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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...
ICBA launches campaign to protect Main Street from crypto threat
ICBA today is launching a new advocacy campaign to protect local communities and consumers from the risks posed by crypto products that lack regulation and consumer protection. Details:...