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CFPB issues advisory on medical debt collection
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advisory opinion that said debt collectors, which may include third-party “revenue cycle management” companies, are violating federal law when...
2024 Summer Internship Diaries - Vol. 1
Last week, we began our internship program here at ICBA. Starting a new position is exciting, but it comes with unique challenges that we must face together. The first week is critical, where we...
Swift to start live trials of digital asset transactions next year
Swift announced that banks and central banks across North America, Europe, and Asia in 2025 will be able to use its network to conduct pilot transactions in digital assets and central bank digital...
Record-High Community Bank Acquisitions by Tax-Exempt Credit Unions Requires Policy Response
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement after this year’s 17th acquisition of a tax-paying bank by a tax-exempt...
New op-ed: Credit unions that act like big banks should be regulated like them
Members of Congress and the American public should consider why credit unions are acting like the nation’s largest banks while enjoying tax and regulatory advantages, according to a new MarketWatch...
Agencies issue joint statement on institutions affected by Hurricane Helene
Federal and state financial regulators issued a joint statement saying they recognize the serious impact of Hurricane Helene on the customers and operations of many financial institutions.
Survey: Regulatory burden is top community bank concern
Regulatory burden has risen to the top of community banker concerns alongside cost of funds, according to the Conference of State Bank Supervisors Annual Community Bank Survey.
FDIC, OCC announce relief for banks affected by Hurricane Helene
The FDIC announced regulatory relief to facilitate recovery in areas of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. The FDIC also published a disaster webpage...
ICBA continues advocating 1033 exemption in latest report
In a new American Banker article (subscription required), ICBA continued its call for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to include a community bank exemption in its pending 1033 rule on...
Marketing Made Easier with Ready-to-Use Toolkits
Whether your bank’s goal is to acquire new card accounts or boost usage from your existing cardholders, marketing plays a key role. No marketing means stagnant portfolios and low revenue.
Lessen the Impact of Card Fraud with ICBA Payments’ Fraud Loss Protection Plan
Card fraud losses constitute a significant percentage of a bank’s card program’s costs. In fact, according to the Nilson Report, card fraud accounted for $33 billion in losses worldwide in 2022,...
Leveling Up with Payments
It’s not an easy time for community banking. Each day, we must balance changing interest rates, increasing fees, new technology demands, and mounting customer expectations, which leaves us...
FinCEN sanctions Russian virtual currency cybercriminals
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network sanctioned PM2BTC, a Russian virtual currency exchanger associated with Sergey Sergeevich Ivanov, as being a money-laundering concern in connection with...
Blog post: Community bankers find solutions, connections at ICBA LIVE
The challenges community bankers face—from compliance issues to cybersecurity and staffing concerns—require the industry to come together to amplify its voice and find solutions at ICBA LIVE 2025,...
ICBA Shares Consumer Tips to Protect Financial Data During Cybersecurity Awareness Month
In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) offers tips to help consumers protect their sensitive financial information and minimize the...
FHFA proposes updates to FHLBank liquidity rules
The Federal Housing Finance Agency issued a proposed rule that would amend its regulation of Federal Home Loan Bank unsecured credit limits.
FHFA issues climate risk advisory to FHLBanks
The Federal Housing Finance Agency issued an advisory bulletin that provides guidance to the Federal Home Loan Banks on incorporating climate-related risks into their risk-management frameworks.
Instant Payments Pilot Opportunity
In case you missed it, ICBA recently announced a partnership with Pidgin, a company that provides best-in-class faster payments capabilities. The partnership is aimed at supporting community banks...
ICBA Names René Shonerd as Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer
The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) announced today that René Shonerd has joined as executive vice president and chief information officer (CIO).
FHFA advises FHLBanks on credit risk and liquidity
The Federal Housing Finance Agency issued an advisory bulletin to the Federal Home Loan Banks that details expectations for providing members with access to advances in a safe and sound manner.
FDIC announces relief for Georgia, Vermont banks
The FDIC announced regulatory relief to facilitate recovery in areas of Georgia affected by Tropical Storm Debby and areas of Vermont affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.
ICBA urging community banker participation in EGRPRA review
ICBA recently issued a guide to help community bankers participate in the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review process launched by banking regulators this year.
ICBA Community tops 4,000 users
The ICBA Community online platform continues to grow and has now surpassed 4,000 members.
ICBA push on credit union deals garners more media attention
ICBA’s campaign opposing credit union acquisitions of tax-paying community banks continued generating headlines with a new Bloomberg report on the FDIC’s recent policy update on bank mergers.
Senator Moran: Help needed for agriculture
The current farm bill is not adequate to provide relief or safety nets for U.S. farmers, nor is it reflective of the current state of the farm economy, said Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a lead...
CFPB sets up webpage for standard-setting organizations
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau set up a webpage for public comment applications to become a recognized standard setter under the Personal Financial Data Rights Rule.
ICBA files appellate brief in CRA rule legal challenge
ICBA and other groups filed an appellate brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit as part of their legal challenge to federal banking regulators’ Community Reinvestment Act final rule.
Community bankers report reg burden during EGRPRA outreach meeting
Community bankers voiced discontent with excessive regulatory burdens during an ICBA-advocated outreach meeting under the current Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review.
OCC: Banks affected by Hurricane Helene can close
The OCC said national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches and agencies of foreign banks can close in areas of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee affected by Hurricane...
ICBA: Record-tying credit union acquisition comes amid increased scrutiny
Following this year’s 16th credit union acquisition of a community bank — which ties the record for most in a single year — ICBA continued its call for Congress to investigate credit union policies.
Another Community Bank Acquisition by Tax-Exempt Credit Union as Policymakers and Taxpayers Increase Scrutiny
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement after this year’s 16th acquisition of a tax-paying bank by a tax-exempt...
Survey shows rise in sophisticated fraud tactics
Sixty-two percent of institutions reported a rise in sophisticated fraud tactics, according to a new survey by the Center for Payments, Nacha, and ICBA.
ICBA briefing today ahead of EGRPRA outreach meeting
With the federal banking agencies hosting a virtual outreach meeting this week under their latest Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review, ICBA is hosting a briefing at 1 p.m....
FinCEN publishes beneficial ownership toolkit
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network published a toolkit for small-business owners with beneficial ownership reporting requirements.
ICBA continues urging participation in EGRPRA review
ICBA recently issued a guide to help community bankers participate in the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review process launched by banking regulators this year.
ICBA files appellate brief in CRA rule legal challenge
ICBA and other groups filed an appellate brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit as part of their legal challenge to federal banking regulators’ Community Reinvestment Act final rule.
CFPB proposes amendment to remittance transfer rule
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a proposed rule with an amendment to disclosure requirements for certain international money transfers.
Independent Banker breaks down instant payment adoption
The latest Independent Banker magazine details community banks’ uptake of instant payment systems such as FedNow and Real-Time Payments.
ICBA urging community banker participation in EGRPRA review
ICBA recently issued a guide to help community bankers participate in the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review process launched by banking regulators this year.
CFPB releases FAQs on ‘buy now, pay later’ products
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released frequently asked questions to help industry participants understand, implement, and comply with the requirements in Regulation Z for “buy now, pay...
Fed cuts rates by 50 basis points
The Federal Open Market Committee voted to cut target interest rates by 50 basis points due to improved confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward its 2% goal.
Following ICBA advocacy, FDIC includes credit unions in merger guidance
As advocated by ICBA, the FDIC approved a new statement of policy on bank mergers that for the first time explicitly states that additional scrutiny may be needed for deals involving tax-exempt...
Private-sector companies join tokenization project
More than 40 private-sector companies will join a group of central banks in Project Agorá, which will explore how tokenization and a wholesale central bank digital currency could enhance...
ICBA releases EGRPRA guide for community banker outreach
ICBA issued a guide to help community bankers participate in the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review process launched by banking regulators this year.
FDIC board meeting tomorrow on custodial deposits, mergers
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York releases its Empire State manufacturing survey for September at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time).
Treasury sanctions Cambodian scam centers
The Treasury Department sanctioned Cambodian businessman Ly Yong Phat, L.Y.P. Group Co., and O‑Smach Resort for their role in human rights abuse related to the treatment of trafficked workers...
House committee chair calls for interview with Gruenberg
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) called for a transcribed interview with FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg after Gruenberg refused to testify at a planned hearing...
ICBA testifies before Congress on community bank support for small business
ICBA Rural America and Agriculture Committee Chairman Gus Barker told Congress that community banks have served rural America well for decades and play a vital role in the economic prosperity of...
ICBA urges policymakers to take on crypto scams, improve information sharing
The persistent growth of romance confidence scams emphasizes the urgent need for policymakers to prioritize national security, counter illicit finance uses of cryptocurrency, and improve...
CFPB: Banks need to keep proof of consent for certain overdraft fees
The CFPB issued a circular that says a financial institution violates the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E.
OCC approves separate rule, guidance on bank mergers
The OCC approved a final rule updating its regulations for business combinations involving national banks and federal savings associations and a policy statement clarifying its review of...
DOJ rescinds bank merger guidelines in favor of generic standards
The Justice Department announced that it is withdrawing its 1995 bank merger guidelines, saying its 2023 merger guidelines for all industries will be its sole and authoritative policy.
As FDIC Includes Credit Unions in Merger Statement Following ICBA Advocacy, Most Americans Support Investigation of Credit Union Bank Acquisitions
Thanks to ICBA advocacy, the FDIC today approved a new statement of policy on bank mergers that for the first time explicitly states that additional scrutiny may be needed for deals involving...
ICBA testifying this week on supporting rural businesses
ICBA Rural America and Agriculture Committee Chairman Gus Barker is scheduled to testify before Congress this week on streamlining and coordinating support for rural small businesses.
FinCEN to small businesses: Don’t wait to file beneficial owner reports
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network called on small businesses to begin filing initial beneficial ownership reports under the Corporate Transparency Act.
Agencies announce ICBA-requested comment extension on bank-fintech arrangements
Federal banking regulators extended until Oct. 30 the comment period on a request for information on bank-fintech arrangements.
Independent Banker details SCOTUS decisions affecting community banking
The latest Independent Banker magazine spotlights three Supreme Court decisions that may curb the administrators that oversee community banks.
Poll shows growing demands for credit union policy reform
ICBA released new polling data showing Americans are growing increasingly uneasy with credit unions’ regulatory exemptions and support reforms to policies that arbitrarily favor these tax-exempt...
Today is deadline to file claims for Wawa data security incident
Today is the deadline for financial institutions to file claims in a settlement between financial institutions (including community banks) and Wawa arising out of a 2019 data security incident at...
FDIC board meeting on custodial deposit accounts, bank mergers
The FDIC board of directors scheduled a meeting for next week on a notice of proposed rulemaking on custodial deposit accounts with transaction features and to issue a final statement of policy on...