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Ron Haynie: The GSE Conservatorship Should End Now
After 15 years, the federal government should end its conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The conservatorship prevents these enterprises from operating like a privately run entity.
An Update on Data Protection Regulations
Last year, the CFPB issued an advisory opinion on privacy protection for personal data compiled from community banks. Here’s what you need to know.
Chris Cole: Basel III Endgame Proposals Targeted at Large Banks
With legislation like the Interagency Proposal to Amend Regulatory Capital Requirements for Large Banks, it’s important for community bankers to share their opinions on why “too big to fail” banks...
Modernizing the Community Reinvestment Act
To meet the needs of today’s world, the Community Reinvestment Act is getting an update. Here’s what to know about it.
Jenna Burke: Are Changes to Bank M&A Rules on the Horizon?
The Department of Justice and other banking agencies are evaluating a new potential M&A framework. What does this mean for community banks?
In Pictures: The ICBA Capital Summit 2023
To advocate for community banks across the nation, ICBA and participating bankers went straight to the source: Capitol Hill.
Susan Sullivan: Staking a Claim in the Digital Assets Debate
As Congress and other federal agencies discuss the evolving marketplace of cryptocurrency and a CBDC, ICBA is ensuring the voice of community banks are being heard.
Stephen Keen: ICBA Defends Against FDIC Special Assessment
As soon as the news broke about Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, ICBA sprang into action, shielding community banks from paying for the failures of the megabanks.
Minnesota's First Black-Owned Bank
In 2022, Detroit-based First Independence Bank became the first Black-owned bank to open a branch in Minnesota, with the goal of creating greater economic prospects for underserved people.
John Coleman: Make the Most of the August Congressional Recess
When members of Congress return home during congressional recess, it’s a great opportunity for community bankers to engage with them over policy—with the right preparation.
Mark Scanlan: Speaking out for rural America in the new Farm Bill
The five-year Farm Bill is set to expire later this year. ICBA is lobbying Congress in the reauthorization with six important provisions.
Listen Up: Taking bold and brave action
What does it mean to be innovative? In episode 5 of the Independent Banker podcast, host Charles Potts talks to Rebeca Romero Rainey, president and CEO of ICBA, about her passion for community...
Aaron Stetter: Return to Capitol Hill
The 2023 ICBA Capital Summit is next month. Here’s a peek at what you can expect from the premier community bank advocacy event.
Aaron Stetter: Setting a course for the new Congress
ICBA is getting the community banking message out, from sending a letter detailing ICBA’s policy priorities to every member of the new Congress to reinforcing that messaging with advertisements in...
Independent Banker Podcast: Fighting the Good Fight — with Anne Balcer
Anne Balcer talks to host Charles Potts, ICBA’s chief innovation officer, about the value of her background as a community banker, the advocacy wins community banks saw last year, the issues her...
Navigating new overdraft fee guidance for community banks
The CFPB recently issued new guidance on overdraft fees that was unanticipated by community banks. Learn what this means for the industry and how community banks can stay in compliance.
Member Benefits: Advocacy through digital channels
Digital media gives community bankers a platform for advocacy, and ICBA’s Virtual Advocacy Primer details how you can put it to work.
MDIs and CDFIs bolster minority-owned businesses
When the U.S. Treasury created the Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP), it provided MDIs and CDFIs with an influx of capital that they’re using to help minority-owned businesses in their...
Lilly Thomas: Shaping the regulatory year ahead
With a full agenda of topics that need attention, ICBA’s government relations team is meeting with the regulatory agencies, writing comment letters and offering up research and ideas to help shape...
Aaron Stetter: Welcome, new members of Congress
As new members find their footing on Capitol Hill, learning the ins and outs of their new roles, ICBA is there to help them understand the strength of community banks and the critical role they...
A fund for diverse tech companies
First National Bank and Black Tech Nation Ventures teamed up to support minority-owned startups in the Pittsburgh community and beyond.
Lexicon Bank: A bank that shows its hand
When it comes to supporting outliers in the Las Vegas community, Lexicon Bank knows how to play its cards.
Aaron Stetter & Joe Schneider: ICBA state association partnerships
ICBA works closely with our affiliated state associations to identify creative ways to communicate our collective message to Congress and the regulatory agencies.
2022 regulatory compliance review
While the creation of new compliance regulations was slow this year compared with years past, some regulations were implemented as expected, and some continue to evolve.
How these community banks support Native communities
Community banks with deep roots and pride in their Native American heritage are committed to providing financial assistance, housing aid, lending and educational outreach to underserved tribal...
Entering the cannabis banking market
While the federal legal status of banking cannabis-related businesses remains fuzzy, community banks in some states are finding that, with proper controls, they’re able to enter this niche market...
Aaron Stetter: ICBA fighting Durbin amendment credit card expansion
The newly proposed Credit Card Competition Act could severely restrict community banks’ freedom regarding credit card payments, with cost hikes unfairly passed along to the consumer and the greater...
Tailor-made community banking
These community banks tailor their products and services not just to their neighborhood demographics but to everyone’s needs, from bank accounts for gig economy workers to microloans for consumers....
Aaron Stetter: ICBA's fall legislative outlook
Legislation addressing everything from farm lending to credit union overreach is set to go before Congress this autumn. Now’s the time to make your voice heard on the issues that affect community...
Jenna Burke: Leading the climate risk charge
As lawmakers and regulatory bodies discuss their approach to managing climate-related rules, disclosures and oversight, ICBA pushes back against regulations that could prove disadvantageous to...
Mark K. Scanlan: Overregulation is strangling rural America
After the CFPB released its report on the financial issues facing rural America, ICBA emphasized that leveling the playing field and easing rural community banks’ regulatory burden would drive...
These Asian-American led banks are helping their communities
May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—and these Asian American-led community banks are adding to that heritage every single day by helping bring dreams within reach.
Deborah Matthews Phillips: Stop the Durbin Amendment expansion
ICBA and other trade partners join the push for Congress to gain awareness and take action against the harmful financial effects of Reg II.
Robert Fisher: Driving change
Community banks have an amazing reputation on Capitol Hill, and we need to leverage it to drive necessary change.
Success stories of Black-owned banks and their customers
After a long history of systemic economic oppression, Black-owned banks are playing a key role in improving the economic fortunes of their communities. We asked community bankers and their...
Robert Fisher: The journey ahead
From new competition and new technology to new regulation, we have adapted and continued to offer the relationship-centric experience that our communities, customers and missions depend on.
Compliance changes coming this year
Driven by uncertainty around the pandemic, few compliance reforms were realized in 2021. This year, regulators are considering reforms centered on the Community Reinvestment Act, the Fair Housing...
Robert Fisher: The nimbleness of community bankers
Let’s rediscover what it means to be community bankers. Let’s exercise our nimble natures to exceed customer expectations. Because as community bankers, it’s what we do.
Aaron Stetter: Nonstop advocacy
ICBA stands at the ready to protect the franchise value of the nation’s community banks and develop tools to empower them to speak up and be heard.
Michael Emancipator: The case against the Section 1071 proposal
The CFPB’s proposed rule to implement Section 1071 would add a burdensome and costly reporting requirement onto all community bank small business lenders.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Mitigating cybercrime
We know that despite the frights cyberattacks bring, you continue to flourish by safeguarding the communities you serve.
Aaron Stetter: Sounding the alarm on IRS reporting overreach
ICBA is building a coalition of associations, community banks and customers to oppose a Treasury Department proposal adding burdensome reporting to the plates of all financial institutions.
Ponce Bank serves the underserved
Ponce Bank has brought banking services to minority neighborhoods in the Bronx and greater New York City for more than six decades with a clear focus on community investment.
Aaron Stetter: Pushing back against postal banking
ICBA is fighting a flawed proposal that would have the U.S. Postal Service enter the banking industry.
11 hot-button issues you should know about
While the political landscape in Washington, D.C., has changed considerably over the past year, ICBA continues to work with regulators and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for the betterment of...
Banking on minority-owned businesses
Four community banks came together to launch a $1 million interest-free loan program to help local business owners who have faced barriers to the traditional banking system.
Aaron Stetter: Congress needs hearings on credit unions
We’re calling on Congress to hold hearings on credit unions’ misuse of their outdated tax exemption. With credit union acquisitions of banks rising, policymakers must re-evaluate and eliminate this...
Mark Scanlan: Fighting for ag and rural tax relief
ICBA is pushing for the Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America Act, legislation that would help rural borrowers and level the playing field against unfair competition.
Aaron Stetter: Setting the advocacy agenda
ICBA’s 2021 legislative agenda aims to assist banks through the pandemic and beyond.
From redlining to modernization: A CRA overview
The Community Reinvestment Act was designed to stop redlining, the impact of which is still felt in metro areas today. We look at the past and current CRA, including upcoming revisions from...
3 banks investing in communities under the CRA
Many community banks invest in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods to make lasting impacts while also getting Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, credit. Here’s how three community banks are...
Amy Ledig: Setting Deregulatory Priorities to Help Community Banks
A rundown of five areas where ICBA’s advocacy is making an impact.
Mickey Marshall: Why National Trust Bank Charters Sparked a Growing Policy Fight
Fintech and crypto firms continue to seek out trust charters for deposit-like products, raising policy questions and competitive risks for community banks.
Powering Potential: How ICBA's Letters Influence Congress
Here’s how ICBA uses letters to try to influence Congress.
Safeguarding Borrower Data
The HPPA curbs trigger leads and reinforces the trust at the heart of community banking.
Deposit Insurance Reform: Community Bankers' Goals
Community bankers share common goals for protecting depositors.
Revealed: The Impact of Credit Union Acquisitions
Credit union acquisitions of community banks are leaving lasting scars on local economies—reducing small business lending, limiting mortgage access and weakening community reinvestment. But...
Deregulation Ahead: Community Bank Regulatory Outlook
Learn how regulatory changes in 2026, including stablecoin legislation and Section 1071 exemptions, will shape the future of community banking.
ILC Loophole Impact on Community Banks & Regulation
Learn about the historical context of the ILC loophole, its implications for community banks and the ongoing regulatory debates surrounding this critical issue.
A Look at ICBA's Community Banker-Led Committees
How member-driven ICBA committees and councils power advocacy, innovation and education for community banks.