and its Minority Bank Advisory Council this week urged the Treasury Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency to reopen negotiations over the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
May 28, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   MDI Housing Finance/GSEs 

ICBA, Minority Bank Council: Housing Finance Amendments Hurt Low-Income, Minority Borrowers

ICBA and its Minority Bank Advisory Council urged the Treasury Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency to reopen negotiations over amendments to the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that would limit purchases of certain types of loans.
May 27, 2021 | Press Release   MDI Housing Finance/GSEs 

ICBA urges House to oppose ‘true lender’ repeal

ICBA and other groups today are urging House members to oppose a Senate-passed resolution to repeal the OCC’s “true lender” rule.
May 25, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending 

ICBA releases new banklocally.org video

ICBA released its latest video in a series on how community banks have partnered with small businesses during the pandemic to help them navigate the Paycheck Protection Program.
May 25, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, May 24, 2021

A new study conducted between April and May led by Public Health England has found that two doses of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca-University of Oxford vaccine gives effective protection against the Covid variant first discovered in India.
May 24, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

USDA to begin paying off direct loans to minority farmers

The USDA announced the initial phase of plans to pay off USDA direct loans to socially disadvantaged (SDA) farmers and ranchers. It will subsequently announce its process for paying off guaranteed loans.
May 24, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Agriculture 

Voting open for People's Choice Award videos

Community bankers can now vote on ICBA’s National Community Bank Service Awards People's Choice Award videos.
May 24, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

OCC finalizes rule on collective investment funds

The OCC finalized a rule applicable to national banks and federal savings associations administering a collective investment fund invested primarily in real estate or other assets that are not readily marketable.
May 24, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, May 21, 2021

The Washington state Department of Health is announcing the closure of two of its four mass vaccination sites; coming as the state has vaccinated nearly 40% of its population.
May 21, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

Treasury proposes crypto tax reporting requirements

The Treasury Department proposed tax reporting requirements on cryptocurrencies in a new report on the administration’s American Families Plan.
May 21, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Digital Assets Technology 

Fed releasing CBDC paper this summer: Powell

Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed is planning a discussion paper for this summer on the possibility of issuing a U.S. central bank digital currency.
May 21, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Digital Assets 

OCC reconsidering CRA final rule

ICBA expressed support for an OCC announcement that it will reconsider its Community Reinvestment Act rulemakings and information collection.
May 19, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

NCUA chairman seeks CUSO oversight authority

The head of the National Credit Union Administration is scheduled to testify today on behalf of ICBA-supported legislation to expand oversight of third-party vendors, including credit union service organizations (CUSOs).
May 19, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, May 19, 2021

Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday that the nation is on track to begin vaccinating children under 12 before next year.
May 19, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

$5B left in PPP funds for certain institutions

The Small Business Administration said there is approximately $5 billion remaining in Paycheck Protection Program funds set aside for certain community financial institutions.
May 19, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

FDIC requests comments on digital assets

The FDIC requested comments within 60 days about insured depository institutions’ current and potential digital asset activities.
May 18, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Digital Assets Payments 

ICBA Supports OCC Reconsidering CRA Rule

ICBA supports the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announcement that it will reconsider its Community Reinvestment Act rulemakings and information collection.
May 18, 2021 | Press Release   CRA 

Custom op-ed counters credit union-bank acquisitions

ICBA continues to offer a customizable op-ed and updated talking points that community bankers can use to raise awareness of credit union acquisitions of community banks.
May 18, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, May 18, 2021

President Biden announced today that the US will share at least 20 million doses of vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for a total of 80 million doses globally by the end of June.
May 18, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

ICBA, Community Bankers of Georgia Urge FDIC to Reject Credit Union Merger

ICBA and The Venture Center today announced a series of curriculum-driven events as part of its expanded ICBA ThinkTECH initiative. The ICBA ThinkTECH Innovation Series focuses on emerging technologies that have the potential to positively impact the community banking industry.
May 17, 2021 | News  

CFPB updates TRID rule FAQs

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued additional frequently asked questions on its TILA-RESPA integrated disclosure rule.
May 17, 2021 | 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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