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With over 150 community banks, Georgia is fortunate to have a healthy and robust community banking industry. Community banks are vital to the micro economies of local markets and transform the lives of the communities they serve. In this new column, "Advocacy FIRST," we will regularly feature articles that speak to the importance of grass roots community bank advocacy, and why CBA makes advocacy our #1 priority to foster the development of the community banking industry. Continue reading to learn more on the importance of advocacy:
Community Banks a Bipartisan Touchstone for New Congress
Much of Washington is anticipating a sea of change after the 2018 midterm elections produced a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives. The divided Congress is expected to bring greater conflict and gridlock to the legislative process following two years of unified Republican control. But the nation’s community banks — whose uniquely bipartisan backing delivered one of the few major regulatory reform bills of recent years — remain well positioned to continue advancing their policy goals under the new regime. Read the full article.
Community Banks a Bipartisan Touchstone for New Congress
Much of Washington is anticipating a sea of change after the 2018 midterm elections produced a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives. The divided Congress is expected to bring greater conflict and gridlock to the legislative process following two years of unified Republican control. But the nation’s community banks — whose uniquely bipartisan backing delivered one of the few major regulatory reform bills of recent years — remain well positioned to continue advancing their policy goals under the new regime. Read the full article.

Georgia Delegation Requests Action for Natural Disasters
All of the 14 members from Georgia currently in the U.S. House of Representative sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and the chairman and ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee requesting legislative action by the December 7 government funding deadline to address recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Michael.
On October 10th, Hurricane Michael entered Georgia as a Category 3 hurricane and was the first major hurricane to directly impact the state since the 1890s. Recent projections conducted by the University of Georgia place the losses for Georgia’s agricultural industry caused by Hurricane Michael at around $2.5 billion. This is the third consecutive year that Georgia’s farmers and communities have been hit by a hurricane. Read more.
All of the 14 members from Georgia currently in the U.S. House of Representative sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and the chairman and ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee requesting legislative action by the December 7 government funding deadline to address recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Michael.
On October 10th, Hurricane Michael entered Georgia as a Category 3 hurricane and was the first major hurricane to directly impact the state since the 1890s. Recent projections conducted by the University of Georgia place the losses for Georgia’s agricultural industry caused by Hurricane Michael at around $2.5 billion. This is the third consecutive year that Georgia’s farmers and communities have been hit by a hurricane. Read more.

Bowman Sworn in as Fed Governor
Michelle “Miki” Bowman was sworn in as a member of Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors. She made history as the first person to fill the Fed’s community banking seat, which was instituted by Congress in 2015.
Bowman has served as Kansas state bank commissioner, vice president of Farmers & Drovers Bank in Council Grove, KS, and in her family’s cattle and farm operation. She has also worked for former Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.), the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security. Bowman was confirmed by the Senate in a bipartisan vote earlier this month. Read more.
Michelle “Miki” Bowman was sworn in as a member of Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors. She made history as the first person to fill the Fed’s community banking seat, which was instituted by Congress in 2015.
Bowman has served as Kansas state bank commissioner, vice president of Farmers & Drovers Bank in Council Grove, KS, and in her family’s cattle and farm operation. She has also worked for former Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.), the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security. Bowman was confirmed by the Senate in a bipartisan vote earlier this month. Read more.

CBA Opens New Bankers-Only Group on LinkedIn
CBA has recently formed a new group on LinkedIn to host ongoing open discussion for CBA bankers only. Share your experiences and thoughts on topics, like CECL, and receive expert advice and ideas from bankers just like you. Join the group on LinkedIn.
CBA has recently formed a new group on LinkedIn to host ongoing open discussion for CBA bankers only. Share your experiences and thoughts on topics, like CECL, and receive expert advice and ideas from bankers just like you. Join the group on LinkedIn.

FFIEC Emphasizes Risk-Focused Supervision for Examination Modernization Project
On Tuesday, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) provided a second update on its Examination Modernization Project. The project identifies and assesses ways to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of community financial institutions safety and soundness examination processes, particularly through increased use of technology. The project is a follow-up to the review of regulations under the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act. FFIEC members with safety and soundness examination responsibilities expect these efforts to help reduce unnecessary regulatory burden on community financial institutions. Read more.
On Tuesday, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) provided a second update on its Examination Modernization Project. The project identifies and assesses ways to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of community financial institutions safety and soundness examination processes, particularly through increased use of technology. The project is a follow-up to the review of regulations under the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act. FFIEC members with safety and soundness examination responsibilities expect these efforts to help reduce unnecessary regulatory burden on community financial institutions. Read more.

Last Chance: Apply for Barret School of Banking Scholarship
Deadline is this Week, December 1, 2018
Advance your career in community banking by attending the Barret Graduate School of Banking. Apply today for a first-year scholarship to cover the tuition at the 47th Annual Graduate Session of the Paul W. Barret, Jr. School of Banking, May 19-24, 2019 at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN.
Highlights of the Barret School of Banking program include:
Additional details are available in the school brochure or online at www.barret.ws. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2018 and a winner will be announced the first week in January 2019. Download the application.
Deadline is this Week, December 1, 2018
Advance your career in community banking by attending the Barret Graduate School of Banking. Apply today for a first-year scholarship to cover the tuition at the 47th Annual Graduate Session of the Paul W. Barret, Jr. School of Banking, May 19-24, 2019 at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN.
Highlights of the Barret School of Banking program include:
- Three year graduate program
- Annual one-week residency session
- Over 40 hours of classroom instruction each year, for a total of 130 hours
- More than 40 years of providing advanced banking education
- Annual tuition subsidy of over $2,000 for each student from endowments funds
Additional details are available in the school brochure or online at www.barret.ws. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2018 and a winner will be announced the first week in January 2019. Download the application.
2019 Scholarship Sponsored by:

Agencies Raise Appraisal Exemption Threshold
Regulators raised the threshold for exempting small loans from special appraisal requirements for higher-priced mortgage loans. The threshold will increase from $26,000 to $26,700 for 2019, effective January 1. Read more.
Regulators raised the threshold for exempting small loans from special appraisal requirements for higher-priced mortgage loans. The threshold will increase from $26,000 to $26,700 for 2019, effective January 1. Read more.

Threshold for Exempt Credit, Lease Transactions Issued
Regulators announced dollar thresholds under Regulation Z (Truth in Lending) and Regulation M (Consumer Leasing) that will apply for determining exempt consumer credit and lease transactions in 2019. Protections generally will apply to consumer credit transactions and consumer leases of $57,200 or less in 2019. Private education loans and loans secured by real property are subject to the Truth in Lending Act regardless of the loan amount. Read more.
Regulators announced dollar thresholds under Regulation Z (Truth in Lending) and Regulation M (Consumer Leasing) that will apply for determining exempt consumer credit and lease transactions in 2019. Protections generally will apply to consumer credit transactions and consumer leases of $57,200 or less in 2019. Private education loans and loans secured by real property are subject to the Truth in Lending Act regardless of the loan amount. Read more.

Member Renewal Notices Coming Soon
CBA annual membership renewal notices will be mailed this week. Community banks and Associate Members are encouraged to review the information and take advantage of the many benefits membership with CBA includes. Remember – CBA is YOUR association! The entire CBA team is dedicated to your success. Please contact us anytime to let us know how we can best serve your institution. Click here to learn more about the benefits for our member banks. To learn more about the benefits for our Associate Members, click here.
CBA annual membership renewal notices will be mailed this week. Community banks and Associate Members are encouraged to review the information and take advantage of the many benefits membership with CBA includes. Remember – CBA is YOUR association! The entire CBA team is dedicated to your success. Please contact us anytime to let us know how we can best serve your institution. Click here to learn more about the benefits for our member banks. To learn more about the benefits for our Associate Members, click here.

Agencies Propose Amendments on Funds Availability
Federal regulators proposed amendments to Regulation CC that would adjust for inflation the amount of funds depository institutions must make available to their customers. Proposed by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection and Federal Reserve Board, the amendments would apply in circumstances ranging from next-business-day withdrawal of certain check deposits to setting the threshold for determining whether an account has been repeatedly withdrawn. Read more.
Federal regulators proposed amendments to Regulation CC that would adjust for inflation the amount of funds depository institutions must make available to their customers. Proposed by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection and Federal Reserve Board, the amendments would apply in circumstances ranging from next-business-day withdrawal of certain check deposits to setting the threshold for determining whether an account has been repeatedly withdrawn. Read more.

OCC Discusses Financing for Rural Broadband Initiatives
The latest edition of the OCC’s Community Development Investments newsletter focuses on helping rural communities gain reliable, high-speed internet access through broadband networks. The newsletter explains how banks financing broadband initiatives can help reduce the digital divide and improve job, educational, and other opportunities in rural communities. Read more.
The latest edition of the OCC’s Community Development Investments newsletter focuses on helping rural communities gain reliable, high-speed internet access through broadband networks. The newsletter explains how banks financing broadband initiatives can help reduce the digital divide and improve job, educational, and other opportunities in rural communities. Read more.

FHLBank Affordable Housing Program Revised
The Federal Housing Finance Agency published a final rule amending its regulation for the Federal Home Loan Banks’ Affordable Housing Program. The final rule is designed to provide additional flexibility for the FHLBanks to allocate their AHP funds to address affordable housing needs in their districts. The FHLBanks must implement all changes in the final rule by January 1, 2021. Read more from FHFA.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency published a final rule amending its regulation for the Federal Home Loan Banks’ Affordable Housing Program. The final rule is designed to provide additional flexibility for the FHLBanks to allocate their AHP funds to address affordable housing needs in their districts. The FHLBanks must implement all changes in the final rule by January 1, 2021. Read more from FHFA.

Hopes and Hang-Ups on CRA Reform
Bank regulators have not come out with a formal plan for updating the Community Reinvestment Act, but a preliminary list of questions about the reform effort issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has produced a treasure trove of public feedback to guide their deliberations.
The OCC received more than 1,300 comments on its advance notice of proposed rulemaking asking for responses on how to expand the 1977-era CRA, which grades banks on lending to low- to moderate-income communities in their branch networks. The comment period closed on November 19. Read more in American Banker.
Bank regulators have not come out with a formal plan for updating the Community Reinvestment Act, but a preliminary list of questions about the reform effort issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has produced a treasure trove of public feedback to guide their deliberations.
The OCC received more than 1,300 comments on its advance notice of proposed rulemaking asking for responses on how to expand the 1977-era CRA, which grades banks on lending to low- to moderate-income communities in their branch networks. The comment period closed on November 19. Read more in American Banker.

The Amazon Effect: The Impact on Financial Services
Institutions are relying on new technologies to cater to changing consumer attitudes. This disruption is called “The Amazon Effect” by some, and while it has certainly changed life for consumers, it also holds implications for brands of all sizes — even for financial institutions. To keep up with this “effect,” companies are relying on new technologies such as instant card issuance and mobile payments to cater to changing consumer attitudes. Read the full article. Guest article from CBA Endorsed Member Company Harland Clarke.
Institutions are relying on new technologies to cater to changing consumer attitudes. This disruption is called “The Amazon Effect” by some, and while it has certainly changed life for consumers, it also holds implications for brands of all sizes — even for financial institutions. To keep up with this “effect,” companies are relying on new technologies such as instant card issuance and mobile payments to cater to changing consumer attitudes. Read the full article. Guest article from CBA Endorsed Member Company Harland Clarke.

CECL Anxiety Mounts, FASB is in No Rush to Consider Alternative
The Financial Accounting Standards Board plans to consider a plan offered by a group of regional banks to blunt the hit capital levels are expected to take from the Current Expected Credit Loss accounting standard. However, FASB officials are unlikely to do so as soon as many institutions would like. The board expects to address the plan, which it received in a November 5 letter, “in the first part of 2019,” spokeswoman Christine Klimek said last week. Given the upcoming holidays and the press of year-end reporting issues, it could be two months before the issue works its way onto the FASB’s agenda, according to accounting experts. Read more in American Banker.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board plans to consider a plan offered by a group of regional banks to blunt the hit capital levels are expected to take from the Current Expected Credit Loss accounting standard. However, FASB officials are unlikely to do so as soon as many institutions would like. The board expects to address the plan, which it received in a November 5 letter, “in the first part of 2019,” spokeswoman Christine Klimek said last week. Given the upcoming holidays and the press of year-end reporting issues, it could be two months before the issue works its way onto the FASB’s agenda, according to accounting experts. Read more in American Banker.

Opinion: Outdated Brokered Deposit Rules Need a Revamp
How customers want to interact with their bank and how banks want to serve their customers is worlds apart from nearly 30 years ago when the internet was still in its infancy, mobile phones were a novelty and social media didn’t even exist. But some deposit rules have little changed and applying them to today’s world is stifling bank innovation and competition to meet evolving customer preferences. Read more in American Banker.
How customers want to interact with their bank and how banks want to serve their customers is worlds apart from nearly 30 years ago when the internet was still in its infancy, mobile phones were a novelty and social media didn’t even exist. But some deposit rules have little changed and applying them to today’s world is stifling bank innovation and competition to meet evolving customer preferences. Read more in American Banker.

Webinar: LIBOR and Alternative Reference Rates
Tthe Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) is hosting a webinar, "LIBOR and Alternative Reference Rates," on Thursday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m. ET. The webinar will promote awareness and understanding of efforts to develop alternative reference rates to LIBOR, because of the uncertainty as to continued availability of LIBOR after 2021. The webinar will provide participants with background information on LIBOR and recent developments in the market about the potential transition from LIBOR, including the effect on institutions and financial products. The agencies will also answer questions submitted by participants, which can be submitted in advance to SR-FRB-FFIEC@frb.gov. Register here.
Tthe Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) is hosting a webinar, "LIBOR and Alternative Reference Rates," on Thursday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m. ET. The webinar will promote awareness and understanding of efforts to develop alternative reference rates to LIBOR, because of the uncertainty as to continued availability of LIBOR after 2021. The webinar will provide participants with background information on LIBOR and recent developments in the market about the potential transition from LIBOR, including the effect on institutions and financial products. The agencies will also answer questions submitted by participants, which can be submitted in advance to SR-FRB-FFIEC@frb.gov. Register here.

Joe Evans Wins American Banker's Lifetime Achievement Award
Joe Evans, Chairman of State Bank & Trust, Macon, was named American Banker's Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for 2018. American Banker recently published a feature on Joe's remarkable career in the banking industry, his humble roots on his family farm in Smarr, GA, and all the influential figures that helped him find his success. Read the full article.
Joe Evans, Chairman of State Bank & Trust, Macon, was named American Banker's Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for 2018. American Banker recently published a feature on Joe's remarkable career in the banking industry, his humble roots on his family farm in Smarr, GA, and all the influential figures that helped him find his success. Read the full article.
Alex Jernigan is an EFT Solution Specialist for SHAZAM, which delivers the tools community financial institutions need to compete with a level of personal service and reliability unmatched in the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) industry. As a member-owned and controlled network, SHAZAM answers directly to their financial institutions and focus on responding to their needs. SHAZAM is a not-for-profit organization and is not driven by profits or shareholder revenues. Instead, they are focused on delivering the products, services and pricing that make our participants' debit card programs competitive.
For more information, contact Alex at jjernig@shazam.net, call (866) 644-9314 or visit www.shazam.net.
For more information, contact Alex at jjernig@shazam.net, call (866) 644-9314 or visit www.shazam.net.
![]() The CBA has been recognized on a national level for its invaluable educational programs and corporate events. The CBA has a variety of options for all positions in a community bank…from the teller line to the board room. We invite you to join us for one of the upcoming programs. For more options, click here for the CBA Calendar. For assistance with Education Programs, contact Kristi Greer. For assistance with Corporate Events, contact Peake Wilson.
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Fourth Quarter 2018
4th Quarter Compliance Program – AML / BSA
Tuesday, December 4 – Savannah
Wednesday, December 5 – Tifton
Thursday, December 6 – Macon
Monday, December 10 – Duluth
Tuesday, December 11 - Rome
January 2019
4th Annual Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum, Session I
Thursday, January 24 – Atlanta
Train the Trainer
Tuesday, January 29 - Macon
February 2019
Consumer Lending School
Monday-Friday, February 11-15 – Atlanta
Mastering HMDA
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 - Macon
The Basics of Traditional & Roth IRAs
Thursday, February 21, 2019 - Atlanta
20th Biannual BSA Officer School – The Basics
Tuesday – Thursday, February 26-28 – Atlanta
2019 TRID: The Basics
Tuesday – Wednesday, February 26-27 – Macon
Advertising Compliance Bootcamp
Thursday, February 28, 2019 - Macon
Ongoing Webinars & Online Training
Webinars
Click here to view webinar listing and to register.
On-Line Training
Click here for on-line training with OnCourse Learning.
(OnCourse Learning is a CBA Endorsed Member Company)
February 2019
1st Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Compliance Focus
Thursday, February 14 - Macon
2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship
Reminder – the 2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship Applications are now available! Bankers, get your team together and spread the word within your communities! More information can be found online.
1st Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Compliance Focus
Thursday, February 14 - Macon
2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship
Reminder – the 2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship Applications are now available! Bankers, get your team together and spread the word within your communities! More information can be found online.
We are community banking.
1900 The Exchange, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 541-4490 / (800) 648-8215 | Fax: (770) 541- 4496 • www.cbaofga.com
1900 The Exchange, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 541-4490 / (800) 648-8215 | Fax: (770) 541- 4496 • www.cbaofga.com
Upcoming Events
2018 Compliance Program IV
12/4 - Savannah
12/5 - Tifton
12/6 - Macon
12/10 - Duluth
12/11 - Rome
2019 Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum - Session I
Thursday, January 24 - Atlanta
Train the Trainer
Tuesday, January 29 - Macon
2018 Compliance Program IV
12/4 - Savannah
12/5 - Tifton
12/6 - Macon
12/10 - Duluth
12/11 - Rome
2019 Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum - Session I
Thursday, January 24 - Atlanta
Train the Trainer
Tuesday, January 29 - Macon
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