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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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PPP loans reaching smallest borrowers: SBA data

The current round of the Paycheck Protection Program is successfully reaching smaller borrowers, according to recent data from the SBA.
March 16, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

ICBA ThinkTECH Innovation Showcase today

ICBA today is hosting a showcase of 2021 ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator participants and their new technologies available to community banks.
March 16, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA: Two-tiered deadline will ensure SBA clears PPP loans on hold

ICBA thanked policymakers for introducing The PPP Extension Act of 2021, which pushes the application deadline until May 31 and creates a second deadline of June 30 for the Small Business Administration to clear the thousands of Paycheck Protection Program loan applications in process.
March 15, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

FBI warns of cryptocurrency theft threat

The FBI said federal charges against three computer programmers linked to the North Korean government illustrate the appeal of cryptocurrency markets and exchanges for theft and fraud.
March 15, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity 

SBA updates PPP guidance

The Small Business Administration on Friday updated its frequently asked questions as well as its guidance concerning how to calculate revenue reduction and maximum loan amounts for first- and second-draw Paycheck Protection Program loans.
March 15, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

Agencies propose private flood insurance Q&As

Federal regulators requested comments on 24 proposed interagency questions and answers regarding private flood insurance.
March 12, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Flood Insurance Compliance 

ICBA ThinkTECH Showcase Spotlights Innovative Community Bank Solutions

ICBA, in partnership with The Venture Center, will host the ICBA ThinkTECH Showcase — a virtual event to unveil the latest technological solutions of the 2021 ThinkTECH Accelerator cohort.
March 12, 2021 | Press Release  

CFPB rescinds abusiveness policy statement

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it is rescinding its January 2020 “Statement of Policy Regarding Prohibition on Abusive Acts or Practices.”
March 12, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

New round of EIPs starts today

The IRS said it will begin distributing the third round of Economic Impact Payments today, with an effective entry date of this Wednesday, March 17.
March 12, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

ICBA testifies: Don't leave PPP applicants stranded

The approaching Paycheck Protection Program expiration date should not leave small businesses or nonprofits stranded, ICBA community banker Alice P. Frazier told the House Small Business Committee
March 11, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, March 11, 2021

President Joe Biden announced he is directing the Department of Health and Human Services to purchase an additional 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine. With that, the country is now on track to have enough vaccine for every adult by the end of May.
March 11, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

Congress approves stimulus plan

ICBA released a summary of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (H.R. 1319), which Congress passed and President Joe Biden is expected to sign into law soon.
March 11, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

New York State Banker Elected ICBA Chairman​

Robert M. Fisher, president and CEO of Tioga State Bank in Spencer, N.Y., was elected chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America for 2021-22.
March 10, 2021 | Press Release   Advocacy 

ICBA Announces 2021-22 Executive Committee

The Independent Community Bankers of America today announced the election of its 2021-22 Executive Committee in conjunction with ICBA Connect, a virtual community banking event.
March 10, 2021 | Press Release   Advocacy 

New ICBA Chairman to Community Banks: Get Engaged to Drive Positive Change

Incoming ICBA Chairman Robert Fisher encouraged community banks attending ICBA Connect to exercise their political capital — gained through dedicated service to customers and communities — to help enact meaningful policies that benefit local communities.
March 10, 2021 | Press Release   Advocacy 

Joint rule supports Treasury program for CDFIs, MDIs

Federal bank regulators issued an interim final rule that supports the Treasury Department’s Emergency Capital Investment Program, which will provide $9 billion in capital to Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions.
March 10, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   MDI 

ICBA: GSE liquidity plan aligns with capital framework

ICBA said it agrees with the Federal Housing Finance Agency's approach to proposed liquidity requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
March 10, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Housing Finance/GSEs 

FinCEN issues AML notice on art, antiquities

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued a notice on Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 requirements related to antiquities and arts.
March 10, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

CFPB: sex discrimination prohibitions apply to sexual orientation, gender identity

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an interpretive rule clarifying that the prohibition against sex discrimination under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B includes discrimination related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
March 10, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA to Congress: Don't Leave PPP Applicants Stranded

The approaching Paycheck Protection Program expiration date should not leave small businesses or nonprofits stranded, the Independent Community Bankers of America today told Congress.
March 10, 2021 | Press Release   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, March 10, 2021

About 93.7 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the US, according to data published Tuesday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 76% of the 123,232,775 doses delivered and around 1.6 million more since yesterday.
March 10, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

ICBA showcases new PPP videos at ICBA Connect

Available on banklocally.org and featuring representatives from Tioga State Bank, Bank of Idaho, and M&F Bank, new videos from ICBA feature discussions on the role of community banks in local economies with a focus on their PPP leadership.
March 10, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

ICBA summarizes stimulus plan

ICBA released a summary of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (H.R. 1319), which Congress is expected to pass this week.
March 10, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness 

Agencies update CRA FAQs

Federal regulators issued new frequently asked questions to help financial institutions and examiners determine Community Reinvestment Act consideration related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 09, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA’s Romero Rainey: We Are More Powerful Collectively When We are Empowered Individually

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today reminded community bankers attending ICBA Connect that every challenge is an opportunity to leverage their collective strength, advance policy priorities, and be a unifying force that benefits local communities nationwide.
March 09, 2021 | Press Release  

ICBA Kicks off 2021 National Convention

Starting today, community bankers and industry leaders from across the nation will convene for the 2021 Independent Community Bankers of America national convention.
March 09, 2021 | Press Release  

ICBA: Ensure SBA clears all PPP loans on hold

ICBA and other financial groups called on policymakers to ensure the SBA clears the thousands of Paycheck Protection Program loan applications in process through the end of March.
March 08, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

Fed includes women's depository institutions in MDI definition

The Federal Reserve expanded the definition of minority depository institutions to include women-owned financial institutions.
March 08, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   MDI 

CISA urges Microsoft Exchange patching against vulnerability

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency urged public and private sector partners to follow its emergency directive on the Microsoft Exchange widespread vulnerability affecting on-premises deployments.
March 08, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity 

ICBA Connect is Here!

The ICBA Connect event site is ready! Prepare yourself by logging in now and taking a spin around the site to familiarize yourself with it, so you’re ready to go.
March 08, 2021 | News  

Key takeaways on new PPP rule

ICBA offers the following community bank takeaways on this week's SBA interim final rule, frequently asked questions, updated application forms, and webinar implementing Paycheck Protection Program changes for IRS Form 1040, Schedule C filers.
March 05, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

CISA call today on Microsoft vulnerability

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is hosting a conference call at noon (Eastern time) today on the active exploitation of a vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Server 2013, 2016, and 2019
March 05, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Risk Cybersecurity 

New Same Day ACH window in effect this month

Nacha's new rule allowing Same Day ACH transactions to be submitted to the ACH Network for an additional two hours every business day takes effect on at 4:45 p.m. (Eastern time) Friday, March 19.
March 05, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance Payments 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, March 5, 2021

The average number of vaccine doses being administered across the US per day topped two million for the first time on Wednesday, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up from an average of about 1.3 million a month ago.
March 05, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

Treasury launches $9B CDFI, MDI program

The Treasury Department opened the application process for the Emergency Capital Investment Program, which will provide $9 billion in capital to Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions.
March 05, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   MDI 

ICBA Expands Preferred Service Provider Relationship with QwickRate to include its IntelliCredit Offering

The ICBA today announced that its Preferred Service Provider relationship with QwickRate LLC now includes its IntelliCredit loan review and credit intelligence solutions, which are designed to help community banks better detect and manage credit risk.
March 04, 2021 | Press Release  

CFPB proposes delaying new QM rule

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed delaying the mandatory compliance date of its general Qualified Mortgage final rule from July 1, 2021, to Oct. 1, 2022.
March 04, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance Compliance Mortgage Rules 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, March 4, 2021

About 80.5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the US, according to data published Wednesday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
March 04, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

SBA issues new PPP rule, applications

The SBA released its new interim final rule and new application forms implementing Paycheck Protection Program changes for sole proprietors and other borrowers that file IRS Form 1040, Schedule C. An SBA webinar on the updates is scheduled for today.
March 04, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

Romero Rainey: ICBA pressing PPP reforms

While Congress is fast-tracking the next stimulus package, problems with existing recovery programs remain unaddressed, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey wrote in an op-ed this week.
March 04, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, March 3, 2021

Ramped up vaccination rates and the arrival of a new vaccine from Johnson & Johnson are making economists optimistic about their forecast for a strong economic rebound in the summer.
March 03, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

Community Bankers to Convene for ICBA Connect

The Independent Community Bankers of America announced a first-of-its kind team-focused virtual banking conference designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing the nation’s community banks.
March 02, 2021 | Press Release  

Romero Rainey named one of Washington's most influential

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey was named one of Washington's most influential people by Washingtonian magazine.
March 02, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

Meeting with constituents during CUNA’s virtual GAC? Here are some things to consider.

Credit unions were created and granted a substantial tax exemption to serve “people of modest means.” However, fewer than 20 percent of credit unions are physically located in an economically distressed area and only 27 percent are in low- and moderate-income areas.
March 02, 2021 | News   Credit Unions 

SBA: New PPP rule coming soon

The SBA said it will "soon" publish a new Paycheck Protection Program interim final rule and issue a new application for Schedule C filers. Until then, it issued the following considerations:
March 02, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

Fed issues continuity tips for storm season

In a new post, the Federal Reserve provided resources on pre-storm planning, storm watching, and post-storm procedures
March 02, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Risk 

FS-ISAC Coronavirus Update, March 2, 2021

he $900 billion Covid relief bill passed in December with $600 stimulus checks and extra unemployment benefits, helped lift about 1.6 million Americans out of poverty in January, according to economists at the University of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame.
March 02, 2021 | News   Advocacy Operational Risk Crisis Preparedness 

IRS issues guidance on employee retention credit

The IRS issued guidance for employers claiming the employee retention tax credit under the CARES Act. The guidance includes clarifications and describes retroactive changes relating to expanded eligibility.
March 02, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness 

SBA: PPP changes effective this week

The SBA this week plans to issue an interim final rule detailing and implementing pending changes to the Paycheck Protection Program.
March 01, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending 

ICBA summarizes new House-passed stimulus plan

ICBA released a summary of the House version of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (H.R. 1319), which the House passed Saturday on a nearly party-line vote.
March 01, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness 

Bill would expand farm partnership access to PPP

ICBA-supported legislation allowing farmers and ranchers categorized as partnerships to use gross income to calculate maximum Paycheck Protection Program loan amounts was introduced in the House.
March 01, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Agriculture Crisis Preparedness Lending Rural Development 

Here are the benefits of bank-owned life insurance

Over the past two decades, banks have increasingly dabbled in BOLI, or bank-owned life insurance. While there are downsides to consider, experts say the benefits of these policies are two-fold: to generate income in the long term and to retain bank leaders.
March 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Improve your next marketing campaign with data

Using data from your community bank, an ad campaign or public sources allows your marketing efforts to find potential or existing customers who’ve already shown interest in your brand.
March 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Payments Growing the Community 

Jim Reber: The big "if"

General market munis have gained favor among community bankers.
March 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

New ICBA chairman Robert Fisher is in the driver’s seat

Faced with the unexpected and unexplainable, it’s hard to stay on course. But Robert Fisher is an expert at just that. Between his time as an Air Force navigator and his love for fast cars, ICBA’s next chairman is ready to help community banks and the customers they serve power through the coming year.
March 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

6 ways to boost your social media strategy

Community banks are building relationships through an active, thoughtful presence on social media. Rather than a distraction, these platforms are an extension of the close customer relationships that community banks foster. Here, experts share their top strategies for a winning social media presence.
March 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

How going green can help the planet and your bank

Study after study shows that consumers—especially younger people—expect the brands they support to commit to sustainability. How can community banks put eco‑friendly strategies to work?
March 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Are more branches better? Community banks weigh in

With an increase in online traffic and challenges to in-person banking, community banks may be asking themselves if new branches are necessary. But many bank leaders report they’re investing in new branches because they’re strategic tools for growth.
March 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

The advertising regulations you need to know

Like any business marketing its products and services, a community bank must keep its advertising truthful. There are plenty of regulations specific to financial institutions under the FDIC, CFPB and other regulators.
March 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Compliance Growing the Community 

Responding to the SolarWinds breach

All institutions, even those with a solid cybersecurity defense, were vulnerable to 2020’s SolarWinds Orion cyberattack. Community banks should be ready for a future cyber event.
March 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Advocacy Compliance 

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