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Why Fraud Alerts Matter—and How to Get Customers to Respond Accurately
One of the challenges of managing card fraud is that so much of our response depends on the cardholder. We can put advanced systems in place to fend off the latest attacks, but if a customer...
Lies Can’t Disguise Fraud: Community Banks Face Rising First-Party Fraud Losses
2025-11-17 Community banks are reporting fraud losses, becoming the largest source of portfolio losses, according to recent data from the Federal Reserve. Among these, first-party fraud—fraud...
Translating industry complexity into competitive advantages for community banks: Introducing Chrissy Ahern
Translating industry complexity into competitive advantages for community banks: Introducing Chrissy Ahern Get to know the staff members that support your bank and its payments business. We’re here...
Online Course Newsletter – November 2025
Online Course Newsletter – November 2025 2025-11-17 There were no new or updated courses this past month, but we are working on new content for release in Q1 2026. As you prepare to assign courses...
ICBA: Tax-Exempt Mega-Credit Union Acquisition Signals It’s Time for a Policy Response
capital 2025-11-17 Washington, D.C. — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the latest acquisition of a tax-paying...
USDA announces second round of supplemental disaster assistance payments
2025-11-18 USDA announces second round of supplemental disaster assistance payments The USDA announced the second phase of supplemental disaster relief payments that would be distributed under...
ICBA: Mega-credit union acquisition signals it’s time for a policy response
ICBA: Mega-credit union acquisition signals it’s time for a policy response After the latest deal involving a multi-billion-dollar credit union acquiring a community bank, ICBA said these deals are...
ICBA shares deposit insurance priorities with lawmakers ahead of House hearing
ICBA shares deposit insurance priorities with lawmakers ahead of House hearing 2025-11-18 ICBA told Congress that raising deposit insurance limits will bolster depositor confidence in community...
ICBA: Second Mega-Credit Union Acquisition in Two Days Demands Response to Industry’s Tax Exemption
ICBA: Second Mega-Credit Union Acquisition in Two Days Demands Response to Industry’s Tax Exemption Washington, D.C. — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca...
Fed details new supervisory principles
The Federal Reserve released information regarding new operating principles for bank supervision. Details: The Fed said the principles, which were provided to all supervisory leadership: ...
House panel holds hearing on deposit insurance reform
House panel holds hearing on deposit insurance reform 2025-11-19 The House Financial Services Committee discussed a wide array of issues during a hearing on deposit insurance reform, including...
After second credit union acquisition in two days, ICBA demands policy response
2025-11-19 After second credit union acquisition in two days, ICBA demands policy response With large credit unions announcing two acquisitions of Main Street community banks in as many days,...
Fed’s Miran endorses community bank regulatory relief
Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said the Fed’s regulatory framework should allow community banks to remain the engines of their local economies, adding that he would support proposals to...
Trump nominates new CFPB head
2025-11-20 President Donald Trump nominated Stuart Levenbach to be director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for a five-year term. Background: Levenbach has served as associate director...
Senate panel advances Travis Hill nomination for FDIC chair
Senate panel advances Travis Hill nomination for FDIC chair The Senate Banking Committee advanced the nomination of Travis Hill to be FDIC chairman. The nomination now heads to the full Senate for...
CISA shares mitigation tips for ‘bulletproof’ cybercrimes
2025-11-21 The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency and its partners released a guide on mitigating risks from bulletproof hosting (BPH) providers. Details: CISA said: The guide will...
ICBA, others share recommendations on curbing illegal robocalls
2025-11-21 ICBA, others share recommendations on curbing illegal robocalls ICBA and other groups sent the Federal Communications Commission recommendations to improve STIR/SHAKEN, a call...
Treasury, IRS issue guidance on ACRE Act tax exclusion
The Treasury Department and IRS issued interim guidance for the ICBA-advocated ACRE Act tax exclusion for agricultural lending passed under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. About the Policy: The...
FinCEN advises banks to follow AML/CFT guidance
FinCEN advises banks to follow AML/CFT guidance 2025-11-24 The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network advised banks to follow the Financial Action Task Force’s updated lists of countries with...
USDA announces updates to Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
The USDA announced updates to the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, which has resumed full operations. Details: The USDA said: As announced on Sept. 16, the maximum principle,...
CISA warns of spyware on messaging applications
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned of multiple cyber threat actors actively using commercial spyware to target users of mobile messaging applications. Details: CISA said...
Community bank net income increases in Q3
Community banks reported a 9.9% third-quarter increase in net income from the previous quarter and a 21.7% increase from the previous year, according to the FDIC’s latest Quarterly Banking Profile....
OCC to reduce BSA/AML reg burden for community banks
The OCC announced supervisory and regulatory actions to reduce regulatory burdens for community banks related to the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering requirements. Details: In bulletins...
ICBA Commends Proposed Rule to Lower Community Bank Leverage Ratio
2025-11-25 Washington, D.C. — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s...
Regulatory Expectations for Compliance Are Evolving – Are You Keeping Up?
Regulatory Expectations for Compliance Are Evolving – Are You Keeping Up? 2025-12-01 AB_Lawyers_Sponsored A&B_ICBA_2025-BaseSet_ICBA_Featured_2000x1250 SPONSORED | As the regulatory landscape...
Free IT Assessment for Banks—Limited-Time Offer
Free IT Assessment for Banks—Limited-Time Offer 2025-12-01 Integris_Sponsored independentbanker-integris-2000-1250 SPONSORED | Banks: Get a free, expert-led IT assessment covering firewalls, MFA,...
Defend Your Bank from Card Fraud Loss
2025-12-01 ICBA_Payments_Sponsored FLPP portal URL on green background SPONSORED | How are you protecting your bank and customers this holiday season? Keep your holiday cheer this season—sign up...
Rocket Pro Helped Elly Turn 'Maybe' Into 'Move-in'
Rocket Pro Helped Elly Turn 'Maybe' into 'Move-in' 2025-12-01 Rocket_Mortgage_Sponsored Feature Image SPONSORED | Discover how Rocket Pro helped Elly expand her options, close more deals and turn...
FDIC delays signage rule compliance until 2027
2025-11-26 At its board meeting, the FDIC extended the compliance date for its final rule on signage and advertising requirements. Details: The rule sets forth signage requirements on insured...
FDIC approves ICBA-advocated audit threshold adjustments
2025-11-26 The FDIC approved a final rule updating Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act audit and reporting requirements to raise thresholds and account for inflation, as advocated...
Regulators propose lowering Community Bank Leverage Ratio
Regulators propose lowering Community Bank Leverage Ratio 2025-11-26 The federal banking regulators issued a proposed rule to reduce the Community Bank Leverage Ratio from 9% to 8%, as long...
FHA updates single-family housing info
2025-12-01 FHA updates single-family housing info The Federal Housing Administration published updates to its Single Family Housing Policy Handbook. The FHA said the updates include previously...
ICBA opposes national trust bank charter application for Foris DAX
2025-12-01 ICBA urged the OCC to deny Foris DAX National Trust Bank’s application for a national trust bank charter, saying it poses significant risks. Details: In a letter to the OCC, ICBA said...
Credit unions ‘going large and going rogue,’ new article says
Some credit unions are taking advantage of their industry’s tax and regulatory exemptions to stray from their roots and acquire tax-paying competition, according to a new article in The American...
Marching into 2026 on the Advocacy Frontline
Looking back on the past year, we have advocacy successes to celebrate.
It's a Wonderful (Community Banking) Life
While I may be biased, I believe that being a community banker is the best profession there is.
First National Bank Colorado Fights Hunger in Its Community
Last August, team members from First National Bank Colorado in Las Animas, Colorado, got to work at the Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado.
2025's Seismic Regulatory Shifts
Thanks to advocacy work from community bankers and ICBA, fairer regulatory compliance standards are on the horizon.
How to Unlock Hidden Card Revenue with BINs
When it comes to card revenue, having the right bank identification number (BIN) type is critical.
Beyond Spreadsheets: Vendor Management Ideas
Community banks work with dozens of vendors at any given time. If you’re aiming to consolidate the time and effort managing third parties, consider these ideas.
Why Your Community Bank Should Offer a Switch Kit
Switching banks is a pain, making potential customers’ best intentions fall by the wayside. But modern switch kits are evolving, with personalized service and tech-driven tools making the process...
How We Fought Fraud in 2025
Fraud and scams thrive not through any single vulnerability but through intricate webs connecting criminals, technology platforms, financial institutions and, unfortunately, victims.
Portfolio Management: Lies and Statistics
Community bank bond portfolios have latent strengths.
Fighting holiday fraud through customer awareness
As the holidays approach, Citizens Bank is gearing up for a boost in holiday spending and fraud-related activity. During the holiday season, fraud increases as scammers take advantage of the...
Does Your Community Bank Need an Advisory Board?
Distinct from a board of directors, advisory boards are dedicated to advocating for and offering insight into the needs and interests of the local population.
Deposit Insurance Reform: Community Bankers' Goals
Community bankers share common goals for protecting depositors.
First Liberty Bank is Digging Deep Into Energy Lending
With tailored solutions and long-term partnerships, First Liberty Bank’s energy lending program is fostering growth for businesses, communities and the bank itself.
ICBA Commends FDIC for Final Rule Updating Audit and Reporting Thresholds
News Press Release Washington, D.C. — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the Federal Deposit Insurance...
American Heritage Bank Offers Financial Donations, No Questions Asked
American Heritage Bank’s Community Chest program brings the community together to support those in need, one donation at a time.
Revealed: The Impact of Credit Union Acquisitions
Credit union acquisitions of community banks are leaving lasting scars on local economies—reducing small business lending, limiting mortgage access and weakening community reinvestment. But...
How to Encourage Innovation Beyond the C-Suite
Thinking outside the box isn’t only a job for the C-suite. Employees at all levels can—and should—contribute to innovation at their community banks. Here are some ideas from your peers about how to...
The Best Community Banks to Work For 2025
Our 2025 Best Community Banks to Work For winners pride themselves on competitive benefits, fun and fulfilling cultures, and a belief in work-life balance. Hear from leaders and staff about how...
ICBA Independent Banker Honors 2025 Best Community Banks to Work For Winners
2025-12-02 Washington, D.C.—The December cover story of Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), announced its 2025 Best...
Regulators seek input on streamlining call report
Regulators seek input on streamlining call report 2025-12-02 The federal banking regulators requested input on sources of regulatory reporting burden for institutions that file the call report. ...
ICBA: FinCEN underestimates information collection burden
2025-12-02 The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network underestimates the regulatory burden of information sharing requests between banks and law enforcement under the USA PATRIOT Act, ICBA told the...
ICBA commends FDIC for adjusting Part 363 thresholds
2025-12-02 ICBA commended the FDIC for passing a final rule updating audit and reporting requirements under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act. Details: In a national news...
Do You Want to Be Featured in Out of Office?
Over the years, we’ve shined a spotlight on community bankers with hobbies ranging from skydiving and vintage shopping to winemaking and showing livestock. Now, we’re on the hunt for more...
Regulators back community banks during House hearing
Appearing before the House Financial Services Committee, leaders from the prudential banking regulators touted the important role of community banks and the need to reduce their regulatory burden. ...
ICBA, state affiliates urge Treasury to raise SAR, CTR thresholds
2025-12-03 ICBA and its affiliated state community banking associations called on the Treasury Department to raise the currency transaction report threshold to $30,000 and the suspicious activity...
Independent Banker honors best community banks to work for
This month’s Independent Banker magazine recognizes the best community banks to work for, as nominated and scored by bank employees. Details: The list features five of the industry’s top employers...