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Rural economic index climbs to highest level since 2023
2026-01-26 Creighton University’s index of rural economic conditions climbed to 52.0 in January, its highest reading since July 2023. Details: Farm and ranchland prices fell, equipment sales were...
Blog post shows positive effects of community banks and FHLBs partnering
2026-01-26 A new blog post from ICBA says that with policymakers reexamining housing-finance policy and exploring ways to improve housing affordability, building on the success of the Federal Home...
SEC, CFTC crypto meeting rescheduled
The crypto policy meeting between the heads of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission originally set for today has been rescheduled until later this week....
Independent Banker shares word-of-mouth marketing tips
2026-01-27 The latest Independent Banker magazine details 10 word-of-mouth marketing strategies community bankers can use to boost referrals, testimonials, and engagement. Highlights: According to...
House Republicans unveil pro-community bank legislation
House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.) and Subcommittee on Financial Institutions Chairman Andy Barr (R-Ky.) released a legislative package to support community banks—with...
ICBA supports pro-community bank legislation at Capitol Hill kickoff
2026-01-09 ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey joined a House Financial Services Committee fireside chat at the U.S. Capitol in support of the committee’s newly unveiled pro-community bank...
Home prices increase in November
2026-01-28 Home prices increased 1.4% in November from the same time a year ago following the same annual gain in October, according to the Case-Shiller index. House prices rose 0.6% in November...
ICBA shares feedback on core providers with OCC
ICBA shares feedback on core providers with OCC 2026-01-28 ICBA shared input on community banks’ relationships with core service providers and other essential third-party service providers to...
ICBA digital assets webinars next month
2026-01-28 ICBA announced a five-part webinar series in February to offer actionable insights into digital asset technologies, market dynamics, and use cases to help community banks evaluate...
ICBA Strongly Supports Senate Bill to Close Industrial Loan Company Loophole
Capital Building at night 2026-01-29 Washington, D.C. (Jan. 29, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today expressed its strong support for bipartisan legislation to close...
Fed keeps interest rates unchanged
The Federal Open Market Committee voted to maintain target interest rates at 3.50% to 3.75% following three consecutive 25-basis-point cuts. Statement: The FOMC said: Economic activity has been...
ICBA Names ICI as a Preferred Service Provider for Core Contract Negotiation
2026-01-29 INN-TECH_09_image branded Washington, D.C. (Jan. 29, 2026)—The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced that ICI Consulting (ICI) has been selected as a Preferred...
ACH Network sees volume and value increases in 2025, Q4
2026-01-30 The ACH Network showed gains in Same Day and standard ACH during 2025 and the fourth quarter, according to Nacha. Highlights: Full-year ACH Network volume totaled 35.2 billion payments...
Senate panel advances digital assets bill without credit card routing amendment
Senate panel advances digital assets bill without credit card routing amendment 2026-01-30 The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 12-11 to advance the Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act without...
ICBA supports Senate bill to close ILC loophole
2026-01-30 ICBA expressed strong support for bipartisan legislation to close the industrial loan company loophole, which allows commercial companies to own full-service banks without full...
ICBA Congratulates Kevin Warsh on Nomination for Fed Chairman
2026-01-30 Washington, D.C. (Jan. 30, 2026) — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s...
Jack E. Hopkins: Navigating Change Through ICBA LIVE 2026
Jack E. Hopkins explains how ICBA LIVE helps community banks navigate rapid change. From innovation and education to real-time peer feedback, LIVE offers practical solutions to cut through industry...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Community Banking in Uncertain Times
ICBA President and CEO Rebecca Romero Rainey reflects on how community banks remain steadfast amid uncertainty. From CDFIs to rural institutions, resilience, leadership, and mission-driven banking...
The AI Readiness Gap in Banking
The AI Readiness Gap in Banking 2026-02-01 Klarivis_Sponsored Banner_Independent Banker_Feat_Image_2000x1250.png Banner_Independent Banker_Thumbnail_750x750px.png SPONSORED | Is your bank AI-ready?...
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank
For community banks, technology isn’t just a back-office function. It’s the foundation of trust, compliance, and growth. The wrong IT partner can leave you exposed to cyberthreats, compliance...
Scott Anchin: How Community Banks Can Fight AI-Driven Fraud
AI-enabled fraud is accelerating, from deepfakes to synthetic identities. This article explains how community banks can use AI tools to detect threats, protect customers and strengthen trust...
Citizens Trust Bank Honored for its Historical Significance
Learn why an Atlanta community bank was recognized by the Georgia Historical Society for its community impact over the past century.
A Look at ICBA's Community Banker-Led Committees
How member-driven ICBA committees and councils power advocacy, innovation and education for community banks.
Native American Bank Helps Bring Modern Utilities to an Alaskan Island
Learn how a partnership between Native American Bank and Metlakatla Indian Community is bringing cheaper, faster electricity and internet to an underserved island in Alaska.
Skyline National Bank Celebrates Local Music
See how Skyline National Bank’s Sounds of Skyline music competition strengthened community connection, improved brand visibility, and drove website visits through an innovative local marketing...
Jacob Eisen: Card Programs Can Drive Community Bank Growth
As the financial services competitive landscape continues to evolve, payments have emerged as a critical component of community bank strategies. It extends beyond interchange revenue to deepening...
Community Bank Ag Lending in Uncertain Times for Farmers
From volatile commodity prices to rising input costs, farmers face mixed conditions. Learn how community banks are supporting ag customers through uncertainty with relationship-based lending,...
Leading a Community Bank Through a CEO Transition
CEO transitions are critical moments for community banks. Hear from new bank leaders on how listening, mentorship and steady communication help build trust and maintain stability during leadership...
Smart Ways Community Banks Can Address Card Fraud
Card fraud is rising and community banks are feeling the impact. Learn how the right mix of technology, staff training, collaboration, and customer education can help banks detect fraud faster,...
Jim Reber: Jonathan Swift on Community Banking
Through the lens of Jonathan Swift’s sharp observations, Jim Reber examines enduring truths about community banking—balancing risk and reward, managing portfolios, and navigating uncertainty with...
How Will the End of the Penny Affect Community Banks?
With penny production ending, community banks must address rounding policies, teller training and system updates. Here’s how banks can manage the operational impact and support customers.
SEC, CFTC meet on harmonizing crypto efforts
2026-02-02 The Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission met last week to discuss crypto harmonization between the two agencies. Highlights: SEC Chairman Paul...
ICBA Community tops 7,000 members
2026-02-02 ICBA Community, the exclusive digital network for ICBA members, surpassed 7,000 members. Forum for Sharing: Launched in July 2023, ICBA Community: Is a secure, members-only space for...
ICBA urges OCC to pause approvals of national trust bank charter applications
ICBA urges OCC to pause approvals of national trust bank charter applications 2026-02-02 ICBA urged the OCC to delay approval or substantive consideration of any pending national trust bank charter...
ICBA urges agencies to streamline the call report
2026-02-02 ICBA told the federal banking agencies that streamlining the call report is a simple but effective step to reduce the regulatory burdens that weigh on community banks. Details: In a...
ICBA, state groups support proposal to recalibrate CBLR
2026-02-02 ICBA and 45 state banking associations said they strongly report the federal banking agencies’ proposal to recalibrate the Community Bank Leverage Ratio and adjust the grace period....
Trump nominates Warsh to lead Fed
2026-02-02 President Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to serve as Federal Reserve chairman to replace Jerome Powell, whose term as Fed chair ends in May. Background: Warsh served as a Fed...
How Community Banks Should Evaluate New Fintech
Six ThinkTECH Accelerator fintechs explain how their products support community banks—and what bankers should prioritize when evaluating new technology partnerships.
What is the STARC Framework for Bank-Fintech Risk Management?
STARC offers a standardized framework to help community banks assess fintech partners. Learn how the new CFES assessment identifies compliance gaps across BSA/AML, operations and third-party risk...
Preparing New Directors for Community Bank Boards
Serving on a community bank board carries serious responsibility. This guide explains how a structured onboarding process helps new directors understand banking fundamentals, governance...