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.
3 banks investing in communities under the CRA
Many community banks invest in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods to make lasting impacts while also getting Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, credit. This work to aid and rebuild communities is the direct result of the close ties community banks develop with the people they serve. Here’s how three community banks are making powerful investments under the CRA.
October 01, 2020 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Why diversity and inclusion matters to regulators
This year, many businesses have prioritized diversity and inclusion. But what are regulatory agencies doing to track and enforce diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the financial industry? Here’s what community banks should consider from a compliance perspective.
October 01, 2020 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Comment Letter Regarding DOJ's Bank Merger Competitive Review Guidelines
The competitive landscape of the banking industry has changed substantially since the Bank Merger Competitive Review Guidelines were adopted in 1995. ICBA strongly believes it is appropriate to update the approach to reviewing bank mergers.
September 30, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Too-Big-To-Fail/Systemic Risk
Preserving the Integrity of the Bank Charter: The Community Bank Perspective
Community banks welcome technological innovation, but we must also recognize that technological change underscores the importance of a robust legal framework to ensure consumer protection as well as the safety and soundness of our institutions.
September 29, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Commerce & Banking Payments Fintech Regulation
Virtual BSA/AML Institute in November
With the regulatory agencies committing to tougher and more inclusive BSA/AML exams, Community Banker University is hosting an upcoming BSA/AML Institute.
September 29, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
PPP loan-forgiveness problems make news
Politico reported on the frustrations of community banks and other lenders with the Paycheck Protection Program's loan-forgiveness process.
September 29, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Advocacy Crisis Preparedness
ICBA opposes threshold change on securities filings
ICBA filed a comment letter opposing the SEC's proposal to raise the threshold over which institutional investment managers are required to file quarterly Form 13F reports.
September 29, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
SEC
Hearing on fintech payments framework
While Congress continues to work on another stimulus package, the House Financial Services Committee has a virtual hearing this week on fintech payments.
September 28, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fintech Regulation
Regulator council backs stricter GSE capital standards
The Financial Stability Oversight Council largely endorsed the Federal Housing Finance Agency's proposal to raise capital requirements on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
September 28, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lending Mortgage Rules
ICBA to Congress: Simplify PPP forgiveness
ICBA urged Congress to immediately pass stand-alone legislation to simplify Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness to preserve the success of the program.
September 28, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Advocacy Crisis Preparedness
ICBA to Congress: Help Small Businesses by Simplifying PPP Forgiveness
ICBA today urged Congress to immediately pass stand-alone legislation to help millions of small businesses by simplifying Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness.
September 25, 2020 |
Press Release
Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending
Congress to agencies: Act on PPP asset-threshold impact
ICBA's push for policymakers to address the impact of Paycheck Protection Program loans on regulatory asset thresholds continued making headway.
September 25, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending
ICBA Statement for PPP Hearing 9-25-2020
A simplified forgiveness process is urgently needed to ensure the PPP does not become a quagmire of red tape for lenders and borrowers, distracting them from the hard work of restoring employment growth.
September 25, 2020 |
News
Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending
ICBA pressing PPP relief in hearing statement
ICBA today is repeating its call for a simplified Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness process in a statement for a House subcommittee hearing.
September 25, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Advocacy Crisis Preparedness Lending
IRS: Lenders shouldn't report PPP loan forgiveness
The IRS issued guidance clarifying that lenders should not file information returns or furnish payee statements to report the amount of qualifying forgiveness on Paycheck Protection Program loans.
September 25, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FHFA again extends forbearance purchases
The Federal Housing Finance Agency said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will extend from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31 the deadline on buying qualified loans in forbearance.
September 25, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Housing Finance Agency
ICBA supports FDIC program for third-party compliance
ICBA said it supports an FDIC standard-setting organization and voluntary certification program that would ease the process of vetting and partnering with fintechs and other third parties.
September 23, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance
PPP complexity could limit effectiveness: GAO
The complexity and lack of guidance surrounding Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness could limit the effectiveness of future rounds of the program, the GAO reported.
September 23, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
House passes ICBA-backed minority bank bill
The House passed ICBA-supported legislation that would modify regulatory processes to support Minority Depository Institutions.
September 23, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
MDI
Treasury, IRS lack info on EIP non-filers: GAO
The Treasury Department and IRS lack updated information on how many eligible Economic Impact Payment recipients have yet to receive their funds, the GAO said.
September 23, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Crisis Preparedness Lending
ICBA Response to FDIC Request for Information
ICBA welcomes the opportunity to respond to the FDIC's request for information hat seeks input on whether a standard-setting and voluntary-certification program could support community banks’ efforts in partnering with third parties.
September 22, 2020 |
News
Fintech Regulation
FDIC working on PPP asset-threshold impact: McWilliams
The FDIC is exploring options to address the impact of Paycheck Protection Program loans on regulatory asset thresholds, FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams told ICBA.
September 21, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fed updates FAQs on Main Street Lending Program
The Federal Reserve Board updated its frequently asked questions on the Main Street Lending Program to clarify expectations regarding lender underwriting.
September 21, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lending
ICBA seeks PPP accounting simplification
ICBA asked the federal banking regulators to allow community banks to recognize Paycheck Protection Program fees as income in their call reports.
September 21, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
New FDIC academic challenge focuses on community banks
The FDIC launched the agency’s first-ever Academic Challenge, which will be focused on the effects of community banks on local economic development.
September 21, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Fed vote today on CRA reform notice
The Federal Reserve Board is scheduled to vote today on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on Community Reinvestment Act regulation.
September 21, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CRA
ICBA Statement on Fed Community Reinvestment Act Notice
ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey released a statement on today's Federal Reserve advance notice of proposed rulemaking on reforming Community Reinvestment Act regulations.
September 21, 2020 |
Press Release
CRA
Bailey Yeager Joins ICBA as Director of Marketing Strategy and Execution
The Independent Community Bankers of America announced today the hire of Bailey Yeager as director of marketing strategy and execution.
September 16, 2020 |
Press Release
ICBA Statement on CFPB Small-Business Proposal Outline
ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued a statement on today's Consumer Financial Protection Bureau outline of proposals to implement small-business loan data collection and reporting rules.
September 15, 2020 |
Press Release
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Lending
Push continues on next stimulus package
ICBA is calling on community bankers to urge lawmakers to include common-sense policies benefiting local communities in the next economic stimulus package.
September 15, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Crisis Preparedness
FinCEN issues AML standards for unregulated entities
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued a Bank Secrecy Act final rule that requires minimum anti-money-laundering standards for banks without a federal functional regulator.
September 15, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
BSA/AML
ICBA raises questions ahead of credit union advocacy event
ICBA continues urging Congress to "Wake Up" this week as credit union advocates meet with lawmakers during the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions' Virtual Congressional Caucus.
September 15, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
HUD finalizes ICBA-backed 'disparate impact' rule
The Department of Housing and Urban Development recently finalized an ICBA-supported rule to amend its interpretation of the Fair Housing Act’s "disparate impact" standard.
September 15, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA to Fed: Speed Up FedNow Launch
The Independent Community Bankers of America today called on the Federal Reserve to accelerate implementation of its FedNow real-time payments service.
September 10, 2020 |
Press Release
Federal Reserve Payments Faster Payments
ICBA Pandemic Response Letter
As lawmakers return to Washington and the 116th Congress comes rapidly to a close, the nation’s families and small businesses are counting on Congress to pass the critical relief they need to sustain businesses, paychecks, and livelihoods.
September 10, 2020 |
News
Visa U.S. Economic Outlook (September 2020)
Visa economists report on GDP growth, labor market conditions, home sales, and trade. They also provide a view of longer-run GDP growth with their 2022 forecast.
September 10, 2020 |
News
Senate stimulus package includes ICBA priorities
Senate Republicans introduced a scaled-back coronavirus relief package that includes ICBA-advocated provisions contained in previous drafts.
September 09, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Crisis Preparedness
ICBA backs extension of patent litigation program
ICBA and other members of the Quality Patents Coalition expressed support for a one-year extension of the Patent and Trademark Office's program for re-examining business-method patents to prevent litigation.
September 09, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA Bancard Launches Digital Payments Strategy Guide
ICBA Bancard, the payments services subsidiary of ICBA, announced the launch of its interactive tool to help its community bank clients create a custom digital payments strategy in support of their small business customers.
September 09, 2020 |
Press Release
Payments Payments
NCUA needs expanded third-party oversight: IG report
The National Credit Union Administration needs authority over credit union service organizations and vendors to identify and reduce risks they pose to credit unions, the agency's inspector general said.
September 09, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
State assistance program requires separate accounts
The new Lost Wage Assistance program that state unemployment agencies are administering requires states to use separate bank accounts from what they use for unemployment insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits.
September 09, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA offers alternative to redefining QM
ICBA expressed concerns with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's proposal to change its Qualified Mortgage definition to a price-based approach.
September 09, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Housing Finance/GSEs
ICBA Offers Tips to Prepare Ahead of a Natural Disaster
In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, ICBA and the nation’s community bankers are reminding consumers of simple steps they can take to prepare ahead of a natural disaster or emergency.
September 03, 2020 |
Press Release
Consumer Lending
Agencies extend flood insurance comment period
Federal regulators said they will extend until Nov. 3 the comment period on a proposal to revise interagency questions and answers on flood insurance.
September 02, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance Compliance
Visa Small Business Outlook: Summer 2020
Small business spending fell sharply for the second straight quarter due to a significant drop in revenues caused by pandemic lockdowns.
September 01, 2020 |
News
Reversing The Write-Off Trendline
ICBA Welcomes William Pusey as Vice President of Member Relations
ICBA announced that William Pusey has joined the association as vice president of member relations. Pusey will serve community banks in the Northeast region
September 01, 2020 |
Press Release
Safe deposit boxes can have benefits beyond revenue
Safe deposit boxes aren’t big revenue drivers at most community banks, but for some customers, they can be an important service. They provide peace of mind when breaches and hacks have eroded trust for many.
September 01, 2020 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
CFOs on how to account for the year's uncertainty
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been a lifesaver for many U.S. businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s also required many community banks to make significant adjustments with respect to business practices, roles, budgeting and projections. We spoke to several chief financial officers and other community bank executives about how they are handling these changes.
September 01, 2020 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Compensation strategies to retain your bank’s top talent
Gone are the days of defining compensation as salary and bonus. Today’s star employees—whether existing or prospective—are demanding ever-more innovative employment packages.
September 01, 2020 |
Independent Banker
2020’s National Community Bank Service Award winner? You
ICBA’s National Community Bank Service Awards is a moment to celebrate the community banks that have stepped up for their communities in significant ways. This year, all community banks have faced a huge challenge in the COVID-19 pandemic. So, instead of highlighting a few winners, this year we are honoring all community banks. Here, we share just some of the many inspiring stories ICBA members submitted.
September 01, 2020 |
Independent Banker
ICBA to Community Banks: You are All Winners
ICBA announced this year’s National Community Bank Service Awards by recognizing community banks across the nation for their extraordinary efforts to help small businesses, consumers, and their communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 31, 2020 |
Press Release
ICBA Urges Transparency in JPMorgan, Postal Service Discussions
ICBA called on the U.S. Postal Regulatory Commission to investigate reports that the U.S. Postal Service is considering an exclusive agreement with JPMorgan Chase to provide banking services through the postal branch network.
August 24, 2020 |
Press Release
Postal Service Banking
CFPB releases 2021 HMDA guide
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released the 2021 Filing Instructions Guide for Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data.
August 24, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance Compliance
Visa Global Economic Insights report (August 2020)
Visa economists report that COVID-19’s impact on consumer spending is similar to consumer spending in retirement.
August 24, 2020 |
News
Visa Monthly Consumer Monitor (August 2020)
Visa’s economists provide a look at consumer spending, including retail sales (excluding autos), personal disposable income data, and labor market recovery.
August 24, 2020 |
News
FINBOA Welcomes Oconee Federal Savings and Loan
Oconee Federal Savings and Loan will join a growing number of community banks nationwide who have chosen FINBOA to transform the management of Reg E compliance.
August 20, 2020 |
News
Compliance
CFPB proposes "seasoned" QMs
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to create a new category of "seasoned" qualified mortgages.
August 19, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance Compliance
FinCEN issues statement on BSA enforcement
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued a statement on its approach to enforcing Bank Secrecy Act rules and regulations.
August 19, 2020 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance Compliance
Data Show Community Banks Lead Economic Recovery
The Independent Community Bankers of America today said recently released data show that community banks are the unequivocal leaders of the U.S. economic recovery due to their outsized role as providers of Paycheck Protection Program small-business loans.
August 19, 2020 |
Press Release
Crisis Preparedness Lending
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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