Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2023) — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on today’s bank closure.

“ICBA reminds consumers that they can bank with confidence at their local community bank knowing their money is safe because it is insured by the FDIC. FDIC deposit insurance covers each depositor's account, dollar-for-dollar, up to the insurance limit. Since the FDIC was founded 90 years ago, no one has ever lost a penny of FDIC-insured funds.

“Further, FDIC data show the community banking industry remains safe, sound, and secure. According to the FDIC’s latest Quarterly Banking Profile, community banks outperformed the rest of the banking industry during the fourth quarter and had broad-based loan growth, strong capital ratios, and favorable asset quality.

“By contrast, cryptocurrencies and other digital assets pose significant risks to consumers and the financial system. As Washington debates its crypto policy response, lawmakers should safeguard the integrity of the traditional banking system from the crypto sector’s outsized risk. Policymakers should ensure that any oversight of crypto shields consumers and traditional financial institutions from the risks posed by this emerging and dangerous sector.”

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.

With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks employ nearly 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding nearly $5.9 trillion in assets, over $4.9 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.

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