A fresh perspective: FOMC’s 2025 roster has some new voters

Dec 3, 2024
While we in the financial services sector start thinking about monetary policy in the coming year, there’s a new wrinkle to consider. Many Fed-watchers, rate prognosticators, economists and even investors had been betting on substantially lower rates in 2025 for many months.

Relationship Building: Insights from the ICBA Preferred Service Provider Engagement Forum

Nov 22, 2024
Ninety-two percent of ICBA member banks rely on at least one ICBA Preferred Service Provider (PSP), and 52% of ICBA members say they would not be able to provide some services without ICBA, according to a recent ICBA member survey. These numbers demonstrate the tremendous value PSPs bring to community banks and highlight why ICBA is dedicated to fostering these relationships.

Online Course Newsletter – November 2024

Nov 20, 2024
The November Online Course Newsletter features a look at new courses added to the full catalog this month, as well as a look ahead at courses to come.

Introducing the ICBA Marketing Resource Center: Powering Your Community Bank’s Marketing Potential

Nov 14, 2024
In today’s fast-paced and competitive landscape, it’s more important than ever for community banks to effectively share their stories. Through conversations with members like you, we’ve seen firsthand how your stories carry the heart and impact needed to elevate our industry in the eyes of consumers.

Why Fraudsters Love the Holidays — with Kausar Kenning

Nov 8, 2024
As the holidays approach, it’s time to stay even more vigilant against fraud. That’s because fraudsters are more likely to seek out vulnerable, lonely or busy people at the end of the year. How can community bankers get ahead of year-end fraud and raise awareness among consumers?

Entering the New Era of ICBA Payments

Oct 25, 2024
As an entrepreneur at heart, I truly like to build businesses. When I look at ICBA Payments, I see a fantastic opportunity to take a solid 40-year history and write our own story of innovation and growth into the future.

Online Course Newsletter – October 2024

Oct 22, 2024
Standard Plan, Custom Plan, and Bank Compliance Bundle subscribers paper renewal invoices were mailed Thursday, October 18. A letter is enclosed with the invoice telling you about what benefits you received from your subscription and what you have to look forward to.

What Directors Should Know About the Liquidity Crisis

Oct 8, 2024
To paraphrase President Reagan, a recession in banking is when banks face funding and cost of funds challenges. Banks, however, can replenish their liquidity. In contrast, borrowers may be experiencing a depression. At a minimum, borrowers are undergoing a liquidity crisis.

Battle Over/War Isn’t: Employer Considerations Now That FTC Non-Compete Ban Is Set Aside

Oct 8, 2024
A Texas court set aside the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) Final Rule banning all non-compete clauses days before it was set to take effect on Sept. 4. Ryan LLC v. FTC, No. 3:24-CV-00986-E, 2024 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 148488 (N.D. Tex. Aug. 20, 2024). The court’s ruling bars the FTC from enforcing the Final Rule nationwide. Although the FTC lost this battle, it may be winning the war.

Easing into the fall

Oct 8, 2024
It’s been a while, but the tightening cycle that started in early 2022 has finally run its course. It appears the price stability mandate has been met sufficiently for the focus to turn to maximum employment. The rate cut in September marks the first time in four and a half years that the target rate of fed funds has dropped.