Search
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...
ICBA: Nonbank payments firms benefit from regulatory imbalance
ICBA said it agrees with a Financial Stability Board report that nonbank service providers involved in cross-border payments are not subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as banks.
ICBA advocacy briefing next week
ICBA next week is hosting a complimentary community bank briefing on key congressional and regulatory developments.
Poll: Growing Majority of Americans Demand Equal Consumer Protections for Credit Union Customers
ICBA today released new polling data showing Americans are growing increasingly uneasy with credit unions’ regulatory exemptions and support reforms to policies that arbitrarily favor these...
ICBA: Credit unions shouldn’t use Wall Street to acquire community banks
ICBA called on the National Credit Union Administration to bar tax-exempt credit unions from using funds raised from Wall Street investors to finance acquisitions of tax-paying community banks.
ICBA: Policymakers Should Bar Credit Unions from Using Wall Street Funds to Acquire Community Banks
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today called on the National Credit Union Administration to bar tax-exempt credit unions from using funds raised from Wall Street investors to...
Mitigating Instant Payments Risk to Reap Rewards
Today’s fraud attacks don’t seek out a faster transaction; they look for a chink in the armor and the path of least resistance. That’s why I’m a big believer in cross-channel fraud detection.
ICBA, groups urge Congress to advance farm bill this year
ICBA and other agricultural stakeholders called on Congress to advance a meaningful farm bill in 2024 that addresses worsening conditions in farm country.
FBI: Crypto fraud complaints rise 45% in 2023
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center said it received more than 69,000 complaints from the public regarding financial fraud involving the use of cryptocurrency last year.
FinCEN: Banks lead in reporting mail-related check fraud
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network said it received more than 15,000 reports from financial institutions on mail theft-related check fraud in the six months after it issued an alert on the...
Agencies issue guidance on Cybersecurity Assessment Tool sunsetting
The FDIC and OCC issued bulletins on last week’s interagency announcement that regulators are sunsetting the Cybersecurity Assessment Tool on Aug. 31, 2025.
CFPB targets rental, medical debt in latest report
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued its annual report to Congress on debt collection, which focuses on medical debt and rental debt.
ICBA: AML/CFT modernization should not expand reg burden
ICBA told the FinCEN that its proposed rule to update anti-money-laundering and countering-the-financing-of-terrorism programs would create additional burdens on banks without benefitting FinCEN’s...