2026 New Legislation - Transaction Hold Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)

2026 New Legislation - Transaction Hold Rules  (Effective July 1, 2026)

Developed with the guidance of The Georgia Department of Banking, CBA and James-Bates-Brannan-Groover, LLP are pleased to bring this program to our  CBA members. 

As financial exploitation schemes continue to grow in sophistication and frequency, community banks are increasingly on the front lines of protecting vulnerable customers. Effective July 1, 2026, Georgia financial institutions will have express legal authorization to place holds on transactions for suspected financial exploitation of elderly and disabled adults, subject to significant new requirements. Is your institution prepared?

INSTRUCTORS:

This timely session will provide an overview of the new law and its practical implications for financial institutions, including:

• Authority to place transaction holds when financial exploitation is suspected

• Requirements for notifying account holders and trusted contacts

• Investigation obligations and hold timeframes

• Policies, procedures, and employee training requirements

• Liability protections for financial institutions acting in good faith

• Best practices for implementation

Financial exploitation of elderly and disabled adults continues to be a growing concern across Georgia and the nation. This new legislation provides financial institutions with additional tools to help protect vulnerable customers while establishing important compliance obligations.

Don't miss this opportunity to understand the law's requirements and prepare your institution for implementation.

Register today and ensure your team is ready for July 1, 2026.

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS:
Erin S. Woodside is an Associate at James-Bates-Brannan-Groover, LLP. Focusing her practice on financial matters, Erin Woodside advises community banks and small businesses in a range of issues, including corporate formation and governance, securities and regulatory compliance, contract disputes and raising capital through private placements. Erin also counsels clients on creditors’ rights, bankruptcy and collections.  Erin believes strongly in incorporating her core values into her legal practice by emphasizing integrity, authenticity, reliability  and kindness. Prior to joining the firm, Erin gained experience in various areas of law as an associate in a domestic relations litigation firm and as a law clerk for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit. While in law school, she was a summer associate for Jones Day in Frankfurt, Germany,  and for the SEC Atlanta.

Lori Godfrey is the COO and Chief Lobbyist for CBA of Georgia. She brings a wealth of expertise to the Community Bankers Association (CBA) of Georgia, leveraging her extensive background as a regulator to lead the association’s government and regulatory relations initiatives. Since joining the CBA team in 2016, Lori has played a pivotal role as both the primary leader for advocacy and regulatory matters and the “second in command” for the organization. Her strategic vision and comprehensive understanding of the financial and legislative landscape are invaluable assets to CBA and its members. As the association’s government and regulatory relations leader, Lori directs state lobbying efforts to ensure that the interests of Georgia’s community bankers are represented effectively. She builds and maintains strong relationships with legislators, regulators, and policymakers, coordinating communication strategies on key government relations (GR) and regulatory issues. Lori oversees the management of PAC and PR funds, spearheads advocacy campaigns, and leads regulatory education programs, providing members with the tools and information they need to navigate an evolving financial landscape. She also serves as the staff liaison for the Advocacy Committees, fostering collaboration and engagement to advance CBA’s legislative goals. Additionally, Lori fulfills the role of CBA Corporate Secretary, ensuring effective governance and organizational compliance. Beyond her government relations responsibilities, Lori works closely with the CEO to execute the association’s strategic plans and ensure organizational success. Her role encompasses managing employees, overseeing marketing programs, human resources, and media relations, demonstrating her versatility and leadership across multiple functions. Lori’s deep regulatory expertise, strategic leadership, and commitment to advocacy make her a cornerstone of the CBA team, driving the association’s mission to empower Georgia’s community banks and support their long-term success.