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.
OCC: Banks in Florida, Georgia affected by Hurricane Debby can close
The OCC issued a proclamation allowing national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches to close offices in areas of Florida and Georgia affected by Hurricane Debby.
August 06, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Powering Potential: Fuel Your Team's Career Growth
ICBA Education’s Professional Development Planner provides clear direction for community banks aiming to support the career growth of their staff.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Out of Office: Rich Ohnmacht
The executive vice president and chief commercial banking officer of $425 million‑asset Woodsboro Bank in Woodsboro, Md., shares his passion for the saxophone and what keeps him playing.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
6 Things to Consider Before Opening a New Branch
A new branch can present new opportunities for community banks—if you plan thoroughly and calculate the risk involved.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance Growing the Community
Charles Potts: Making the Case for Responsible Innovation
The rapid pace of today’s financial services landscape pulls community banks in varied directions. You must balance technology upgrades with budgetary constraints and identify your bank’s pressing priorities.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
How To Assess Your Community Bank's Physical Security Risk
Evaluate your community bank’s zones, employees and strategies to ensure your physical security is strong enough to dissuade criminals.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Tioga State Bank Celebrates 160 Years
It’s an extraordinary achievement when any institution surpasses 100 years of service, much less 150 years. But this year, Tioga State Bank, N.A., in Spencer, N.Y., has gone beyond even that impressive milestone.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Certification Q&A: Guadalupe Arroyo
Guadalupe Arroyo has found her passion in financial auditing as senior auditor and assistant vice president of Western State Bank in Garden City, Kan. We talked to Arroyo about her career and how ICBA Education services have helped hone her expertise.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Member Milestones 2024: Steadfast Banks for Modern Times
Every time a community bank celebrates a significant anniversary, it’s a reminder that our relationship-based business model transcends time and generations. Here, ICBA recognizes and honors its member banks’ 100th, 125th and 150th anniversaries. Read on for stories of how their impact and expertise have persevered through each new year, decade and century.
August 06, 2024 |
Independent Banker
CFO Roundtable 2024: Preparation, Perspective, Diligence
This past year has been one of fluctuation for many community banks, amid inflation,
rule changes and other uncertainties. Independent Banker caught up with several chief financial officers to get a handle on how community banks are weathering these changes.
August 05, 2024 |
Independent Banker
3 Ways Banks Can Increase Deposits Amid Slow Loan Demand
SPONSORED | Maximize your SMB's financial potential amidst tough market conditions! Unlock three powerful strategies to help you increase SMB deposits and turn challenges into opportunities.
August 05, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Ron Haynie & Tim Roy: Deciphering FHFA's Credit Score Transition
The FHFA continues to transition away from FICO, leaving lenders wondering about the potential impact it may have on the industry. Here’s what we know so far.
August 02, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Explore and Evaluate Core Providers With IBT Apps’ Resource Kit
SPONSORED | The Core Technology Survival Kit is available for community bankers! Whether you’re just beginning your core modernization journey and exploring your options or evaluating your current provider and considering a change, you’ll greatly benefit from this kit.
August 02, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Payments
What Is Behavioral Economics, and Could It Help Your Bank Grow?
Much of our financial decision-making is driven by cognitive biases and emotions—and behavioral economics is the science behind that. Learn more about this field and how it’s driving some community banks to introduce products and services that engage and attract customers to make better decisions.
August 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Managing Liquidity in an Uncertain Rate Environment
SPONSORED | With elevated customer demand for safe cash investments, increased competition for deposits, and potential rate cuts on the horizon, banks are strategizing carefully to maintain competitiveness while minimizing risk exposure when it comes to savings rates.
August 01, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
IRS reports problems with crypto tax enforcement
Digital asset seizure values have grown exponentially, topping $7 billion in 2022, but compliance enforcement with virtual currency is difficult, according to a new Treasury Department report.
July 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
Ohio Community Banker Named TCM Bank Chairman
TCM Bank, N.A., the credit card bank of ICBA Payments, announced the election of new board members Robert Barnes, president and CEO of PriorityOne in Magee, Miss.; Brad Bolton, president and CEO of Community Spirit Bank in Red Bay, Ala.; and Anita Drentlaw, president and CEO of New Market in Lakeville, Minn. Jack Hartings, Chairman of People Bank Co. of Coldwater, Ohio, who previously served on the board, was elected chair of the TCM Bank Board of Directors.
July 17, 2024 |
Press Release
Bank Director/Board Member
ICBA: New FHLBank lending restrictions will reduce access to home loans
A recent Federal Home Loan Bank of New York decision to impose new reporting requirements on member banks will restrict access to home loans, ICBA said.
July 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FHLB
ICBA continues seeking feedback on check fraud
ICBA continues encouraging community bankers to share their experiences and input on the challenge of check fraud.
July 17, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fraud
Navigating Compliance in Cannabis Banking
With potential regulatory guidance for cannabis banking on the horizon, these community banks are positioning themselves strongly and safely within this growing industry.
July 17, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
FinCEN official: Beneficial ownership reporting only takes 20 minutes to complete
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Deputy Director Jimmy Kirby said most companies should be able to file beneficial ownership information reporting quickly and without the help of an attorney or accountant.
July 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FinCEN
ICBA: New Federal Home Loan Bank Lending Restrictions Will Harm Access to Home Loans
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today issued the following statement on the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s recent announcement that it will restrict lending by its member banks.
July 16, 2024 |
Press Release
FHLB
ICBA: FHLBanks’ mission should not be changed
ICBA told the Federal Housing Finance Agency that the Federal Home Loan Banks’ mission is clear and does not need to be substantially changed or clarified.
July 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FHLB Federal Housing Finance Agency
FDIC holding second signage webinar for bank officers
The FDIC this month is scheduled to hold the second of four webinars for bank officers and employees on its final rule governing the usage of official FDIC signs, advertising, name, logo, and more.
July 16, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Michael Benedict: Are We There Yet?
Take a look at the nagging persistence of portfolio mark‑to‑market.
July 16, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy Growing the Community
Comments on FHLBank system mission review due today
Today is the deadline for community bankers and others to submit comments on the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s request for input on the mission of the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
July 15, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FHLB Federal Housing Finance Agency
AT&T discloses customer data breach
AT&T released a statement on unauthorized access of customer data from a third-party cloud platform.
July 15, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Data Breach Cybersecurity
Fed researchers: Banks that share name with failed institutions experience loss of business
Federal Reserve researchers said banks that share their name with a failed bank experience a half-percent drop in transaction deposits relative to banks with similar characteristics but different names.
July 15, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Customers Bank's Dynamic AI Strategy
In response to the growing prominence of artificial intelligence in everyday bank operations, Customers Bank has embraced generative AI and developed an internal training program to educate its employees on how to use it.
July 15, 2024 |
Independent Banker
FDIC nominee: Community banks are the lifeblood of many communities
The Biden administration’s nominee for FDIC chair—Christy Goldsmith Romero—told Congress she gained a great appreciation for community banks during her time at the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.
July 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Input on FHLBank system mission review due Monday
Monday is the deadline for community bankers and others to submit comments on the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s request for input on the mission of the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
July 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FHLB Federal Housing Finance Agency
FHFA releases VantageScore 4.0 credit scores
The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are making historical VantageScore 4.0 credit scores available to approved users to support the transition to updated credit score and credit report requirements.
July 12, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Secondary Mortgage Market Secondary Mortgage Market Federal Housing Finance Agency
Lindsay LaNore: Practical Tips for Knowledge Transfer
When community bankers with decades of experience retire, they take with them a precious commodity: their knowledge. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By being purposeful and deliberate about knowledge transfer, a bank can minimize disruption and confusion, while also creating a culture of mentorship and learning.
July 12, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
CFPB proposes mortgage servicing rule
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a proposed rule to amend mortgage servicing rules under Regulation X.
July 11, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB
Megabank group urges IG to investigate community bank assessment exemption
The Bank Policy Institute called on the FDIC Office of the Inspector General to investigate the FDIC’s recent special assessment, which exempted the vast majority of community banks.
July 11, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Comptroller lauds ICBA’s check fraud efforts
Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu highlighted the formation of ICBA’s Check Fraud Task Force as an important step in addressing financial fraud.
July 11, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Checks Fraud
Keeping in Line With Equal Lending Practices
Regulators continue to crack down on unfair lending practices and redlining.
July 11, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Compliance Lending
CFPB says it will consider eliminating credit card late fee safe harbor
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it plans to assess whether to eliminate the credit card late fee safe harbor under Regulation Z.
July 10, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB Compliance Credit Cards
Fed’s Powell: Regulators should issue new Basel III Endgame proposal
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told Congress that regulators should issue a revised Basel III Endgame proposal.
July 10, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Bowman: Banks well-positioned to support financial inclusion
The U.S. banking system is well-positioned to bring consumers into the financial mainstream by providing innovative solutions to meet their credit needs, Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said.
July 10, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Rockland Trust Turns Small Business Dreams Into Reality
Through its annual Small Business, Big Dreams contest, Rockland Trust offers small businesses a chance to win up to $20,000 in funding.
July 10, 2024 |
Independent Banker
FinCEN updates beneficial ownership FAQs
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network updated its beneficial ownership information frequently asked questions to include responses to questions about entities that have ceased to exist.
July 09, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FinCEN
NCUA budgets far fewer exam hours than FDIC: inspector general
Credit unions have a much easier time with exams, according to a report by the National Credit Union Administration’s inspector general.
July 09, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Grassroots/Be Heard Credit Unions
Treasury proposes expanded jurisdiction over transactions near military installations
The Treasury Department proposed a rule to add military installations across 30 states to its jurisdiction over transactions by foreign persons in the U.S., following President Joe Biden’s ban of a Chinese cryptocurrency mining facility within a mile of Francis E. Warren Air Force Base.
July 09, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
Lucas White: Showing Pride In Independence
We need to hold onto our independence at all costs. At the same time, we must continue to look for opportunities to level the playing field.
July 09, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Independent Banker spotlights importance of change management
As new technologies and solutions ebb and flow, change-management strategies are critical to ensure community bank success, according to the latest Independent Banker.
July 08, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fed to Congress: No rate cut until inflation comes down
The Federal Reserve does not plan to reduce target interest rates until inflation comes down more, according to its latest Monetary Policy Report to Congress.
July 08, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Inflation
Senate hearing this week on FDIC chair nomination
Senate hearing this week on FDIC chair nomination
July 08, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator Showcase Hosted at Graduate School of Banking at Colorado
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) announced its upcoming ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program Showcase will take place at the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (GSBC). The showcase, which marks the culmination of the latest Accelerator program (AP7), is part of ICBA’s commitment to fostering collaborative community bank-fintech partnerships that reflect current market dynamics and future customer needs.
July 08, 2024 |
Press Release
How To Drive Auto Loan Opportunities
By working with local car dealers and using new lending technology, community banks can boost their presence in the auto lending sector.
July 08, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Lending
ICBA to CISA: Exempt community banks from cyber reporting proposal
ICBA called on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to exempt community banks from new cyber reporting rules.
July 05, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
Basel Committee moves forward on crypto standards
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision announced that it has reviewed the comments on its proposed crypto asset exposure disclosure and amendments to its standard on banks’ exposure to crypto assets.
July 05, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Digital Assets
Best Community Banks to Work For nominations due today
Nominations for Independent Banker magazine’s 2024 Best Community Banks to Work For awards are due today. Eligible community banks must submit nominations by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time).
July 05, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Connected As Independent Community Banks
It’s up to us [community bankers] to amplify our voices far and wide and make sure the leaders of this nation pay attention.
July 05, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
The Importance of Change Management at Community Banks
As new technology and solutions ebb and flow, community bankers have to manage the change that comes with them. While change can be hard, offering a hand and lending an ear can ease the transition.
July 04, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
ICBA: FinCEN underestimates suspicious activity reporting burden
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network underestimates the amount of time and resources community banks dedicate to reporting suspicious activity, ICBA told the agency.
July 03, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Compliance FinCEN
CISA adds cyberattack vulnerability to catalog
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency added the Cisco NX-OS Command Injection Vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.
July 03, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Cybersecurity
CFPB spotlights violations from recent exams
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said that its recent examinations revealed unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts at companies servicing auto loan and student loans; Fair Debt Collection Practices Act violations by debt collectors; and issues with medical payment products.
July 03, 2024 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB Compliance
ICBA Independent Banker Recognizes Community Banks in Top Lenders List
Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA), has announced its 2024 Top Lenders. This accolade recognizes outstanding agriculture, commercial, and consumer and mortgage loan producers across three asset size categories.
July 03, 2024 |
Press Release
Technology
Maximize Your Community Bank's Digital Experience
A high-functioning digital platform is no longer an added perk for bank customers—it’s the standard. That’s why these community banks made the jump and revamped their digital experiences to meet the needs of a wider customer base.
July 03, 2024 |
Independent Banker
Payments Growing the Community
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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