ADVOCACY

GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE

Banking Committee Action in Both Chambers this Week

With Sine Die approaching on April 2, the General Assembly has just six legislative days remaining. Both House and Senate banking committees met Tuesday to consider several measures.

House Banks & Banking Committee

Transactional Gold & Silver. SB 424 by Sen. Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone) would require Georgia to recognize gold and silver as legal tender for voluntary transactions by Jan. 1, 2028, create a Bullion Depository Commission, and prohibit state-level capital gains taxation on such transactions. The committee did not vote on the bill, but may hold another meeting on it next week.

Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee

Stablecoin. HB 1272 by Rep. Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth) would authorize the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance to license and regulate stablecoin issuers under a framework similar to the federal GENIUS Act. The committee did not vote on the bill, but may hold another meeting on it next week.

The committee did favorably report the following three bills:

• Foreclosure Notification. HB 948 by Rep. Beth Camp (R-Concord), Senate sponsor is Sen. Steven McNeel (R-Macon)
• Bankruptcy Exemption. HB 1024 by Rep. Soo Hong (R-Lawrenceville), Senate sponsor is Sen. Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone)
• Vehicle Repossession. HB 1134 by Rep. Kimberly New (R-Villa Rica), Senate sponsor is Sen. Tim Bearden (R-Carrollton).

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol Friday for another full workday. We will publish our Legislative Update after they adjourn for the week.

ADVOCACY ACTION ALERT

Ask the Senate to Close Stablecoin Interest Loophole, Protect Community Lending

GBA appreciates the member engagement over the last year related to federal stablecoin legislation and regulation, but member outreach remains critical to closing a loophole in the Senate’s GENIUS Act that threatens bank deposits and local lending.

In July 2025, President Trump signed the GENIUS Act to regulate payment stablecoins and protect consumers. The law clearly prohibits stablecoin issuers from offering interest on digital dollars — a safeguard designed to prevent confusion with insured bank deposits and to avoid undermining bank lending in local communities.

However, a significant loophole remains. Non-issuers continue to argue that they are permitted to offer interest or other rewards on stablecoins, weakening the law’s intent and creating new risks for consumers. A Treasury Department report estimates this loophole could pull deposits away from community banks, limiting their ability to fund loans for households and small businesses.

Illinois Prohibition of Interchange on Sales Tax Law Draws OCC Opposition

As lawmakers in Georgia consider legislation to prohibit the collection of interchange fees on the sales tax portion of card transactions (SB 512 by Sen. Drew Echols, R-Gainesville), a lawsuit related to similar legislation in Illinois is drawing increased scrutiny. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, along with several former comptrollers, is urging a federal appeals court to overturn a ruling that upheld an Illinois law restricting interchange fees on the sales tax portion of card transactions, arguing it conflicts with federal banking authority. Opponents warn that allowing states to set such limits could lead to a patchwork of rules for nationally chartered banks. The court’s decision could shape how states, including Georgia, move forward on comparable proposals. The Georgia legislation has not moved beyond the Senate Finance Committee to date.

Improving Housing Affordability and Supply Focus of Executive Orders

Executive orders issued this week by the Trump Administration aimed at boosting housing supply and access direct regulators to revisit several key rules. Some highlights:

• CFPB rule changes: Tailor TRID and ATR/QM rules under TILA/RESPA to lessen burden on community banks
• HMDA relief: Revisit data collection and reporting thresholds
• 1-4 family construction loan concentration treatment: Expand ability to finance single-family homebuilding
• Environmental rollback: Scale back NEPA and related requirements slowing projects
• Faster approvals: Streamline federal housing and development processes.

Next steps will depend on how regulators translate the order into rule changes. We welcome member feedback on the orders.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Americans Trust Their Banks

Updated research offers good news worth sharing about Georgia banks and their counterparts nationwide. The survey shows Americans trust banks more than any other industry to protect them from fraud, overall satisfaction is extremely high and customer service is strong.

Key statistics from the survey:

The research also shows broad public support for stronger action by social media and telecommunications companies to combat scams that often originate outside the banking system. Access and download an infographic about the survey.

Sign Up for Fraud Contact Directory to Strengthen Your Bank’s Response Network

A key fraud-fighting resource available to GBA members just got better. The American Bankers Association has expanded its Fraud Contact Directory to include international banks.

Already used by more than half of U.S. banks, the directory allows institutions to quickly connect with verified fraud contacts at other banks, helping to stop suspicious activity before losses escalate. The addition of international participants reflects the increasingly global nature of fraud and the need for faster, cross-border coordination.

GBA members banks that are not yet enrolled or have not fully integrated the directory into their fraud response protocols are encouraged to do so. Learn more here.

GBA NEWS

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:

NBID

Mr. Tony Karalekas, tony@nbid.com

New York, NY

www.nbid.com

National Bank InterDeposit Company (NBID) is a reciprocal deposit network. Member institutions can leverage NBID’s deposit network to offer access to millions in aggregate insurance across network banks to attract large-value depositors, retain key relationships and grow new business lines. All participating depository institutions receive a membership interest in NBID.

SYBA Security

Ms. Brigitte Vantieghem, brigittev@syba.io

Alpharetta, GA

www.syba.io

SYBA provides the first personal cybersecurity insurance designed for bank customers and employees, offering coverage for financial fraud, ransomware, identity theft, account takeover, phishing and cyberbullying. Its app combines device protection with a 24/7 white-glove incident response center and up to $5 million in Personal Cyber Insurance underwritten by Lloyd’s of London and Chubb. SYBA helps reduce fraud, build loyalty, and protect households everywhere.

WH Bass

Mr. Chris Warren, cwarren@whbass.com

Duluth, GA

www.whbass.com

A general contractor based in Johns Creek, the company has been in business since 1984. Throughout its history, it has completed more than 400 bank projects, primarily ground-up constructions, with a specialization in community and regional banks.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Hotel Deadline is Monday for 2026 Bank Security Conference

With just days remaining to secure accommodations, bank security professionals are encouraged to register for the 2026 GBA Bank Security Conference, scheduled for April 13-15 at The Westin Jekyll Island. The hotel reservation deadline is Monday, March 23, and rooms at the discounted GBA rate may sell out before that date.

The conference has also been approved for continuing education credit through ABA Professional Certifications, offering 12.25 CRCM and CERP credits and 10 CAFP credits. Designed as Georgia’s premier in-person event for bank security professionals, the program delivers timely insights on fraud, physical security, business continuity and emerging risks, along with opportunities to engage with peers and industry experts. Attendees will gain practical strategies they can implement immediately while building connections with security professionals from across the state. 

Bank Ops/Tech Pros: Sign Up Today for Your Next Peer Group Meeting

It's time to sign up for the spring Operations & Technology Peer Group meeting. The meeting is May 4 at the Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Macon. Jaye Eubanks of United Bank and Operations & Technology Committee member will facilitate the meeting covering industry hot topics. Participants can help shape the discussion by submitting hot topics during the registration process.

Jaye Eubanks

New Webinar Series Focuses on Bank PR and Crisis Communications

Bank communications professionals are invited to strengthen their media and crisis response skills through an upcoming two-part Bank PR & Crisis Communications Webinar Series, set for May 7 and 14.

Hosted in partnership with the Oregon Bankers Association, this virtual series offers practical guidance for navigating proactive media outreach as well as high-pressure crisis situations. Led by veteran journalists and communications experts Tom Unger and Dave Thompson, the sessions provide a behind-the-scenes look at newsroom expectations and how banks can respond effectively when issues arise.

The first session, Inside the Newsroom, will focus on how to craft compelling media pitches and understand what journalists look for in banking stories. The second session, Inside the Tornado, will guide attendees through building and executing a strong crisis communications plan, complete with real-world case studies and actionable takeaways.

Designed for professionals in marketing, communications, media relations and public affairs — particularly those newer to communications roles — the series offers flexible registration options. Participants may register for individual sessions or the full series, with recordings available for those unable to attend live.

LAST CALL!

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

Coming Up Soon!

BSA Peer Group Meeting
April 1, Zoom

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

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

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

• Understanding Bank Performance Webinar Series - April 2-24, Zoom
• Georgia Banking School - April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens

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

• Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting - May 14, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon

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

• 2026 Annual Meeting - June 7-9, The Cloister, Sea Island

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

ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

TRID Risks, 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:

• 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

• Using Principles of Critical Thinking – April 14

• The Seamless Customer Experience: The Keys to Cross Selling Workshop - 2 Part Series – April 22

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

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.

As banks continue to evaluate their overdraft programs, GBA Strategic Partner Advantage wants to highlight the need for data-driven, consumer-focused strategies. A well-designed program helps customers manage short-term cash flow needs while avoiding higher-cost alternatives. This recent article emphasizes the importance of transparency, clear communication and ongoing bank monitoring to balance customer needs with regulatory expectations. Banks that analyze usage patterns and outcomes are better positioned to build trust and reduce risk. Visit advantage-fi.com to learn more.

Banks often face “knowledge silos,” where customer data is spread across multiple systems, limiting a full view of relationships and hindering innovation. A recent article submitted by Associate Member Arkatechture highlights how data analytics can unify this information into a single source of truth, improving efficiency, decision-making and customer experience.

The piece emphasizes the importance of data integration during core conversions, where analytics can help clean, standardize and validate data to avoid inconsistencies. It also underscores key challenges, including building a data-driven culture, ensuring data quality and investing in the right talent and governance.

Read the full article and visit arkatechture.com to learn more.

Traditional learning management systems (LMSs) may be limiting the effectiveness of training in financial institutions, according to a new article from GBA Associate Member LemonadeLXP. The piece highlights five key challenges:

• Low employee engagement: Rigid, one-size-fits-all content fails to meet diverse learning needs, reducing participation and retention.
• Technology adoption gaps: Traditional LMSs struggle to effectively train staff on new systems, slowing digital transformation.
• Knowledge silos: Static document libraries make it difficult to quickly find and apply critical information.
• Lack of agility: Slow content updates hinder banks’ ability to keep pace with frequent regulatory and industry changes.
• Limited measurement: Systems often track course completion rather than meaningful performance outcomes.

Together, these gaps can hinder workforce readiness, compliance and customer experience. Read the full article for a deeper look at the findings and recommendations. Visit lemonadelxp.com to learn more.

NEWSMAKERS

Alpharetta - Touchmark National Bank

The OCC has terminated its enforcement action agreement with the bank from April 17, 2024.

Alpharetta- First City Bank, I.O.

The proposed Alpharetta de novo received conditional approval from the FDIC, The Bank Slate reported. The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance also gave the new bank the go-signal, according to the report, citing a LinkedIn post by its chairman-to-be, David Shafer.

From left: Andrew Kamm and Nicole Laffely

Greg Allen

Atlanta - Seacoast Bank

Andrew Kamm has joined the bank as senior vice president, commercial banker for Atlanta. Nicole Laffely has joined the bank as vice president, commercial banker for Atlanta. Greg Allen has joined the bank as a banking executive in North Fulton.

Atlanta - Southern First Bank

Tomica Williams has joined the bank’s Atlanta office as a client experience officer and assistant vice president.

Atlanta - United Bankshares

The bank celebrated 187 years of service Tuesday. The bank gave away shamrocks at certain branch locations on St. Patrick’s Day in honor of its anniversary. Read more.

Dublin - Morris Bank

Morris State Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of Morris Bank, announced that its shareholders have approved the proposed merger with Vallant Financial, Inc. The merger has also received all required regulatory approvals. In connection with the merger, the company’s board has approved a Special Pre-Closing Dividend of $0.54 per share to all MBLU shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 24, 2026. The dividend will be payable on March 30, 2026. Completion of the merger is expected to occur on April 1, 2026, with a conversion and brand launch expected to follow at the end of the second quarter of 2026.

Gainesville

Our sympathies to the family, friends and former colleagues of Andy Walker, who passed away on March 14. Walker founded and served as president of several Georgia banks and was a GBA board member from 2008-2010. Read more.

Greensboro - BankSouth

The bank announced a strategic partnership with Sequence Holdings, a permanent holding company that enhances the operations of established businesses through advanced technology. Through the partnership, a team of engineers from Sequence Holdings (with experience at leading global innovators including Palantir, Scale AI and Apple) will work with BankSouth’s team to build and deploy artificial intelligence-powered tools designed to make banking faster, simpler and more personal for customers. Read more.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Augusta - Security Federal Bank

The bank sponsored the annual Augusta Marathon, and several bank team members joined the race. The bank also sponsored the Melodies & Masterpieces event hosted by North Augusta Forward.

Lavonia - Northeast Georgia Bank

The bank made a donation to Stephens County Hospital as part of Georgia's HEART Program.

Pine Mountain - First Peoples Bank

With support from its board of directors, the bank recently made donations to local nonprofits, delivered in person by bank team members in communities it serves. Organizations include Habitat for Humanity (LaGrange), Feeding the Valley (Columbus), Our Father’s House (Senoia) and Hands of Hope (Henry County).

Habitat for Humanity (LaGrange)

Our Father’s House (Senoia)

Feeding the Valley (Columbus)

Hands of Hope (Henry County)

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.