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G20 meetings to cover digital assets, cross-border payments, and fraud/scams
2026-02-20 The Treasury Department announced the G20 Finance Track meetings for 2026, which include an emphasis on digital assets, cross-border payments, and fraud/scams. Background: The G20...
Fed hosting EGRPRA outreach meeting next month
2026-02-20 The Federal Reserve announced it will hold a public outreach meeting next month as part of its review of regulations under the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act....
ICBA urges credit union tax reform as acquisitions continue
2026-02-20 Following the latest reported acquisition of a tax-paying community bank by a tax-exempt credit union—the second deal of the year—ICBA continued calling for policymakers to address the...
ICBA op-ed: Durbin-Marshall credit card restrictions would harm consumers
2026-02-20 A new op-ed from ICBA community banker Sarah Getzlaff says community bank credit card programs that provide local customer service, reward programs, and fair terms are under threat from...
ICBA/Travelers Announces Dividend Payment to Participating Community Bankers
2026-02-23 MISC_parent_15_image branded Washington, D.C. (Feb. 23, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced that the Travelers ICBA insurance program has...
USDA opens enrollment for farm bridge payments
USDA opens enrollment for farm bridge payments 2026-02-23 The Agriculture Department announced it is opening the enrollment period for the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, which will provide $11...
ICBA supports CRA strategic plan guidance
ICBA said it supports the OCC’s proposed guidance on Community Reinvestment Act Strategic Plans, which is designed to make the strategic plan option more accessible to and less burdensome for...
ICBA, others back changes to bank capital rules
2026-02-23 ICBA and other groups expressed support for banking regulators’ continued work to reexamine and repropose a revised Basel III Endgame rule. Details: In a letter to the FDIC, Federal...
ICBA unveils interchange guide
ICBA unveiled a resource that breaks down payment card interchange and other swipe fees so community bankers can communicate about the issue with their customers. Details: ICBA’s Interchange Guide...
Regulatory Reform and the Community Bank Difference
Recent regulatory rollbacks and tax reforms are reshaping the landscape for community banks. Explore how advocacy efforts are creating a more level playing field for local institutions.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Community Banking Strategy for Growth
Community banks can drive growth by leaning into relationship-based banking, targeted technology investments and personalized customer strategies. Explore leadership insights for expanding prospects.
Personalized Community Banking Starts With Data
Discover how community banks can use transaction data, AI and predictive analytics to deliver personalized banking experiences that drive customer growth and loyalty.
Online Course Newsletter – February 2026
2026-02-23 What’s New On Feb. 10, all Regulation CC courses were updated to include June 19 as a federal holiday – we apologize for the delay of this missed information. We also updated select...
Community Bank of Cameron Spices Up Fundraising with a Specialty Barbecue Rub
Commuinity Bank of Cameron regulary supports local food shelves with food donations. But this holiday season, they put a new spin their annual giving by launching "Banking with BBQ."
Inside ICBA Education's Webinars
Live and on-demand webinars can help take your community bank to the next level. Here's how and why to take advantage of them.
Core Day and Regulator Day: Collaboration that Strengthens Community Banking
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CDFI Fund extends effective date for small business loan disclosure policy
2026-02-24 The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund announced an extension of the date when CDFI certification applicants and CDFIs must begin implementing small-business loan product...
Fed requests comments on removal of reputation risk from supervision
2026-02-24 The Federal Reserve requested comments on its proposal to codify the removal of reputation risk from its supervision of banks. Background: The Fed last summer announced it had started...
ICBA: Fed should not weaken stress testing regime
2026-02-24 ICBA called on the Federal Reserve to reconsider a proposal that would weaken the stress test regime for the largest banks. Details: In a letter to the Fed, ICBA said: The stress testing...
How a Community Bank Uses Customer Stories
For its 25th anniversary, Willamette Valley Bank turned customer testimonials into a high-impact video asset. Discover how community-focused storytelling builds trust, deepens relationships, and...
How Penn Community Bank Tackles Food Insecurity
As food insecurity surged, Penn Community Bank went beyond a traditional food drive mobilizing employees, donations, and nonprofit partnerships to support neighbors across five Pennsylvania counties.
Lindsay LaNore: How to Celebrate Someone Else's Win
In this highly competitive world, we all need reminders to slow down and celebrate success, including the wins of others. Community bank leaders are uniquely positioned to be a cheerleader and...
Retail Banking Trends 2026: Strategies for Growth
Explore six retail banking trends shaping 2026, from hybrid branch design and AI automation to deposit growth strategies, alternative lending and smarter marketing for community banks.
Competitive Analysis Strategies for Community Banks
Learn how community banks can use competitive analysis and market intelligence to improve growth, pricing strategy, customer retention and operational efficiency.
Fed Policy Outlook 2026: FOMC Changes & Rates
The Federal Reserve’s 2026 FOMC roster changes could reshape interest rate policy. Here’s what new leadership, voting shifts and market expectations mean for rate cuts, the yield curve and...
FinCEN rescinds advisory on St. Kitts and Nevis
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network rescinded its advisory on the abuse of the Citizenship-by-Investment program sponsored by the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, issued May 20, 2014....
FinCEN opens nominations for BSA advisory group
2026-02-25 The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network opened nominations for membership on the Bank Secrecy Act Advisory Group. Details: FinCEN said: BSAAG membership is open to financial...
Treasury releases two AI resources
The Treasury Department released the first two of six recently announced resources to guide AI use in the financial sector. Details: Treasury said: The AI Lexicon addresses establishing common...
ICBA urges grassroots outreach on check services
2026-02-25 ICBA is urging community bankers to submit comment letters on the future of the Federal Reserve Banks’ check collection and processing services. Background: On Dec. 4, the Fed requested...
Community bank net income decreases in Q4 but is up in 2025
Community bank net income decreases in Q4 but is up in 2025 2026-02-25 Community banks reported a 3.8% fourth-quarter decrease in net income from the previous quarter, but full-year net income was...
Blog post: Solving for community bank innovation at ICBA Core Day/Reg Day
2026-02-25 A new blog post details ICBA’s recent Core Day/Regulator Day, which brought together fintech founders, core providers, and regulators to build solutions tailored to the regulatory,...
Customer Retention Strategies for Community Banks
Looking to improve customer retention? Here’s how community banks strengthen loyalty through appreciation events, feedback programs and community engagement strategies.
Ransomware Prevention Strategies for Community Banks
Ransomware attacks are evolving. Learn how community banks can prevent successful ransomware attacks through AI-driven detection, employee training, vendor oversight and strong cybersecurity...
Teen Debit Cards: Financial Literacy for the Next Generation
Teen debit cards help community banks teach financial literacy while building long-term customer relationships. Explore features, safeguards and youth banking strategies that drive generational...
5 Essential Treasury Management Services for Community Banks
Discover five essential treasury management services community banks should offer to improve business cash flow, prevent fraud and strengthen commercial banking relationships.
ICBA Capital Summit 2026: Key Policy Priorities
Community bankers head to Washington for the ICBA Capital Summit 2026 to advocate for regulatory relief, ag lending support, deposit insurance reform and key community banking policies.
Single-Location Community Banks That Thrive
Can community banks succeed with just one location? Four single-branch community banks share how staying small lowers overhead, strengthens customer relationships and supports long-term growth.
Community Bank Marketing Strategies for Growth
Learn the latest marketing strategies for community banks, including video, contests, AI, and social media to engage local audiences.
Incoming ICBA Chairman Alice Frazier on Leadership
Meet Alice Frazier, president and CEO of Potomac Bank and incoming ICBA chairman. Learn how her leadership journey, advocacy work and focus on developing the next generation of community bankers...
OCC proposes rule on GENIUS Act implementation
OCC proposes rule on GENIUS Act implementation 2026-02-26 The OCC requested comment on a proposed rule to implement provisions of the GENIUS Act regarding the issuance of payment stablecoins. About...
OCC approves ICBA-opposed national trust charter applications
2026-02-26 The OCC recently approved national trust charters for three crypto-focused applicants following ICBA opposition. Recent Approvals: The OCC approved national trust bank charters for:...
ICBA supports strong farm bill, opposes expansion of FCS financing
2026-02-26 ICBA said it strongly supports passage of a farm bill that protects producers, strengthens rural communities, and ensures a balanced agricultural credit system, but it opposes any...
IRS launches web page for tax fraud and scam reporting
2026-02-27 IRS launches web page for tax fraud and scam reporting The Internal Revenue Service announced the launch of a web page that allows taxpayers to confidentially report suspected tax fraud,...
Regulators tout community bank relief on Capitol Hill
During testimony at a Senate Banking Committee oversight hearing, federal banking regulators said community bank regulatory relief is a top priority. Community Bank Focus: Federal Reserve Vice...
New op-ed highlights local cost of credit union tax disparity
2026-02-27 A new op-ed in Kentucky says the state’s budget shortfall could be fixed if credit unions paid taxes like community banks. Details: In a new Bowling Green Daily News op-ed, Jim...
ICBA opposes Affirm Bank’s ILC application
ICBA opposes Affirm Bank’s ILC application 2026-02-27 ICBA and the Bank Policy Institute said the FDIC should not issue deposit insurance to Affirm Bank or any other industrial loan company...
ICBA Expresses Concerns with OCC National Trust Bank Chartering Final Rule
2026-02-27 Washington, D.C. (Feb. 27, 2026) — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the Office of the Comptroller...
Check Fraud Is Rising—and Technology Debt Is Making It Worse for Community Banks
2026-03-01 Alogent_Sponsored alogent-feature-image-2000x1250.png SPONSORED | Check fraud isn’t just a crime problem—it’s a technology problem. Aging deposit systems can fuel risk, inefficiency,...
How Instant Payments Can Accelerate B2B Payments Modernization
2026-03-01 FedNow_Sponsored Fednow 2000x1250.jpeg SPONSORED | Community banks have the opportunity to provide new payment offerings, including instant payments, to help businesses move to a more...
2026 Banking Trust & Technology Outlook: What Community Bank Leaders Need to Know
Integris_Sponsored 2026-03-01 As community banks navigate 2026, one theme stands out clearly across the industry: technology is advancing faster than institutions can govern it, communicate it, or...
FinCEN: Residential real estate reporting begins
2026-03-02 The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network published a reminder that, as of March 1, select professionals involved in real estate closings and settlements are required to report...
FinCEN issues limited exemptive relief for Minnesota GTO
2026-03-02 The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued tailored exemptive relief related to the geographic targeting order imposing recordkeeping and reporting requirements on certain financial...
Agencies release Q2, Q3 CRA exam schedules
2026-03-02 The OCC and FDIC issued their lists of institutions scheduled for a Community Reinvestment Act evaluation or examination during the second and third quarters. Agencies release Q2, Q3...
ICBA offers ready-to-use March marketing tools
ICBA’s Marketing Resource Center features ready-to-use marketing tools that community bankers can use to celebrate and highlight March events. Assets: The MRC’s Monthly Content Planner for March...
Justice Department seizes $580M from crypto scammers
2026-03-02 The Justice Department’s Scam Center Task Force announced that it has seized almost $580 million from crypto scammers in Burma, Cambodia, and Laos in the past three months. Details: The...
OCC reports BankNet vulnerability
The OCC reported that its cybersecurity team last week discovered a vulnerability affecting the BankNet Portal and related OCC systems. Details: The OCC said: It took immediate action and...
FDIC approves ILC application from Edward Jones
2026-03-02 The FDIC board of directors approved the deposit insurance application submitted by the Jones Financial Companies to establish an industrial loan company called Edward Jones Bank to be...
ICBA urges Senate to include community bank provisions in housing bill
ICBA urges Senate to include community bank provisions in housing bill 2026-03-02 ICBA urged senators to include House-passed community bank provisions in the ROAD to Housing Act (S. 2651). The...
OCC releases ICBA-opposed national trust bank chartering rule
2026-03-02 After the OCC issued its final chartering rule for national trust banks, ICBA expressed significant concerns with chartering limited-purpose trust banks that engage substantially in...
ICBA Securities Selects The Baker Group as New Endorsed Provider Following Comprehensive Review
ICBA Securities Selects The Baker Group as New Endorsed Provider Following Comprehensive Review 2026-03-03 Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2026) — ICBA Securities, a wholly owned subsidiary of the...