National Meetings Archives

CRA reform proposal spurs debate on lending issues

July 11, 2022July 7, 2022

Advocates who follow lending issues are divided about the likely impact of the proposed revisions to the Community Reinvestment Act. Some who see its potential to expand credit to currently underserved groups are calling the proposal an opportunity of a lifetime; others, who say the proposal fails to promote racial equity, characterize it as a missed opportunity. The current reform proposal, which is soliciting public comments until August 5, will look more closely at the income of borrowers, consider small business lending with a special focus on loans to very small businesses, compare exam findings with so-called “section 1071” data collected by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and take steps to increase credit availability to areas currently considered credit deserts. [Continue]

Hsu: climate risk assessment coming for community banks

March 14, 2022March 11, 2022

Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu called on community bankers to start researching the impacts of climate change as regulators address the climate change policies of larger financial institutions. [Continue]

Want to stay independent? Act like it, consultant says

March 7, 2022March 4, 2022

If your bank wants to stay independent, you must plan and act like it’s going to be around in 100 years, consultant and lawyer Phillip Smith. [Continue]

People are community banking’s differentiator

March 3, 2022

Customer experience determines your place in the competitive landscape and that experience at community banks is largely determined by staff, Emily Sayer told attendees at the annual convention of the Independent Community Bankers of America. [Continue]

Post-pandemic success depends on paradigm shift, futurist says

March 22, 2022March 2, 2022

Bankers’ ability to successfully adapt to post-pandemic life will require a complete reframing of how they approach their business models, said futurist Mike Walsh. [Continue]

Fed Gov. Bowman anticipates rate hike, urges comments on CBDC

March 22, 2022February 21, 2022

Federal Reserve Board Governor Miki Bowman told bankers gathered at the ABA Conference for Community Bankers on Monday that taming inflation is the Fed’s top monetary policy priority. [Continue]

Core showcase gives bankers look at tech options at ABA conference

March 22, 2022February 21, 2022

Leaders from 14 core providers asserted their dedication to community banking at the ABA’s National Conference for Community Bankers. [Continue]

Adaptability key to survival, panel agrees

February 1, 2022

The evolution of the banking industry accelerated during the pandemic and bankers need to be prepared to keep up if they wish to be successful. [Continue]

Are the lights dimming on the industry M&A Dance?

February 16, 2022January 31, 2022

Rising interest rates will slow inflation, but it will reduce spending and “it could cause asset quality problems we don’t currently have,” said Curtis Carpenter of the Hovde Group in a presentation Sunday, the first day of the Acquire or Be Acquired conference in Phoenix. Bank earnings are also likely to suffer as expected higher corporate taxes take hold. [Continue]

Financial inclusion promoted at ABA Summit

March 26, 2021March 18, 2021

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) asked bankers to keep “an open mind” as he refocuses the attention of the Senate Banking Committee on housing and urban affairs in addition to its traditional focus on banking. “This committee for too long has been all about Wall Street banks,” said the committee’s chair. “This means you all won’t like everything we do. It’s not personal. It’s about approaching the economy in a different way.” [Continue]