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ICBA Strongly Supports Senate Bill to Close Industrial Loan Company Loophole
ICBA Strongly Supports Senate Bill to Close Industrial Loan Company Loophole Washington, D.C. (Jan. 29, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today expressed its strong...
Fed keeps interest rates unchanged
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...
ICBA Names ICI as a Preferred Service Provider for Core Contract Negotiation
ICBA Names ICI as a Preferred Service Provider for Core Contract Negotiation Washington, D.C. (Jan. 29, 2026)—The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced that ICI Consulting...
Senate panel advances digital assets bill without credit card routing amendment
Senate panel advances digital assets bill without credit card routing amendment The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 12-11 to advance the Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act without bipartisan...
ICBA supports Senate bill to close ILC loophole
ICBA supports Senate bill to close ILC loophole ICBA expressed strong support for bipartisan legislation to close the industrial loan company loophole, which allows commercial companies to own...
ICBA Congratulates Kevin Warsh on Nomination for Fed Chairman
ICBA Congratulates Kevin Warsh on Nomination for Fed Chairman Washington, D.C. (Jan. 30, 2026) — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the...
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 SPONSORED | Is your bank AI-ready? Most aren't. Low data quality scores reveal the gap between AI ambitions and reality. Learn how to fix visibility, governance, and...
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank
The IT Vendor Decision That Could Make or Break Your Bank SPONSORED | Choosing the wrong IT vendor can cost your bank in security, compliance, and growth. Discover how to evaluate your MSP and make...
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...
Wes Beedon's Love of Classic Rock
A Minnesota community banker tells us why he finds joy in performing live music.
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
SEC, CFTC meet on harmonizing crypto efforts The Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission met last week to discuss crypto harmonization between the two agencies....
ICBA Community tops 7,000 members
ICBA Community tops 7,000 members 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,...
ICBA urges OCC to pause approvals of national trust bank charter applications
ICBA urges OCC to pause approvals of national trust bank charter applications 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
ICBA urges agencies to streamline the call report ICBA told the federal banking agencies that streamlining the call report is a simple but effective step to reduce the regulatory burdens that weigh...
ICBA, state groups support proposal to recalibrate CBLR
ICBA, state groups support proposal to recalibrate CBLR ICBA and 45 state banking associations said they strongly report the federal banking agencies’ proposal to recalibrate the Community Bank...
Trump nominates Warsh to lead Fed
Trump nominates Warsh to lead Fed 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...
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.
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...
Rhonda Thomas-Whitley: Why Risk-Based BSA Compliance Matters for Banks
BSA compliance is critical to financial security, but it works best when oversight aligns with risk. Learn how outdated thresholds, inconsistent exams, and evolving guidance affect community banks,...
These San Diego Community Banks are Powering Local Business
San Diego’s community banks are fueling growth across life sciences, small business, and underserved communities. Three ICBA member banks share how local decision-making and mission-driven banking...
Everything You Need to Know About ICBA LIVE 2026
The world's largest gathering of community bankers will be inspiring, educational and invigorating. Learn about the events, speakers and celebrations that make it a must-attend event.
How CDFIs and MDIs Are Navigating Uncertainty
CDFIs and MDIs share how potential funding cuts and regulatory shifts could affect their ability to serve underserved communities, and why their mission matters more than ever.
Banking Trades Statement on White House Crypto Market Structure Meeting
Banking Trades Statement on White House Crypto Market Structure Meeting Washington, D.C. (Feb. 2, 2026)—Following today’s meeting at the White House on crypto market structure legislation, the...
FFIEC announces updates to liquidity web pages
FFIEC announces updates to liquidity web pages The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council announced it is updating the Uniform Bank Performance Report’s Liquidity & Funding page and the...
ICBA: Latest national trust bank charter application highlights need for moratorium
ICBA: Latest national trust bank charter application highlights need for moratorium After the latest nonbank entity applied for a national trust bank charter, ICBA reiterated its call for the OCC...
ICBA, others oppose PayPal’s ILC application
ICBA, others oppose PayPal’s ILC application ICBA and the Bank Policy Institute said the FDIC should not issue deposit insurance to any industrial loan company applicant, including PayPal Bank,...
ICBA attends White House meeting on digital assets
ICBA attends White House meeting on digital assets ICBA and other groups met with administration officials at the White House to discuss concerns with digital assets market structure legislation....
Bank financial officers report tighter standards for commercial, industrial loans
Bank financial officers report tighter standards for commercial, industrial loans Respondents to the Federal Reserve’s latest survey of senior financial officers reported: Tighter lending standards...
February marketing tools available
February marketing tools available ICBA’s Marketing Resource Center features ready-to-use marketing tools that community bankers can use to celebrate February events. February Assets: The MRC’s...
Independent Banker highlights the power of CDFIs
Independent Banker highlights the power of CDFIs The latest Independent Banker magazine highlights why the mission of community development financial institutions and minority deposit institutions...
Fed finalizes scenarios for annual stress test
Fed finalizes scenarios for annual stress test The Federal Reserve finalized the hypothetical scenarios for its annual stress test for large banks. Details: The Fed: Said the final scenarios are...
CDFI Fund announces TLR webinars
CDFI Fund announces TLR webinars The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund announced its schedule for monthly Transaction Level Report webinars. Details: The CDFI Fund said the webinars...
SBA announces stricter residency requirements
SBA announces stricter residency requirements The Small Business Administration announced it will no longer guarantee loans for small businesses owned by foreign nationals. Details: In its policy...
Treasury’s Bessent expresses support for community bank regulatory relief
Treasury’s Bessent expresses support for community bank regulatory relief Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent touted regulatory relief for community banks during a hearing on Capitol Hill. Statement:...
Washington enacts tax on credit unions that acquire banks
Washington enacts tax on credit unions that acquire banks Washington state recently enacted a tax on credit unions that acquire or merge with a bank. Details: Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Washington...
CDFI Fund receives full allocation for 2026
CDFI Fund receives full allocation for 2026 The spending bill signed into law this week fully funds the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund for 2026. Details: The Consolidated...
Bessent recognizes concerns with stablecoin yield in testimony
Bessent recognizes concerns with stablecoin yield in testimony Appearing before the Senate Banking Committee, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged concerns about crypto entities paying...
Ahead of House vote, ICBA urges support for community bank reg relief
Ahead of House vote, ICBA urges support for community bank reg relief Ahead of House vote, ICBA urges support for community bank reg relief ICBA urged members of Congress to pass the Housing for...
Consumer credit up in 2025, Q4, and December
Consumer credit up in 2025, Q4, and December The Federal Reserve reported that consumer credit increased 5.7% in December, capping an increase of 3.0% in the fourth quarter. 2025 Data: Overall in...
USDA forecasts decline in farm income
USDA forecasts decline in farm income The USDA released an updated farm sector income forecast estimating net farm income of $153.4 billion for 2026, which is 0.7% lower than 2025. 2026-02-09
FDIC extends comment period on stablecoin rule
FDIC extends comment period on stablecoin rule The FDIC issued an ICBA-advocated extension of the comment period for its proposed rulemaking on the GENIUS Act. Details: The FDIC announced a 90-day...
ICBA, farm groups urge no cuts to crop insurance
ICBA, farm groups urge no cuts to crop insurance ICBA and 60 farm groups opposed cuts to crop insurance during the budget process. Details: In letters to the administration and congressional...
ICBA expresses concerns about ‘skinny’ master accounts
ICBA expresses concerns about ‘skinny’ master accounts ICBA told policymakers it has significant concerns about expanding direct Federal Reserve account access to institutions that operate outside...
Community Banks Head to San Diego for ICBA LIVE 2026 Next Month
Community Banks Head to San Diego for ICBA LIVE 2026 Next Month The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) will host ICBA LIVE 2026, the nation’s premier educational and networking event...
ICBA Applauds House Passage of Housing for the 21st Century Act
ICBA Applauds House Passage of Housing for the 21st Century Act Washington, D.C. (Feb. 9, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) applauded the House of Representatives for...
CFTC warns of relationship investment scams around Valentine’s Day
CFTC warns of relationship investment scams around Valentine’s Day The Commodity Futures Trading Commission warned consumers that Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for criminals to use relationship...
Washington credit union tax continues making news
Washington credit union tax continues making news Washington state’s recently enacted tax on credit unions that acquire banks continues making news. Background: Effective immediately, the...