NewsWatch Today

Monetary policy is still restrictive and putting downward pressure on inflation without creating undesirable weakness in the labor market, according to Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, who added that he expects rate cuts to continue over the next year.

While some industry watchers might apply the term “community bank” to the nation's largest financial institution, the truth is community banks cannot be replicated by megabanks, ICBA Chairman Lucas White wrote in a new American Banker op-ed (subscription required).

The OCC announced its fees and assessments for calendar year 2025.

ICBA this month is hosting a complimentary community bank briefing on key congressional and regulatory developments.

The latest Independent Banker magazine highlights the substantial influence of Gen Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—whose spending power now totals $44 billion and represents a key demographic for community banks.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network announced that is has joined a multi-sector national task force dedicated to the prevention of fraud and scams.

The FHFA announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will seek to extend housing access in rural underserved markets, enhance their support for manufactured housing, and continue addressing liquidity needs for first-time homebuyers.

ICBA urged the FDIC to withdraw its proposed rulemaking on brokered deposits to avoid harming community banks.

The Federal Reserve announced that the 2025 periodic review of its monetary policy strategy, tools, and communications will include public outreach events.

ICBA’s recent Preferred Service Provider Engagement Forum brought together 15 PSPs, seven ThinkTECH Accelerator alumni, and community bankers for an exchange of insights and opportunities to advance community bank innovation, according to a new Main Street Matters blog post.

Community bankers who register for ICBA LIVE 2025 by Friday, Nov. 29, will be entered into a drawing for one of three prizes.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule to supervise the largest nonbank companies offering digital funds transfer and payment wallet apps.