August Recess: Urge Congress to Protect Georgia Deposits, Local Lending
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Congress adjourned for the August recess without closing a loophole that could allow stablecoin rewards to function like interest, potentially pulling deposits out of banks and reducing funds available for lending. The U.S. Treasury has estimated that as much as $6.6 trillion, roughly 35% of insured bank deposits nationwide, could be at risk. The effect on Georgia banking is estimated to be between $3.2 - 6.5 billion in deposit outflows and a $2.4 - $4.9 billion loss in loans. We continue to need member advocacy help supplement GBA’s efforts to educate our delegation about the need to close the loophole by including helpful language in the proposed Clarity Act. Local banker voices can make a big difference. Members can use the linked Protect Local Lending: Banker Advocacy Toolkit to reinforce that message with Georgia’s congressional delegation during the August recess. With questions, email Tripp Cofield, Bo Brannen or Elizabeth Chandler.
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Federal Trigger Lead Law Reminder
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A member shared an insurance solicitation this week that one of its customers received after recently getting a mortgage from the bank. The mailer included the bank’s name and the customer’s mortgage ID, which suggests the insurance company used a purchased lead. Although the mailer included a disclaimer in small print, it could violate a new law that took effect March 5.
Under The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, consumer reporting agencies are prohibited from selling trigger leads tied to mortgage credit inquiries except in specific, narrowly defined situations. A company may receive a trigger lead only in certain situations, such as when it already has a mortgage or deposit account with the consumer or when the consumer explicitly opts-in to receive these offers. Any allowed trigger lead must also involve a real offer of credit or insurance, not simply a marketing message.
Consumers may file a complaint with the CFPB to report suspected violations of the law. They may also stop most pre-approved credit offers by visiting OptOutPrescreen.com or calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT.
We’re interested in whether other members are seeing similar ongoing examples in their markets. With examples, email Tripp Cofield, Bo Brannen or Elizabeth Chandler.
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FDIC Streamlines Deposit Insurance Application Process
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FinCEN Ends Beneficial Ownership Reporting for U.S. Companies
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FinCEN has finalized a rule permanently exempting U.S. companies and individuals from beneficial ownership information reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act and will delete previously submitted U.S. company information from its BOI database. For Georgia banks, the change reduces compliance burdens for their customers subject to the rule, while banks should continue following existing customer due diligence requirements and monitor FinCEN guidance for any related updates. Access the FinCEN FAQ here.
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Federal Home Loan Bank System Reports Strong 2025
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The Federal Home Loan Bank System continued to deliver significant support for affordable housing and community development in 2025, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s newly released Mission Activities Report. The 11 FHLBanks awarded $875.5 million through the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) to support more than 42,000 housing units, while Community Investment Program and Community Investment Cash Advance funding totaled $8.4 billion. FHLBank Atlanta ranked among the five FHLBanks with the largest total AHP contributions and among the five highest for total AHP contributions as a percentage of earnings. It also allocated the maximum permissible share of AHP funding to its Homeownership Fund. Read the report here.
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Status of Important Cases for August 2026
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The latest ABA Newsbytes Banking Docket is now available. Read about the status of important cases here. Each article contains a “Read more” link with access to additional details on the issues, case summaries and links to related documents
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Women in Banking Conference is Live
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Our event focused on leadership and development for Georgia's women bankers kicked off Thursday. We’re excited to be hosting a big crowd for the two-day GBA Women in Banking Conference. Here are some quick pics of Thursday’s action. We’ll do a full debrief in next week’s issue.
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Registration is Open for Commercial Lending School - Jan. 10-15, Athens
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Be a member of the first class for this specialty lending school developed to meet the unique needs of Georgia's bankers. This one-year, weeklong program is designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of banking professionals in today’s competitive lending environment. The curriculum covers the full lending cycle, from credit fundamentals and financial analysis to loan structuring, real estate and government lending, compliance, problem loans and portfolio management. It also emphasizes relationship management, strategic planning and improving profitability.
The school was developed and designed by the Commercial Lending School Board, chaired by Peter Faser, The Profitability Coach. Board members include David Abee, Synovus Bank; Mike Allen, Three B’s Advisors; Brad Brookshire, Great Oaks Bank; Shannon Fortson, Vallant Bank; Brad Serff, Providence Strategy Group; and Kelly Smith, First National Bank of Griffin.
With questions, email Alison Moreau, amoreau@gabankers.com
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Update on Georgia BankPAC Campaign
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The 2026 BankPAC campaign is in full swing. Contribution forms along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of our website with easy-to-follow options for making these contributions.
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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 is:
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- Bank of Newington, Tripp Sheppard, president & CEO
- Northeast Georgia Bank, Lavonia, Bill Hogan, CEO
- South Georgia Banking Company, Tifton, Glenn Willis, CEO
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Contributions to the GBA FedPAC have come from eligible employees, officers and directors of:
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Northeast Georgia Bank, Lavonia, Bill Hogan, CEO
- The Citizens Bank of Americus, Rick Whaley, president & CEO
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Order Peanut Bank Week Supplies by Aug. 31
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The 50th-annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week is set for Oct. 19–23, and this year’s theme, “Peanuts…Georgia’s Golden Investment,” celebrates the collaboration of banking and agriculture.
Hosted by GBA and Georgia Peanut Commission, this yearly tradition gives banks a chance to showcase their peanut pride and connect with customers using fun, printable activities for kids and, of course, the famous promotional packs of Red Bag Peanuts.
Please place your order by Aug. 31 to receive your supplies in time.
Questions? Contact Maddie Frost at maddie@gapeanuts.com or 229.386.3470.
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CONFERENCE & EVENT SPOTLIGHTS
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BankPAC Pickleball Paddle Battle
Aug. 27, Macon
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Hit the Courts at this Fun Indoor Event
Join us at the world's largest indoor pickleball facility for a fun afternoon of social, friendly competition, lunch and giveaways. Prizes will be awarded to top winners! All proceeds go to the GBA StatePAC.
Get involved beyond the court!
Sponsorship opportunities are available, with prices ranging from $250 - $650. Contact GBA’s Kathy Friestad with questions.
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HR Professionals Peer Group Meeting
Sept. 3 in Macon
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Join fellow bank HR professionals from across Georgia for an interactive roundtable discussion focused on today's most pressing HR topics. Share ideas, discuss challenges, exchange solutions and gain valuable insights from peers who understand the unique needs of the banking industry. Discussion topics will be driven by participant input, ensuring relevant and meaningful conversations for attendees.
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South Georgia Community Bank Symposium Sept. 17, Valdosta
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Ops/Tech Peer Group Meeting Sept. 22, Athens
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Jim Stewart of Vallant Bank and GBA Operations & Technology Committee member will facilitate the meeting covering industry hot topics. Participants can help shape the discussion by submitting topics during the registration process. Sponsorships are available. Click here for sponsorship information.
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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GBA STRATEGIC PARTNER ABRIGO
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Abrigo Adds Real-Time ACH Fraud Detection to its Financial Crimes Suite
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GBA Strategic Partner Abrigo is proud to introduce its real-time ACH fraud detection solution, now part of the Abrigo Fraud Detection Suite. As ACH is a growing area of payment fraud, this enhancement supports customer compliance with the Nacha risk management framework for ACH fraud and extends protection for banks beyond check and wire transactions. Key features include:
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- Unified ACH data for greater visibility
- Advanced real-time detection engine
- Self-service rules creation and configuration
- Complete view of each transaction.
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Also, be sure to check out these upcoming free webinars from Abrigo
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GBA STRATEGIC PARTNER DISCOVER DEBIT
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Explore What Choice in Debit Looks Like with GBA Strategic Partner Discover Debit
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Has your bank’s debit card program been on autopilot for too long? VISA and MasterCard will likely fight to keep your business, but Discover Debit wants to invest in your bank, your customers and your community. Valuable cardholder benefits like credit monitoring and dark web monitoring backed by Experian® mean customers can feel more secure with their new debit card. Discover® Debit is the only program that delivers superior economics, simplified rules, fee transparency and unmatched program flexibility. To find out more, contact Brian Harbin, brianharbin@discover.com, 678.325.9910.
Click here for a free Debit Advantage Analysis.
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GBA Fall Advocacy Play Day – Oct. 14!
Two Great Events, One Important Cause
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BankPAC Golf and Inaugural Mahjong Mingle
River Forest Golf Club, Forsyth
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Join your peer Georgia bank compliance professionals for this annual conference. Get practical insights on today's top compliance issues, exchange ideas with peers from across the state and return with solutions you can put to work right away, all while enjoying outstanding networking in a relaxed coastal setting. Check out the agenda below.
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- Year in Review with Chris Willis of Troutman Pepper Locke
- Fraud on All Fronts, featuring perspectives from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, banking security, and Georgia’s Division of Aging Services
- Industry & Advocacy Update with GBA leadership
- Keeping Positive in Compliance Chaos—an interactive session focused on resilience and navigating the demands of compliance
- AI Tabletop Exercise: Putting AI to Work in Compliance, where participants will use AI to tackle real-world compliance scenarios
- Findings from Recent Reviews, Cause for Pause, and Trends
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When Legal Meets Compliance, covering garnishments, subpoenas, POAs, estates, and secured transactions
- Roundtable Discussion, featuring attendee-submitted questions and hot topics
- Enforcement Actions and the practical lessons banks can take from recent regulatory actions.
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Georgia's top multi-day conference for bank CFOs and finance teams, the Financial Risk Management Conference, is set for Nov. 5-6 at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory. Agenda highlights include:
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GenAI is the New Electricity – David Peterson, Chief Innovation Officer, FNBB
- Expansion & Strategy Panel Discussion moderated by Jonathan Hightower, Fenimore Kay Harrison with Scott Wilson, Vallant Bank; Daniel Stanford, SunMark Community Bank; Amy Lucas, Century Bank; Connie Mathis, River City Bank
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FHLB Pledging Class, Kevin Wyckoff, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
- ALM Panel moderated by Holt Redding, South Coast Bank, with Joel Foster, Raymond James, Jim Ashurst, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company; Paul Clanton, The Baker Group
- Review of the 2026 Election Outcome, John Ashford, The Hawthorn Group.
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Important: Hotel room block cutoff is Oct. 13.
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This event, planned by the GBA Credit Committee, covers the full spectrum of market intelligence, credit trends, underwriting, risk management and business development topics essential for growing, thriving banks. The event provides participants the opportunity to network, share best practices and learn from nationally known experts in an away-from-the-bank environment to foster creativity and connections.
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ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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Head Teller Training, AI 101, Treasury Management and More
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Take a look at online training opportunities available to GBA members from OnCourse Learning and the American Bankers Association.
Upcoming hot topic webinars:
Self-paced courses, certificates and reference guides:
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Alpharetta – Touchmark National Bank
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Thao Pham has joined the bank as Senior Accountant.
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Atlanta – Coastal States Bank
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Robert McLean has joined the bank as Senior Vice President/Home Builder Banker.
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Milledgeville – Magnolia State Bank
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Catelynn Duncan has been promoted to Branch Manager/Lender.
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| Twin City – Durden Banking Company
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Kirk Cavanah has joined the bank as Chief Risk Officer.
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Savannah – Small Business Assistance Corporation
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Charles Gillis has joined the company as Business Development Officer.
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Washington D.C. – American Bankers Association
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Russell Davis has been named ABA Chief Member Engagement Officer.
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Vidalia – Altamaha Bank & Trust
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The bank was voted Best Bank for the second consecutive year in the annal Best of the Greater Vidalia® Chamber awards program.
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Read All About It: Send Us Your News
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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.
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Recruit, Retain and Develop the Best Bankers with GBA's Job Bank
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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.
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