GBA Welcomes FTC Focus on Online Impersonation Scams
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We appreciate the Federal Trade Commission's announcement last week that it is looking at ways to crack down on online ads that help scammers impersonate banks, businesses and government agencies. The FTC is seeking public comment on whether to update its existing impersonation rule or take other action aimed at online platforms and their ad practices.
GBA and other banking industry advocates have been focused on this problem for a long time, and it was a key point of emphasis in our visit with our Congressional Delegation in May. Fraudsters regularly use social media, search engines and other digital platforms to impersonate trusted organizations and reach potential victims.
The FTC is looking specifically at how platforms’ ad tools may help scammers reach consumers and what steps could help stop fraudulent ads. It’s good to see more attention on the role these platforms can play. Banks and their customers can’t tackle this problem alone.
Read the FTC announcement.
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Common Cents Act Clears Congress, Heads to President
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The Senate has passed the Common Cents Act, sending legislation establishing a national framework for the penny phaseout to President Trump. The bill directs the Treasury Department to cease penny production and establishes rules for rounding cash transactions when exact change is unavailable.
Under the legislation, cash transactions may be rounded up or down to the nearest five cents. The bill also clarifies that checks, credit cards and other noncash payments are not subject to rounding and requires Treasury to provide Congress 60 days’ notice before discontinuing another circulating coin. Read more.
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House Democrats Seek More Time on CRA Proposal
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Georgia U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA5) is among House Financial Services Committee Democrats who sent a letter to the FDIC and OCC this week raising concerns about proposed changes to Community Reinvestment Act regulations (CRA) and asking for more time for public comment.
The proposal would put greater emphasis on lending in CRA evaluations, narrow qualifying community development activities and exclude some deposit services and nonprofit grants from CRA consideration. The current comment deadline is Oct. 13, and the lawmakers requested an additional 120 days.
GBA’s advocacy team will continue working with Williams and her staff to share member input about the proposals with an emphasis on modernizing CRA regulations to better reflect how banks serve their communities today.
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FDIC Report Outlines Farm Bank Performance as Row-Crop Pressures Build
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Georgia banks with significant ag business will want to take a look at a new FDIC analysis of farm bank performance. Nationwide, overall farm income remains relatively strong. However, the FDIC says that masks some pressure on row-crop producers due to lower commodity prices coupled with higher production and borrowing costs.
Three takeaways at the national level:
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- Row crops are feeling the squeeze. Production costs for corn, cotton and soybeans are up 31% to 37% since 2020, while wheat costs are up 24%.
- Credit quality remains solid, but there are signs of stress. Agricultural delinquencies remain low, though the FDIC is seeing declining working capital and more carryover financing among borrowers.
- Farm banks remain well positioned. Earnings and capital are strong, agricultural loan concentrations are lower than during the last downturn and strong farmland values continue to provide collateral support.
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The FDIC map in the report indicates Georgia has 14 “farm banks,” which are defined as banks that have combined loans secured by farmland and loans to finance agricultural production of at least 25 percent of total loans. We know, of course, that many more Georgia banks have significant farm customer portfolios even though they don’t meet that specific FDIC definition. Nationally, the FDIC counted 917 farm banks as of second-quarter 2026.
Related Program: We’re gearing up for our annual tour of farm businesses with members of our Agriculture Committee and others who regularly attend our Rural Development and Lending Conference. This year’s tour is Oct. 28-29 in the Valdosta area, and we have a few spots open. If you’re interested in attending, email Alison Moreau, amoureau@gabankers.com.
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Status of Important Cases for October 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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Update on Georgia BankPAC Campaign
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We’re grateful for the continued support of the 2026 BankPAC campaign. 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.
This week, contributions to the GBA StatePAC came from:
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Commercial Banking Company, Valdosta, Ryan Warren, president & CEO
- Farmers and Merchants Bank, Sylvania, Hoke Reeves, president & CEO
- The Four County Bank, Allentown, Mike Brown, president & CEO
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Contributions to the GBA FedPAC have come from eligible employees, officers and directors of:
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First National Bank of Griffin, Chuck Copeland, president & CEO
Georgia Bankers Association, Atlanta, Tripp Cofield, president & CEO
Millenium Bank, Calhoun, Lesa Downey, executive vice president & chief risk officer
Oconee State Bank, Watkinsville, Neil Stevens, president & CEO
South Georgia Bank, Glennville, Bran Thompson, president & CEO
United Bankshares, Peachtree Corners, Monty Watson, Regional President
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Insurance Trust Board Approves Rates for 2027 Plan Year, Sets Dates for Fall Annual Enrollment
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At its September board meeting, the GBA Insurance Trust (GBAIT) Board of Directors formally approved the plan design and corresponding rates for all benefits plans to be offered in 2027. The board called for a 2% premium increase for all medical and dental plans. Even with this modest increase, market analysis suggests that GBAIT premiums will come in at 29% below our industry peers across the Southeast.
Earlier this week, GBAIT members received a full update about our plan offerings from Jackson McConnell, executive chairman, Vallant Bank, who chairs the GBAIT Board of Directors. Additionally, members should have received the dates for 2027 annual enrollment from the GBAIT team. This year’s annual enrollment will begin on Oct. 15 for banks not making plan changes and Nov. 17 for banks that elect to offer different plans in 2027.
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The prep room at the GBA office is packed and ready to go! We’re excited to welcome a big crowd of Georgia bank presidents and CEOs, Bank Counsel and Bank Accountant section members beginning Sunday at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Oconee for two and a half days of great programs, conversations and connections. The GBA Board of Directors will also gather for its quarterly meeting while we’re there. Look for a rundown of the programs and plenty of photos in next week’s Bulletin!
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Credit Conference Agenda Brings Lending Trends, Risk and Opportunity into Focus
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This year’s GBA Credit Conference will give bankers timely insight into the trends shaping lending and credit decisions. Planned by the GBA Credit Committee, the conference also provides an opportunity to exchange ideas with peers and hear from industry experts.
Agenda highlights include:
- Ag Update – Optional preconference session
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Riding the Wave of AI Risk-Reward – Jimmy Sawyers, Sawyers & Jacobs
- Legal Update – Jonathan Hightower, Fenimore Kay Harrison
- Roundtable Discussion – Moderated by Shannon Fortson, Vallant Bank
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Hot Topics and Recurring Themes from the GBA Roundtables – Stewart Thigpen, Steve H. Powell & Company; Mike Allen, Three B’s Advisors; and Brad Serff, Providence Strategy
- Savannah and Surrounding Areas Update – Dorie Bacon, Georgia Economic Development
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Regulatory Discussion – Tripp Cofield, Georgia Bankers Association, and Melissa Sneed, Department of Banking and Finance
- Commercial Real Estate in Georgia – Cal Evans, Synovus
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Economic Update – Roger Tutterow, Kennesaw State University.
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Thank you to our sponsors!
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Lending Seminars Next Week in Macon
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There’s still time to register for two practical lending seminars next week at Middle Georgia State University’s Macon Campus. Shannon Fortson, executive vice president and chief credit officer at Vallant Bank, will lead both programs.
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CONFERENCE SESSION SPOTLIGHT
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Fresh Off Election Day: Breaking Down the 2026 Results
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When GBA’s Financial Risk Management Conference gets underway Nov. 5, attendees will be just days removed from the 2026 midterm elections, making it an ideal time to sort through the results and consider what comes next.
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John Ashford of The Hawthorn Group will return for a “Snap Analysis of the 2026 Election Outcome.” With the results fresh, Ashford will offer a timely perspective on what happened at the polls, the political landscape taking shape in Washington and Georgia and what bankers should be watching as the next chapter unfolds.
The conference is Nov. 5-6 at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory. It’s shaping up to be a great gathering of Georgia’s financial risk professionals, so make plans to join us.
Important: The hotel room block cutoff is Oct. 13. Be sure to reserve your room before the deadline!
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Thank you to our sponsors!
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Start 2027 Informed and Connected at GBA’s Legislative Forum and Reception
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Registration is now open for our Legislative and Economic Forum and Reception, Wed., Jan. 27, 2027, at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (downtown).
With 2026 being a major election year in Georgia, 2027 will bring new faces to the General Assembly, making this annual event an especially timely opportunity to connect with legislative leaders and stay informed on issues affecting Georgia’s banking industry.
The 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.
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Thank you to these Associate Members who are showing their support of the event through sponsorship:
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Prepare Your Bank’s Next Generation of Leaders and Experts
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Two of GBA’s signature banker education programs return to Athens April 25-30, 2027. Registration is now open for the Georgia Banking School and GBA Compliance School, both held at the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel. Whether developing future bank leaders or strengthening compliance expertise, these programs provide focused education, peer connections and practical knowledge bankers can put to work.
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GEORGIA BANKING SCHOOL
For more than 65 years, this school has developed generations of leaders who have shaped banking across the state. The program prepares emerging leaders for greater responsibility while helping banks build their management-level talent. Students learn from industry experts, expand their understanding of the banking business and build relationships with fellow bankers from across Georgia. The Georgia Banking School Board, led by Peter Faser of The Profitability Coach, is planning another strong session for 2027.
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GBA COMPLIANCE SCHOOL
The two-year GBA Compliance School equips new and experienced compliance professionals with the knowledge and tools to build, oversee and maintain an effective compliance management program. Year 1 focuses on building a strong foundation across bank departments, while Year 2 takes a deeper dive into the practical application of lending, deposit and operational regulations. Alumni can continue their education through the flexible ACE Track, earning credits toward a GBA Compliance School Master’s.
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Both schools combine intensive learning with the opportunity to step away from the bank, exchange ideas with peers and build professional relationships that continue well beyond the week in Athens. Secure your seat now and make plans to join us April 25-30.
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More Upcoming Events and Training Opportunities
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ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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Presenting Powerfully, Avoiding Check Fraud, Coaching Teller Excellence 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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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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Strategic Partner Office Depot Business: Savings Tailored for Banks
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GBA members can take advantage of significant savings through the GBA-endorsed Office Depot Business group-purchasing program, with discounts of up to 80% off MSLP on hundreds of frequently purchased products. Banks can also customize an additional group of products to better reflect their unique purchasing needs while receiving steeply discounted pricing. For banks, the program goes beyond traditional office supplies. Office Depot Business offers a broad menu of branch-focused products, including deposit bags, currency straps, thermal paper, coin supplies and fraud-protection products, along with cleaning and breakroom supplies, furniture and space planning, and print, promotional and apparel services. Check out this brochure to see how Office Depot Business can help your bank lower costs while tailoring purchases to the products your team uses most. To get started, contact Katherine Booth at katherine.booth@odpbusiness.com or 512.764.1323.
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Build, Co-Manage, or Outsource? How Community Banks Should Evaluate Managed IT
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Even a strong, capable IT team can handle only so much. As responsibilities and risks grow, bank leadership teams need to decide where to keep investing internally and where outside expertise can help close gaps without sacrificing control. For many banks, the same team handling user support and system maintenance is also expected to monitor threats, manage vendors, test backups, prepare for exams and advance other IT initiatives. Everything may seem to be working fine until someone leaves, or an after-hours emergency hits. That changes the conversation around managed IT services. Instead of starting with, “Should we outsource IT?” ask: Where do we need more capacity, expertise or coverage, and what’s the most practical way to get it? Answering that question starts with a five-step review of your current needs, costs and options. Read more from GBA Associate Member CSI or visit www.csiweb.com for more helpful guidance.
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Caroline Murtaugh has been named regional managing director for Greater Atlanta and Georgia. Greg Costello also joined the firm as North Georgia regional director for Wealth Brokerage.
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Duluth – Loyal Trust Bank
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Jay (Jiho) Park has joined the bank as assistant loan operations manager, VP.
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Sherri Davis has joined the bank team at its Evans to Locks Road office.
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| Washington, D.C. – American Bankers Association
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Sam Drennen has joined the association team as vice president, fraud operations.
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Baton Rouge, LA – Graduate School of Banking at LSU
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Our sympathies to the family and friends of Don Woodland, longtime leader of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University, who passed away Sept. 16. Woodland began his career at LSU in 1966 and held several academic leadership roles before becoming full-time executive vice-president and director of the banking school. He retired in 2018 after more than 50 years of service to the school and banking education. Read more.
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| Bainbridge – First Port City Bank
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The bank is sponsoring the Flint River Fair, Oct. 6-10, supporting the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber and a longtime community tradition. The bank is also offering BOGO admission coupons at its Main and Southside branches while supplies last. Bank team members also recently joined students at Grace Christian Academy for Community Helpers Day, spending time with students and sharing in the school’s celebration of local community helpers.
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The bank served as presenting sponsor of the You Matter Mental Health Awareness Festival, organized by bank employee Hollie Burris in honor of her late husband. Bank employees also volunteered at the event, which brought the community together around mental health awareness, education and support.
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Moultrie – First National Bank
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The bank sponsored the Grand Champion Market Wether award at the Colquitt County Junior Livestock Association Lamb and Goat Show. Market President Cole Pitts presented the award to winner Lily Bass.
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Warner Robins – SunMark Community Bank
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The bank participated in Happy Hour Service Center’s Charity Day at Tidal Wave Auto Spa and made a donation supporting the organization’s programs and services for individuals with disabilities.
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Watkinsville – Oconee State Bank
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In recognition of 9-to-5 Day, the bank is supporting a future classroom of 20 children for a full year through OARC Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, helping provide books and encourage early childhood literacy.
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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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