Chances are, your bank’s portfolio has been affected by declining portfolio conditions, erratic cash flows, call option exposure, or paltry yield spreads over the past year. The wild ride in interest rates kept producing surprises for the bond portfolio, and, in truth, about the only thing positive to be said is that prices rose—then declined—over that period.

The past year has been a trying time for our nation, particularly for America’s elderly population who were disproportionately impacted — both in terms of hospitalizations and deaths — from the coronavirus pandemic.

In the wake of the high-profile cyberattacks on SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline affecting national security and the everyday lives of Americans, cybersecurity has never been a more pressing concern to community banks.

CBDCs are taking center stage around the globe, with multiple research projects underway. As central banks lay the framework for digital currencies, how money movement is architected could have a significant impact on community banks.

What is galvanizing the world market to pursue central bank digital currencies? The factors are varied. In this edition of ICBA’s Digital Dollar Digest series, we explore the catalysts for global interest in central bank digital currency (CBDC).

Under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), partnerships between minority- and majority-owned banks can prove beneficial for all parties. Here’s how two banks came together to leverage each other’s resources and get CRA credit in the process.

The Community Reinvestment Act was designed to stop redlining, the impact of which is still felt in metro areas today. We look at the past and current CRA, including upcoming revisions from regulators.

Black-owned community banks have a long history of serving Americans historically left out of the mainstream banking system. Many well-established community banks continue this legacy today, but one troubling trend has emerged in the past two decades.

ICBA has a long-standing commitment to Minority Depository Institutions and Community Development Financial Institutions. They play a crucial role in providing credit, capital and financial services to low- to moderate-income and minority communities.

Last month, we asked you to complete a short survey to help us better understand how your bank develops and implements staff training. We also wanted a clearer picture of the course structure that best helps you achieve your training goals.