ADVOCACY

GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE

Tillery Attempts to Amend Banking Department's Fraud Protection Bill, Senate Rejects Effort

We’re pleased to report the Banking Department’s Housekeeping Bill, HB 945 by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe), is headed to Governor Kemp’s desk after a tense floor debate in the Senate Tuesday. Key provisions in this year’s bill would allow banks to place a temporary hold on suspicious transactions while investigating potential fraud. It also establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosks, commonly known as “crypto ATMs.” These provisions were included to help banks better protect some of Georgia’s most vulnerable customers from fraud and abuse.

During the debate, Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) attempted to amend the bill on the floor by adding provisions from his GBA-opposed debanking legislation that was overwhelmingly rejected last session by the Senate. After an extended discussion about the issue and several additional amendments, the Senate ultimately rejected Sen. Tillery's proposed changes 41-9 and passed the bill cleanly.

Sen. Mike Hodges

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Carden Summers

GBA thanks Sen. Mike Hodges (R-Brunswick), who carried the bill in the Senate and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Carden Summers (R-Cordele) for their leadership in ensuring a clean version of the bill passed. We’ve included a screenshot of the vote on Sen. Tillery’s debanking amendment. If your state Senator was one of the 41 who voted no on the amendment, we encourage you to reach out and thank them. Look for a full Legislative Update on Friday.

Farm Bill Clears U.S. House Committee

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee last week approved the 2026 Farm Bill on a 34-17 vote, sending the legislation to the full House. The bill, last enacted in 2018 and extended twice by Congress, sets national policy for agriculture, nutrition, conservation and forestry programs and provides a key safety net for farmers. Ahead of the markup, the American Bankers Association issued a statement outlining banking industry priorities, noting banks remain a primary source of credit for agricultural producers. GBA is tracking the legislation and supports priorities highlighted in ABA’s statement.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Survey: Consumers Want Fintechs Held to Bank Standards, Support Caution on Stablecoin Rules

A new national survey conducted by Morning Consult shows strong consumer support for applying bank-level standards to fintech companies that offer bank-like services. The survey found that 84% of Americans believe companies offering products such as checking accounts, savings accounts or loans should be held to the same consumer protection standards as banks. By a 7-to-1 margin, respondents also said it matters that the companies handling their finances follow the same legal and regulatory requirements as banks.

Consumers also expressed caution as policymakers consider establishing the first federal rules for digital assets. The survey found Americans support protecting the financial system — and community banks that fuel local economic activity — from potential stablecoin risks. By a 6-to-1 margin, respondents said Congress and the administration should avoid policies that could undermine the existing banking system, and 42% support barring stablecoin issuers from offering interest or rewards if it could reduce funds available for bank lending in communities.

Georgia Snapshot Highlights Potential Stablecoin Impact on Community Lending

A new Georgia-focused resource on the Secure American Opportunity website highlights the potential impact payment stablecoins could have on community bank lending and local economies across the state. The analysis says an estimated $3.2 billion to $6.5 billion could move out of banks doing business in Georgia, reducing funds available for lending.

That shift could translate into a $2.4 billion to $4.9 billion drop in loans to Georgia households and small businesses, underscoring the role local deposits play in supporting credit access and economic activity in communities across the state.

The Georgia one-pager is part of broader educational resources on digital asset policy available through the Secure American Opportunity website.

Fraud, Drug Trafficking Lead Money Laundering Threats

Combatting fraud and money laundering was among the topics this week at the GBA Compliance Peer Group meeting, so it’s a good time to take a look at the latest Treasury Department National Money Laundering Risk Assessment. It says fraud, drug trafficking and cyber-enabled crime remain the largest sources of illicit proceeds in the United States. The report also warns that professional money laundering networks and increasingly complex payment channels are making detection more challenging for financial institutions.

Key takeaways for banks:

• Fraud remains the largest driver of illicit proceeds, including investment scams, business email compromise and other cyber-enabled schemes that often move funds through bank accounts.
• Drug trafficking continues to generate billions of dollars annually, with criminal organizations relying on financial institutions, cash smuggling and trade-based money laundering to move proceeds.
• Professional money laundering networks are expanding, offering services that move illicit funds for multiple criminal groups and complicating transaction monitoring and investigations.
• Banks remain a primary target for laundering activity, particularly through shell companies, funnel accounts and trade transactions used to disguise the origin of funds.

The Treasury Department also issued reports about terrorist financing, proliferation financing and technologies that financial institutions use to counter illicit finance involving digital assets

Fraud Alert: Counterfeit Checks Linked to First IC Bank

Metro City Bank recently completed the acquisition of First IC Bank and would like to alert GBA member banks about counterfeit checks being presented for payment.

The checks share a similar design and contain a single signature. The following payee names have been identified on the counterfeit items: Rhonda Bristol, Chad Monday, Brian Keith Case, Lisa Lewis, Veneranda Sanchez, Shavonda Jackson, Martina Shanell Harris and Stacey Kendrick.

Additionally, the checks contain check numbers that fall outside the range issued by the bank, indicating a potentially evolving fraud scheme. Most of the attempted deposits have occurred through Truist Bank by mobile deposit. However, the bank would like to notify all Georgia banks to be on the lookout for them as well.

If your institution receives a suspicious check matching this description, please contact Sara Ma / John Reynolds at 470.673.8203 / 470.567.5944.

FDIC to Host Webinar on Combating Financial Scams

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. will host a free national town hall webinar March 12 from 1-2 p.m. focused on helping financial institutions address today’s most common financial scams.

The session will highlight practical strategies to help frontline staff identify suspicious or unauthorized activity and reduce fraud risks. It will also feature financial education tools — including FDIC Money Smart resources — that banks and community partners can use to help protect consumers.

Bankers and other organizations involved in financial education or consumer protection are encouraged to attend. Register here.

GBA NEWS

Compliance Peer Group Meeting

Business Cash Flow Analysis Seminar

Bankers Gather for Compliance Discussion, Cash Flow Training

Georgia bankers connected this week through two GBA programs focused on compliance collaboration and stronger credit analysis.

The GBA Compliance Peer Group Meeting was March 11 at The Methodist Home for Children & Youth in Macon. Moderated by Beth Hamilton, compliance committee chair for GBA and vice president, compliance officer at First National Bank, Bainbridge, the highly interactive session featured peer-led discussion on current compliance challenges, emerging regulatory concerns and practical solutions being implemented in banks across the state.

Thursday bankers gathered in Tifton for the Business Cash Flow Analysis Seminar at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Center for Rural Prosperity. Led by Peter Faser, business strategy advisor with The Profitability Coach and Georgia Banking School board chairman, the program combined lecture and casework to help lenders evaluate business repayment capacity and strengthen credit decisions.

Keep an eye on the GBA Calendar of Events for more peer groups and training sessions coming up.

Reminder: Sign Up to Volunteer with GBA and Make a Difference

More than 300 members serve on one of GBA's 24 committees or boards and shape industry policy priorities, educational programs and other resources provided by GBA. If you or a banker you know would be a good fit to carry on that tradition, now’s the time for committee volunteer nominations.

• Why volunteer? Gain valuable experience, network with peers and give back to the community. Volunteer opportunities offer much more than they ask.
• When? We're seeking volunteers for the 2026-27 program year starting in July.
• What Are My Options? Explore opportunities here.
• How to Volunteer/Nominate Someone: Complete and submit the volunteer/nomination form online here or download a PDF version.
• Deadline: Volunteer by Friday, April 3.

Contact David Oliver with questions or to request a connection with a current committee/board member. Here's what two committee members had to say about their experience:

Chelsea Colclough, CPA
CFO, First American Bank & Trust Company, Athens

"Serving on the Women in Banking Committee has been one of the most rewarding (and honestly, most fun) parts of my career. I love the energy, the openness and the genuine support that comes from being surrounded by smart, driven women who truly show up for one another. Some of the best conversations, friendships, and mentorship moments I’ve had have come from this group—whether we’re having real talk about our careers, celebrating wins big and small or rolling up our sleeves to bring meaningful initiatives to life. Every conversation, initiative and event reminds me why this work matters: we’re shaping a more inclusive, confident and forward-thinking future for banking, together."

Spotlight on New GBA Associate Members

Over the next few weeks, we want to give a warm welcome to several new GBA Associate Members that we onboarded last quarter. They all offer diverse solutions for your bank and provide invaluable support to GBA programs through sponsorships, exhibits and shared expertise. Be sure to get to know these folks and thank them for supporting GBA. You can get information about any of GBA's Associate Members by using the Associate Member search function on our website. This week, we want to highlight the following:

LemonadeLXP

Ms. Hawley Kane, hkane@lemonadelxp.com

Ottawa, ON

www.lemonadelxp.com

LemonadeLXP is an all-in-one learning and knowledge platform for community banks. It powers staff training, frontline enablement, and customer education through engaging, interactive learning experiences to drive growth across every channel.

Lumio Solutions

Mr. Brad Miller, bmiller@lumiosolutions.io

Glen Allen, VA

www.lumiosolutions.io

Lumio unifies financial, risk, and operational data into forward-looking intelligence for community banks. Its configurable, expert-led platform helps bank leaders see clearly, act confidently, and grow intentionally—turning complex data into actionable insights that improve performance, strengthen risk management, and support smarter strategic decisions across the institution.

Merit Financial Advisors

Ms. Jooliana Krummel, jkrummel@meritfa.com

Alpharetta, GA

www.meritfinancialadvisors.com

Merit Financial Advisors helps banks drive new revenue and strengthen client loyalty through a scalable Non-Deposit Investment Program (NDIP). Their revenue-sharing model supports high-net-worth clients while boosting long-term growth. Merit provides compliant investment solutions, advisor support, and marketing enablement, enabling community and regional banks to retain deposits, diversify non-interest income, and deepen client relationships.

Miller & Martin PLLC

Mr. Kevin Abernathy, kevin.abernethy@millermartin.com

Atlanta, GA

www.millermartin.com

Miller & Martin is a strategic legal advisor serving the financial services sector. The firm delivers counsel on compliance, mergers, capital formation, risk mitigation and transactional matters, helping banking clients navigate regulatory frameworks and pursue growth with tailored, experienced legal support.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Exchange Ideas and Insights with Fellow Bank Internal Auditors

Registration is open for the next GBA Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting May 14 at the Methodist Home for Children & Youth in Macon. Designed exclusively for bank internal auditors, this in-person forum brings peers together to collaborate, share ideas and gain practical guidance on today’s most pressing audit issues. Experts from Elliott Davis will lead sessions about BSA model governance and validation practices, oversight of outsourced loan review providers, emerging credit trends and recent FDICIA changes. The program also includes a moderated roundtable discussion to encourage open dialogue and peer-driven insights you can apply immediately at your institution. Registration includes lunch. Secure your spot today and strengthen your audit program while expanding your professional network.

Paige Hembree

Cyber Threats Are Evolving — Is Your Bank’s ISO Ready?

Registration is open for the Information Security Officer 101 Seminar: The Evolving Role of this Critical Position June 23 at Middle Georgia State University, Macon. This in-depth program explores the growing responsibilities of the Information Security Officer in today’s complex regulatory and cybersecurity environment. Led by Paige Hembree, the seminar will review the FFIEC mandate for the ISO role, best practices and evolving industry standards, and practical strategies for separating ISO and IT management responsibilities.

Attendees will gain insight into cybersecurity management risks and rewards, business continuity and third-party risk management challenges, and how recent cyber-attacks have reshaped expectations for ISOs during a crisis. The program also covers effective communication with employees, customers, the IT steering committee, the board of directors, auditors and examiners to ensure a coordinated security posture. Register today to strengthen your bank’s governance, risk management and resilience while connecting with peers from across the state.

Understanding Bank Performance Program Teaches Fundamentals

Join peers from more than 30 state bankers associations around the country in a unique Understanding Bank Performance program, a virtual five-session course designed to enhance your ability to interpret bank financials and key performance metrics. GBA partners with the Washington Bankers Association to make the program available to our members.

Who Should Attend?
This program is perfect for new bankers looking to build a solid foundation, as well as experienced bankers seeking to deepen their financial analysis skills.

Flexible & Convenient:
Attend virtually, with sessions running Thursdays and Fridays in April, July and October.

Learn more and sign up using the following links:

• Details & Registration - April 2026
• Details & Registration - July 2026
• Details & Registration - October 2026

Next Month - Still Time to Enroll!

GBA Compliance School
April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens

Registration Opening Soon!

Leadership Conference
July 13-15, The Omni Amelia Island

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

• Breaking into Banking 201: Analyzing Repayment Sources - March 25, Zoom Webinar

• HR Professionals Institute - March 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah

• Marketing Conference & Customer Insights Workshop - March 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah

• BSA Peer Group Meeting - April 1, Zoom

• Bank Security Conference - April 13-15, The Westin Jekyll Island

• Georgia Banking School - April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens

• Operations and Technology Peer Group - May 4, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon

• Rural Development and Lending Conference - May 18-19, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons

• Fraud Academy - Aug. 18-20, Hyatt Regency, Lexington, KY, or Virtual

ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

SAR Decision Making, Teller Basics, Succession Planning for Banks, New OCC Rules For Stablecoin and More 

Take a look at online training opportunities available to GBA members from OnCourse Learning and the American Bankers Association.

Upcoming hot topic webinars:

• Opening New Accounts - Part 1 – March 13
• SAR Decision Making – March 19
• Call Report Lending Schedules Workshop – March 24
• TRID – Dealing with Risks: Common Violations, Gray Areas, and Regulatory Concerns - March 24 – March 24
• Call Report Update - All Day Streaming – March 26
• Mortgage Origination Compliance - 3 Part Series – March 27

• Unpacking The New OCC Rules For Stablecoin Everything From the RFC to the New Rules - 2 Part Series – March 31

• Fair Lending Workshop – April 2

• Handling Cash – April 9

Self-paced courses, certificates and reference guides:

• Reference Guide to Regulatory Compliance

• Succession Planning for Banks

• Teller Basics: Upskill for a Digital World

• Bank Teller Certificate
• Residential Mortgage Lender Certificate

Facilitated courses starting soon:

• Bank Lines of Business – April 6 - May 1
• Managing Interest Rate Risk – April 6 - May 29
• Commercial Lending – April 13 - July 3
• Building Customer Relationships – April 27 - May 22
• Marketing Planning – April 27 - May 22

Build Practical AI Skills at Upcoming Workshop

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping financial services, and bankers who understand how to apply these tools effectively will be better positioned to drive innovation and manage risk. The ABA AI in Banking Workshop offers a structured, four-week learning experience designed specifically for financial professionals ready to explore AI’s practical applications in banking.

Available to GBA members for $595, the program combines live, instructor-led sessions with self-paced online learning. Participants gain hands-on insight into how AI can enhance daily operations, strengthen customer service, support fraud detection and improve decision-making across business lines.

The workshop covers core topics including AI types and real-world banking applications, prompt engineering techniques, safe and ethical AI policies, and practical use cases tailored to the banking environment. Through case studies, expert guidance and peer collaboration, attendees build the confidence and knowledge needed to implement AI tools responsibly within their organizations.

The next session runs June 1-26, 2026, and features four live virtual sessions held weekly alongside online modules designed to reinforce key concepts and practical skills. Learn more and register here.

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Benefits & HR Policies Survey Due Date Extended to March 27, Salary Survey Opening Next Month

The due date for participation in the 2026 Banking Benefits & HR Policies Survey has been extended to March 27. Your institution’s unique participation link was included in your original participation email. Contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com if you need your link resent.

This survey provides comprehensive benchmarking data on benefits and HR policies for financial institutions, including PTO and leave programs, health and wellness benefits, retirement plans, disability and life insurance, executive benefits and related cost data.

Also please note that the 2026 Georgia Banking Compensation Survey will open for participation the first week of April. Be on the lookout for your invitation with participation details. If you have questions, please email Bo Brannen at bbrannen@gabankers.com.

Banks are facing growing compliance pressure and potential reputational damage as outdated watchlist and sanctions screening tools increase false alerts, manual reviews and inefficiencies. Join the Abrigo team on April 28 for a live walkthrough to see Abrigo Intelligent Scan can help AML/CFT teams focus efforts, reduce remediation time and ensure true risks are identified and addressed promptly by delivering enterprise-grade watchlist and sanctions screening. Their new solution can help your team:

• Leverage AI-powered name matching
• Ingest data from multiple sources
• Tailor thresholds, collections and logic with ease
• Accelerate reviews and workflows.

Get signed up here.

Join the team from NContracts as they explore how third-party risk management is evolving in 2026 in the TPRM in 2026: How Financial Institutions are Navigating Vendor Management webinar. Banks are facing new challenges in vendor oversight, from AI integration to heightened regulatory expectations. This session will cover practical strategies for navigating today's vendor management landscape and strengthening your TPRM program. Register here.

Cybercriminals are rapidly evolving their tactics, and banks are increasingly in their crosshairs. A recent blog post from GBA Associate Member Integris highlights how email-based fraud is expected to become more sophisticated in 2026, driven in part by generative AI. According to the post, scammers can now generate convincing phishing emails, clone executive voices and even stage deepfake video calls to pressure employees into approving fraudulent transactions. These schemes often center on business email compromise, vendor impersonation and fraudulent payment requests, especially wire transfers and real-time payments that are difficult to recover once sent. Read more here.

NEWSMAKERS

From left: David Caswell and Jay Slaughter

Jenna Price

Cartersville - River City Bank

The bank announced its expansion into Bartow County with the opening of a new Loan Production Office at 29 Collins Drive in Cartersville in the coming months. As part of this expansion, the bank welcomed David Caswell as executive vice president, chief operating officer and market president for the Bartow County/Cartersville market; Jay Slaughter as senior vice president and commercial relationship manager; and Jenna Price as relationship manager assistant. Read more.

Donalsonville - First Port City Bank

Bridget Enfinger has been promoted to personal banker the bank’s Donalsonville branch.

Johns Creek - Loyal Trust Bank

Jessica Oh has joined the bank as a loan operations associate, and Carla Bauer has joined the bank as a part-time underwriter.

Johns Creek - Renasant Bank

Chris Braun was recently named president of the bank’s north Georgia banking group.

Sandersville - Citizens Bank of the South

Lynde Schubert has been named corporate vice president, Baldwin County market president. Read more.

Trenton - Citizens Bank & Trust

The Federal Reserve Board announced its approval of the notice by CBS Banc-Corp., of Russellville, AL, to acquire TAG Bancshares Inc., and thereby indirectly acquire Citizens Bank & Trust, Inc., both of Trenton, Georgia.

Swainsboro - SunMark Community Bank

The bank hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its Swainsboro branch.

Atlanta - Georgia Bankers Association

The GBA team recently hosted a baby shower for Marketing and Communications Manager Katina Weiss.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Atlanta - Ameris Bank

The bank has committed to donate $2,039,000 to 25 hospitals across the state this year as part of the Georgia HEART Hospital Program. Read more.

Augusta - Security Federal Bank

The bank served as an Encore Sponsor of the Augusta University Concert Band Festival, a three-day event hosted by Augusta University that brings together middle and high school bands from across the region.

Cochran - BankSouth

BSA/AML Officer Yvonne Young presented about fraud awareness at the recent meeting of the Cochran Rotary Club.

Cordele - Planters First Bank

Universal Banker Brenda Alexis and Cordele Market President Shane Bell led discussions on financial literacy, fraud prevention and credit building at South Georgia Technical College. In addition, the bank sponsored the 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Royal Court in Macon.

Dublin - Bank of Dudley

The bank sponsored the 2026 Pig in the Park event. Additionally, the bank’s Forsyth team participated in the Forsythia 5K and a bank team member read to elementary school students.

Dublin - Morris Bank

Through community support of Shamrock Your Ride 2026, the bank donated $3,095 to City of Hope Homeless Shelter to assist in serving underserved community members.

Griffin - Georgia Banking Company

Bank team members spent the day at Spalding High School in Griffin partnering with seniors as they prepare for the financial side of life after graduation. In addition, the bank is sponsoring the Wheeler High School Baseball team this season.

Perry - SunMark Community Bank

Bank team members visited Miller Elementary School to celebrate Read Across America Week, an initiative organized by United Way to encourage a love of reading among students.

Rome - River City Bank

The bank participated in a Transition Fair hosted by Floyd County Schools Special Education Department preparing high school students for life after graduation by connecting them with valuable community resources.

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.