Bank Compliance Center

In today’s banking environment as soon as one big new regulation is implemented another pops up. ICBA’s compliance training opportunities and exceptional resources, online and offline, will help your community bank stay informed and one step ahead of the regulators.

Recent Compliance News



Dec 4, 2024 | NewsWatch Today
OCC updates unfair practices booklet

The OCC issued version 1.1 of the “Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices and Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook.

Dec 4, 2024 | NewsWatch Today
CFPB proposes rule on consumer reporting

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a notice of proposed rulemaking related to consumer reporting and the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Oct 25, 2024 | NewsWatch Today
CFPB: Companies must follow FCRA rules when tracking employees

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a circular that said that companies using third-party consumer reports must follow Fair Credit Reporting Act rules.

Oct 18, 2024 | NewsWatch Today
FinCEN: Certain telecommunications service providers are exempt from beneficial ownership requirements

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued a final rule to clarify that certain telecommunications service providers qualify as “regulated public utilities” and are exempt from the Corporate Transparency Act’s beneficial ownership information reporting requirements. The final rule is effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register.

Upcoming Compliance Training
Jan 16, 2025 | Webinar

Regulatory Hot Topics 2025


Jan 23, 2025 | Webinar

ACH Rules Update


Compliance Question of the Week

Question: Our lender wants to pull a consumer report on a non-applicant spouse for a consumer loan. The applicant is relying on property that is not owned by the spouse. Is this a permissible purpose under FCRA?

ANSWER: 

Section 604, of Fair Credit Reporting Act permits using a consumer report only when a permissible purpose exists and no other.

A permissible purpose is when the information is used in connection with a credit transaction involving the consumer on whom the information is to be furnished involving the extension of credit to or review or collection of an account of, the consumer. In the case of a nonapplicant spouse, the FCRA includes an example of when a nonapplicant spouse would be permitted to use the account or when the property is in a community property state.

However, a creditor does not have a permissible purpose to obtain a report on a nonapplicant spouse if the creditor receives information indicating that the applicant is relying on a separate property to repay the credit extended. For the complete list see the FTC report.

Note: the bank may obtain specific written instruction from the consumer to obtain the consumer report (FCRA Section 604(a)(2)). The instruction must be specific and not simply a name on a form. (See the FTC report “40 Years of Experience with the Fair Credit Reporting Act” page 45.)

Reference: Fair Credit Reporting Act section 604(a)(3)(A) and 604(a)(2); FTC 15 USC 1681b; See also: FTC report “40 Years of Experience with the Fair Credit Reporting Act”, July 2011, page 44

Compliance Vault



The ICBA Compliance Vault is now available as a member benefit to all ICBA members.

The Compliance Vault is a reliable search tool that helps you find answers to your regulatory compliance questions, with access to over 2,500 Q&As, select online courses, and documents.

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Compliance Resources



Earn your Community Bank Compliance Officer Certification at the ICBA Compliance Institute

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To earn the Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer (CCBCO) certification, you will be required to attend this program in its entirety, complete all assignments, and achieve a passing score on the certification exam(s).

The ICBA Compliance Institute is built to meet the needs of seasoned professionals seeking the latest regulatory education and industry best practices as well as newer compliance officers seeking to gain a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts of each regulation.

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