Rebeca Romero Rainey: Let's Continue the Course in the New Year

Each day in community banking seems to dawn with a new issue, but taking a step back, our challenges are all in a day’s work. The common theme among all our battles is that they aren’t new; they are ones we’ve faced for decades, just with new faces.

For example, whether we’re talking about credit unions, industrial loan companies (ILCs) or crypto firms, we’re battling against entities trying to call themselves “banks” without a level playing field and the rules to support it. While their models and approaches might look a little different from one another, the core issue remains the same. 

Our focus, as it always has been, is to address unfair advantages, advocate for the mission of community banking and center on ways we can better support our local communities. How, amid these battles, will we retain capital to serve our local communities? That answer stands at the core of all of our positions. 

Supporting your community through ICBA’s core pillars

As the landscape around us changes, so, too, do our opportunities. Knowledge is power, and being armed with the right information gives us the ability to address new potential. That’s why ICBA Education offers ways to support you in deepening your understanding of pivotal subjects. Having fuller insights into technologies like digital assets and stablecoins, AI and more will unveil ways to institute proactive strategies at your community bank. 

Of course, innovation also plays a key role in supporting our communities, so ICBA Innovation continues to seek out providers that build solutions for community banks. We work to introduce options that help you to achieve your goals in line with what makes sense for you and your market. 

On the advocacy front, we continue to ensure clear pathways for community banks to engage with rulemakers. We will drive conversations with Congress, the administration and regulators as we continue to protect the distinction between community banks and other entities. 

One topic at a time

In some ways, it’s reassuring that today’s issues are a varietal of what we have faced for years, but there is no question that the pace of change has accelerated. It is more important than ever to ensure you, your team and your board are actively engaged in these conversations and leveraging the power of the tools ICBA provides. Just as I’m certain that 2026 will introduce new issues, I also know that as a community of community banks, we are prepared to tackle them together, one topic at a time.

Where I’ll be
this month

I’ll be spending time with volunteer leaders from the Nominating Committee, at an association leadership symposium with our chairman and incoming chairman, and in new officer orientation. What a great way to kick off the year, working with those who do so much for ICBA!