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.
How Community Banks Can Nurture Relationships With Next-Gen Customers
With the “great wealth transfer” approaching, now’s the time for community banks to plan with individuals passing on their generational wealth and to connect with those who will receive it.
September 13, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Treasury sanctions Cambodian scam centers
The Treasury Department sanctioned Cambodian businessman Ly Yong Phat, L.Y.P. Group Co., and O‑Smach Resort for their role in human rights abuse related to the treatment of trafficked workers subjected to forced labor in online scam centers.
September 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
House committee chair calls for interview with Gruenberg
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) called for a transcribed interview with FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg after Gruenberg refused to testify at a planned hearing on FDIC workplace misconduct.
September 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Independent Banker details SCOTUS decisions affecting community banking
The latest Independent Banker magazine spotlights three Supreme Court decisions that may curb the administrators that oversee community banks.
September 13, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Umpqua Bank Supports Affordable Housing Initiatives
Umpqua Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines recently partnered to award $160,000 in grant money to 13 affordable housing nonprofits in Oregon.
September 12, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Poll shows growing demands for credit union policy reform
ICBA released new polling data showing Americans are growing increasingly uneasy with credit unions’ regulatory exemptions and support reforms to policies that arbitrarily favor these tax-exempt financial firms.
September 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Today is deadline to file claims for Wawa data security incident
Today is the deadline for financial institutions to file claims in a settlement between financial institutions (including community banks) and Wawa arising out of a 2019 data security incident at the company.
September 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Security
ICBA advocacy briefing next week
ICBA next week is hosting a complimentary community bank briefing on key congressional and regulatory developments.
September 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Lucas White: Tenacity for the Regulatory Win
Going to Washington, writing letters and sharing our stories are our only opportunities to affect the rules we operate under. If we don’t tell our story, no one else will.
September 11, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
FDIC board meeting on custodial deposit accounts, bank mergers
The FDIC board of directors scheduled a meeting for next week on a notice of proposed rulemaking on custodial deposit accounts with transaction features and to issue a final statement of policy on bank merger transactions.
September 11, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA: Nonbank payments firms benefit from regulatory imbalance
ICBA said it agrees with a Financial Stability Board report that nonbank service providers involved in cross-border payments are not subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as banks.
September 11, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Poll: Growing Majority of Americans Demand Equal Consumer Protections for Credit Union Customers
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today released new polling data showing Americans are growing increasingly uneasy with credit unions’ regulatory exemptions and support reforms to policies that arbitrarily favor these tax-exempt financial firms.
September 11, 2024 |
Press Release
Credit Unions
ICBA: Credit unions shouldn’t use Wall Street to acquire community banks
ICBA called on the National Credit Union Administration to bar tax-exempt credit unions from using funds raised from Wall Street investors to finance acquisitions of tax-paying community banks.
September 11, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Community Banks Support Ag Lending, Rain or Shine
Farming is never without its ups and downs, but whatever the weather, ag-focused community banks are there for farmers.
September 10, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Lending
ICBA: Policymakers Should Bar Credit Unions from Using Wall Street Funds to Acquire Community Banks
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today called on the National Credit Union Administration to bar tax-exempt credit unions from using funds raised from Wall Street investors to finance acquisitions of tax-paying community banks.
September 10, 2024 |
Press Release
Credit Unions
Mitigating Instant Payments Risk to Reap Rewards
Today’s fraud attacks don’t seek out a faster transaction; they look for a chink in the armor and the path of least resistance. That’s why I’m a big believer in cross-channel fraud detection. In this landscape, we must look at a customer and their transactional behavior across platforms, using it as a comparison to identify out-of-character actions and payments.
September 10, 2024 |
Payments Quarterly
ICBA, groups urge Congress to advance farm bill this year
ICBA and other agricultural stakeholders called on Congress to advance a meaningful farm bill in 2024 that addresses worsening conditions in farm country.
September 10, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Farm Bill
FBI: Crypto fraud complaints rise 45% in 2023
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center said it received more than 69,000 complaints from the public regarding financial fraud involving the use of cryptocurrency last year.
September 10, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
FinCEN: Banks lead in reporting mail-related check fraud
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network said it received more than 15,000 reports from financial institutions on mail theft-related check fraud in the six months after it issued an alert on the issue last year.
September 10, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FinCEN
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Leveling the Playing Field
At the end of the day, it’s the customer who will ultimately pay the price if unbalanced regulations are allowed to continue.
September 09, 2024 |
Independent Banker
How Bigger Community Banks Maintain a Local Feel
It’s in the name—community banks are all about building community. So, when they expand into other markets, how do they continue to make the authentic connections they’re known for? Four growing banks share how they made a name for themselves after opening new branches.
September 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Agencies issue guidance on Cybersecurity Assessment Tool sunsetting
The FDIC and OCC issued bulletins on last week’s interagency announcement that regulators are sunsetting the Cybersecurity Assessment Tool on Aug. 31, 2025.
September 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB targets rental, medical debt in latest report
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued its annual report to Congress on debt collection, which focuses on medical debt and rental debt.
September 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB Compliance
ICBA honors National Community Bank Service Award recipients
ICBA announced the winners of the 2024 National Community Bank Service Awards in recognition of the creative and exemplary efforts of the nation’s community banks to help their local communities.
September 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
3 Major Community Bank Compliance Challenges (and Solutions)
The regulatory compliance burden is a big and growing consideration for community banks. Thankfully, there are plenty of techniques and resources for keeping on top of this ever-changing task.
September 05, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
ICBA: AML/CFT modernization should not expand reg burden
ICBA told the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network that its proposed rule to update anti-money-laundering and countering-the-financing-of-terrorism programs would create additional burdens on banks without benefitting FinCEN’s efforts to reduce financial crimes.
September 05, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FinCEN
ICBA 2024 National Community Bank Service Award Recipients Recognized for Community Impact and Dedication
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the winners of its 2024 National Community Bank Service Awards, recognizing the innovative and exceptional efforts of the nation’s community banks to support and uplift their local communities. Stories are featured in the September issue of ICBA's Independent Banker magazine.
September 05, 2024 |
Press Release
ICBA: Credit unions are violating the limits established by Congress
After the announcement of the 15th credit union acquisition of a community bank this year, ICBA said the acquisition trend shows credit unions have expanded beyond the limits established by Congress to justify their federal tax exemption.
September 05, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
ICBA: Proposed expansion of Fedwire/NSS operating hours not necessary
ICBA said the Federal Reserve’s proposed expansion of Fedwire Funds Service and National Settlement Service hours to 22 hours per day, seven days a week would place significant burdens on community banks for what is likely to be a low volume of transactions.
September 05, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
Jenna Burke: The Supreme Court of the United States Is Reshaping Administrative Law
Three recent SCOTUS decisions could affect the community banking sector.
September 04, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
CNBC features opposition to credit union acquisitions of community banks
ICBA’s campaign spotlighting credit union tax and regulatory inequities generated new coverage this week with a CNBC segment on acquisitions of community banks.
September 04, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
Latest Acquisition of Tax-paying Community Bank Comes Amid Increased Attention to Credit Union Tax Exemption
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement after this year’s 15th acquisition of a tax-paying bank by a tax-exempt credit union.
September 04, 2024 |
Press Release
Credit Unions
ICBA Supports Acting Comptroller Michael Hsu’s Remarks on Supervising the Largest Banks
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement on Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu’s remarks on evolving bank supervision.
September 04, 2024 |
Press Release
OCC’s Hsu: Supervision must contend with more large banks
Supervision must adapt to the growth of the largest banks, Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu said.
September 04, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FBI: North Korea targeting crypto industry
According to an FBI alert, teams of North Korean malicious cyber actors are targeting specific decentralized finance or cryptocurrency-related businesses with social engineering to gain unauthorized access to the companies’ networks to deploy malware and steal cryptocurrency.
September 04, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
2024 National Community Bank Service Awards
Phelps County Bank in Rolla, Mo., and Woodsboro Bank in Woodsboro, Md., know their deep community roots require continual tending. That’s why their outstanding charitable work has earned them recognition as ICBA’s 2024 National Community
Bank Service Award winners.
September 03, 2024 |
Independent Banker
ICBA urges CFPB to simplify rule on earned wage access products
ICBA told the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that its proposed interpretive rule on “earned wage access” products defines “debt” too broadly.
September 03, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB
ICBA appealing court ruling on CFPB’s 1071 rule
Following a district court decision denying ICBA’s lawsuit challenging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 1071 small-business rule, ICBA is now appealing the ruling.
September 03, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB
FDIC publishes CRA exam schedules
The FDIC issued the lists of institutions scheduled for a Community Reinvestment Act examination during the fourth quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025.
September 03, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
2024 Summer Internship Diaries - Vol. 1
Last week, we began our internship program here at ICBA. Starting a new position is an exciting time, but it comes with unique challenges that we must face together. The first week is critical, where we learn, work, and create with others for the first time.
September 01, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA recognizes National Preparedness Month
ICBA recognized National Preparedness Month in September by issuing tips to help Americans secure their financial documents before disaster strikes.
August 30, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Crisis Preparedness
Banking regulators update IT Examination Handbook
The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council issued the Development, Acquisition, and Maintenance booklet as part of its Information Technology Examination Handbook.
August 30, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies sunsetting Cybersecurity Assessment Tool
Federal banking regulators said they are sunsetting the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council the Cybersecurity Assessment Tool on Aug. 31, 2025.
August 30, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA Shares Financial Preparedness Tips for Consumers as National Preparedness Month Approaches
With National Preparedness Month scheduled for September, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the nation’s community banks urge consumers to take essential steps to bolster their financial readiness. In 2024 alone, there have been 19 confirmed weather and climate disaster events in the United States, devastating families and costing billions in damages.
August 29, 2024 |
Press Release
ICBA: Bill targeting financial fraud would increase scams
ICBA and other groups told members of Congress that their legislation to shift liability for authorized transactions to financial institutions would increase scams.
August 29, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fraud
Fed’s Waller: Domestic networks for fast payments need to be developed before international links
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said global networks for fast payments would have to be founded on well-developed domestic networks or it “could end up being a road to nowhere.”
August 29, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
CISA warns of Iran-based ransomware attacks
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the FBI and the Department of Defense issued a joint advisory that warns of cyber actors known as Pioneer Kitten, UNC757, Parisite, Rubidium, and Lemon Sandstorm are targeting and exploiting U.S. and foreign organizations across multiple sectors.
August 29, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Cybersecurity
CFPB report: Retail chains charging cash-back fees to customers using debit cards
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a report that said Americans are paying tens of millions of dollars in fees to access their own money when getting cash back at large retail stores when making a purchase with a debit or prepaid card.
August 28, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB
ICBA: Credit union buying stadium naming rights highlights tax inequity
ICBA said that a credit union paying for NFL stadium naming rights is the latest example of how credit unions are violating the limits established by Congress to justify their federal tax exemption.
August 28, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
FinCEN: Financial institutions should remain vigilant to transactions associated with synthetic opioids
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network reminded financial institutions to monitor for and report suspicious transactional activity related to the illicit fentanyl supply chain and the trafficking of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
August 28, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance FinCEN
Ease Reporting with Automation
Routine reporting can be time- and paper-intensive—but automation can take mundane tasks off your team’s plate and create all kinds of other efficiencies.
August 27, 2024 |
Independent Banker
CFPB releases beta test of small business lending platform
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced the availability of the beta platform for the small business lending data collection rule pursuant to section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
August 27, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB
SEC files charges against crypto firm
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it filed charges against a “crypto bank” that claimed depositors could earn returns “auto-magically.”
August 27, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
ICBA: Washington Commanders Stadium Naming Rights Deal Illustrates What Is Wrong with Credit Union Policy
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement on today’s announcement from Northwest Federal Credit Union and the Washington Commanders.
August 27, 2024 |
Press Release
Credit Unions
ICBA will continue the fight after court denies motion challenging 1071 rule
ICBA will continue fighting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 1071 small-business rule after a U.S. District Court denied ICBA’s legal challenge to the agency’s rulemaking.
August 27, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB
Out of Office: Ben Nelson
The senior vice president of residential mortgage lending at $3.1 billion‑asset D.L. Evans Bank in Burley, Idaho, found community theater in 2017 after taking on an acting role alongside his daughter.
August 26, 2024 |
Independent Banker
ICBA LIVE 2025 registration is open
Registration is open for ICBA LIVE 2025, slated for March 11-14 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville.
August 26, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Community bank CFOs: It’s about managing your margin
Even as rates stay higher and competition for deposits remains strong, fueling margin pressure, community bank chief financial officers don’t see impending doom and focus instead on increasing other areas of income, according to the latest Independent Banker.
August 26, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fed Chair: Dialing back policy restraint will bring down inflation
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said “with an appropriate dialing back of policy restraint, there is good reason to think that the economy will get back to 2% inflation while maintaining a strong labor market.”
August 26, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
Members Tee Up at ICBA PAC's 19th Annual Golf Classic
On June 17, the ICBA political action committee (PAC) hosted its 19th Annual Golf Classic at the Minneapolis Golf Club in St. Louis Park, Minn.
August 23, 2024 |
Independent Banker
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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