We have to demystify that fintech is complicated, or fintech is difficult, or fintech is risky or scary. Fintech, to me, is opportunity,” says Greg Ohlendorf, President and CEO, First Community Bank and Trust.

The pandemic has clearly had a lasting impact on customers’ payment behaviors, marked by an unprecedented rise in ecommerce transactions, projected to reach $8.3 trillion by 2025. Amidst this sea of change, community banks are asking, “What does this shift mean for my payments strategy?”

I would venture to guess that nearly every one of you have talked with Cathy VonWhalde here at Community Banker University at least once. Some of you may talk to her monthly. I am excited, proud, and saddened to share the news that after 31 years with ICBA, Cathy has decided to live the good life and retire on May 2, 2022.

Bank innovation continues to be a central focus for regulatory agencies. From the launch of innovation offices and office hours to policy statements encouraging innovative approaches, regulators have embraced—and now expect—new forms of responsible innovation. Often, this innovation relies upon strategic bank-technology collaborations.

While stablecoins have drawn increased scrutiny from policymakers in Washington, the policy response has only just begun. Here’s a look at the policy outlook and what it means for community banks.

The Federal Reserve recently took a major step toward curbing inflation by raising the effective federal funds rate by 25 basis points. Here’s a look at what this means for community banks and local communities.

Officials in Washington have in recent months increased their focus on overdraft programs and policies. With community banks already subject to strict overdraft regulations and offering overdraft services designed to meet the demands of their customers, ICBA and community bankers are fully engaged in the debate.

The volume of stablecoins in circulation has grown rapidly in recent months, drawing increased attention from policymakers and the media. Here’s a breakdown of where this increasingly significant market stands and how community banker concerns align with those in Washington.

As the debate proceeds, ICBA is reminding policymakers that the Durbin Amendment has distorted the debit card and consumer checking markets to the detriment of community banks and consumers nationwide.

“There is only one threat, and it’s inaction,” said The Venture Center’s Wayne Miller in his opening remarks at the ThinkTECH Accelerator Showcase at ICBA LIVE. That set the tone for the session, where each fintech in the cohort presented not only their solutions but emphasized the results behind them.