ICBA Newsroom
The ICBA Newsroom collects and centralizes all the NewsWatch Today articles, press releases, Main Street Matters blogs, advocacy letters and other news that impacts community bankers.
ICBA Capital Summit begins
ICBA kicked off the 2025 ICBA Capital Summit with community bankers from across the country convening in Washington, D.C.
May 13, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA-advocated resolution scrapping CFPB overdraft rule signed into law
President Donald Trump signed into law an ICBA-advocated resolution to overturn the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final rule on overdraft services, finalizing a key policy success for community bankers.
May 12, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB Compliance
CFPB withdrawing more than a decade of guidance materials
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced the withdrawal of certain guidance, interpretive rules, policy statements, and advisory opinions issued since 2011.
May 12, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB Compliance
CFO survey deadline extended
The deadline for Independent Banker magazine’s Community Bank CFO Outlook Survey has been extended through this Wednesday.
May 12, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA Thanks House Ways and Means Committee for Including Community Bank Legislative Priorities in Tax Proposal
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the House Ways and Means Committee’s release of its “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” legislative package.
May 12, 2025 |
Press Release
Agriculture Rural Development
ICBA Applauds Signing of Resolution to Overturn Flawed CFPB Overdraft Rule
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s signing of a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final rule on overdraft services.
May 10, 2025 |
Press Release
Overdraft Services
OCC rescinds rule on bank mergers
The OCC rescinded its 2024 final rule on regulations for business combinations involving national banks and federal savings associations.
May 09, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
OCC
Ahead of next week’s Capital Summit, ICBA lays out lobbying priorities
ICBA published a list of top lobbying issues for community bankers convening in Washington, D.C., next week for the ICBA Capital Summit.
May 09, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA Urges Lawmakers to Ensure Community Bank Concerns Are Addressed in GENIUS Act Before Any Senate Vote
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement ahead of a scheduled Senate vote on the GENIUS Act, which would establish a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins.
May 08, 2025 |
Press Release
Digital Assets Fintech Regulation
ICBA Payments and TCM Bank Welcome Kelly Kroskie as EVP of Digital Transformation
ICBA Payments, the payments subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), today announced the appointment of Kelly Kroskie as executive vice president, digital transformation for the organization and its agent bank, TCM Bank N.A.
May 08, 2025 |
Press Release
OCC clarifies cryptoasset guidance
The OCC clarified permissible bank activities related to cryptoasset custody and execution services.
May 08, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
Fed maintains rates
The Federal Open Market Committee voted to maintain target interest rates at a range of 4.25% to 4.5%.
May 08, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
Independent Banker: What community banks need to fight fraud
Fraud mechanisms and scam typologies are constantly evolving, according to the latest Independent Banker magazine, and community banks must build awareness, knowledge, and prevention skills to successfully thwart them.
May 08, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fraud
ICBA Payments and TCM Bank Welcome Kelly Kroskie as EVP of Digital Transformation
ICBA Payments®, the payments subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA), today announced the appointment of Kelly Kroskie as executive vice president, digital transformation for the organization and its agent bank, TCM Bank N.A.
May 08, 2025 |
Press Release
CFPB deprioritizing ‘buy now, pay later’ enforcement actions
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced that it will not prioritize enforcement actions related to “buy now, pay later.”
May 07, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB Compliance
Senate panel advances Bowman nomination
After the Senate Banking Committee advanced the nomination of Michelle Bowman to be the Federal Reserve’s vice chair for supervision, ICBA urged the full Senate to approve Bowman for the role.
May 07, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
Newest group in ICBA Community: Security
Security recently debuted as the latest discussion group to be added to ICBA Community—the exclusive digital network for ICBA members—and it already boasts almost 80 members.
May 07, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA releases lobby card ahead of Capital Summit
ICBA published a list of top lobbying issues for community bankers convening in Washington, D.C., next week for the ICBA Capital Summit.
May 07, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
1071 rule remains on hold for community banks amid CFPB review
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 1071 small-business rule and its implementation deadlines remain on hold for ICBA community banks amid ongoing litigation and a bureau review of the rule.
May 06, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB
ICBA Urges Senate to Approve Nomination of Fed Governor Michelle Bowman for Vice Chair for Supervision Following Committee Vote
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today urged the Senate to approve President Donald Trump’s ICBA-advocated nomination of Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman for Fed vice chair for supervision after the Senate Banking Committee today advanced her nomination.
May 06, 2025 |
Press Release
Federal Reserve
ICBA announces ThinkTECH Accelerator cohort
ICBA announced the selected companies for its ninth ThinkTECH Accelerator program (AP9), which will take place May 19-July 25.
May 06, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Deregulation, ACRE Act, stablecoins to be discussed at free briefing today
ICBA this afternoon is hosting a complimentary community bank advocacy briefing on key congressional and regulatory developments.
May 06, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
ICBA releases lobby card ahead of Capital Summit
ICBA published its list of top lobbying issues for community bankers convening in Washington, D.C., next week for the ICBA Capital Summit.
May 06, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Following first acquisition in Montana, ICBA continues call for credit union tax
With the latest interstate acquisition of a tax-paying community bank by tax-exempt credit unions extending into Montana, ICBA said it is time for the increasing criticism of credit union tax and regulatory exemptions to finally result in policymaker action.
May 05, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Community Bankers Convene for ICBA Capital Summit in Washington Next Week
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) will host community bankers from across the nation May 12–15 for ICBA Capital Summit. The premier advocacy event offers a rare window into the conversations shaping community banking policy at the highest levels of government.
May 05, 2025 |
Press Release
ICBA Announces Latest ThinkTECH Accelerator Cohort
The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) today announced the selected companies for its ninth ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program (AP9).
May 05, 2025 |
Press Release
Fintech Innovation
CFPB asks court to stop medical debt rule
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau joined other groups in asking a federal court to scrap a regulation barring consumer credit reports from including medical debt.
May 05, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB
ICBA: OCC should pave the way for successful bank-fintech partnerships
ICBA told the OCC that as banks and fintechs increasingly collaborate, it is essential that regulators adopt policies that recognize the benefits of these partnerships and address emerging risks in a thoughtful, proportionate manner.
May 05, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
OCC
ICBA Welcomes Mastercard as Sponsor of Innovation Programming to Advance Community Bank Solutions
The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) today announced that Mastercard has joined as a sponsor of ICBA’s innovation programming, marking a significant expansion of the relationship between the two organizations.
May 02, 2025 |
Press Release
CFPB to deprioritize 1071 enforcement for entities not protected by court order
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced that it will deprioritize enforcement of its 1071 small-business lending rule for entities not currently protected by a 5th Circuit Court order.
May 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB Compliance
Following Latest Credit Union Acquisition of a Community Bank, ICBA Continues Call for Taxing Largest Credit Unions
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement following the latest acquisition of a tax-paying community bank by a tax-exempt credit union.
May 02, 2025 |
Press Release
Credit Unions
FinCEN proposes rule to combat cyber scams and heists
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed prohibiting U.S. financial institutions from opening or maintaining accounts for or on behalf of a Cambodian group that deals in crypto scams and designating the organization as a money-laundering concern.
May 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FinCEN
Former NCUA Chair: Challenges ahead for credit union industry
Credit union tax and regulatory exemptions have become increasingly vulnerable on Capitol Hill as lawmakers consider new tax legislation, former National Credit Union Administration chair Todd Harper said.
May 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
ICBA Honors Community Banks’ Role in Powering Small Business Success During Small Business Month
In recognition of National Small Business Month this May, the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) is celebrating the critical role community banks play in supporting the nation’s small businesses—the backbone of the American economy.
May 01, 2025 |
Press Release
Community Bank Awareness
Tax Foundation: States lose when credit unions acquire banks
A new blog post from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation notes that when a credit union acquires a bank, state and local governments can lose much of the tax revenue that the bank was paying.
May 01, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Still time to register for this month’s ICBA Capital Summit
There is still time for community bankers to register for ICBA Capital Summit, scheduled for May 12-15 in Washington, D.C.
May 01, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA urges grassroots action on trigger leads, ACRE Act
With Congress back to work this week, ICBA is encouraging community bankers to contact lawmakers in support of the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act and the ACRE Act.
May 01, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Grassroots/Be Heard
Taking the Proper Steps to Unmask Deepfake Fraud
Community banks face the threat of deepfake fraud as developments in AI continue to refine it. While addressing such a challenge, banks must remain cognizant of reporting practices.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
How Can Legal Expertise Smooth Succession Transitions?
Succession planning is complicated in all sorts of ways. An attorney or legal team can help iron out the issues and lay out documents that ensure long-term continuity for community banks.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Building Stronger Futures Through the Heartland Bank Community Foundation
Focused on youth development and family enrichment, Heartland Bank’s charitable foundation delivers meaningful results through strategic giving and community partnerships.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Out of Office: Robin McDougald
The chief retail and product officer at $2.3 billion-asset Texas First Bank in Texas City, Texas, is an amateur actress at the Baytown Little Theater in Baytown, Texas.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
How Fraudsters Prey on Good Nature Following Disaster
Even as people suffer and others help their neighbors after devastation from fires, tornadoes or floods, fraudsters are looking to capitalize on both vulnerability and generosity.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Maximizing Profitability with Today's Point-of-Sale Tech
The goal of community banks in a digital age: Be top of wallet. Learn how to take advantage of growing POS innovations like digital wallets.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Payments
What's Attracting Small Businesses to Small-Dollar SBA Loans?
Lenders are seeing an increase in small-dollar loans as demand from small business customers surges due to new SBA 7(a) program reforms and higher interest rates.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Michael Benedict: The Resilience of Agency MBS in a Shifting Financial Landscape
Agency mortgage-backed securities rise above the rest in this relative value update.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Alan Keller: What's at Stake for Community Banks in Current Tax Legislation
Facing its expiration date at the end of 2025, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is at a crossroads.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
CFG Bank Uplifts Baltimore's Resilience Following Local Tragedy
From donations to innovative money market accounts, CFG Bank is supporting Baltimore as it rebuilds and recovers from the 2024 Key Bridge collapse.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Powering Potential: ICBA Welcomes Peter Nelson
In February 2025, ICBA welcomed Peter Nelson as senior EVP of member engagement. As a long-time community banker, Nelson brings with him a history of robust involvement with ICBA. Here’s a look at what he brings to the table in his new position and a peek at his goals for 2025 and beyond.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
What Every Community Bank Needs to Fight Fraud
When it comes to fraud, everything old is new again—and then some. Fraudsters not only stick with the tried and true but also find ever-more-dubious ways to trick people into giving up their hard-earned dollars. Keeping a keen eye for the warning signs of fraud, community banks can take back power.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Charles Potts: Turning Strategy Into Success With the Right Tech
Unlocking Strategic Advantages with ECM Technology
SPONSORED | Enterprise content management (ECM) technology is often thought of as a back-office system for avoiding information loss and supporting document retention. While those goals are important, selecting the right ECM solution for your financial institution can unlock strategic advantages, too.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Payments
Community State Bank Brings Joy to Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors
A breast cancer awareness fundraiser at Community State Bank in Union Grove, Wis., culminated in a $1,000 donation for the Heavenly Locks Foundation.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Coming Together to Address Fraud
“Some of the most effective approaches to fraud prevention emerge through conversations about what has worked within your banks.”
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Jack E. Hopkins: How Education and Technology Drive Down Fraud Risks
“To protect both our banks and our customers, we need to go that extra mile to verify every transaction is legitimate.”
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Workplace Culture: A Make or Break for Community Bank Employees?
Culture keeps a workplace and its employees running—whether they know it or not. From values and practices to the way colleagues interact, culture drives a community bank from the inside out. Learn what it means to these community banks, and discover the practices they established to maintain a positive culture at each branch.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lindsay LaNore: Strategic Success Starts with a Thoughtful Plan
Drive Efficiency With These 9 Back Office Upgrades
Much of a community bank’s technical success starts behind the curtain: in the back office. By optimizing this area of operations, a bank can run like a well-oiled machine. See how those in the industry are doing just that.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Future Commercial Lending Success Through Consumer Loans
SPONSORED | Community banks often prioritize commercial lending for its strong returns, but long-term success depends on engaging consumer borrowers (tomorrow’s commercial clients). Read Teslar’s white paper to explore why community banks need to engage consumer borrowers to grow and sustain their commercial lending pipeline—and how to do it successfully.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Protect Your Bank From Card Fraud Losses
SPONSORED | ICBA Payments helps banks recuperate losses from card fraud with its Fraud Loss Protection Plan, a unique-to-the-industry product designed for and available exclusively to community banks.
May 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Community banker urges tailored regulation at House hearing
J. Michael Radcliffe—chairman and CEO of Community Financial Services Bank in Benton, Ky.—testified before the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Financial Institutions hearing on regulatory overreach.
April 30, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
Independent Banker
Independent Banker is the award-winning monthly member publication of ICBA. Continually rated the best news source by community bankers, IB provides timely, relevant information and insights to help community banks continue to flourish.
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