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ICBA Statement on Executive Order on the Integrity of the U.S. Financial System
ICBA Statement on Executive Order on the Integrity of the U.S. Financial System 2026-05-19 0920 safe deposit box revenue 2k Washington, D.C. (May 19, 2026) — Independent Community Bankers of...
ICBA Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Housing Bill
2026-05-20 Capital Building 2024 Washington, D.C. (May 20, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) applauded the House of Representatives for today’s bipartisan passage of its...
House passes ROAD to Housing Act with community bank provisions
2026-05-21 The House of Representatives passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644)—including ICBA-advocated community bank provisions—by a bipartisan vote of 396-13. Next Steps: H.R....
ICBA Urges OCC to Rescind Approval for Coinbase’s National Trust Charter Following Criminal Lawsuit
Press Releases Washington, D.C. (May 21, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today called on the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to rescind or suspend its...
Fed requests comments on payment account proposal
2026-05-21 The Federal Reserve Board requested public comment on its proposal to establish a payment account—also known as a "skinny” master account—that eligible financial institutions could use...
ICBA opposes Agora’s application for national trust bank charter
ICBA urged the OCC to deny Agora Atlas Corporation’s application for a national trust bank charter for Agora National Trust Bank, saying the application is built on an unsound reading of the...
Financial Services Industry Outlines Proposed Third-Party Risk Management Reforms to Federal Banking Agencies
2026-05-22 0921 IRS Reporting Overreach 2k WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 22, 2026) — The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA), along with the American Fintech Council, Coalition for Financial Ecosystem...
Nominations Open for 2026's Best Community Banks to Work For Award
Does your community bank pride itself on being an amazing place to work? Now’s your chance to be recognized as one of ICBA’s Best Community Banks to Work For.
Building Momentum: Progress on Reg CC, the UCC, and the Fight Against Check Fraud
Check Writing A couple years ago, I wrote that check fraud was emerging as a leading concern for community banks, that combating it would require shared responsibility across the financial...
Blog post: Community bank efforts to fight check fraud are paying off
2026-05-27 ICBA and community banks are making progress in the fight against check fraud through sustained advocacy, strong partnerships, and initial policy successes, according to a new ICBA blog...
Agencies publish resolution plan feedback letters
2026-05-27 The FDIC and Federal Reserve published feedback letters for several resolution plans submitted in July 2025. Background: Resolution plans, also known as living wills, must describe a...
Executive order avoids citizenship collection requirements
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on protecting the U.S. financial system from illicit activity that does not include ICBA-opposed language that would require banks to collect...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Why Service is the Heart of the Community Bank Difference
Discover how community banks drive economic prosperity through relationship banking, small business loans, agricultural lending and ICBA advocacy.
Alice Frazier: Redefining Succession as Legacy
Protect your community bank's future with strategic succession planning. Learn how cultivating the next generation of leaders builds a lasting legacy.
First National Bank & Trust Awards $10,000 in Small Business Grants
First National Bank & Trust in Iron Mountain, Michigan, recently awarded $10,000 grants to two local businesses. The $412 million-asset community bank secured the funding through the Federal Home...
4 Elder Fraud Scams to Watch Out For
Elder fraud is rising. Discover the top four scams targeting seniors and how community banks can empower staff to intervene and protect their customers.
Scott Anchin: Detecting Inbound Bank Fraud and Money Mules
Discover how community banks can enhance inbound bank fraud detection, identify money mules, and utilize 314(b) information sharing for AML compliance.
Tips for Cost-Effective Professional Development
By prioritizing continuing education for their employees, community banks can build stronger teams, improve retention and stay competitive. Here are tips on how to do it without making it a major...
Nonprofit Lending Strategies for Community Banks: 3 Steps to Success
Nonprofit organizations face different funding challenges than for-profit businesses. Learn how community banks can build these relationships, provide nonprofit loans and meet CRA objectives.
Jacob Eisen: 5 Benefits of Digital Wallet Adoption
Discover how community banks can achieve top-of-wallet status through digital wallet adoption. Learn strategies for instant card provisioning, increasing revenue and enhancing security.
How New Nacha Rules Help Fight ACH Fraud
Two new Nacha rules went into effect in March aimed at strengthening banks’ defenses against ACH payment scams and frauds. Here’s what experts say about these new rules and the best ways for...
Do Paper Checks Have a Future?
While the federal government appears to be phasing out paper checks, checks aren’t going away as a payment method anytime soon. See how checks are evolving, and how community banks can advocate for...
Playing Under Par: Bond Portfolio Strategies for Community Banks
With the book price for bond portfolios having dropped for the first time in 17 years, community banks should take a page out of the golfer’s playbook.
Mickey Marshall: How to Encourage De Novo Bank Formation
A healthy pipeline of new community bank charters keeps the industry competitive and helps support local economies. Learn what ICBA is doing to make sure new bank formation doesn’t stall out.
Behind Mercantile Bank's Payroll and HR Solution
After struggling to manage its own payroll and human resources needs, Mercantile Bank built an innovative solution that’s now used by business customers and non-customers alike.
Grand Savings Bank's Blog Powers its Content Marketing
Grand Savings Bank uses its blog as a marketing tool to educate customers, spotlight employees and showcase the communities it serves.
How to Advocate for the Industry During the August Recess
The August congressional recess is an opportunity for community bankers to meet with policymakers in their home districts. Learn how ICBA can help.
ICBA Expands Preferred Service Provider Relationship with OptimaFI to Offer Growth Solutions
2026-05-29 ICBA Innovation.png Washington, D.C. (May 29, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the expansion of its Preferred Service Provider (PSP)...
ICBA, state groups support OCC preemption of Illinois interchange law
2026-05-29 ICBA and 43 state banking associations said they support an OCC order preempting the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. Details: In a joint letter to the OCC, the groups said:...
Driving Community Prosperity with Reciprocal Deposits
IntraFI_Sponsored 2026-06-01 05202026_Article_Featured_Image-2000x1250.jpg By Joe Hooker, Chief Sales Officer, IntraFi Community banks, which make up at least 90% of all banks nationwide, are the...
How Can Community Banks Best Manage Change?
During a merger or acquisition, success hinges on addressing employee concerns early. We asked bankers and consultants for their best tips for building trust and mitigating uncertainty among staff...
ICBA, state groups support OCC preemption of Illinois interchange law
ICBA and 43 state banking associations said they support an OCC order preempting the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. Details: In a joint letter to the OCC, the groups said: The OCC’s...
ICBA backs CFPB’s housing affordability efforts
2026-05-29 ICBA said it supports the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s efforts to implement regulatory changes outlined in the recent executive order addressing housing affordability and...
2026 Banking Trust & Technology Outlook: What Community Bank Leaders Need to Know
FINAL ICBA Ads Version 2-06.jpg As community banks navigate 2026, one theme stands out clearly across the industry: technology is advancing faster than institutions can govern it, communicate it,...
The Lending Outlook and Loan Growth Trends for Community Banks in 2026
Community banks kicked off 2026 with robust lending growth, despite economic challenges like higher interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty. Now, banks are leveraging regulatory shifts,...
40 Under 40: 2026's Community Bank Leaders
Our eighth annual 40 Under 40 Community Bank Leaders awards highlight the people who are shaping the present and future of our industry. The winners stand out for their achievements in the...
Independent Banker Magazine Reveals 2026 “40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders” List
Washington, D.C. (June 1, 2026) — Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA), announced its eighth annual 40 Under...
SEC proposes rescission of climate rules
2026-06-01 The Securities and Exchange Commission proposed repealing rules that require public companies to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual...
ICBA supports OCC preemption of Illinois interchange law
ICBA supports OCC preemption of Illinois interchange law 2026-06-01 ICBA signaled further support for OCC actions to preempt the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. Details: ICBA sent a...
ICBA, other groups urge FHFA to tackle administration’s housing priorities
2026-06-01 ICBA and other groups sent a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency regarding President Donald Trump's “Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit” executive order and recommended ways...
ICBA and CBAI Support Implementation Delay, Urge Illinois to Repeal Unworkable Interchange Law
2026-06-01 Contactless Payment Washington, D.C. (June 1, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI) issued the following...
ICBA Statement on Executive Order on Promoting AI Innovation and Security
2026-06-02 ICBA News Washington, D.C. (June 2, 2026) — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on today’s executive...
ICBA Releases Community Banker Guide on Artificial Intelligence Security Readiness
2026-06-03 ADV_2693A26_AI Readiness Guide_ads_2000 x 1333_02 Washington, D.C. (June 3, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today released a new guide to help community banks...
ICBA, ICBC Commend Colorado Governor for Vetoing Unworkable Interchange Bill
2026-06-04 News Press Release Washington, D.C. (June 4, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and Independent Community Bankers of Colorado (ICBC) today applauded Colorado...
ICBA, ICBC commend Colorado veto of interchange bill
2026-06-05 ICBA and the Independent Community Bankers of Colorado applauded Colorado Governor Jared Polis for vetoing legislation to restrict interchange fees—the second major setback for state...
Regulators report to Congress on community bank relief efforts
Federal banking regulators testified before Congress on their efforts to address excessive regulatory burdens on community banks. CBLR Reform: Testifying at a House Financial Services Committee...
SBA doubles cumulative 7(a), 504 loan limit
2026-06-05 The Small Business Administration recently announced a new rule that will allow eligible borrowers to combine their 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing....
Lack of consumer support and trust in crypto reinforces ICBA calls for policy pause
Crypto Image As policymakers debate several actions on digital assets policy with significant implications for the future of the U.S. financial system, Washington is arriving at an inflection...
Federal agencies issue advisories on immigration status
2026-06-08 The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, prudential banking regulators, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released advisories responding to President Donald Trump’s recent...
ICBA to regulators: AML/CFT rules must be tailored
2026-06-10 ICBA told federal regulators that proposed rules to reform anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism program requirements must be workable, risk-based, and...
ICBA, others: Further capping interchange fees would hurt consumers
ICBA and other groups said in a court filing that further capping the interchange fee cap would not help consumers and would harm the debit card market. Details: In a joint amicus brief submitted...
ICBA Launches Advocacy Campaign to Protect Main Street Communities from Crypto Threat
ICBA Launches Advocacy Campaign to Protect Main Street Communities from Crypto Threat 2026-06-11 AI-Web-Graphic-Dark.png New ad highlights critical role community banks serve across America ...
Senate committee advances Clarity Act digital assets bill
The Senate Banking Committee voted 15-9 to advance the Clarity Act, legislation designed to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets. Key Issue: Throughout the debate, ICBA and...
ICBA campaign on crypto threat generating headlines
2026-06-12 ICBA’s new advocacy campaign to protect local communities from the risks posed by unregulated crypto products is making news following Thursday’s launch. Initial Media Coverage: American...
ICBA, state groups urge stronger Clarity Act stablecoin yield prohibition
ICBA and 44 affiliated state banking associations called on senators to amend the Clarity Act digital assets market structure bill before it is considered on the Senate floor. Call for Stablecoin...
ICBA backs Nacha proposal to include Treasury bureau in ACH registry
2026-06-12 ICBA expressed support for Nacha’s proposal to include the Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service in the ACH Contact Registry. ICBA Comments: In a comment letter, ICBA said:...
Regulators issue final rule on establishing interagency data standards
Federal regulators issued a joint final rule to implement the Financial Data Transparency Act of 2022. About the Rulemaking: The final rule establishes joint data standards for certain collections...
ICBA offers community bank AI perspective at Senate hearing
2026-06-12 ICBA told Congress that community bankers recognize the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence as well as the rising threat of AI-generated fraud and cybersecurity...
FSB proposes policies for responsible bank AI adoption
FSB proposes policies for responsible bank AI adoption 2026-06-12 The Financial Stability Board issued a report proposing a menu of 12 sound practices that financial institutions could apply to...
FDIC’s Hill previews proposed updates to resolution planning, assessments
2026-06-12 FDIC Chairman Travis Hill said his agency’s historical approach to resolution planning for large institutions needs to be fundamentally reexamined. Resolution Proposal: In a speech this...