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Minnesota's First Black-Owned Bank
In 2022, Detroit-based First Independence Bank became the first Black-owned bank to open a branch in Minnesota, with the goal of creating greater economic prospects for underserved people.
John Coleman: Make the Most of the August Congressional Recess
When members of Congress return home during congressional recess, it’s a great opportunity for community bankers to engage with them over policy—with the right preparation.
Mark Scanlan: Speaking out for rural America in the new Farm Bill
The five-year Farm Bill is set to expire later this year. ICBA is lobbying Congress in the reauthorization with six important provisions.
Listen Up: Taking bold and brave action
What does it mean to be innovative? In episode 5 of the Independent Banker podcast, host Charles Potts talks to Rebeca Romero Rainey, president and CEO of ICBA, about her passion for community...
Aaron Stetter: Return to Capitol Hill
The 2023 ICBA Capital Summit is next month. Here’s a peek at what you can expect from the premier community bank advocacy event.
Deposit Insurance Reform: Community Bankers' Goals
Community bankers share common goals for protecting depositors.
Revealed: The Impact of Credit Union Acquisitions
Credit union acquisitions of community banks are leaving lasting scars on local economies—reducing small business lending, limiting mortgage access and weakening community reinvestment. But...
Deregulation Ahead: Community Bank Regulatory Outlook
Learn how regulatory changes in 2026, including stablecoin legislation and Section 1071 exemptions, will shape the future of community banking.
ILC Loophole Impact on Community Banks & Regulation
Learn about the historical context of the ILC loophole, its implications for community banks and the ongoing regulatory debates surrounding this critical issue.
A Look at ICBA's Community Banker-Led Committees
How member-driven ICBA committees and councils power advocacy, innovation and education for community banks.
Rhonda Thomas-Whitley: Why Risk-Based BSA Compliance Matters for Banks
BSA compliance is critical to financial security, but it works best when oversight aligns with risk. Learn how outdated thresholds, inconsistent exams, and evolving guidance affect community banks,...
How CDFIs and MDIs Are Navigating Uncertainty
CDFIs and MDIs share how potential funding cuts and regulatory shifts could affect their ability to serve underserved communities, and why their mission matters more than ever.
Two approaches to overdrawn accounts
What community bankers should know about overdraft and sweep account rules.
Mickey Marshall: Mutual Banks Are Mutually Beneficial
Customer-owned mutual banks offer a community-focused banking model.
Q&A: Amy Ledig on the EGRPRA Review Process
Independent Banker caught up with Amy Ledig, vice president of capital, accounting and finance policy at ICBA, to discuss the regulatory outlook.
Amy Ledig: Setting Deregulatory Priorities to Help Community Banks
A rundown of five areas where ICBA’s advocacy is making an impact.
Kari Mitchum: It Matters to Community Banks Who Has Master Accounts
Master accounts are a notable part of the traditional financial institution’s ecosystem, but nontraditional financial companies like crypo-native institutions and nonbanks are gunning for access.
Anjelica Dortch: Executive Orders Chart New Policies for Community Bankers
Our industry faces certain changes following President Trump’s recent executive orders. Here’s what you need to know.
Mickey Marshall: Why National Trust Bank Charters Sparked a Growing Policy Fight
Fintech and crypto firms continue to seek out trust charters for deposit-like products, raising policy questions and competitive risks for community banks.
Powering Potential: How ICBA's Letters Influence Congress
Here’s how ICBA uses letters to try to influence Congress.