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Main Street Matters Blog

Find out what's happening in communities across America, from grassroots advocacy efforts, to fintech innovations and everyday successes of Main Street banks.

Main Street Matters

The Federal Reserve’s Essential Role in Faster Payments

Jun 14, 2019
ICBA's Cary Whaley explains why the Federal Reserve must play a leadership role in faster payments to ensure safety, integrity, continuity and equitable access for all financial institutions.

Winning the Tug-of-War Between Innovation and Regulation

Jun 13, 2019
ICBA's Kevin Tweddle discusses the push and pull between fintech innovation and regulation in today's dynamic and technology-centric world.

Small Mortgages are a Community Bank Specialty

Jun 5, 2019
Low- and middle-income home buyers seeking smaller mortgage loans should begin their search at their local community bank, ICBA Vice Chairman Robert M. Fisher writes.

ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator Cohort Excels with High-Tech Relationship Banking

May 31, 2019
ICBA's Kevin Tweddle notes recent industry accolades by several ThinkTECH Accelerator alumni including, Invest Sou Sou, which received Best of Show honors at this year’s Finovate Conference.

Ending the Financial Exploitation of Older Americans

May 30, 2019
ICBA's Lindsay LaNore discusses ICBA's efforts to help combat the financial exploitation of older Americans and ensure community banks have the necessary training to help staff prevent, identify, and report suspicious activity.

Double Victory on Brokered Deposits

May 9, 2019
The FDIC’s comprehensive review of the regulatory approach to brokered deposits and interest rate caps for banks that are less than well capitalized carries with it two pieces of good news for community banks.

High-Tech, High-Touch Community Banking

May 8, 2019
ICBA's Kevin Tweddle shares examples of three community banks offering innovative services that align with today's 24/7 environment without losing sight of the need for interpersonal customer encounters.

Living the Label ​

May 6, 2019
This week marks my first year as CEO. It has been an exciting and gratifying whirlwind during which time our industry has achieved important advocacy gains while continuing our push toward common-sense regulations, innovation and differentiation of community banks.

Small Business Lending Opens Doors to Payment Product Opportunities

May 2, 2019
Beyond highlighting the positive role community banks serve in funding small businesses, the Federal Reserve Bank's Small Business Credit Survey uncovers opportunities for greater engagement with customers through payment products and services, such as credit cards.

How Community Bankers Support Financial Literacy in the U.S.

Apr 17, 2019
Nearly two-thirds of all Americans could not pass a five-question financial literacy test on everyday economic topics, a stat that community banks are striving to reverse by working within their communities to improve financial literacy.