Bank Economists: Credit Conditions Expected to Hold Stable Over Next Six Months
WASHINGTON,—While credit conditions are expected to continue softening slightly over the next six months as the labor market encounters headwinds and the economy handles external shocks, they are expected to remain stable according to the American Bankers Association’s latest Credit Conditions Index. ABA’s Credit Conditions Index examines a suite of indices derived from the quarterly…
ICBA and CBAI Urge Illinois to Repeal Unworkable Interchange Law
WASHINGTON,—The ICBA and the Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI) have issued a following statement on Illinois’ vote to delay implementation of the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. “ICBA and CBAI support the Illinois General Assembly’s vote to delay its misguided interchange law by another year, which recognizes that the law would significantly disrupt the…
Americans Back Ban on Stablecoin Yield Rewards
WASHINGTON,—A new survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Bankers Association (ABA) found strong consumer support for policies designed to protect bank deposits and lending as Congress considers legislation establishing a regulatory framework for stablecoins and other digital assets. According to the survey, 57% of respondents agree that Congress should prohibit crypto…
NY, PA Bankers Receive ABA Distinguished Service Awards for Risk, Compliance
CHARLOTTE, N.C.,—Ann Marie Tarantino, senior vice president, chief compliance officer and risk officer at Esquire Bank in New York, and Elizabeth Reister, chief compliance officer at Fulton Bank headquartered in Pennsylvania, have received the 2026 American Bankers Association’s Distinguished Service Awards for Risk and Compliance. “Ann Marie and Beth have devoted years to strengthening risk…
Banking Trade Groups Urge Senate to Strengthen Stablecoin Yield Guardrails
WASHINGTON,—A coalition of financial trade associations representing banks of all sizes has urged Senate Banking Committee leaders to make important technical refinements to proposed payment stablecoin yield language in the CLARITY Act, warning that allowing interest like yield on stablecoins could weaken bank deposits and reduce credit available to consumers, small businesses and farmers. In…
Polling Shows Public Support for Community Bank Policy Priorities
WASHINGTON,—The ICBA kicked off the 2026 ICBA Capital Summit in Washington with the release of new polling data showing Americans support community banker views on the pressing issues attendees will be discussing with policymakers. “As community bankers hold in-person meetings with their members of Congress this week, new ICBA polling demonstrates that Americans strongly support…
Scott Cattanach Elected to WBA Board
WAUSAU, Wis.,—Peoples State Bank President and CEO Scott Cattanach, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. Beginning June 1, Cattanach will serve a three-year term on the WBA Board, helping guide the association’s efforts to support Wisconsin’s banking industry and the communities it serves. “We are honored…
Farm Banks: Key Credit Source for Farmers
WASHINGTON,—Farm banks continued to play a central role in financing U.S. agriculture in 2025, accounting for more than one-third of all farm lending nationwide while maintaining solid capital, profitability and employment levels, according to ABA’s 2025 Farm Bank Performance Report. Banks held nearly $212 billion in farm loans at the end of 2025, representing 35.7%…
ICBA 2026-27 Executive Committee Set, WV Banker Elected Chairman
SAN DIEGO,—The ICBA elected its 2026-27 executive committee during the 2026 ICBA LIVE national convention in San Diego. Alice P. Frazier, president and CEO of Potomac Bank in Charles Town, W. Va., was elected ICBA chairman and will serve as chairman of the ICBA Executive Committee and board of directors. Frazier joins her fellow community…
Banking Trades Respond to Basel Proposal
WASHINGTON,—Following the release of the Basel proposal, the Bank Policy Institute, American Bankers Association, Consumer Bankers Association, Financial Services Forum and National Bankers Association issued a joint statement: Modernizing the U.S. bank capital framework supports consumers, job creators and communities across the country. This proposal marks an important step forward. We welcome regulators’ efforts to…