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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.

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ICBA Urges Immediate Paycheck Protection Appropriation as Funds Run Out

ICBA called on policymakers to immediately approve additional funds for the Paycheck Protection Program with the initial round of program funds expected to be exhausted soon.
April 16, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy 

ICBA Recommendations for COVID-19 New Legislation

With the right policies in place, community banks are well positioned to channel credit expeditiously to help small business bridge this temporary economic shutdown, preserve their workforces, and be ready to restart once restrictions have been lifted.
April 14, 2020 | News   Advocacy 

ICBA FAQs detail Economic Impact Payments

ICBA updated its frequently asked questions on the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic with information on Economic Impact Payments—the federal stimulus payments going out to eligible individuals and households.
April 13, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy Payments 

ICBA and State Banking Associations Urge Paycheck Protection Program Changes

The Independent Community Bankers of America and nearly 30 state banking associations today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza imploring them to do everything in their power to assure timely access to the Paycheck Protection Program for the roughly one-third of the community banking industry.
April 09, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy 

ICBA and The Venture Center Showcase Community Bank Innovation

The Independent Community Bankers of America and The Venture Center, in partnership with the State of Arkansas, today hosted the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator Virtual Demo Day, for its second cohort.
April 08, 2020 | Press Release  

ICBA Urges Changes to Community Reinvestment Act Proposal

The Independent Community Bankers of America today called on federal regulators to make needed changes to their proposal to reform Community Reinvestment Act regulations to promote equitable, consistent, and transparent implementation of the law.
April 08, 2020 | Press Release   CRA 

National Banking Trades Letter on Recovery Act

During the Great Recession, CDFIs played a pivotal role in stabilizing the local economies and preserving and creating jobs in low- and moderate-income communities. Likewise, the 2020 recession is already taking a devastating toll on the most economically fragile households and the communities where they live.
April 08, 2020 | News   Advocacy 

ICBA Community Bankers Share Perspectives on Paycheck Protection Program at White House Meeting

ICBA leadership represented the nation’s nearly 5,000 community banks at a virtual meeting held at the White House with President Donald J. Trump to discuss the status of the Paycheck Protection Program created by the recently enacted CARES Act.
April 07, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy 

ICBA Sends Urgent Payment Protection Program Recommendations to Treasury and SBA

ICBA sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza early this morning laying out urgent recommendations for the Paycheck Protection Program so that every community bank across the nation has the capability to access the system and help their customers during this critical time.
April 05, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy Regulatory Relief 

Agencies extend comment period on Volcker rule reform

Federal regulators said they will consider comments submitted before May 1 on their proposal to modify the Volcker rule’s general prohibition on banking entities investing in or sponsoring hedge funds or private equity funds. The previous deadline was April 1.
April 03, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

Paycheck Protection Program State Banking Association Letter

If the Paycheck Protection Loan Program doesn’t work for all community banks, both current SBA 7(a) lenders and otherwise, then it will fail to achieve its objectives. Our concerns are outlined in this letter, together with our recommended changes.
April 02, 2020 | News   Advocacy 

What you can do now to prepare for CECL

Community banks won’t have to implement current expected credit losses, or CECL, standards until 2023, but it’s never too early to start getting ready. Here’s what industry experts say you should know about preparing for CECL.
April 01, 2020 | Independent Banker   Compliance 

How to get and keep new customers

Customers have more choices than ever about where and how to do their banking. Community banks must find the right ways to engage them if they want to win and retain their loyalty. Here are the strategies that are working for several community banks.
April 01, 2020 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

Banks that found their niche lending markets

Technology has blurred community banks’ geographic borders for some lending niches—but for others, face-to-face remains the gold standard. These community banks know one size doesn’t always fit all.
April 01, 2020 | Independent Banker   Lending 

How to defend your bank from ransomware

Cybercriminals are taking advantage of ransomware’s low barrier of entry to compromise data and networks from banks, service providers and even customers. But experts say community banks can protect themselves with education, data management and security procedures.
April 01, 2020 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Preventing and detecting mortgage fraud

Many compliance functions are needed to detect mortgage fraud, from FACTA and FCRA to the SAFE Act. Here’s a look at the requirements.
April 01, 2020 | Independent Banker   Compliance Lending 

The juicy story behind First Citrus Bank

April 01, 2020 | Independent Banker  

The Latest on the SBA Paycheck Protection Program

April 01, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

ICBA Letter To Treasury-SBA Regarding Concerns With Paycheck Protection Program

If the Paycheck Protection Loan Program doesn’t work for all community banks, both current SBA 7(a) lenders and otherwise, then it will fail to achieve its objectives. Our concerns are outlined in this letter, together with our recommended changes.
April 01, 2020 | News   Advocacy 

Community Banks Remain Shining Stars For Customers and Communities

In honor of Community Banking Month in April, the Independent Community Bankers of America recognizes the unmatched role that the nation’s nearly 5,000 community banks serve in helping their customers and communities through times of challenge.
April 01, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy 

Detailing the Community Bank Provisions of the CARES Act

On March 25, the U.S. Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The House of Representatives is expected to pass the legislation, and the President is expected to sign it into law. ICBA succeeded in including a number of provisions that will help community banks sustain critical economic activity with access to credit to struggling small businesses, families, and individuals.
March 30, 2020 | News   Advocacy 

Nacha provides relief on signature requirements

Nacha said it will not enforce signature and similar authentication requirements for receiving depository financial institutions until further notice.
March 30, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA-Advocated Measures in Congress-Passed Coronavirus Stimulus

Independent Community Bankers of America President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued this statement after the House passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, sending it to President Donald Trump to be signed into law.
March 27, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy 

Fed announces financial reporting relief

The Federal Reserve said it will not take action against financial institutions with $5 billion or less in total assets for submitting certain financial statements within 30 days of the March 31 filing deadline.
March 27, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

Several ICBA-Advocated Measures Included in Coronavirus Stimulus Deal

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued this statement on the coronavirus stimulus package compromise reached today by Congress and the Trump administration.
March 26, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy 

There When It Counts: Behind the Scenes of ICBA Advocacy

The Senate is convening now to advance the economic stimulus package responding to the coronavirus outbreak. We at ICBA often say that our star shines brightest when we are in the midst of a challenge—just as community bankers do.
March 25, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

ICBA Welcomes Venminder as Newest Preferred Service Provider

The Independent Community Bankers of America announced today that Venminder has been selected as the newest Preferred Service Provider for its third-party risk management software.
March 25, 2020 | Press Release  

ICBA: Community Banks Put the “Community” in Banking

At a time of social distancing, the Independent Community Bankers of America wants consumers to know that community banks put the “community” into banking and are here to serve the needs of their customers and communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
March 25, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy 

ICBA: Community Banks Continue to Serve Rural America

The Independent Community Bankers of America and the nation’s community banks are honoring the contributions of America’s local farmers, ranchers and agricultural enterprises during today's National Ag Day.
March 24, 2020 | Press Release   Agriculture 

ICBA Letter to FASB Regarding Community Bank Relief from COVID-19

The Independent Community Bankers of America is writing to you today in the midst of an unprecedented health crisis that has temporarily placed considerable hardships on the nation’s communities that are served by community banks.
March 23, 2020 | News   Advocacy Audit 

ICBA Offers Tips on FDIC Insurance During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Independent Community Bankers of America wants consumers to rest assured that their FDIC insured deposits are safe in their local community bank and offers additional tips for expanding coverage.
March 23, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy 

Agencies: Coronavirus loan modifications are not TDRs

Federal and state banking regulators said Sunday that they will not direct supervised institutions to automatically categorize coronavirus-related loan modifications as troubled debt restructurings.
March 23, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

ICBA Statement on Coronavirus Stimulus Package

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued this statement on the coronavirus stimulus package that Congress and the Trump administration are developing.
March 22, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy Regulatory Relief 

ICBA: Insured Deposits Are Safe at a Community Bank

The Independent Community Bankers of America today reminded consumers and community banking customers that their insured deposits are safe and backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
March 20, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy 

Consumer, Civil Rights Groups & Industry Urge FDIC: Halt Approval of Industrial Bank Applications, Close ILC Loopholes First

The Bank Policy Institute, Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), NAACP, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and Independent Community Bankers of America sent a letter to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairwoman Jelena McWilliams urging the agency not to approve deposit insurance applications submitted by industrial banks or industrial loan companies (ILC) until its ILC rulemaking is final.
March 19, 2020 | Press Release   FDIC 

ICBA Letter to the House Financial Services and Ways and Means Committees

On behalf of community bankers nationwide, with more than 52,000 locations, ICBA's president and CEO writes to forward recommendations for stimulus and relief measures that should be enacted expeditiously to mitigate the economic impact of the spreading coronavirus.
March 18, 2020 | News   Commerce & Banking 

ICBA Letter to the Senate Banking and Finance Committees

On behalf of community bankers nationwide, with more than 52,000 locations, ICBA's president and CEO writes to forward recommendations for stimulus and relief measures that should be enacted expeditiously to mitigate the economic impact of the spreading coronavirus.
March 18, 2020 | News   Commerce & Banking 

ICBA Statement on FDIC Industrial Loan Company Proposal

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued this statement on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s proposed rule on industrial loan companies.
March 18, 2020 | Press Release   Deposit Insurance FDIC Fintech Regulation 

ICBA Letter to Senate Appropriations Committee

On behalf of community bankers nationwide, with more than 52,000 locations, ICBA's president and CEO writes to forward recommendations for stimulus and relief measures that should be enacted expeditiously to mitigate the economic impact of the spreading coronavirus.
March 18, 2020 | News   Commerce & Banking 

A Note From ICBA Bancard's President and CEO

First and foremost, the team at ICBA Bancard hopes that you are safe and weathering these uncertain times as best possible. As leaders of our businesses and communities, we are being asked to make complex decisions to protect our employees while also ensuring that we maintain a high level of support for our clients.
March 17, 2020 | News  

ICBA Letter to White House Regarding Priority Coronavirus Stimulus and Relief Measures

Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, ICBA leadership has been in intensive discussions with community bankers from across the country serving rural, suburban, and urban markets. The following recommendations reflect their judgement regarding what would be most effective in addressing the crisis.
March 17, 2020 | News   Commerce & Banking 

Ag Policy Recommendations to Congress

Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, ICBA leadership has been in intensive discussions with community bankers from across the country serving rural, suburban, and urban markets. The following recommendations reflect their judgement regarding what would be most effective in addressing the crisis.
March 17, 2020 | News   Commerce & Banking 

Letter to Chairman McWilliams Concerning ILCs

ICBA is extremely concerned about the proposed rulemaking on parent companies of industrial banks and industrial loan companies (ILCs) which will be considered by the FDIC Board tomorrow.
March 16, 2020 | News   Commerce & Banking 

ICBA Statement on Coronavirus

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued this statement on the coronavirus outbreak following a White House meeting with President Donald Trump and other bank leaders.
March 11, 2020 | Press Release  

New ICBA Chairman to Community Bankers: Our Roots Run Deep

Incoming Independent Community Bankers of America Chairman Noah Wilcox called on 2020 ICBA LIVE national convention attendees to exert their political influence and strong community ties to support the community banking industry.
March 11, 2020 | Press Release  

Minnesota Banker Elected ICBA Chairman

Noah W. Wilcox, president, CEO and chairman of Grand Rapids State Bank and its holding company, Wilcox Bancshares Inc., in Grand Rapids, Minn., was elected chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America.
March 11, 2020 | Press Release  

ICBA Announces 2020-21 Executive Committee

Noah W. Wilcox, president, CEO and chairman of Grand Rapids State Bank and its holding company, Wilcox Bancshares Inc., in Grand Rapids, Minn., was elected ICBA chairman and serves as chairman of the ICBA Executive Committee and board of directors.
March 11, 2020 | Press Release  

ICBA Comment Letter on NEPA

The Independent Community Bankers of America, is submitting this letter in response to the Council on Environmental Quality’s proposed rule to update its regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act.
March 10, 2020 | News   Agriculture 

ICBA Bancard Celebrates 35 Years of Service to Community Banks

ICBA Bancard, the payments subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America, is celebrating its 35th anniversary during the 2020 ICBA LIVE national convention in Orlando, March 8-12.
March 09, 2020 | Press Release   Payments 

ICBA Bancard and Ondot Announce Partnership

ICBA Bancard®, the payments subsidiary of ICBA, announced today an agreement with Ondot Systems for a white label version of Card App. Through the agreement, community banks can offer their customers the latest digital experiences, providing convenience, transparency and control over their credit and debit cards.
March 09, 2020 | Press Release   Credit Cards Debit Cards 

ICBA’s Romero Rainey: Embrace Your Collective Strength

Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey reminded community bankers of their unified power to effect change for the benefit of local communities nationwide.
March 09, 2020 | Press Release   Advocacy 

ICBA Statement on Iowa Rejecting Credit Union-Bank Deal

Independent Community Bankers of America President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the Iowa Division of Banking decision to block a credit union acquisition of a community bank.
March 04, 2020 | Press Release   Credit Unions 

How the world's banks are using the IoT

Across the globe, banks and fintechs are experimenting with web-connected devices—collectively, the Internet of Things (IoT). While some experiments have worked and some have failed, their efforts offer a glimpse into what’s possible with connected devices.
March 01, 2020 | Independent Banker   Payments 

What you need to know about instant issue cards

Luckily for the many community bankers who are considering instant issue cards this year, adoption of the service has never been easier thanks to new technology. But community banks should ensure best practices for protecting cardholders and staying compliant.
March 01, 2020 | Independent Banker   Payments 

ICBA makes news for turning up heat on credit unions

This week’s ICBA pushback against credit union advocacy meetings in Washington is making news.
February 28, 2020 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Credit Unions 

Comment Letter to the Fed and FDIC on RFI Concerning CAMELS Ratings

The Independent Community Bankers of America appreciates the opportunity to respond to a request for information from the FDIC and the Federal Reserve regarding the consistency of ratings assigned by the banking agencies under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System, commonly referred to as the CAMELS ratings.
February 27, 2020 | News   Deposit Insurance 

Mitigate Fraud and Increase Profitability

In today’s card risk environment, your bank needs a comprehensive fraud strategy that includes cardholder education backed by powerful fraud prevention and detection technology.
February 21, 2020 | Payments Quarterly   Fraud 

Your ACE in the Hole: Optimize Your Credit Card Program Today

A banker asked me recently how to increase the profits of his bank’s credit card program. This Midwest bank had been issuing cards for more than a decade, but recent growth had been stagnant, and the banker was looking for strategies to improve the portfolio.
February 21, 2020 | Payments Quarterly  

Leverage the Power of AI to Predict Delinquencies

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic across all lines of business in all industries, and banking is no exception. How an institution views AI’s place in its organization varies from one bank to the next.
February 21, 2020 | Payments Quarterly   Payments 

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