ADVOCACY

Georgia Bankers: Urge the Senate to Strengthen Digital Asset Market Structure Legislation

The U.S. Senate is considering the Responsible Financial Innovation Act, which would establish a legal framework for digital assets, including stablecoins. Bankers are encouraged to contact our senators in support of this legislation, which includes including key recommendations to protect consumers, maintain financial stability and preserve access to credit.

GBA and other industry groups have urged lawmakers to incorporate the following provisions into the bill:

• Extend restrictions on stablecoin interest payments to all market participants to ensure payment stablecoins function as reliable payment tools without creating unintended risks for the banking system.
• Repeal Section 16(d) of the GENIUS Act to preserve state oversight of out-of-state uninsured depository institutions and maintain competitive balance across the financial system.
• Prohibit non-financial companies from issuing stablecoins, preventing potential deposit migration away from community banks and limiting economic concentration.

Bankers can use GBA’s contact form to reach their senators and share their support for these recommendations.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Regulatory Relief Updates from OCC and FDIC Will Benefit Georgia’s Community Banks

Community banks, including the 26 OCC-supervised institutions in Georgia, are set to benefit from a series of regulatory relief actions announced this week by federal banking regulators.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) outlined plans to reduce examination and licensing requirements beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Examiners will tailor reviews to each bank’s size, complexity and risk profile, focusing on material financial risks rather than broad procedural standards. The agency also plans to simplify licensing processes for smaller institutions, end examinations under its Retail Nondeposit Investment Products handbook and propose eliminating the outdated Fair Housing Home Loan Data System.

In a separate joint action, the OCC and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a proposal to formally remove reputation risk as a factor in bank supervision. The joint proposal was expected based on directives from President Trump’s August Executive Order designed to end past supervisory practices that could have resulted in “debanking.” The FDIC simultaneously announced that it has deleted all references to reputation risk from its guidance, policy documents and examination materials, reaffirming that examiners should not base supervisory criticism on perceived reputational concerns.

Regulators Clarify SARs Rules to Reduce Compliance Burden

Federal banking regulators and the U.S. Treasury Department have issued new guidance to help banks reduce unnecessary Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and focus compliance efforts on higher-value information for law enforcement. The interagency guidance—issued by Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and OCC—does not change legal or regulatory requirements but clarifies expectations under the Bank Secrecy Act.

Key points include:

• No automatic threshold: Banks are not required to file SARs solely for transactions near the $10,000 Currency Transaction Report (CTR) limit unless there is reason to suspect structuring.
• No required follow-up review: Institutions are not obligated to re-review accounts after SARs filings to determine if suspicious activity has continued.
• No need to document non-filings: Banks do not have to document decisions not to file SARs.

Treasury officials said the update aims to reduce compliance costs and refocus anti-money laundering efforts on activity that poses meaningful risk.

Georgia Department of Banking and Finance Adopts Final Rules Effective Oct. 22

On Oct. 2, the Department adopted Final Rules, which were filed with the Secretary of State the same day. In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-13-6, the Final Rules will take effect Oct. 22. The proposed rules and synopsis were previously distributed Aug. 26, and four written comments were received. The Department believes the adopted Final Rules promote safety and soundness, support fair mortgage lending and ensure compliance with state law. To view or download the Final Rules, click here.

CRIME & PUNISHMENT

Decatur Man Sentenced for Blowing Up ATM

A Decatur man has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for detonating explosives at a Bank of America ATM and stealing about $90,000. According to court records, the 55-year-old man used a pipe bomb to destroy the ATM at North DeKalb Mall in March 2023. He then embarked on a gambling spree at a North Carolina casino with the stolen money. Read more.

Georgia Tourism Sets Records Again in 2024

Georgia broke tourism records for the third consecutive year in 2024, welcoming 174.2 million domestic and international visitors who spent $45.2 billion across the state. Tourism remains Georgia’s second-largest industry, generating $82 billion in statewide economic impact, supporting 470,570 jobs, and producing $5.1 billion in state and local tax revenues—the equivalent of $1,285 in annual tax savings per household. The state also ranked No. 5 nationally for overnight visitation for the fifth year in a row.

GBA NEWS

South Georgia Bankers Gather for 2025 Community Bank Symposium

Bankers from across South Georgia came together in Valdosta Wednesday for the 2025 South Georgia Community Bank Symposium, held in partnership with the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration at Valdosta State University. This year’s event marked a welcome return after last year’s cancellation due to Hurricane Helene.

Attendees were welcomed by Dr. Guclu Atinc, dean of the Langdale College, who shared updates on the college’s initiatives and its continued collaboration with the banking community to foster economic growth in South Georgia.

Walt Moore, small business consultant with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, opened the program with insights into small business trends and opportunities across the region. Stewart Thigpen, CEO of Steve H. Powell & Co., followed with a practical overview of credit quality conditions and common exam experiences.

GBA Chairman Philip Williams, The Claxton Bank, joined GBA President and CEO Tripp Cofield for an update on state and federal regulatory issues and ongoing GBA advocacy efforts on behalf of member banks. The program concluded with an engaging economic outlook presented by Dr. Elvan Aktas, professor of finance at Valdosta State University.

GBA extends sincere thanks to Ellis Heath, head of the Department of Economics and Finance at Valdosta State University, for his help in planning the program and coordinating the event, as well as to our sponsors Burke Stelling Group and Olsen Palmer for their valued support of this important regional program.

See photos from the event on GBA's Facebook page.

The 2025 BankPAC campaign to raise money for the GBA StatePAC and GBA FedPAC is going strong, and we hope that you will consider contributing. Contribution forms, along with all BankPAC information, can be accessed on the advocacy page of gabankers.com, which includes 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 recently to the GBA StatePAC are the following banks:

• Coastal States Bank, Atlanta, Steve Stone, president and CEO
• Colony Bank, Fitzgerald, Heath Fountain, CEO
• First Port City Bank, Bainbridge, Scott Ewing, president and CEO
• PrimeSouth Bank, Blackshear, Jim Walker, president and CEO.

Contributing recently to the GBA FedPAC are eligible employees, officers and directors of South Georgia Banking Company, Tifton, Glenn Willis, CEO, and Georgia Bankers Association, Atlanta, Tripp Cofield, president and CEO.

Joseph Hopkins

From Peach Sheds to Peach State: Lessons in Leadership and Detail

For Joseph Hopkins, AVP and Compliance Officer at Peach State Bank & Trust in Gainesville, lessons learned in the peach sheds of Fort Valley still shape his approach to leadership. “I started working when I was 10, pulling leaves off peaches on the conveyor belt,” Hopkins said. “By my teens, I was supervising a crew making shipping boxes. The biggest lesson I learned was that to be a good supervisor, you must lead by example.”

Hopkins began his banking career as a teller, a role that taught him the value of precision. “Back in the 1980s, cash transactions were constant,” he said. “If your drawer didn’t balance, you had to find the error. I learned to focus on every transaction the first time.”

That eye for detail also shaped his integrity. “A widow once came in to cash savings bonds, and I shorted her $5,400,” he recalled. “When I realized it, I ran after her to make it right. Later, she returned with her son to thank me. That reminded me banking is about people, not just numbers.”

A member of the GBA Compliance Committee, Hopkins stays connected to his community and profession while pursuing unique interests outside of banking. He collects vintage peach crate labels from his hometown and is an avid fan of pop artist Peter Max. Read more in his GBA Member Profile.

Related: There's still time to register for the GBA Compliance Conference Oct. 20-22 at The Westin Jekyll Island.

Georgia Peanut Bank Week Starts Oct. 20

GBA members in communities all over the state soon will celebrate Georgia peanuts later this month during the annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week, co-sponsored by GBA and the Georgia Peanut Commission. For this year's Georgia Peanut Bank Week, our friends at the Peanut Commission are offering print and digital resources to distribute. The official poster, recipe card, peanut fact sheet, press release template, and children's activity sheets are on the Peanut Bank Week page. Please contact Maddie Frost at bankweek@gapeanuts.com or 229.326.0141 if you have any questions.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Register Today! Legislative and Economic Forum and Reception 

Registration is now open for our Legislative and Economic Forum and Reception, Jan. 28, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (downtown). This annual event is hosted by the GBA Board of Directors, Public Affairs Committee and BankPAC Board. The three-hour afternoon Forum features legislative updates, economic news and conversations with key legislative leaders. The Forum is followed by our annual Legislative Reception honoring members of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, statewide Judiciary and other dignitaries. Any member bankers, Associate Members or Bank Counsel Section members with management, finance, business development or government relations-related responsibilities or interests are invited and encouraged to attend. 

Registration options include Forum & Reception; Forum Only; and Reception Only.

Thank you to these Associate Members that are showing their support of the event through sponsorship:

• Platinum Sponsor: Olsen Palmer
• Silver Sponsors: EBS Strategies; McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.; and ServisFirst Bank.

Contact GBA’s Kathy Friestad with questions.  

Secure Your Spot at the 2026 Georgia Banking School

Enrollment is open for the 2026 session of Georgia Banking School, GBA’s flagship three-year program that builds the technical knowledge, strategic thinking and leadership skills needed for long-term success. Since 1961, the school has prepared thousands of bankers to lead in every area of their institutions.

Quick Facts

• Who should attend?
  Bankers with potential—your A-players eager to learn and ready to grow.
• When and where?
  April 26 - May 1, 2026 | Athens, GA
• How much?
  $2,600 early-bird tuition (includes housing, most meals, materials and instruction)

Students gain a comprehensive view of banking and build peer relationships that last a lifetime.

Conquer BSA Compliance!

The BSA Summit
Jan. 12-15, 2026
Lanier Islands Resort, Buford

Register Here

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

• BankPAC Golf Classic - Oct. 15, River Forest Golf Club, Forsyth

• Compliance Conference - Oct. 20-22, The Westin Jekyll Island

• Succession Planning Online Workshop Series - Nov. 3 & 17, Virtual

• BSA Peer Group Meeting - Nov. 4, Virtual

• Financial Risk Management Conference - Nov. 6-7, The DeSoto, Savannah

• Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting - Nov. 18, Idle Hour Golf & Country Club, Macon

• Marketing Peer Group Meeting - Dec. 9, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon

• IRA Academy - Feb. 3-5, Middle Georgia State University, Macon

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

ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

Welcome to Banking, Coaching Tellers to Excellence, Managing Interest Rate Risk and More 

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

• What To Do When Your Vendor Gets Hacked – Oct. 15
• Welcome to Banking – Oct. 16
• Coaching Tellers to Excellence – Oct. 16
• Consumer Lending – Oct. 27 - Feb. 27
• Managing Interest Rate Risk – Oct. 27-Dec. 29
• Fraudulent Cashier’s Checks: Best Practices for Avoiding Losses – Oct. 29
• Opening New Accounts Training Program – Nov. 3
• Commercial Lending Training Program – Nov. 6
• Bank Accounting: Interest Earning Assets - 2 Part Workshop – Nov. 12
• 2025 Call Report: Common Exam Issues – Nov. 14

OnCourse Learning Special Offer: Save 15% when you purchase two or more webinars, workshops, training programs, bundles/series or live streaming events through Oct. 14 with promo code LearnB2G15Off.

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

As part of the ABA’s Cybersecurity Month in October, GBA Strategic Partner ABA Insurance Services will present “Safeguarding Your Bank: Navigating AI Threats and Cyber Claims Trends” on Oct. 29, from 2–3 p.m.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into the workplace, new cybersecurity risks are emerging, including AI poisoning, model inversion attacks, DDoS attacks, and mutating malware. During this session, Mark Sadler of Great American Insurance Group’s Cyber Division and Sarah Cleves, Cyber Claims Manager for ABA Insurance Services, will share valuable insights on managing AI-related risks and protecting sensitive information and data. They’ll also review recent cyber claim trends, including a rise in ransomware incidents, and provide best practices to help banks prevent and respond to cyber events effectively.

This webinar is open to all GBA members.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

Question: Does the bank need to obtain a Form W-9 from each of its new customers?

Answer: Ultimately, whether a bank “needs” a W-9 may likely depend, at least in part, on the purpose for which the W-9 is being relied upon. For instance, while a bank does, of course, have its BSA obligation under 31 CFR 1020.220 to verify customer information before the opening of an account and obtain the minimum required information, including Tax ID / Identification number, the BSA doesn't specifically mandate that this verification be with a W-9, or any particular documentary form. Rather, it requires that the bank verify the information in a way that forms a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of the customer and the validity of the information it has obtained. (For reference, generally, please see: FinCEN - FAQs: Final CIP Rule.) Broadly, what form of obtaining and verifying this Tax ID will be a risk-based decision for the bank based on its policies and procedures. Read more here.

NEWSMAKERS

Alpharetta - Touchmark National Bank

Addam Taussig has been named executive vice president and chief lending officer. Tesula Stewart, executive vice president and chief credit officer, has stepped down to pursue consulting and public service. Steve Schaefer has assumed credit administration leadership as senior vice president and senior credit officer, and Chuck Shaw was promoted to senior vice president and senior risk management officer.

Atlanta - BankSouth

We extend condolences on the passing of Harrison Jones II on Oct. 1. Jones spent much of his career with BankSouth, served on numerous civic boards and was a former member of the GBA Board of Directors. Read more.

Atlanta - Truist

Chief Wholesale Banking Officer Kristin Lesher was named to American Banker’s 2025 Most Powerful Women in Banking list. Senior Vice President Shannon Longino was recognized in the Atlanta Business Chronicle 2025 Women of Influence Awards. Read more.

Augusta - Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company

The bank was named to Augusta Magazine's Best of Augusta 2025 list.

Bainbridge - First Port City Bank

Charleston Garrett has moved to the accounting team as staff accountant.

Blairsville - River City Bank

Claudia Deitz joined the bank’s Blairsville office as universal banker.

Cincinnati, OH - Fifth Third Bancorp

Fifth Third Bancorp announced an agreement to acquire Comerica Inc. in an all-stock transaction valued at $10.9 billion. The deal is expected to close by the end of Q1 2026. Read more.

Columbus - Synovus Bank

Liz Wolverton, executive vice president and head of consumer banking and customer brand experience, was named No. 16 on American Banker’s Most Powerful Women to Watch list; her recent initiatives include the launch of GBA Associate Member Carefull’s AI-based fraud detection and prevention solution.

Dublin - Georgia First Bank

Brandon Tapley has been named AVP, lender and branch manager at the Dublin branch.

Elberton - Pinnacle Bank

Kim Eells joined the bank as SBA lending officer in the middle market. Read more.

Greensboro - BankSouth

The bank completed its acquisition of State Bank of Cochran and its divisions First Laurens Bank and Community Bank of Johnson County, with local leadership continuing in key roles. Read more.

Griffin - First National Bank of Griffin

We extend condolences to the family and friends of Carol Jones, who passed away Sept. 25. Jones served nearly five decades in banking, including 30 years in human resources at the bank. Services are Nov. 1 at St. George’s Episcopal Church. Read more.

Metter - Pineland Bank

Tres Herin joined the bank as senior vice president, regional commercial and real estate loan officer. Read more.

Milledgeville - Century Bank and Trust

Matt Wilson has been promoted to vice president, loan officer. Read more.

Perry - Planters First Bank

Davis Potts has been promoted to commercial lender at the Perry banking center. Read more.

Sandy Springs - Signature Bank of Georgia

The SBA Lending Team ranked No. 5 in Georgia for FY2025 SBA 7(a) approvals/closings (just over $40 million) and No. 1 among Georgia-headquartered banks.

Savannah - Great Oaks Bank

Peyton Singletary joined the bank as portfolio manager and will be based in the Pooler office. Read more.

Suwanee - Synovus Bank

Leon Blue has joined the Johns Creek branch as retail market leader.

Warner Robins - Planters First Bank

Brandi Daniels has been appointed branch manager for the Warner Robins banking center and continues as vice president, business development officer. Read more.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Department of the Treasury

Jonathan McKernan was confirmed as undersecretary for domestic finance.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Aiken - Security Federal Bank

AVP, Retail Banking Manager Collette D’Antignac and AVP, Small Business Banker Tina Drawdy visited Belair Elementary School to teach third graders about needs versus wants, why banks are important and the value of money.

Athens - First American Bank & Trust Company

The bank hosted Jordan North from United Way of Northeast Georgia to share how the organization’s Community Impact Model strengthens families, expands food access and supports workforce readiness across the region.

Atlanta - SouthState Bank

The bank’s midtown team participated in College Prep 101, connecting with students preparing for college and future careers. Bankers shared resources, answered questions and emphasized the importance of financial readiness and community engagement.

Atlanta - Synovus

The bank sponsored the Wellspring Living Courage Gala, supporting programs that provide care and opportunity for individuals impacted by sexual exploitation.

Blairsville - United Community Bank

The bank marked World Animal Day by supporting local humane societies, rescues and sanctuaries through volunteer service. The United Community Bank Foundation also pledged $30,000 to animal welfare organizations across the Southeast.

Johns Creek - Loyal Trust Bank

The bank sponsored the Korean Festival at Sugarloaf Mills Mall for the fourth consecutive year, celebrating Korean culture through food, performances and community activities.

Macon - American Pride Bank

The bank sponsored the Atlanta Indian Film Festival, which showcases Indian cinema and connects filmmakers with Georgia’s movie industry. Team members Robert Vorus, Richard Perez and Heidi McClain represented the bank at the event.

Milledgeville - Century Bank & Trust

The bank donated $25,000 to the Friends of Milledgeville Police Foundation through Georgia’s Qualified Law Enforcement Donation Tax Credit program, supporting local public safety efforts. Read more. The bank also hosted a Community Shred Day to help residents safely dispose of personal documents.

Savannah - BankSouth

The bank celebrated its 10th anniversary in Savannah with customers and coffee from Java Joy, spreading smiles, hugs and appreciation for a decade of community support.

Watkinsville - Oconee State Bank

The bank donated $1,000 to the Oconee Area Resource Council for its Dolly Parton Library, helping advance its mission of serving families and neighbors in need throughout the local community.

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.