General Assembly Convenes, Annual Banking Department Housekeeping Bill Released
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The Georgia General Assembly officially kicked off its 40-day 2026 legislative session on Monday, Jan. 12. Throughout the session, we will publish our weekly Legislative Update on Fridays, delivered straight to your inbox, highlighting key developments, major debates and issues affecting the banking industry. The Banking Department’s annual housekeeping bill HB 945 by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe) has been filed and assigned to the House Banks & Banking Committee, chaired by Rep. Noel Williams (R-Cordele). We’ll be closely monitoring progress on this important piece of legislation. One key provision of the bill is the creation of protections against financial exploitation and the ability for banks to place holds on the accounts of elderly (65+) and disabled adults when suspicious transactions are detected. It establishes a trusted contact system that enables account holders to designate emergency contacts for financial institutions to reach in suspected fraud cases. The bill also imposes additional regulations on operators of virtual currency kiosks, including mandatory customer disclosures, daily transaction limits, fraud warnings and a 72-hour refund window for defrauded customers. We’ll cover more in Friday’s Legislative Update, so stay tuned. We also encourage you to bookmark the State Issues page on the GBA website, where you can see all the bills GBA is following.
Lawmakers will be in recess next week in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and to conduct budget hearings.
Related: Join us for the Legislative and Economic Forum & Reception Jan. 28 at The Ritz Carlton, Downtown Atlanta.
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How GBA and Georgia Bankers Advocate for Each Other: A Collaborative Approach
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At GBA, your advocacy team takes great pride in representing an association whose membership includes nearly every bank doing business in Georgia. The Georgia General Assembly is back in session in Atlanta, and member involvement is critical to identifying, prioritizing and advancing the legislative and regulatory issues that matter most to the banking community. One of the biggest wins from last year’s session was the passage of HB 586, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe), which extends the loan term exemption for the Intangible Recording Tax from more than 36 months to more than 62 months. This success could not have happened without the guidance and feedback of individual bankers such as Jay Torbert of Southeastern Bank, David Black of Georgia Banking Company and Perry Revell of AB&T, whose insights helped shape the legislation.
With more than 300 bankers serving on GBA committees and boards, we gain valuable insights from all individual experiences and group discussions. Every GBA board and committee meeting includes a call to identify issues that need attention. The GBA BankPAC Board is involved in the advocacy process and oversees the operation of the GBA Political Action Committees: GBA FedPAC and GBA StatePAC. The GBA Bank Counsel Section, comprising lawyers across the state, is instrumental in surfacing critical issues and providing expert feedback. The GBA Public Affairs Committee plays a pivotal role in evaluating legislative proposals, determining priorities and recommending positions to GBA’s Board of Directors, which makes the final decision on our advocacy efforts. This grassroots, banker-led approach has been the foundation of our advocacy success for years. The GBA team is already back at the Capitol working hard, so please contact any of them if you have questions or need information about legislative issues or any of your elected representatives.
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President Takes up Credit Card Issues
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President Trump in the past week has signaled support for two credit card issues that would restrict access to credit, weaken fraud protections and create unintended consequences for consumers and community banks. Late last week the President vowed to make good on a campaign promise to cap credit card interest rates at 10% beginning January 20. No details were given as to how this would be implemented, though we expect to hear more from the Trump Administration next week. Earlier this week President Trump posted on social media his support for the Credit Card Competition Act, which has been reintroduced by U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Roger Marshall (R-KS). While the measures are promoted as ways to broadly improve affordability for consumers, in reality they would have the opposite effect. GBA joins others with concerns that interest rate caps would lead to tighter underwriting, fewer card options and reduced rewards. And, we’ve been vocal with our Congressional delegation in explaining how interchange revenue supports fraud prevention, cybersecurity and cardholder benefits, and that mandating significant changes to the reliable system already in place could ultimately shift costs back to consumers and small banks.
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Community Bank Confidence Near Record High
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The Conference of State Bank Supervisors released the fourth quarter 2025 Community Bank Sentiment Index (CBSI) on Jan. 6, 2026, showing community banker confidence holding near record levels. The index registered 132 points—just one point below the all-time high set in the third quarter—marking a five-point increase from a year ago.
The CBSI reflects community bankers’ outlook on the future and is compiled quarterly from survey responses nationwide. An index reading of 100 represents neutral sentiment, with scores above 100 indicating positive sentiment.
To learn more about the fourth quarter CBSI, visit https://www.csbs.org/cbindex.
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Beige Book: Loan Growth Modest as Banks See Cautious Borrowers Late in 2025
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Banks across the Southeast reported modest loan growth late last year, led by gains in credit cards, while auto and other consumer lending declined amid continued borrower caution, according to the latest Beige Book from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Contacts said uncertainty about the economy and household finances continued to temper demand.
Employment levels were flat to slightly lower across the Sixth District, with more firms trimming staff than in the prior period. Businesses are increasingly using artificial intelligence to improve productivity and manage head count, though most contacts said meaningful labor impacts are still years away. Cost pressures persisted, particularly for labor, technology and insurance, prompting many firms to plan price increases in early 2026 to protect margins.
Housing prices leveled off or declined in many markets, and builders leaned on incentives to move inventory. Commercial real estate softened slightly as vacancy rates ticked up, while manufacturing activity was flat to modestly higher, with outlooks for 2026 mixed but generally more positive than earlier in the year.
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Customer Impersonation Ring Targeting Georgia Banks
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Morris Bank is sharing details of a recent attempted fraud scheme in one of its markets to alert fellow GBA members and determine whether other Georgia banks may have been affected. Law enforcement is investigating a group of men believed to be responsible for multiple fraudulent attempts across the state. On Friday, Jan. 9, several people attempting a transaction by impersonating a customer at a branch in Gray were apprehended by Jones County law enforcement with assistance from Pete Stuart, retired GBI special agent and security advisor for Morris Bank.
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Multi-State ATM “Jackpotting” Ring Dismantled in Middle Georgia
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Federal authorities have secured guilty pleas in a multi-state ATM “jackpotting” scheme that targeted banks in Georgia and other states, highlighting the growing sophistication of organized ATM fraud. Five Venezuelan nationals tied to the ring have been sentenced or pleaded guilty in the Middle District of Georgia to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Court records show the group used malware and other techniques to force ATMs to dispense cash at locations in Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky in late 2024. The thefts included successful attacks on ATMs operated by Peoples South Bank and Commercial Banking Co., along with failed attempts at other community banks. Investigators estimate that tens of thousands of dollars were stolen before the scheme was disrupted. The FBI led the investigation with support from state and local law enforcement agencies.
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Elaine Demarest and Chrys Henderson
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Demarest Strategy Group Steps Away from Facilitation of GBA Roundtables
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Elaine Demarest and Chrys Henderson of Demarest Strategy Group, Inc., have announced they will be stepping away from their facilitator role for GBA President / CEO and Finance / Operations Roundtables beginning in 2026. The firm has partnered with GBA to lead numerous Roundtables for more than 20 years now, starting with the 2004 formation of “The League,” a group of Georgia bank executives who banded together for some periodic fellowship and brainstorming. “We made this decision with sincere sadness. Chrys and I have decided to redirect this time back into DSG’s advisory practice,” Demarest said. “Although no longer on-site with you to share your brainstorming sessions, we will remain engaged with all of our Georgia clients, and involved with GBA as a loyal Associate Member. You can always contact us at: Elaine Demarest, edemarest@demareststrategy.com, 843.686.5044 (office), 843.422.0645 (cell), or Chrys Henderson, chenderson@demareststrategy.com, 828.785.3254 (cell). We have loved every minute spent with each of you at these tables. I think we have all evolved into better bankers from the valuable support synergies of these groups. We urge you to keep your GBA Roundtable seats and stay plugged in with your peers as GBA arranges for your 2026 sessions. Stay tuned for full details from GBA.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Elaine and Chrys for leading so many of GBA’s roundtable programs with such vision and expertise over the years. Their contributions leave a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the industry for years,” said GBA President and CEO Tripp Cofield. “The roundtables remain a cornerstone leadership experience for Georgia’s top bankers. While Elaine and Chrys have made the decision to step away from roundtables, it also opens the door to the program’s next evolution—one that builds on a strong foundation and brings fresh perspectives through new facilitators, while continuing to deliver the trusted peer learning and collaboration our members value.”
We’re excited that Peter Faser of The Profitability Coach and Chair of the Georgia Banking School Board of Directors will be the new CEO Roundtable facilitator. Stay tuned for details about a new facilitator for the Finance and Operations tables. We’ve identified a few quality candidates and are working to make sure they understand and can meet the unique needs of those tables. See below for more about Peter and other information about the ongoing programs.
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Faser to Lead CEO Roundtables
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GBA’s CEO and Finance and Operations Roundtables are entering a new chapter, with continuity and member value remaining the priority as facilitator transitions move forward. For the President/CEO Roundtables, GBA is welcoming Peter Faser, founder of The Profitability Coach, as the new facilitator. A longtime GBA instructor and current chair of the Georgia Banking School Board of Directors, Faser brings more than 30 years of experience advising banks and businesses nationwide. Read more about Peter here.
“Peter understands our membership well and has a rare ability to turn complex issues into productive, peer-driven conversations,” said Tripp Cofield, GBA president and CEO. “His credibility and facilitation style make him an outstanding fit.”
The Finance and Operations Roundtables will also continue and remain a signature offering. Because of the program’s broad scope and specialized focus, GBA is taking a deliberate approach to identify the right facilitator.
“The Finance and Operations Roundtables are truly unique, and we want to be sure we secure a facilitator with the depth, credibility and perspective this group deserves,” Cofield said. “We believe this approach will help ensure the program remains strong and relevant in the years ahead.”
Luke Flatt will continue to facilitate the GBA Leadership Roundtables. Participants in those tables will get details soon about program dates and pricing for the year.
With questions, contact Tripp Cofield, 617.909.9530, or David Oliver, 404.520.6311.
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A Strong Week of Learning at the BSA Summit
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This week, banking professionals from across Georgia gathered for the GBA BSA Summit, facilitated by Kristen Stogniew, Saltmarsh. This engaging program focused on current risks, regulatory expectations and best practices affecting today’s BSA and AML professionals.
Throughout the week, sessions addressed emerging risks, examiner priorities, and the importance of maintaining strong, risk-based BSA programs. Attendees also gained practical guidance on third-party risk management and sanctions/OFAC compliance, with discussions centered on enforcement trends, common challenges and effective controls.
A highlight of the Summit was the Fraud Flashpoints session, during which banker peer panelists shared real-world examples and mitigation strategies to address evolving fraud risks. The program also featured a law enforcement panel that offered valuable insight into investigations, collaboration and the critical role financial institutions play in identifying and reporting suspicious activity.
Thank you again to our silver sponsor: Mauldin & Jenkins.
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GBAIT Members: Remember Your Free 24/7 Telemedicine Benefit
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If you or a family member gets sick or needs care outside normal office hours, GBA Insurance Trust members have access to 24/7 telemedicine through First Stop Health at no cost. This benefit is available to anyone covered under a GBAIT health plan, including spouses and dependents.
First Stop Health connects members with licensed providers by phone or online, often within minutes, for common medical concerns such as cold and flu symptoms, infections, rashes and other non-emergency issues. Providers can answer questions, recommend treatment and, when appropriate, send prescriptions directly to your preferred pharmacy.
Telemedicine is an easy way to avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor’s office, urgent care or the ER while still getting timely care. Members can access services anytime, day or night, using First Stop Health’s phone or digital options. Access details on how to use this benefit here.
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Small Gestures Matter: An HR Leader’s People-First Approach
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As controller/HR manager and vice president at Planters First Bank in Hawkinsville, Leslie Farmer brings a people-centered mindset to her role, shaped by early lessons and reinforced through years in community banking. A member of the GBA HR Committee, Farmer says her approach has always come back to doing “what is good and right,” even in challenging situations.
Her first job as a cashier at a local Piggly Wiggly taught her how to work with the public and handle difficult moments with grace. A piece of advice she still carries came from a friend who encouraged her to “kill them with kindness,” a mindset that helped reframe tough interactions and continues to guide how she treats colleagues and customers alike. Read more in her GBA Member Profile.
Related: The GBA HR Committee looks forward to welcoming peers from around the state at the 2026 HR Professionals Institute March 25-27 at the DeSoto in Savannah. Learn more and register here.
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Michael Gordon, CPA, and Nicole Cunningham, CPA
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Less Than Three Weeks Away! Call Report Seminar
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Stay confident, accurate and audit-ready by attending GBA’s next Call Report Seminar Feb. 3 at Middle Georgia State University in Macon. Join your peers for a detailed, line-by-line review of commonly completed Call Report schedules, with expert tips for accurately reporting individual items. Led by industry-respected professionals from Mauldin & Jenkins, Michael Gordon, CPA, partner, and Nicole Cunningham, CPA, partner, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how schedules connect, how to spot inconsistencies and how to avoid the most common and costly reporting errors. This seminar is ideal for CFOs, controllers, operations officers and anyone responsible for Call Report preparation or review.
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2026 MARKETING CONFERENCE & CUSTOMER INSIGHTS WORKSHOP
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Social Media for Banks: Turning Relationships Into Results
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Jordyn Swanson, client growth and relationship manager at Social Assurance, will lead a practical social media session at GBA’s 2026 Marketing Conference focused on what actually works for banks online. Designed for marketing professionals looking to sharpen their strategy, the session will break down clear dos and don’ts for creating engaging, effective social media content that builds trust and credibility.
Swanson will share how banks can turn real customer stories and relationships into human-focused content that supports deposit growth and brand loyalty. The session will also explore ways to better align sales, marketing and community outreach teams to create advocates, leverage partnerships and generate measurable buzz across digital channels. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas they can put to work immediately.
The Marketing Conference & Customer Insights Workshop takes place March 25–27 at The DeSoto in Savannah. Click here to explore the full agenda, including the optional pre-conference Customer Insights Workshop and sessions on social media, creative strategy, leadership and peer collaboration.
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GBA member banks, Strategic Partners and Associate Members are invited to sponsor this event. Learn more.
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New Year, New Goals! Take Your Compliance Expertise to the Next Level in 2026
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Planned by the GBA Compliance School Board, the GBA Compliance School is a two-year program equips both new and experienced banking professionals with the tools they need to build, oversee, and maintain a strong compliance management program—all while sharpening leadership and team-building skills.
Program Options Available in 2026:
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Year 1 – Building the Base: Learn the fundamentals of compliance and strengthen your bank’s compliance foundation across all departments.
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Year 2 – Applying the Knowledge: Take a deeper dive into practical applications for lending, deposit, and operational regulations while advancing your proactive compliance strategies.
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ACE Track – Exclusively for Alumni: Continue your learning journey through flexible, customizable coursework and earn credits toward a GBA Compliance School Master’s.
Both Year 1 and Year 2 include housing in the registration fee. Students in all tracks will also benefit from peer networking, leadership development and the opportunity to form lasting professional connections.
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First Year Students: Enroll by Feb. 27 to Save on Tuition!
Georgia Banking School
April 26 - May 1
University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
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More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up
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- Legislative and Economic Forum & Reception - Jan. 28, The Ritz Carlton, Downtown Atlanta
Business Cash Flow Analysis Seminar - North - Feb. 24, Cherokee Conference Center at The Bluffs, Canton
Operations and Technology Conference - Feb. 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah
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Breaking into Banking 101: Fundamentals of Commercial Lending - Feb. 25, Zoom Webinar
Business Cash Flow Analysis Seminar - South - March 12, Georgia Chamber of Commerce Center for Rural Prosperity, Tifton
Breaking into Banking 201: Analyzing Repayment Sources - March 25, Zoom Webinar
- HR Professionals Institute - March 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah
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Bank Security Conference - April 13-15, The Westin Jekyll Island
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ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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Secrets of Being a Great Call Center Agent, CRA Refresher, Exploding Check Fraud 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:
Self-paced courses and reference guides:
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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2026 Banking Benefits & HR Policies Survey Now Open
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In partnership with Pearl Meyer, we are pleased to announce that the 2026 Banking Benefits and Human Resources Policies Survey questionnaire is now available. If you have not received a participation email, please contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com. This survey covers the following topics:
- PTO programs, vacation, sick days, holidays, etc.
- Health (medical, dental, vision) and wellness plans
- Flexible spending accounts
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Short and long-term disability benefits
- Life insurance
- Retirement plans (401(k), ESOP, defined benefit plans, etc.)
- Work-life benefits
- Retiree benefits
- Payroll and organization costs
- Work from home practices.
Also, as in prior years, the survey will include a designated section to collect and report information on “Bank Executive” Benefits and Perquisites. Please note: Only participants who complete the Bank Executive Benefits & Perquisites Section will have access to this portion of the survey report.
To make your survey submission process easier, those who participated in the 2024 Banking Benefits and Human Resources Policies Survey will be provided access to a printable version of their 2024 survey responses.
Key Dates and Pricing:
- Survey Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2026
- Submission Due Date: March 6, 2026
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Survey Results Published: Week of May 11, 2026
- $750 for participants.
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Empower Your 2026 Financial Strategy with Tools from GBA Partner S&P Global
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As 2026 strategies play out in the coming months, executive, financial planning and analysis, marketing and commercial lending teams will need differentiated data to stay ahead of the competition. Find out how GBA Partner S&P Global’s tools can help your bank operate 2025. Schedule a demo to learn more about the following tools:
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SNL Financial Institutions Regulatory Data - gives you access to bank, credit union and financial service companies' financial statement filings, allowing you to comprehensively assess your financial standing relative to your peers at the most granular level.
- SNL U.S. Bank Branch Data - gives you access to all US branch information for banks and credit unions captured daily from company websites, filings, merger news and government sources.
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U.S. Demographic Data from Claritas - provides Financial Product Demand data and Household Segmentation to effectively analyze current and prospective markets.
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Deposit Market Share enables peer comparison of Market Share and Deposit Growth in any specific City, County, State or MSA using data from the FDIC's Annual Summary of Deposits. Furthermore, it contains an ergonomic Growth-Share matrix for a quick market analysis.
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Mapping - The mapping tool overlaps your branch data with U.S. Market Demographics.
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ASSOCIATE MEMBER WOLF & CO.
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A Look at Bank Directors’ Top Priorities for 2026
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The role of a bank director is complex. Rules and regulations shift, technology demands grow, customers expect more, and governance requires constant attention. The team at GBA Associate Member Wolf & Co. has shared a snapshot of the areas that have stood out in recent director discussions and roundtable insights. Here is what jumped out across four key areas.
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Humanizing Digital Banking: Directors are focused on the importance of personal, relevant digital experiences that build trust and loyalty.
- Integrating Technology Strategically: Technology is central to strategy and must be staffed with skilled teams, held to high vendor standards, and balanced with human support.
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Managing Regulatory Complexity: Balancing federal and state regulations while actively advocating for innovation-friendly policy remains essential.
- Modernizing Governance: Streamlined materials, diverse perspectives, and hybrid meetings help boards operate more effectively.
Read more here.
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Atlanta - Citizens Trust Bank/Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
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President and CEO Cynthia Day was reelected to serve to a three-year term on the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s board of directors. Read more.
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Atlanta - Coastal States Bank
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Bank leaders rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in celebration of the initial public offering and official listing of its holding company, CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. Read more.
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Atlanta - First Horizon Bank
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Alex Morton has assumed the role of Atlanta market president. Read more.
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Bainbridge - First Port City Bank
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Allison Rathel has been promoted to loan administrator at the bank’s main branch.
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Johns Creek - Loyal Trust Bank
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Grace Lee has joined the bank team its new AML/CFT officer.
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Lexington, SC / Sandy Springs - First Community Bank / Signature Bank of Georgia
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First Community Corporation, the holding company for First Community Bank, announced the closing of its acquisition of Signature Bank of Georgia, effective Jan. 8, 2026. Following completion of the merger, Signature Bank of Georgia was merged with and into First Community Bank. Read more.
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| Locust Grove - Bank of Dudley
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The bank has opened a new branch in Locust Grove.
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Milledgeville - Exchange Bank
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Jessica Snow has been promoted to assistant vice president – human resources. Read more.
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Perry/Swainsboro - SunMark Community Bank
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SunMark Community Bank has officially merged with Atlantic South Bank / Wheeler County State Bank. As part of the merger, the bank welcomed its Swainsboro branch team led by Branch Manager Stephanie Fagler along with her team members Margo Riner and Emma English.
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Mark McRae has joined the bank’s Savannah team as a relationship manager.
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Vidalia - Altamaha Bank & Trust
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Andrew McIntyre has joined the bank’s Vidalia West office as a loan officer and assistant vice president.
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Travis Hill was sworn in as the 23rd Chairman of the FDIC.
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Bainbridge - First National Bank
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Bank team members Lorenda Smith, Briana Connell and Lee Griffin taught a group of Pelham Elementary School third graders how different jobs within banks use math in their everyday roles.
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Bainbridge - First Port City Bank
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Bank team members visited and gifted treats to the Decatur and Seminole County Sheriff's Departments along with the Bainbridge and Donalsonville Police Departments for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
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Coastal Georgia - Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company
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The bank’s coastal market branches served as drop-off locations for a food drive benefiting Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. Bank team members volunteered their time to sort and prepare donated items for delivery to those in need.
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| The bank recognized Law Enforcement Appreciation Day by gifting trays of food to local sheriff’s offices and police departments.
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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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