Skip to Main Content
ICBA
ICBA
  • Member Login
  • Member Login

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.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter Example Text Press Resources Example Text
Search Bar

Overcoming banking hurdles for Native American customers

Native American customers living on tribal lands have historically been redlined and ignored by the mainstream financial system. Native-owned community banks have been there to serve these communities by providing critical access to banking services and credit.
October 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Lending 

What is open banking and what does it mean for you?

Open banking is a buzzword in the banking industry, but what exactly does it mean, and how will it affect you? From application programming interfaces to fintech partnerships, it’s been applied to a wide variety of new banking technologies and paradigm shifts. Here’s what community banks need to know about open banking.
October 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Jim Reber: Financing, fine-tuned

New risk profiles call for attention to details.
October 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Rebeca Romero Rainey: Mitigating cybercrime

We know that despite the frights cyberattacks bring, you continue to flourish by safeguarding the communities you serve.
October 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

How to do a cybersecurity risk assessment

The way community banks gauge cybersecurity risk is the same as for any other risk, but it’s becoming more important as the industry adopts the latest digital tools and practices. Here’s why community banks should be doing cybersecurity risk assessments.
October 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Compliance Payments 

Ponce Bank serves the underserved

Ponce Bank has brought banking services to minority neighborhoods in the Bronx and greater New York City for more than six decades with a clear focus on community investment.
October 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

Aaron Stetter: Pushing back against postal banking

ICBA is fighting a flawed proposal that would have the U.S. Postal Service enter the banking industry.
October 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

Charles Potts: Integrating cybersecurity

Banks have a clear demand from their customers for more digital offerings and an opportunity to increase efficiencies, operate more effectively and grow revenue. Therefore, it is incumbent upon community banks to incorporate all aspects of their cybersecurity practices into their strategic thinking.
October 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Lindsay LaNore: Creative teambuilding

Sometimes teambuilding gets a bad rap, and busy schedules can keep it from reaching the top of the priority list, but it is something every leader should have in their repertoire.
October 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Robert Fisher: Education is the foundation

Educated customers form stronger relationships with their community banks. They are more likely to repay loans, live within their means and maintain higher balances.
October 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

ICBA Testifies on Preserving Community Bank SBA Lending

The Independent Community Bankers of America today called on Congress to reject proposed changes to the Small Business Administration 7(a) loan program that would displace community bank SBA lending.
September 30, 2021 | Press Release   Lending Small Business Administration 

ICBA Securities’ Exclusively Endorsed Broker Announces Sale

ICBA Securities Inc., the broker-dealer subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America, released the following statement in response to the announcement that its exclusive broker Vining Sparks has been acquired by Stifel Financial, Inc.
September 29, 2021 | Press Release  

Industrial Loan Company Loophole Necessitates Congressional Scrutiny and Legislative Solution

This morning, the U.S. House Financial Services Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions will meet to discuss the “The Future of Banking.”
September 29, 2021 | Press Release   Lending 

IRS proposal tweaks don’t stop pushback

While policymakers are looking to narrow the ICBA-opposed IRS reporting proposal, ICBA is continuing its campaign urging consumers to speak out against the plan.
September 27, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

ICBA Urges FDIC to Permanently Raise Regulatory Asset Thresholds

The Independent Community Bankers of America today called on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to raise regulatory asset thresholds to account for industry consolidation, rising inflation, and a swell of deposits caused by COVID-19 stimulus efforts.
September 27, 2021 | Press Release   Advocacy Deposit Insurance 

SBA: PPP portal tops 1M submissions

The SBA said its Paycheck Protection Program Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal has topped 1 million applications for $17 billion in relief since it launched Aug. 4.
September 27, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness 

ICBA: Congress Cannot Salvage Voter-Opposed IRS Reporting Plan ​

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issues statement on the latest congressional efforts to allow the IRS to collect financial account information from American consumers.
September 24, 2021 | Press Release   Taxes & Budget 

ICBA Launches Ad Campaign on Credit Union Tax Exemption

The Independent Community Bankers of America this week launched a print and digital advertising campaign to inform Americans about the credit union tax exemption and its impact on financial services consolidation in local communities.
September 23, 2021 | Press Release   Credit Unions 

ICBA Statement on Nomination of Saule Omarova for Comptroller of the Currency

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on President Joe Biden’s intent to nominate Saule Omarova for comptroller of the currency.
September 23, 2021 | Press Release   OCC 

IRS consumer campaign tops 400K messages

ICBA’s campaign urging consumers to speak out against an IRS reporting proposal topped 400,000 consumer messages to members of Congress, with lawmakers continuing to consider the plan.
September 23, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

ICBA kicks off ad campaign targeting credit unions

ICBA launched a print and digital advertising campaign on the credit union tax exemption ahead of a key congressional hearing next week.
September 23, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

ICBA launches multi-state credit union ad push

ICBA today is launching a print and digital advertising campaign in key states calling on Congress to investigate the credit union tax exemption and its impact on acquisitions of community banks.
September 22, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

Treasury crypto sanctions portend broad regulatory response

Financial regulators on Tuesday began cracking down on cryptocurrency exchanges and laid out significant concerns with digital assets.
September 22, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Payments 

FinCEN issues online child sexual exploitation notice

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued a notice on increasing online child sexual exploitation. The notice provides financial institutions with specific suspicious activity report filing instructions and highlights trends.
September 21, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance Cybersecurity 

OCC issues proposal on rescinding CRA rule

The OCC formally published its proposal to rescind its June 2020 Community Reinvestment Act rule and replace it with interagency rules adopted in 1995.
September 20, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance CRA 

ICBA Urges Agencies to Extend Community Bank Leverage Ratio Flexibility

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) called on federal banking regulators to extend Community Bank Leverage Ratio flexibility given the impact of COVID-19 relief efforts on community bank capital levels.
September 20, 2021 | Press Release   Capital Regulatory Relief 

Romero Rainey: Continue IRS reporting push

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey called on community bankers to continue engaging consumers against a proposal that would require banks to report customer account information to the IRS.
September 17, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

Credit union acquisitions demand Washington response: ICBA chairman

With the number of credit union-bank acquisitions passing 100, the time has come for policymakers to examine the credit union tax exemption, ICBA Chairman Robert Fisher writes in a new op-ed.
September 17, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

ICBA Opposes Proposed Changes to SBA 7(a) Program

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey stated that ICBA and the nation’s community banks strongly oppose legislative proposals to authorize the Small Business Administration to provide direct loans through its 7(a) program,"
September 16, 2021 | Press Release   Consumer Lending Lending Small Business Administration 

Grassroots continues against reconciliation tax hikes

Legislative language released this week contains ICBA-opposed tax increases that community bankers can speak out against.
September 16, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

Treasury push on IRS reporting shows urgency of ICBA campaign

The Treasury Department and IRS continued pressing Congress to include an ICBA-opposed IRS reporting proposal in the pending budget package—demonstrating the continued need for community bankers to enlist consumers in opposing the plan.
September 16, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

CISA - Cyber Summit set for October

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency announced its upcoming Fourth Annual National Cybersecurity Summit. The series of webinars every Wednesday in October will provide a forum for discussions of cybersecurity and collective action.
September 15, 2021 | News   Risk Cybersecurity Sector Calls Sector Calls 

ICBA urges National Flood Insurance Program extension

ICBA and other groups called on congressional leaders to extend the National Flood Insurance Program before it expires on Sept. 30.
September 15, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA Statement on Fannie, Freddie Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements

Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements.
September 15, 2021 | Press Release   Federal Housing Finance Agency Housing Finance/GSEs 

Cybersecurity Safety

What exactly is cybersecurity? Cybersecurity, also known as information technology security, is the practice of protecting electronic systems, data, applications, and networks from the interference of the services they provide.
September 14, 2021 | Payments Quarterly  

Migrating to 8-Digit BINs

As the timeline for 8-digit bank identification number (BIN) migration approaches, it is important to stay up to date on developments and next steps in preparation for the new industry standard.
September 14, 2021 | Payments Quarterly  

Payments Trends for 2022 Planning and Beyond

We are in the midst of a transformative time in payments; COVID-19 has fueled an accelerated shift to digital channels, and meanwhile, new payment rails (instant) are being deployed and starting to gain adoption for the first time in decades.
September 14, 2021 | Payments Quarterly  

Embracing the new normal

Whenever I hear the phrase, “the new normal” I’m reminded of the seismic shift in interactions with customers over the course of the pandemic. This is even more apparent when considering this new era in payments.
September 14, 2021 | Payments Quarterly  

A Look Ahead: Payments in 2022

It may be hard to believe but we’re rapidly approaching the end of 2021. Given some of the significant trends and developments this year, 2022 is likely to be a pivotal year for payments as well.
September 14, 2021 | Payments Quarterly  

Making customer interactions personal for a digitized world

As in-branch visits decrease and the number of digital transactions increase, it will be more important than ever to ensure customer interactions are personalized and user friendly.
September 14, 2021 | Payments Quarterly  

IRS proposal draws strong consumer opposition: op-ed

A proposal to require banks to report customer account information to the IRS is eliciting strong consumer opposition, ICBA Secretary Tim Aiken wrote in a new op-ed.
September 13, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

OSHA developing standards for employer vaccine mandate

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to release new standards following President Joe Biden’s executive order requiring COVID-19 vaccination and testing for private employers with 100 or more employees.
September 13, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Crisis Preparedness 

ICBA Encourages Consumers to Support Local Businesses During National Small Business Week

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) is lending its voice to the thousands of organizations nationwide encouraging Americans to support locally owned businesses during National Small Business Week (Sept. 13-17).
September 13, 2021 | Press Release   Advocacy 

CFPB issues HMDA filing guide

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released the Filing Instructions Guide for Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data.
September 13, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

New op-ed continues push against IRS reporting plan

While Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has raised concerns about the price tag of budget-reconciliation legislation, Americans are speaking out against its pending IRS reporting provision, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey writes in a new op-ed.
September 10, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA pushing grassroots on reconciliation tax hikes

While ICBA’s IRS campaign continues, it is also calling on community bankers to speak out against a comprehensive package of tax increases on community banks and their customers.
September 10, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

ICBA issues summary on CFPB 1071 proposal

ICBA published a summary of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s proposed rule to implement Dodd-Frank Section 1071 data collection and reporting requirements for small-business lending.
September 10, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

Community bank net income rises 28.7%

Community banks reported net income growth of 28.7% in the second quarter from the same period last year, according to the FDIC's Quarterly Banking Profile.
September 09, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

ICBA urges House panel to reject IRS monitoring plan

Ahead of a House Ways and Means Committee markup starting today, ICBA reiterated its opposition to any proposal that would require banks to report customer account information to the IRS.
September 09, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget Privacy 

ICBA issues position paper on climate change regulation

ICBA released a new position paper on the potential impact of new climate change regulations on community banks.
September 09, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Risk 

OCC proposes rescinding CRA rule

The OCC issued proposed rules to rescind its May 2020 Community Reinvestment Act rule and replace it with interagency rules adopted in 1995.
September 09, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   CRA 

“Baby Stepping” Got Coastal Community Bank to BaaS - A Conversation with Eric Sprink, CEO

September 09, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Agencies extend comment period on third-party guidance

Federal regulators announced they will extend the comment period on proposed guidance designed to help banks manage risks associated with third-party relationships.
September 08, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

CFPB confirms debt collection rules effective Nov. 30

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a Federal Register notice affirming that two debt collection final rules will take effect as planned on Nov. 30.
September 08, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA: Two-Thirds of Voters Oppose IRS Reporting Plan

Two-thirds of voters (67%) oppose a proposal that would allow the IRS to collect bank account deposit and withdrawal information from American consumers, the Independent Community Bankers of America announced.
September 07, 2021 | Press Release   Taxes & Budget 

ICBA names National Community Bank Service Award recipients

ICBA announced winners of its 2021 National Community Bank Service Awards, which celebrate the outstanding service and creative volunteer efforts of the nation’s community banks.
September 03, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today  

ICBA Talking Points on IRS Reporting Proposal

ICBA has strongly objected to a Biden administration proposal that would require financial institutions to report information on customer bank accounts to the IRS.
September 03, 2021 | News   Taxes & Budget 

IRS favors ICBA-opposed monitoring plan: report

The head of the IRS is advocating to Congress an ICBA-opposed proposal that would require banks to report their customers’ account information to the agency—underscoring the importance of ICBA’s consumer-facing campaign opposing the plan.
September 03, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Taxes & Budget 

ICBA Honors National Community Bank Service Award Recipients

The Independent Community Bankers of America today announced winners of its 2021 National Community Bank Service Awards, celebrating the outstanding service and creative volunteer efforts of the nation’s community banks.
September 02, 2021 | Press Release  

ICBA testifies on need for simple PPP forgiveness

ICBA told Congress that the Paycheck Protection Program needs a simple, easy-to-use forgiveness process to ensure the program works as intended for small-business borrowers.
September 02, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Crisis Preparedness 

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.

Marketing Resource Center

Visit this page regularly for new customizable press releases, opeds, tutorials, sharable videos, tip sheets, and sample social media posts which are available exclusively for ICBA members.

Access the toolkit Example Text

ICBA NewsWatch Today

ICBA offers numerous specialty newsletters related to the community banking industry. Sign up for ICBA's daily email news bulletin for current and breaking industry news

Read Articles Example Text

Subscribe to Independent Banker Magazine

Independent Banker® is the monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America, recognized as the number one source ICBA members rely on for community banking news.

Subscribe Now Example Text

Manage Your Email Notifications and Subscriptions

Sign up to receive or manage your email messages from ICBA. Questions? Contact ICBA.

Subscribe Now Example Text

Subscribe to Independent Banker Magazine