ADVOCACY

Action Alert: Comment on OCC Stablecoin Proposal

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is seeking industry feedback on a proposed rule to implement the GENIUS Act, which would establish a new regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. We encourage our OCC-regulated members to weigh in.

This proposal will help shape how stablecoins are issued, regulated and supervised, including requirements around reserves, redemption, risk management and oversight of bank and nonbank issuers. The outcome will have important implications for competition, consumer protection and the role of banks in digital payments.

The OCC is asking more than 200 detailed questions. Direct input from banks is critical to ensure the final rule reflects real-world effects on deposits, lending and community banking.

Comments are due by May 1. View a comment letter writing guide here.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fed Reopens Select Locations in GA for Penny Orders, Deposits

After months of limited availability, the Federal Reserve has begun reopening select locations in Georgia and elsewhere for penny orders and deposits, providing some relief for banks managing coin inventories.

Last August, the Fed announced it was running low on pennies and began closing certain locations to both deposits and order fulfillment. In January, the policy shifted as the Fed started accepting penny deposits again to rebuild supply. By March, about 40 locations had reopened to fulfill penny orders.

Banks can view the latest list of locations and services by visiting the Fed’s FAQ page and scrolling to the bottom for site-specific details.

GBA will continue to monitor updates as the situation evolves. Additional resources, including industry efforts around a potential penny phaseout, are also available here.

Beige Book: Modest Growth Continues as Uncertainty Weighs on Outlook

The latest Federal Reserve Beige Book shows the Southeast economy expanded slightly in late February and March, though rising uncertainty tied to geopolitical tensions is prompting businesses to take a more cautious approach.

For banks, contacts pointed to increasing cost pressures and hesitation around pricing and investment decisions. Higher fuel and input costs are expected to push inflation higher, with many firms indicating they may need to adjust pricing strategies in the coming months.

Employment remained stable overall, with limited hiring and moderate wage growth. Lower- and middle-income consumers continue to face financial strain, while higher-income segments are sustaining demand in areas such as wealth management and travel.

Across key sectors, manufacturers reported ongoing cost pressures and limited pricing power, while housing activity slowed and transportation contacts expect softer demand tied to rising fuel costs and broader uncertainty.

GBA NEWS

Bank Security Conference Highlights

Earlier this week we wrapped up another outstanding Bank Security Conference. Bank security pros from around the state took home practical strategies to strengthen security programs and respond to an evolving threat environment. The conference was led by Shane Bell, Planters First Bank, who serves as GBA Bank Security Committee chair.

Session highlights included:

We appreciate the strong support of our sponsors and exhibitors, whose partnership helped make this event a success. Exhibitors were Abram Armored, Bankpak, Cash Transactions, CBSI, dormakaba, Howard Technology Solutions, QSI, Southern Bank Equipment & ATMs, STS Group and Verint. Sponsors were ACE Technologies, DefenseStorm and Wittenbach.

Related: Share Fraud Alerts with Fellow Georgia Banks
Did you know GBA regularly shares fraud alerts submitted by member banks in the Bulletin? If your bank is seeing check fraud, scams or emerging trends in your community, please send that information to us and help alert fellow bankers across the state. Please send information to GBA's David Oliver and Katina Weiss.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Jaye Eubanks

Operations & Technology Peer Group A Few Weeks Away

Don't miss the spring Operations & Technology Peer Group meeting coming up May 4 at the Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Macon. Jaye Eubanks, 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. (See the Newsmakers section below for some big news about Jaye!)

Bank PR & Crisis Communications Webinar Series Kicks Off Next Month

Bank communications pros are invited to strengthen their media and crisis response skills through an upcoming two-part Bank PR & Crisis Communications Webinar Series. 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 on May 7, will focus on how to craft compelling media pitches and understand what journalists look for in banking stories. The second session, Inside the Tornado on May 14, 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.

Exchange Ideas and Insights with Fellow Bank Internal Auditors May 14

GBA’s next Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting is 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.

Registration Opening Soon!

Georgia BankPAC Pickleball Paddle Battle

Aug. 27, Rhythm & Rally, Macon

Reminder: Registration Now Open!

Women in Banking Conference

Aug. 13-14, Chateau Elan, Braselton

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

• 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

• 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

• Information Security Officer 101 Seminar - June 23, Middle Georgia State University, Macon

• Understanding Bank Performance Webinar Series - July 9-31, Zoom

• Leadership Conference - July 13-15, The Omni Amelia Island, FL

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

ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

Debit Cards, Complex Transactions, TRID Workshop 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:

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

• Debit Cards - Everything You Need to Know – May 5

• Bank Accounting Complex Transactions – 4 Part Series - May 6, 8, 13 and 15

• TRID Workshop - 2 Part Series – May 19

Self-paced courses, certificates and reference guides:

• ACH Rules & Regulations: Making Sense of the Legal Framework

• Teller Basics: Upskill for a Digital World

• Reference Guide to Regulatory Compliance

• Succession Planning for Banks

• ABA Bank Teller Certificate

Facilitated courses starting soon:

• Building Customer Relationships – April 27 - May 22
• Marketing Planning – April 27 - May 22

Build a Strong Foundation with ABA’s Banking Basics Suite

Whether you’re onboarding new employees or expanding knowledge across your team, the ABA Banking Basics Suite offers a comprehensive introduction to the banking industry. This self-paced program includes 12 courses covering key topics such as lending, payments, compliance and customer relationships.

Designed for both new bankers and professionals in support roles, the suite delivers practical, easy-to-apply insights that strengthen understanding of how banks operate and serve their communities.

Learn more and enroll today.

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Georgia banks play a key role in strengthening local communities, from increasing affordable housing to supporting economic growth and revitalizing historic downtowns. GBA Strategic Partner Monarch Private Capital helps banks turn tax dollars into impactful community investments with measurable results.

Through programs such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Historic Tax Credit (HTC), Monarch creates opportunities to make a meaningful difference while supporting financial and community goals. Click the links below to learn more:

• Low-Income Housing
• Film & Entertainment
• Historic

For more information, contact Monarch’s Ben Zachariah at bzachariah@monarchprivate.com, 404.889.8774.

GBA’s 2026 Georgia Banking Compensation Survey is Open for Participation

Take your compensation strategy to the next level by taking part in GBA’s 2026 Georgia Banking Compensation Survey.

The survey is open now for participation through May 22. If your bank needs participation information, please contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com.

Pricing for participants is $650; for non-participants, $1,495.

Recent insights from Associate Member Payroc highlight how merchant services are evolving from a transactional offering into a strategic component of commercial banking. In today’s competitive environment, marked by deposit pressures and growing fintech competition, integrated payment solutions can play a key role in strengthening business relationships. Merchant services may also help capture payment flows more effectively, supporting deposit growth and broader product adoption. As technology expectations continue to rise among business clients, banks that align payments with core commercial strategies may be better equipped to compete and grow. Read the full article from Payroc for additional details and analysis.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

Compliance Hub Features:

• Comprehensive Compliance Tools – Access 1,800+ downloadable, editable tools covering regulations across all bank functions.
• Expert Guidance On Demand – Document reviews plus a live compliance hotline via chat, email or phone.
• Training & Education – 70+ new training videos annually, live webinars with reference manuals and role-specific resources. Webinars can be used annually to meet CRCM continuing education requirements for all employees.
• Always Up to Date – Daily regulatory news, weekly newsletters, FAQs, easy-to-read summaries and a monthly magazine.
• Built-In Convenience – Regulatory calendar, compliance minutes and segmented tools to streamline oversight and exams.
• Bank-Wide Coverage – Support for every department, from tellers to executive leadership and the boardroom.

Learn more here.

Sign up for a free demo and 48-hour trial:

• Tuesdays at 11 a.m.
• Thursdays at 2 p.m.

NEWSMAKERS

Albany/Leesburg - Ameris Bank

Mark Johnson has rejoined the bank team as a senior business banker for its Albany and Leesburg markets.

Augusta - Queensborough National Bank and Trust Company

John Mark Capers has joined the Queensborough Mortgage team. Read more.

Blackshear - PrimeSouth Bank

The bank was voted Best Bank by the readers of The Blackshear Times.

Gainesville - Private Bank & Trust (proposed)

FDIC has granted conditional approval to launch the proposed Private Bank & Trust in Gainesville. The bank must raise at least $19 million in capital before opening its doors and maintain a Tier 1 capital-to-assets leverage ratio of 8% for the first three years of operation, according to an April 3 FDIC order. The proposed executives include Gregory Barrett as president and CEO and Brian Daniel as chairman of the bank and the holding company.

Jasper - Community Bank of Pickens County

Our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of bank board member Mike Denson, who recently passed away.

Gina Pak and Kevin McClung

Johns Creek - Loyal Trust Bank

Gina Pak has joined the bank as loan operations manager, and Kevin McClung has joined the bank as deposit operations manager.

Savannah/Rincon - Coastal States Bank

The bank announced its expansion into Effingham County with the appointment of Jamie DeLoach as Effingham Market President. Read more.

Jaye Eubanks and Thomas Williams

Lisa Carter

Zebulon - United Bank

Jaye Eubanks has been promoted to chief technology officer, Thomas Williams has been promoted to chief compliance officer and Lisa Carter has been promoted to senior vice president.

Washington, D.C. - FDIC

Benjamin Olson has been appointed director of the FDIC’s Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection. Shawn Khani has been appointed director of the FDIC’s Division of Resolutions and Receiverships. Trey Maust has been appointed chief innovation officer. Sam Lupas has been appointed deputy chief of staff and will serve as an advisor to the chairman and chief of staff.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Bainbridge - First National Bank

The bank is an Upper Deck Sponsor of Bearcat Baseball and was recognized at the recent Tuesday night game. Market President Bert Hines threw out the first pitch.

Dublin - Citizens Bank of Laurens County

Caitlin Lowery and Kory Tokar attended the College and Career Fair at East Laurens High School March 25. They discussed topics related to banking services and banking as a profession with students.

Hawkinsville - Planters First Bank

Bank team members delivered snack baskets for local CPAs, accountants and tax preparers on April 15.

Lawrenceville - Embassy National Bank

Bank team members recently participated in Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity's A Brush With Kindness event to help a community member in need.

Milledgeville - Century Bank & Trust

The bank donated to Ferst Readers of Baldwin County, supporting their work to promote early childhood literacy and a lifelong love of reading.

Perry - SunMark Community Bank

The bank’s March Casual Cause supported United Way of Central Georgia's READ UNITED initiative that helps promote literacy and a love of reading.

Rome - River City Bank

The bank’s Rome team hosted students from Pepperell High School and covered the basics of budgeting, understanding needs vs. wants, building a savings plan and the importance of planning for the future. Additionally, bank President and CEO Matt Robbins participated in this year’s ESP Rome Big Hoops fundraising event. Finally, the bank’s “Pie in the Face” event raised $1,392.09 to help Connie Mathis exceed her fundraising goal for the Rome Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth and Are You Smarter Than A 3rd Grader?

Savannah - BankSouth

The bank’s Savannah branch sponsored the Savannah Downtown Business Association's April Networking Luncheon: City of Savannah Parking Matters. A highlight of the afternoon was when bank customer Ansley Williams of Live Oak Restaurant Group was celebrated for 50 years in business of Spanky's restaurant.

Valdosta - Citizens Community Bank

A group of bank team members volunteered at Hunger Fight’s Valdosta Community Outreach Event. They helped package 108,864 meals for Title I elementary students and provide 3,800 books to preschoolers.

Atlanta - FHLBank Atlanta

FHLBank Atlanta is allocating $50 million through its Affordable Housing Program General Fund to support the purchase, construction and/or rehabilitation of owner-occupied, rental or transitional housing. This $50 million represents part of FHLBank Atlanta’s total commitment of $120 million in 2026 for affordable housing and community development. Financial institutions that are members of FHLBank Atlanta can partner with housing developers and sponsors to apply for grants up to $1.25 million per eligible project. Read more.

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.