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.
Senate confirms Miran for Fed post
The Senate voted 48-47 to confirm the nomination of Stephen Miran to be a Federal Reserve governor.
September 16, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve FDIC OCC
ICBA supported bills slated for House committee markup today
ICBA urged the House Financial Services Committee to vote to advance several pro-community banks bills that the committee is scheduled to mark up today.
September 16, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
Nacha to automate ACH audit proof process
Nacha announced that, starting next month, the process of requesting proof of an ACH Rules compliance audit will be automated through its Risk Management Portal.
September 15, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ACH Compliance
ICBA Welcomes BankTech Ventures As Latest ThinkTECH Sponsor To Support Community Banking Innovation
The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) announced today BankTech Ventures, a leading strategic investment fund focused on financial technology companies serving community banks, is the newest sponsor for ICBA’s acclaimed ThinkTECH Accelerator and related innovation programming. The sponsorship supports ICBA’s ongoing efforts to further advance community bank innovation and foster an environment where community banks flourish.
September 15, 2025 |
Press Release
Compliance question on SAFE Act requirements
The ICBA Compliance Center Question of the Week page features a new Q&A on SAFE Act education requirements for loan originators.
September 15, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
SAFE Act
OCC, FDIC heads discuss plans for community bank relief
OCC and FDIC leaders said they plan to focus on improving the regulatory framework for community banks, including making changes to the community bank leverage ratio.
September 12, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FDIC OCC
ICBA meets with Treasury, FHFA on ending GSE conservatorship
Senior ICBA staff this week participated in two meetings with federal officials related to getting the government-sponsored enterprises, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, out of conservatorship.
September 11, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA Urges Congress to Ensure Deposit Insurance Reforms Enhance Small Business Coverage, Curb Favorable Too-Big-To-Fail Treatment
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today called on Congress to consider deposit insurance reforms that enhance coverage for small businesses, address the more favorable regulatory treatment the nation’s largest banks receive under the current framework, and ensure community banks are not penalized.
September 10, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters Deposit Insurance 1071
ICBA releases data showing credit union acquisitions harm communities
ICBA released the results of a new data analysis demonstrating that credit union acquisitions of community banks are harming small businesses and local communities.
September 10, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
ICBA Urges Congress to Ensure Deposit Insurance Reforms Enhance Small Business Coverage, Curb Favorable Too-Big-To-Fail Treatment
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today called on Congress to consider deposit insurance reforms that enhance coverage for small businesses, address the more favorable regulatory treatment the nation’s largest banks receive under the current framework, and ensure community banks are not penalized.
September 10, 2025 |
Press Release
Congressional Matters
New op-ed from ICBA leadership banker Ken Hale: Local communities stand to lose millions in local tax revenue
The latest op-ed from ICBA leadership community banker Ken Hale on the negative impact of the credit union tax exemption details the direct impact that credit unions purchasing banks in Louisiana will have on local governments.
September 10, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
New ICBA Analysis: Sharp Decreases in Small-Business, Mortgage Lending Follow Taxpayer-Subsidized Credit Union Acquisitions of Community Banks
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today released the results of a new data analysis demonstrating that the growth of tax-exempt credit unions acquiring tax-paying community banks is harming small businesses and local communities while community banks outperform credit unions in high-poverty areas.
September 09, 2025 |
Press Release
Credit Unions
ICBA: FinCEN should fix BSA thresholds, BOI collection
ICBA said community bankers strongly support the role of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network while recommending updates to beneficial ownership information collection and Bank Secrecy Act thresholds.
September 09, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FinCEN
Treasury sanctions networks targeting Americans with cyber scams
The Treasury Department sanctioned a large network of scam centers across Southeast Asia that steal billions of dollars from Americans.
September 09, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
OCC clarifies policy on politicized or unlawful debanking
The OCC issued two bulletins clarifying its policies on politicized or unlawful debanking in accordance with last month’s executive order on ensuring fair banking for all Americans.
September 09, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
OCC
FinCEN issues guidance on cross-border information sharing
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued guidance to encourage and promote appropriate, voluntary cross-border sharing of information between and among financial institutions, including appropriate foreign financial institutions.
September 08, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FinCEN
ICBA-supported bill restricting mortgage ‘trigger leads’ signed into law
President Donald Trump signed into law the bipartisan Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, ICBA-supported legislation that will help protect the financial privacy of mortgage applicants.
September 08, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Mortgage Lending Federal Housing Finance Agency
SEC forms cross-border task force to combat fraud
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced the formation of a task force that it said will strengthen and enhance efforts to identify and combat cross-border fraud harming U.S. investors.
September 08, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fraud
ICBA, other groups call on Congress to renew cybersecurity law
ICBA and other groups called on Congress to extend the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act before its Sept. 30 expiration date, saying that failure to do so would impede public-private sector coordination during cyberattacks and weaken the nation’s cyber defenses.
September 05, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Cybersecurity
ICBA Applauds Signing of Law to Restrict Mortgage ‘Trigger Leads’
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today applauded President Trump for signing into law the bipartisan Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808), which will help protect the financial privacy of mortgage applicants.
September 05, 2025 |
Press Release
Congressional Matters Mortgage Rules
CISA, partners release software guidance
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, National Security Agency, and 19 international partners released a software bill of materials for cybersecurity.
September 04, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Cybersecurity
House panel passes ICBA-supported cybersecurity bill
The House Homeland Security Committee unanimously passed the Widespread Information Management for the Welfare of Infrastructure and Government Act (H.R. 5079), ICBA-supported legislation that aims to modernize and extend the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015.
September 04, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters Cybersecurity
CFPB confirms plan to issue new rule on 1071
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reiterated that the agency’s new leadership has directed staff to initiate a new Section 1071 rulemaking.
September 03, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
CFPB
ICBA honors National Community Bank Service Award recipients
ICBA announced the winners of the 2025 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 03, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Philly Fed updates confidence scam information
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia details types of confidence scams in the Fed’s latest Consumer Compliance Outlook.
September 03, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Federal Reserve
FDIC removes disparate impact references from exam manual
The FDIC announced that it will evaluate potential discrimination under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Fair Housing Act only through evidence of disparate treatment.
September 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FDIC
ICBA 2025 National Community Bank Service Award Recipients Honored for Efforts to Create Resilient Communities
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the winners of its 2025 National Community Bank Service Awards, recognizing the innovative and exceptional efforts of the nation’s community banks to support and uplift local communities. Stories are featured in the September issue of ICBA's Independent Banker magazine.
September 02, 2025 |
Press Release
ICBA: Latest credit union acquisition fueled by tax exemption
Following the latest acquisition of a community bank by a tax-exempt credit union, ICBA said the deal demonstrates why the growing skepticism of credit union tax and regulatory exemptions must evolve into policymaker action.
September 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
OCC decreases assessment rates
The OCC announced a decrease in assessment rates for the Sept. 30 semiannual assessment that will apply to all OCC-regulated institutions—its fifth decrease in assessments since 2017.
September 02, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
OCC
Yes, You CAN Offer Government-Guaranteed Lending Without Burdening Staff
SPONSORED | Government-guaranteed lending isn’t just smart—it’s essential for community banks looking to serve more local businesses, add non-interest income, and stay competitive. See how the right qualified Lender Service provider can help—without burdening your team.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Q&A: Growth-Related Challenges for the Evolving Community Bank
Whether growing organically or through mergers and acquisitions, even positive change can present challenges. We talked to two community bankers about considerations and issues they’ve noticed as their banks have grown.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Rob Birgfeld: Amplify Community Banking With Local Influencers
Influencer marketing doesn’t have to target social media stars with millions of followers. It can start at a local level, with community banks reaching out to trusted individuals known within the community.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Jack E. Hopkins: Riding the Pendulum of Regulatory Compliance
“Even in the face of optimism, we recognize that with regulation, the only constant is change.”
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Out of Office: Skyler Kanipe
The project manager at $1.4 billion-asset Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) in Benton, Kentucky, is always on the lookout for her next vintage find.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
CedarStone Bank Recognizes and Thanks Local Teachers
Through its annual Teacher of the Year program, CedarStone Bank recognizes the dedication of Wilson County educators who inspire students and make a difference in their schooling every day.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Reduce Collateralization: A Path to Greater Efficiency and Depositor Satisfaction
SPONSORED | Banks can use a reciprocal deposit network to make large deposits eligible for millions in aggregate FDIC insurance across network banks — replacing the need for collateral or repos.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Making a Difference, One Act at a Time
“We live, thrive and face challenges in lockstep with our communities.”
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Addressing Operational Pain Points With Regtech
Community banks face a variety of challenges day to day—risk, fraud, cybersecurity, etc.—that are perpetuated by a lack of time or staff. Regtech can help take the weight off bankers’ shoulders.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Building Bright Futures with Financial Education
High school financial literacy courses are an opportunity for community banks to set local youth up for success. See how some community banks are making a difference in financial education today.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Charles Potts: How the Regtech Revolution Represents Banking Today
In many ways, ICBA’s core pillars—advocacy, education and innovation—define today’s community bank priorities. Extending those areas to the products and services driving bank investments, regulatory technology solutions emerge as a major player.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Payments
2025 National Community Bank Service Awards
Gulf Coast Bank in Abbeville, Louisiana, and Legends Bank in Clarksville, Tennessee, run thoughtful and strategic programs that support their neighbors. That’s why they’ve been named the winners of the 2025 National Community Bank Service Awards. We talk to them and the runners-up about why and how they do the good work they do.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Katahdin Trust Company Shoots and Scores for Youth Athletes
In March, $1 billion-asset Katahdin Trust Company (KTC) in Houlton, Maine, teamed up with Big Time Hoops to host its All Star Weekend. The event features a free youth skills clinic that gives young athletes across Maine a chance to sharpen their basketball skills.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Powering Potential: Inside the ThinkTECH Accelerator
ICBA’s ThinkTECH Accelerator readies participating companies that have early-stage solutions and helps them tailor their products for community banks.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
What Should Community Banks Know About Cross-Border Payments?
As cross-border payments reforms take shape, community banks must navigate promising opportunities and significant adjustments in this evolving space.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Payments
How to Balance Collections With Compassion for Customers
Community banks face the delicate task of collecting past-due loans while maintaining a compassionate approach, There are ways to be successful at both, experts say.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Michael Benedict: Putting the 'Strategy' in 'Portfolio Strategy'
How can you use your portfolio to create operating leverage?
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
Amy Ledig: Setting Deregulatory Priorities to Help Community Banks
A rundown of five areas where ICBA’s advocacy is making an impact.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
How the MPF® Program Keeps Community Banks Competitive
SPONSORED | Through the Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF®) Program, community banks gain access to the secondary mortgage market while benefiting from key competitive advantages including strengthened relationships with borrowers, more attractive pricing, and a reputation for consistency and reliability.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Starion Bank Targets New Depositors Through Gig Economy Program
Starion Bank’s pioneering finance program for contract workers is designed to empower DoorDash drivers with seamless payments and exclusive rewards.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Lindsay LaNore: How to Play Well Without the Ball
There’s a rule that applies on the basketball court that can also be applied in the workplace. It’s called the 95% rule, and this is how it works.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
4 Regulatory Challenges Community Banks Face Today
The regulatory environment for banks feels like it’s being turned upside down, but the fundamentals of compliance and risk management remain the same. We look at a few of the challenges community banks face today and hear from ICBA experts on what’s next.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
How Community Banks Can Build a Risk-Savvy Board
For community bank board members to mitigate risk effectively throughout the organization, each director needs to understand their role. Learn about how these board members are taking a risk-informed approach that still leads with innovation.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Still Processing Checks Like It’s 1995? Fraudsters Are Counting on It
SPONSORED | Outdated check processing systems expose community banks to rising fraud and compliance risks. Modernizing check processing enhances fraud detection, streamlines operations, and strengthens legal resilience—making it a critical risk management strategy, not just an efficiency upgrade.
September 01, 2025 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
ICBA urging community bankers to provide comments on fraud
ICBA continues calling on community bankers to use its grassroots guide to submit comment letters on an ICBA-supported interagency request for information on mitigating payments fraud.
August 29, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Fraud
FinCEN issues advisory on Chinese money laundering networks
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued warnings on the threats posed by Chinese money laundering networks to the U.S. financial system.
August 29, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
FinCEN
Following Latest Community Bank Acquisition Fueled by Credit Union Tax Exemption, ICBA Continues Call for Policy Response
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the latest acquisition of a tax-paying community bank by a tax-exempt credit union.
August 29, 2025 |
Press Release
Credit Unions
ICBA: GLBA is a solid framework that needs to be modernized
ICBA urged Congress to reduce duplicative Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requirements for community banks while modernizing the law to ensure nonbank entities are subject to equivalent consumer data privacy standards.
August 29, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Congressional Matters
Op-ed: Credit unions are draining Louisiana communities
A new op-ed from ICBA leadership community banker Ken Hale says lawmakers must investigate whether credit unions’ tax-exempt status is still necessary in light of their significant growth, which is leaching revenue from state and local governments and setting the stage for higher taxes on local communities.
August 28, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Credit Unions
ICBA publishes guide to help community banks work with influencers
ICBA released the Guide to Local Influencer Marketing for Community Banks, which provides community bankers with step-by-step guidance and tools to successfully reach and attract the next generation of customers through trusted local voices.
August 28, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
SBA orders lenders to submit reports on debanking compliance
The Small Business Administration ordered the banks in its network to halt the practice of debanking certain individuals and businesses and to submit reports to the agency on their compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order on fair banking.
August 28, 2025 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Small Business Administration
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