Fears to Take Helm at Banking Department Sept. 1
|
It was welcome news to get the announcement Wednesday that Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed Oscar “Bo” Fears III to serve as Georgia’s next Commissioner of Banking and Finance, effective Sept 1.
With more than a decade of leadership at the department — most recently as Senior Deputy Commissioner — Fears brings extensive regulatory and legal expertise to the role. He joined the department in 2013 as Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs after 16 years at the Georgia Attorney General’s office, where he led the Business and Finance Section.
“I am honored to have been appointed to this position by Governor Kemp and continue the strong legacy established by Kevin Hagler. His leadership has positioned the Department for success, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team and supervised entities to drive continued oversight and innovation,” Fears said.
“We’ve had the privilege of working closely with Bo on everything from annual housekeeping bills to the Secure Deposit Program and other key banking initiatives,” said Tripp Cofield, GBA president and CEO. “Beyond his deep expertise, Bo brings a steady hand, a collaborative spirit, and a strong commitment to strengthening Georgia’s banking industry to this role. We’re confident the Department’s tradition of excellence will continue under his leadership.”
Read Gov. Kemp’s announcement here.
We look forward to hosting Fears at the concurrent President and CEO, Bank Counsel and Bank Accountant conferences for a session on Sept. 29. Get details and register here.
|
|
|
SBA Orders Lenders to Address “Debanking” Practices
|
The Small Business Administration yesterday ordered its network of more than 5,000 lenders to end any practices that result in “debanking,” warning that noncompliant lenders risk losing good standing with the SBA and face possible penalties. The directive follows President Trump’s recent executive order, which directs federal agencies to investigate whether financial institutions have denied services based on political or religious beliefs or certain business activities.
The SBA instructed lenders to review and address past instances of debanking, including reinstating affected clients by Dec. 5, and to submit a report of their findings by Jan. 5, 2026. The ABA and other national banking trade associations noted that the situation underscores the need for clearer, more consistent regulations to prevent supervisory overreach and establish a uniform standard for fair access to financial services.
During an ABA working group call on Thursday, bankers expressed the need for more clarification from SBA, as the letter has seemingly created more questions than answers. Some examples discussed on the call were:
-
Will the SBA provide additional instructions for banks to prove compliance?
- What is the timeline for the required retroactive lookback?
- Which department of the bank should be responsible for drafting the response to the SBA?
-
What qualifies as sufficient evidence of compliance?
- Do the requirements outlined in the letter extend beyond SBA lending?
- When can the industry expect other regulators to issue similar directives?
To assist members, the ABA will host a webinar on the executive order on Sept. 12 at 2 p.m.
|
|
|
FDIC QUARTERLY BANKING PROFILE
|
Net Income Rebounds; Loans, Deposits and Assets Up
|
Georgia’s 137 FDIC-insured banks posted higher earnings and stronger margins in the second quarter of 2025, with assets, loans and deposits all growing, according to the FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile. Growth was especially strong among the 122 community banks with less than $1 billion in assets, where loans rose 6.7% and deposits climbed 5.6%.
Here are some key takeaways from the data.
For all 137 FDIC-insured Georgia Banks, compared to second quarter 2024:
-
Total Assets up 2.3%
- Loans up 1.8%
- Deposits up 1.5%
- Net income $1.23 billion through June 30 vs $835 million in 2024, up 47.9%
-
Net interest margin was 3.88% compared to 3.66% in Q2 2024
- Credit quality improved, with net charge-offs, noncurrent loans and nonperforming assets remaining better than national benchmarks
- Capital levels remain strong.
For the 122 Georgia banks with less than $1 billion in assets:
- Total Assets up 5.2%
- Loans up 6.7%
- Deposits up 5.6%
-
Net income of $321 million through June 30 vs. $286 million in 2024, up 12.2%
- Net interest margin was 4.33% compared to 4.24% in Q2 2024
- Credit quality is still excellent overall and remains near or better than the national benchmark. There was a slight uptick in past-due loans.
-
Capital levels remain strong.
“Despite some economic uncertainty early this year, Georgia’s banks turned in strong results across the board,” said Tripp Cofield, GBA president and CEO. “Net income and margins improved significantly over last year, while loans and deposits continued to grow. Georgia banks are entering the second half of the year well positioned to serve their customers and communities.”
See all the data here.
|
|
|
FDIC QUARTERLY BANKING PROFILE
|
DIF Reserve Ratio Climbs above Statutory Minimum
|
The FDIC’s quarterly banking profile released Wednesday showed a resilient industry nationwide with growth in loans and deposits. And, net income for the industry would have increased absent a large provision in expenses related to the Capital One acquisition of Discover earlier in the year. Another headline of note was that the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) balance increased to $145.3 billion, raising the reserve ratio to 1.36%—five basis points above Q1 and now above the statutory minimum. This milestone is significant because it allows the FDIC to exit its restoration plan three years ahead of schedule, opening the door for reassessment of industry premiums and providing greater stability for banks and their customers. Get all the details here.
|
|
|
Last Day to Order Peanut Bank Week Supplies is Aug. 29
|
Don’t miss the Aug. 29 deadline to make sure your Peanut Bank Week supplies arrive in time. The 49th Annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week takes place from Oct. 20-24, and banks can join the celebration by ordering promotional materials, including the ever-popular Red Bag Peanuts, as well as free, printable activities that help engage customers of all ages.
Questions? Contact Maddie Frost at maddie@gapeanuts.com or 229.386.3470.
|
|
|
Augusta Man Sentenced in $400K Mail and Check Fraud Case
|
A Richmond County resident has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of a firearm in connection with a scheme involving stolen mail and altered checks.
According to prosecutors, the defendant used a stolen U.S. Postal Service collection key to access mailboxes around Augusta and steal business checks. He then altered and deposited the checks into various accounts, withdrawing the funds before the banks could identify the fraud. The scheme involved attempts to steal more than $400,000.
During a search, investigators recovered the stolen checks, financial documents, cash, debit cards and a loaded firearm. The defendant, already a convicted felon, was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay fines following his 84-month sentence.
Federal officials emphasized the widespread impact of mail-related fraud on financial institutions and vowed continued coordination to hold offenders accountable. Read more.
|
|
|
Inaugural BankPAC Pickleball Tournament a Swinging Success
|
Over 70 members, friends and colleagues hit the courts last week for a day of action and camaraderie at our first-ever Pickleball Tournament in support of the GBA State BankPAC*. Hosted by the Leadership GBA Board of Directors, this event took place at Rhythm & Rally in Macon, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility.
The crowd was a mix of seasoned pros, weekend warriors and a fearless few who were stepping onto a pickleball court for the very first time. Plans for next year’s tournament are already in the works, so stay tuned for the official 2026 date. See photos from the event here.
Congratulations to the six pairs who earned top honors in both skill levels!
|
|
|
Beginner Skill Level Team Winners
- First Place: Adam Harris and Jeff Defoor, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.
-
Second Place: Horace Austin and Susan Brandon, Morris Bank
- Third Place: Brandon McElheney and Gustave Barrett, McNair McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.
|
| Intermediate/Advanced Skill Level
Team Winners
-
First Place: Ben Tankersley and Kelley Lawrence, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.
- Second Place: Peter Crowley and James Manley, Synovus Bank
-
Third Place: Jordan Hall and Jared Emanuel, McNair McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.
|
|
|
Thanks to our event sponsors for their support: CRS Data; CSRA Business Lending; Durden Banking Company; Empyrean Solutions; First Carolina Bank; Morris Bank; Pacific Coast Bankers Bank (PCBB); Profit Resources; Securitas Financial Services; Sheridan Construction; Steve H. Powell & Co.; The Citizens Bank of Georgia; The First National Bankers Bank; and West Central Georgia Bank.
|
* The GBA StatePAC contributes only to candidates running for state-level office such as the Georgia General Assembly, the Governor’s office and the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Contributions can be made from an individual, from bank funds if you are a state chartered bank or from a national bank holding company if the contribution is made from funds other than those resulting from the operations of the national bank.
|
|
|
HR Committee Connects, Welcomes New Members and Looks Ahead to 2026 Conference
|
The GBA HR Committee gathered this week under the leadership of Jessie Ledford, Rabun County Bank, who is serving as chair for the 2025-2026 term. Members were pleased to welcome two new colleagues to the committee: Leslie Farmer, Planters First Bank, and Shea Zeigler, WB&T Bankshares. Zeigler also volunteered to serve as vice chair.
A highlight of the meeting was a group discussion where participants shared updates on their roles, banks and priorities, along with what they hope to explore at the March 25-27, 2026, GBA HR Professionals Institute at The DeSoto in Savannah. Conversation focused on successes in change management, strategies for building and sustaining a healthy workplace culture, strengthening recruitment and retention and the evolving role of HR with artificial intelligence now in the mix. Several key areas of focus for the upcoming conference were identified. Stay tuned for full details and registration information.
|
|
|
2025 Georgia BankPAC Update
|
| | |
As the next election cycle is heating up, the 2025 BankPAC campaign to raise funds for the GBA StatePAC and GBA FedPAC is going strong, and we hope that you will consider contributing. Check out the progress that we have made so far here.
Contribution forms along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of gabankers.com with instructions and options for making these contributions. As a reminder, state-chartered banks or national bank holding companies may contribute to the StatePAC, while eligible individuals may do so to the FedPAC. If you have questions, contact Elizabeth Chandler at 404.372.7893 or Bo Brannen at 404.731.9886.
Contributing to the GBA StatePAC recently are:
- Community Bank & Trust-West Georgia, LaGrange, Jeremy Gilpin, chairman and president
- First Bank of Pike, Molena, John Barker, president & CEO
- U.S. Bancorp, Columbus, OH, Tom Ruebel, vice president.
And, contributing recently to the GBA FedPAC are those eligible employees, officers and directors of the following banks:
- Morris Bank, Dublin, Spence Mullis, chairman & CEO
-
First National Bank of Griffin, Chuck Copeland, president & CEO
- The Citizens Bank of Americus, Rick Whaley, president & CEO.
|
|
|
Enrollment Now Open! 2026 GBA Compliance School
|
The GBA Compliance School Board is pleased to announce that enrollment is now open for the 2026 Compliance School, April 26 - May 1, 2026, at the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. This premier two-year program equips both new and experienced banking professionals with the tools they need to build, oversee, and maintain a strong compliance management program—all while sharpening leadership and team-building skills.
Program Options Available in 2026:
-
Year 1 – Building the Base: Learn the fundamentals of compliance and strengthen your bank’s compliance foundation across all departments.
-
Year 2 – Applying the Knowledge: Take a deeper dive into practical applications for lending, deposit, and operational regulations while advancing your proactive compliance strategies.
-
ACE Track – Exclusively for Alumni: Continue your learning journey through flexible, customizable coursework and earn credits toward a GBA Compliance School Master’s.
Both Year 1 and Year 2 include housing in the registration fee. Students in all tracks will also benefit from peer networking, leadership development and the opportunity to form lasting professional connections.
|
Also, GBA's annual Compliance Conference is less than two months away - Oct. 20-22 at The Westin Jekyll Island. The conference has been approved for 13 CRCM credits, 7 CERP credits and 2.5 CAFP credits. Register here.
|
|
|
Agenda Announced for 2025 South Georgia Community Bank Symposium
|
The agenda is now confirmed for the South Georgia Community Bank Symposium, coming up Oct. 8 at Valdosta State University’s Student Union. GBA is proud to partner with VSU’s Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration to host this annual regional event designed for CEOs, board members, management teams, lenders, HR and marketing professionals and others with customer-facing or community roles.
Highlights of the program include:
-
Welcome & Update on Langdale College of Business – Dr. Guclu Atinc, Dean, Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration
- South Georgia Small Business Trends and Opportunities – Walt Moore, Small Business Consultant, Valdosta State University / University of Georgia Small Business Development Center
-
Credit Quality Overview and Outlook – Stewart Thigpen, CEO, Steve H. Powell & Co.
- GBA Advocacy & Regulatory Update – GBA Chairman Philip Williams, The Claxton Bank, and GBA President & CEO Tripp Cofield
-
Economic Outlook – Dr. Elvan Aktas, Professor of Finance, Valdosta State University.
|
| |
Enrollment Opening in September!
2026 Georgia Banking School
April 26 - May 1, 2026
UGA, Athens
|
|
More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up
|
|
|
WEBINARS – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
|
Cyber Security 101, 2025 Head Teller Training, Small Business Lending Training Program and More
|
Here’s a sampling of upcoming webinars.
Want to see the full webinar schedule?
|
|
|
Aug. 31 Last Day to Take Advantage of Bonus Offer for Webinar Subscriptions
|
GBA members can stretch their training dollars with a special promotion on the OnCourse Learning Webinar Subscription Service (WSS). Now through Aug. 31, when members buy 10 or more tokens, they’ll receive bonus tokens at no extra cost.
Bonus tokens breakdown:
- 10 tokens = 1 bonus
- 20 tokens = 2 bonus
- 30 tokens = 3 bonus
-
30+ = 1 bonus per 10 additional
With WSS, subscribers have access to more than 450 live and OnDemand webinars, the ability to invite up to five team members to each live session, unlimited OnDemand playback, free compliance briefings with Carl Pry (a $1,400 value) and rollover of unused tokens.
This offer applies to new subscribers only. Bonus tokens will be credited seven days after the promotion ends. Learn more and signed up here.
|
|
|
PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
|
|
|
Minimizing Wire Fraud Risk: Strategies for Smarter Defenses, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m.
|
| |
|
Wire fraud remains a major threat to banks as criminals use increasingly advanced tactics. In this webinar, the team from Abrigo will share practical strategies to help detect and prevent wire fraud effectively. Whether you are improving existing controls or evaluating vulnerabilities, this session offers guidance to strengthen your institution’s defenses. Key takeaways include:
- The latest wire fraud schemes and how they work
- Proven tactics and tools to reduce fraud losses
- How AI and machine learning enhance detection of suspicious activities.
Click here to register and stay informed to better protect your organization against wire fraud.
|
|
|
Fresh Insights from the 2025 Georgia Banking Compensation Survey
|
The results of the 2025 Georgia Banking Compensation Survey, conducted by GBA in partnership with Pearl Meyer, are in and available for purchase. This year’s survey report provides Georgia banks with valuable benchmarking data to guide pay, incentive and talent strategies.
The 2025 survey report includes input from 69 Georgia institutions, covering more than 5,200 incumbents and 177 positions, plus a Policies and Practices Report detailing base salary programs and incentive plans. The effective date of the data is April 1, 2025.
Report prices are:
- $650 – Participants
- $1,495 – Non-Participants.
Pearl Meyer has emailed all participants with purchase instructions. Non-participants, or anyone who has not received an email, may contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com.
|
|
|
Compliance Alliance Question of the Week
|
| |
|
Question: How often should delinquent borrowers receive an SCRA notice? We are aware of the first notice requirement, but, if a borrower is habitually delinquent and remains 60 days past due for several periods, are we required to “re-notice”?
Answer: As this question itself alludes to, the SCRA HUD Notice is required to be sent for all mortgage loans, including conventional mortgages and mortgages insured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), when a borrower defaults. This notice is required to be sent to the borrower within 45 days.
More specifically, for those loans secured by a mortgage or liens on a residential property secured by the borrower's primary residence, notice must be given to a delinquent homeowner borrower no later than 45 days after the date on which the homeowner becomes delinquent. (If, within the 45-day period, the borrower brings the loan current again, no notification is required.)
What’s especially important to note is that HUD treats each missed payment as its own event. That means a new 45-day countdown begins with every new delinquency, and there is no specific exemption for subsequent missed payments.
So, for example, if a borrower misses a payment in May and again in July, you’re looking at two notices, each tied to its respective delinquency.
|
|
|
Columbus/Nashville, TN - Synovus Financial Corp/Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc.
|
Synovus Financial Corp. and Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc. announced the executive leadership team for their planned $8.6 billion merger, expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Kevin Blair, president and CEO of Synovus, will lead the combined company under the Pinnacle brand, with Synovus CFO Jamie Gregory named CFO and Synovus’ Zack Bishop appointed COO. Pinnacle President and CEO Terry Turner will serve as nonexecutive chairman of the board, and Pinnacle Chairman Rob McCabe will become vice chairman and chief banking officer. Other leadership appointments include Shellie Creson as chief risk officer, Dana Sanders as chief audit executive, Charissa Sumerlin as chief credit officer, Allan Kamensky as chief legal officer, Jennifer Upshaw as chief administrative officer, Liz Wolverton as chief digital and product solutions officer, Summer Yeiser as chief people officer and Matt Paluch as chief of staff to Blair.
|
The bank hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 27 for its new regional hub located at 801 Ronald Reagan Drive in Evans.
|
Louisville - Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.
|
Stephanie Duffie has joined the bank’s mortgage team.
|
Milledgeville - Century Bank and Trust
|
Taylor Price has joined the bank as a personal banker.
|
Ocilla - Community Banking Company
|
The bank hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new branch at 202 S. Irwin Ave in Ocilla.
|
|
Perry - SunMark Community Bank
|
Jasmine Tyson has joined the bank as a loan processing clerk.
|
Sandy Springs - Signature Bank of Georgia
|
Debi Davidoff, managing director of deposit operations, security officer and senior vice president, will retire Aug. 29 after 47 years in banking. Pictured are Davidoff and bank CEO Freddie Deutsch, who have worked together since the founding of the bank in 2005.
|
Melissa Fox has been promoted to vice president of retail banking. Tiffany Callaway has been promoted to vice president of deposit operations.
|
Waycross - WB&T Bankshares, Inc.
|
Christy Howell has been promoted to senior vice president / CFO. Shea Zeigler has been promoted to vice president / HR officer.
|
Winter Haven, FL - SouthState Bank
|
SouthState Corp. will complete its previously announced plan to change its state of incorporation from South Carolina to Florida at 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 31. The company will merge with and into SouthState Bank Corp., a newly formed Florida corporation and wholly owned subsidiary, with SouthState Bank Corp. continuing as the surviving entity. Officers and directors of SouthState immediately prior to the merger will remain in their roles following the transaction.
|
|
|
Congratulations to the following member accounting firms for being named to Inside Public Accounting's 2025 Top 100 Firms list. Read more.
|
|
|
- BDO USA
- Forvis Mazars
- Crowe
-
Wipfli
- Carr Riggs & Ingram
|
| - Elliott Davis
- Warren Averett
- Mauldin & Jenkins
- Wolf & Company
|
|
|
|
Aiken - Security Federal Bank
|
Bank employees volunteered with United Way of the CSRA’s 2025 Kickoff and Project Serve, helping clean up Augusta Locally Grown’s Teachable Farm, an educational space for sustainable agriculture.
|
|
|
|
Atlanta - First Horizon Bank
|
The bank hosted a fraud awareness and prevention seminar for its commercial clients Aug. 26. The event featured Keith Spears of the U.S. Postal Service speaking about mail fraud trends and prevention, as well as bank experts with guidance to help their clients protect their accounts. Pictured from left are Hunter Hill, Jonathan Shapleigh, GBA’s David Oliver, Sarah Kitsos, Seth Gray and Ansley Cooper.
|
|
|
|
The bank sponsored the Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta Strong, Smart & Bold Luncheon, supporting leadership development programs that empower young women in the community.
|
|
|
|
Cairo - United National Bank
|
The bank awarded a $3,000 scholarship to the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program.
|
|
|
| Calhoun - North Georgia National Bank
|
The bank donated to Greater Works in Dalton through its Casual for a Cause program. Employees raised funds to support the nonprofit’s work with the homeless and families in need.
|
|
|
| -
After flash flooding in Northwest Georgia, team members in Fort Oglethorpe provided urgent hygiene supplies to displaced residents.
- The bank served as presenting sponsor at the Greater Dalton Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards luncheon.
|
|
|
| The bank contributed $25,000 to the Greene County Public Safety Foundation through Georgia's LESS Crime Act, supporting local training, equipment and community safety programs.
|
|
|
|
Milledgeville - Exchange Bank
|
Bank employees donated $1,400 to the Chard Wray Food Pantry through the bank’s C.A.R.E. Fund, helping address food insecurity in the community.
|
|
|
|
Perry - SunMark Community Bank
|
- The bank led a budgeting class for families with Habitat for Humanity - Houston County, promoting financial literacy and stability.
-
The bank sponsored dinner for volunteers and staff at Perry High School’s first football game of the season.
|
|
|
| Tifton - South Georgia Banking Company
|
-
Bank team members presented a program on romance scams during a recent Kiwanis Club meeting, helping raise awareness and protect the community from fraud.
- The bank sponsored the meal at the Crisp County 4-H Awards Banquet, joining local leaders and the UGA Extension office in recognizing student achievements.
|
|
|
Read All About It: Send Us Your News
|
We want to share your news with your colleagues across the state. Please forward your announcements and photos to GBA's David Oliver and Katina Weiss.
|
| |
Recruit, Retain and Develop the Best Bankers with GBA's Job Bank
|
GBA will post open positions, free of charge, for GBA members. See the open positions in Georgia here. We will also post professional summaries for bank-job seekers on our Bankers Available page. Contact Katina Weiss, 404.420.2021, with questions or needs.
|
|
|
© 2025 Georgia Bankers Association
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
1475 Peachtree St. NE Suite 800 | Atlanta, GA 30309 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to kweiss@gabankers.com.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
