Rebeca Romero Rainey
Rebeca Romero Rainey is president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), the leading advocacy organization exclusively representing community banks. She is one of the nation’s foremost advocates of the community banking industry, with a focus on regulatory reform for our country’s nearly 5,000 community banks. She has met with President Obama and President Trump to discuss issues that are top of mind for community banks.
A third-generation community banker born and raised in Taos, N.M., Romero Rainey is the former Chairman and CEO of Centinel Bank of Taos. Upon graduating from Wellesley College, she returned home to Taos with the dream of continuing her family’s business of running the town’s only local community bank.
Her broader service to the community banking industry began when she joined the board of the Independent Community Bankers of New Mexico, where she served as president in 2007-08. She entered the national stage by becoming active within ICBA and serving on several committees. Romero Rainey also played a key role in the formation of ICBA’s Minority Bank Council and served as its first chairman. Later she was nominated to become a member of ICBA’s Executive Committee, and in 2016, became ICBA chairman.
Romero Rainey has also served on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Advisory Committee on Community Banking and the Kansas City Federal Reserve Community Depository Institution Advisory Council. She has been featured on CSPAN, MSNBC, CNBC, NPR, Fox Business News, and has been named a top Washington lobbyist every year since 2018 by “The Hill” publication. Romero Rainey has testified before Congress, and delivered speeches before the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC.
Romero Rainey has a long history of community engagement and collaboration among community stakeholders. She is the co-founder of the Bridges Project for Education, a nonprofit focused on helping first-generation college students. She was also selected as Taos Citizen of the Year in 2009 and has been awarded the New Mexico Governor’s Award for outstanding women.
In addition to graduating from Wellesley College, Romero Rainey holds a degree from the Pacific Coast School of Banking.
Articles by Rebeca Romero Rainey
Rebecca Romero Rainey: Data-Driven Banking for Growth and Risk Mitigation
Learn how community banks can use a practical data strategy to drive business development, mitigate risk, strengthen data security, and streamline operations—plus how ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator supports community bank innovation.
Rebecca Romero Rainey: The Importance of AI Security for Community Banks
Community banks face growing AI fraud threats including deepfakes and voice cloning. ICBA president and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey explains how ICBA's AI Security Readiness Guide and advocacy efforts help strengthen bank cybersecurity and incident response planning.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Leading With Heart
ICBA president and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey on why relationships remain at the heart of what community bankers do.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Why Service is the Heart of the Community Bank Difference
Discover how community banks drive economic prosperity through relationship banking, small business loans, agricultural lending and ICBA advocacy.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Community Banking Strategy for Growth
Community banks can drive growth by leaning into relationship-based banking, targeted technology investments and personalized customer strategies. Explore leadership insights for expanding prospects.
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 continue to anchor communities nationwide.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Let's Continue the Course in the New Year
Rebeca Romero Rainey, president and CEO of ICBA, shares why it's more important than ever to ensure that community banks are actively engaged and leveraging the power of the tools that ICBA provides.
Rising Concerns Over National Bank Trust Charters
Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed an alarming upsurge in the number of nonbank financial technology firms applying for national bank trust charters.
New Analysis Shows Credit Union Acquisitions of Community Banks Harm the Communities That Can Least Afford It
ICBA and community bankers have long warned about the dangers of tax-exempt credit unions acquiring tax-paying community banks, a concerning trend that peaked last year and has continued in 2025.
How ICBA has worked to shape the GENIUS Act and what’s next for community banks
Following President Donald Trump’s signing of a new law on stablecoins—the GENIUS Act—on July 18, it is essential that the nation’s community bankers understand what it means for our industry and how ICBA has helped shape stablecoin policy.
At Halfway Point of 2025, ICBA Marks Significant Advocacy Successes
On the heels of our recent Capital Summit, in which hundreds of community bankers traveled to Washington to meet with policymakers, it is worth pausing to reflect on our successes as well as the many advocacy priorities we continue to advance.
With Historic Opportunity, ICBA Pushing for Meaningful Policy Change
With a new Congress and administration arriving in Washington, ICBA and the nation’s community banks face a momentous opportunity to make significant changes to a regulatory system that is flat-out broken.
Community Banks Elevate Industry in 2024 with Major Opportunities Ahead
ICBA and community bankers focused much of our attention in 2023 on differentiating our industry in the wake of failures at larger institutions, while 2024 was all about elevating our positions on key issues at a time of intense political debate.
ICBA’s Community Bank Mission Critical to 2023 Successes
At a time when consequential failures at large, risky banks led to major media outlets erroneously directing blame to Main Street community banks, ICBA was there defending and promoting the community banking business model.
ICBA’s Rebrand: Writing the Next Chapter for Community Banking
Our mission is central to everything we do, and the pride that comes from that every day is nothing short of inspiring. Much like the community banks we serve, ICBA is continuously evolving, growing, and building momentum.
ICBA Continues Fighting to Differentiate Community Banks from Large, Risky Bank Closures
ICBA and community banks have been on a rollercoaster since the March 10 failure of Silicon Valley Bank, but we have once again proven to be strong and resilient.
From the CEO: ICBA and Community Bankers Stand Together in 2022
As we near the waning days of another thrilling and unforgettable year, I remain awed by the endless energy and devotion community bankers dedicate to serving as effective advocates in Washington.
Why ICBA opposes flawed Marshall-Durbin Amendment expansion legislation
Despite ICBA’s persistent communications on the negative impact of Durbin Amendment interventions on payment card systems, its latest iteration furthers the misguided policies of the past that will inevitably lead to significant disruptions iif passed.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Battling the Many Faces of Fraud, Together
When it comes to fraud, we are being hit on all fronts with scams that range from the very basic to the most sophisticated.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Offering Financial Freedom to Communities Nationwide
As we celebrate Independence Day this month, I can’t help but equate that sense of freedom with what we do as community bankers.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: We Empower Our Nation's Small Businesses
When it comes to community banking, we are a nation unto ourselves.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Marching to the Beat of Community Banking
There’s a rhythm to community banking, a steadiness amid a sea of change that keeps us centered and focused on the customers and communities we serve.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: AI, the New Frontier
If you’ve ever watched an episode of “Star Trek,” you’ve heard its famous introduction proclaiming we must “boldly go where no man has gone before.”
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Communication Is Key to Mitigating Fraud
Cybersecurity and fraud mitigation remain significant priorities for community banks as attacks get more creative and targeted.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Leveling the Playing Field
They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, but when it comes to financial services, it doesn’t make for a fair banking environment.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Is Crypto Needed?
“While we have heard a wide range of rationale [for cryptocurrency], those concepts don’t seem founded in need as much as in justification.”
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Here for the Long Haul
Community banks … commit for the long haul as a true partner, helping customers withstand market turbulence and come out successfully on the other side.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: A sharing of values
Community bankers know the people and needs behind the business, and that personal connection creates a recipe for mutual success.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The importance of outreach
Through national advertising, media relations outreach, social media and more, we will differentiate community banks in the hearts and minds of Americans.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Authentic connection
For community banks, marketing often points to finding ways to educate, support and grow community, as well as customer knowledge and awareness.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The spirit of service
Community banks stand out in today’s financial services space because our business model depends on an ecosystem where the bank only benefits when customers do.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Shifts in lending
Loan providers are multiplying, and we cannot underestimate the need for a frictionless loan, one that removes hoops for our customers and feels simple, efficient and effective.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Stronger together
It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what makes ICBA LIVE so special, but I believe it is in a shared sense of purpose that arises whenever community bankers convene.
Taking Bold and Brave Action for Community Banks – with Rebeca Romero Rainey, President and CEO of ICBA
Rebeca Romero Rainey, President and CEO of ICBA, talks with host Charles Potts, Chief Innovation Officer, about how and why ICBA made the decision to stand alone in public opposition to the nomination of Prof. Saule Omarova to the OCC.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Mitigating cybercrime
We know that despite the frights cyberattacks bring, you continue to flourish by safeguarding the communities you serve.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Staying the course
We must work to remain optimistic in the face of adversity and keep in mind that no matter how difficult that feat may be, it’s worth the effort.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Lead with purpose
Our approach to service is not about checking something off the list for today. It’s about making incremental positive change over time.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Making a Difference, One Act at a Time
Community bankers are driven by a spirit of service. Giving back to our communities is simply a part of who we are.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Conversations Must Determine Our Innovation Budgets
Innovation is one of those line items that can be hard to wrap our heads around.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Coming Together to Address Fraud
When it comes to fraud, it takes a village. That may be in part because fraudsters continue to get more sophisticated, and fraud’s effect on banking is skyrocketing.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Amplifying the Community Bank Difference
Our 2025 Community Bank CEO Outlook survey revealed that 77% of bank executives believe their greatest opportunity this year will be differentiating their community bank from other financial firms.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Nurturing the Community Bank Ecosystem
The start of a new year brings with it opportunities, and as we enter 2025, we do so with an eye toward the potential that awaits.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Nurturing the Community Bank Ecosystem
As I reflect on the impact community banks have had this year, I revel in this notion that we have created something special, a dynamic ecosystem that centers on people.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Connected As Independent Community Banks
When you enter ICBA’s headquarters, you are greeted with a large U.S. map that contains a peg for each community bank and a singular cord linking them all together.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The Spirit of Community
As it’s often stated, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” When applied to community banking, that sentiment couldn’t be truer. We come together as a community of bankers, having one another’s best interests at heart.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Here for Good
The 2024 ICBA LIVE theme is “Here for Good,” and I am struck by how much that message resonates in all we do.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Cultivate Lasting Success
Preparing for the future is not as much about filling a particular job description as it is about creating a conscious path for our banks and communities.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Our banking family
When we assemble at LIVE, it’s about coming together to ignite the passion for community banking on behalf of our communities in a way that moves the industry forward.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The power of discussion
Healthy debate helps us achieve an outcome where we’re all pushed to think beyond what might be readily in front of us.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Community bankers are all in
Everything feeds into the customer experience, and that ability to meet and exceed customer expectations is what distinguishes us as community bankers.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Stories worth telling
This Community Banking Month, I invite you to try something new to spread your story. Share a new development, community project or initiative.
ICBA’s Rebeca Romero Rainey: Race for Community Banks and Main Street a Marathon, Not a Sprint
During her keynote speech today at ICBA LIVE, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey reminded community bankers theyare the heartbeat of this nation’s economy and every community deserves a community bank dedicated to its success.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Tell your story
In a world that’s so full of noise, the story we’re telling is compelling and resonates with our customers, because it’s one of work centered around human connection, care and community.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The spirit of innovation
A spirit of innovation and can-do attitude will serve you well this year, helping you remain ahead of the curve and address issues that arise.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Focus on the light
While our decisions over the past year have been driven even more by our mission than by our bottom lines, we’ve also achieved good results.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Engaging with talent
The people we employ embody our banks, and the personal relationships our teams forge with our customers make us unique in the industry and keep our customers returning.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Starting a new chapter
As we enter a new chapter and start a new financial statement cycle, know that ICBA will be there to support you with tools, resources and advocacy efforts.
Community Bank Innovation: Navigating Core Providers
Discover how community bank innovation thrives through core provider integrations, API access, and regulatory compliance support from the ICBA in 2026.
New Analysis Shows Credit Union Acquisitions of Community Banks Harm the Communities That Can Least Afford It
ICBA and community bankers have long warned about the dangers of tax-exempt credit unions acquiring tax-paying community banks, a concerning trend that peaked last year and has continued in 2025.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Your Advocacy Impact
Sometimes in life, we’re fortunate enough to see our labor yield results, and that’s precisely what’s been happening with our advocacy efforts.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Remaining Nimble Against a Litany of Regulation
Flexibility: It’s one of the characteristics that sets our community banks apart, enabling us to meet the needs of distinct communities in unique ways.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Change Is Hard, Good Leadership Is Critical
The mere mention of change can send pulses racing and blood pressure rising. But while change can be hard, it’s unavoidable, and it’s only going to continue to accelerate in our evolving marketplace.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: A New Tool For Your Team's Career Development
As community bankers, we each wear multiple hats and have throughout the course of our careers.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Why the Community Bank Story Matters in Advocacy
As we enter Community Banking Month, I am thrilled to honor the ways community banks step up to champion the needs of their communities.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Putting the Person in Personalized Marketing
When it comes to community bank marketing, it’s about the person, not the product.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Continuing the Climb for Our Communities
As we enter 2024, we see a steep climb amid so many headwinds, including volatile interest rate and supervisory environments, emerging regulatory reforms, constant pressure on margins and more. Yet, with every step on the journey, we just get stronger.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Combatting Cyber Threats
We need to continue our training … to identify threats and prepare ourselves, our staff and our customers for what’s possible and what’s potentially next.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Advocate for a Positive Environment
We advocate for community bankers to continue to have an environment where they can help their customers, and we respond creatively to ensure our customers still have access to solutions that meet their needs.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: A Tried-and-True Business Model
So much of what we’ve seen in the last six months is banks doubling down on what they’re good at doing: helping their customers and communities in ways that nobody else can.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The people make the bank
How we hire, retain, recruit and advance our missions amid momentous change will remain a key topic for community bank leaders and will influence our plans for the future.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Navigating the digital movement
The habits of our customers change, and we’re constantly walking beside them, transforming our services to meet their needs.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Budget prioritization
Community banks stand out in today’s financial services space because our business model depends on an ecosystem where the bank only benefits when customers do.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Prepare your cyber defenses
While there’s no cyber or data security silver bullet, by bringing the theoretical into a true banking environment, we can begin to establish action plans that speak to real-world attacks.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Use your voice
[There is a] need for strong voices to weigh in on how new regulation will affect our communities and the customers we serve.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Focusing on our communities
Unlike our credit union counterparts, we pay taxes, and those tax dollars are spent at home to ensure our communities grow.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: You make an impact
From your focus on people to the good that you do, you make a lasting impact, and that’s what makes you uniquely who you are.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Developing innovation strategy
Community banks are independent institutions fueled by the needs of their individual communities, so what constitutes innovation will look and feel different for every bank.
Mitigating Check Fraud in Community Banks
Check fraud costs $21 billion annually. Help your community bank combat check fraud with ICBA's Check Fraud Resource Center, solutions directory and shared peer insights
Marching into 2026 on the Advocacy Frontline
Looking back on the past year, we have advocacy successes to celebrate.
ICBA advances latest principles for deposit insurance reform to focus policy debate
Large bank failures of 2023 demonstrated the need to reform the nation’s deposit insurance system. With lawmakers working to gather input & offer deposit reform proposals, ICBA has worked with community bankers to shape principles to inform this debate.