ADVOCACY

General Assembly Session Set to Convene

The Georgia General Assembly will kick off its 40-day session on Monday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. GBA’s advocacy team is geared up for action, with a growing list of legislative priorities and issues.

To keep members informed, the GBA Legislative Update will be published every Friday during the session, providing detailed insights into the week’s activities.

As the session begins, GBA’s advocacy team is ready to assist with any questions or provide information about the legislative process or elected representatives. Stay tuned and engaged as we navigate this important time for the banking industry and the broader business community in Georgia.

• Elizabeth Chander, executive vice president, government relations and advocacy: echandler@gabankers.com, 404.372.7893
• Bo Brannen, senior vice president, member services and advocacy: bbrannen@gabankers.com, 404.731.9886
• Steve Bridges, government relations consultant: sbridges@gabankers.com, 770.789.5605
• Tripp Cofield, president and CEO: tcofield@gabankers.com, 617.909.9530.

ACTION ALERT

Keep Up the Outreach: Close the Stablecoin Loophole

As we flagged in mid-December, we need member help to urge the Senate to close a loophole in its GENIUS Act that threatens Georgia bank deposits and local lending. To protect consumers and prevent bank deposit flight, the GENIUS Act properly prohibits issuers from offering interest on stablecoins. While the bill bans interest by issuers, it does not clearly apply the prohibition to exchanges and third-party affiliates. The crypto industry is using that loophole to offer yield to customers who hold stablecoins on their platforms. GBA has joined the ABA and 51 state bankers associations urging our Senators and others to clarify the law.

Why it matters in Georgia: Treasury and ABA analysis point to billions in potential deposit outflows for Georgia banks — putting community bank lending to consumers and small businesses at risk.

Learn more: Get a full issue briefing from ABA Monday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. by webinar. It is free for all bankers regardless of ABA membership status. Details and registration here.

What to do: Please continue direct outreach to Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. Constituent voices matter.

Key points:

• Stablecoins paying interest could be mistaken for insured bank deposits.
• Community banks are especially vulnerable, as they depend heavily on local deposits to finance consumer and small business loans. Fewer deposits mean fewer loans—and the consequences are significant.
• Congress should clarify that the interest prohibition applies to stablecoin issuers, crypto exchanges and third-party affiliates.

Your contributions make a meaningful difference by supporting candidates who will advocate for the industry, your customers, and all our communities across the state. These efforts have put us on solid footing as we enter an important election year. Contributing to the GBA FedPAC at the end of the year were the directors, officers and eligible employees of Colony Bank, Fitzgerald, Heath Fountain, CEO. Thanks to all who participated, and a special thank you to the GBA BankPAC Board of Directors for their leadership.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Federal Reserve Resumes Penny Deposits in Welcome Move for Banks

Federal Reserve Financial Services announced it will resume accepting penny deposits from banks and credit unions at select commercial coin distribution locations beginning Jan. 14, a welcome update for GBA member banks supporting coin services for customers. The move restores services that had been suspended at some locations due to local inventory constraints, helping ease operational challenges for banks. The Federal Reserve said it will monitor deposit activity to determine whether expanded ordering options may be possible, noting that penny production has ended. The Federal Reserve distributes coins to banks and credit unions on behalf of the U.S. Mint and does not provide coins directly to businesses or consumers. More details here. Also, here’s a link to an additional suite of resources that may be helpful to bankers.

Agencies Update CRA Asset-Size Thresholds for 2026

The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have released the updated asset-size thresholds that will be used to determine Community Reinvestment Act examination categories for 2026.

Based on a 2.51 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, a “small bank” is defined as an institution with assets of less than $1.649 billion as of Dec. 31 of either of the prior two calendar years. An “intermediate small bank” is a small institution with assets of at least $412 million as of Dec. 31 of both prior two calendar years and less than $1.649 billion as of Dec. 31 of either year.

The updated thresholds took effect Jan. 7 upon publication in the Federal Register and remain in place through Dec. 31, 2026. CRA asset-size classifications determine which examination procedures apply when regulators evaluate how institutions meet the credit needs of their communities. A list of the current and historical asset-size thresholds is available here.

FDIC Expands Transparency Around "Failing Bank Resolutions" Process

FDIC has updated its public website to provide more transparency into how failing financial institutions are marketed and sold. The changes, detailed in FIL-62-2025, apply to all FDIC-insured institutions and build on lessons from the 2023 bank closures.

The FDIC expanded its Resolutions section to clarify bidding processes, including nonbank asset bidders and “alliance bids,” where multiple parties pursue an acquisition together. Several pages were updated, including franchise sales, transaction types and loan sales, and a new page outlines loan pools offered to buyers before a bank closed.

The agency also posted sample transaction document templates to help institutions review materials ahead of potential acquisition opportunities. These include purchase and assumption agreements, confidentiality agreements and loan sale documents. Templates may be updated over time and may differ from those used in specific transactions.

ATTENTION ATTORNEYS!

Status of Important Cases for January 2026

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.

MEMBER NEWS

Earnest Named President-Elect of GSB-LSU

First National Community Bank President and CEO Ryan Earnest has been named the 2026 president-elect of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. Earnest currently serves on both the GBA and GBA Insurance Trust boards of directors and has been part of the banking industry since 1996. A graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU, Earnest has remained actively involved with the program and the broader industry.

GBA Members Recognized in 2026 List of Influential and Notable Georgians

Georgia Trend recently published its 2026 lists recognizing influential and notable leaders across the state. Congratulations to the following members who made the list.

100 Most Influential Georgians:

• Kevin Blair, chair, CEO and president, Synovus
• Katie Saez, regional president, Georgia and Alabama, Truist Financial Corp.

Notable Georgians:

• Palmer Proctor, CEO, Ameris Bank and Ameris Bancorp
• Al McRae, president, Bank of America Atlanta
• Randy Koporc, EVP, regional president in Georgia and Alabama, Fifth Third Bank
• Mary Beth Coke, EVP, commercial banking district director, Regions Bank.

Additionally, GBA President and CEO Tripp Cofield was named to the 2026 Notable Georgians list. Read more.

GBA NEWS

Ag Committee Plows Ahead in 2026

Under the leadership of Chair Will Moore, WB&T Bankshares, and Vice Chair Lisa Hodges, Morris Bank, the GBA Agriculture Committee met Wednesday to address how the ag industry is shaping up for the coming year and to plan the annual Rural Development and Lending Conference. The common theme expressed by committee members in reporting conditions around the state is that 2026 will be another difficult year for their farm customers. While yields in 2025 were generally good for many key crops, high input costs and low commodity prices will continue to stress farm financials. The state’s timber industry continues to have a rough time as it deals with ongoing aftermath of Hurricane Helene and major mill closures in the past year. The cattle industry is one of the bright spot these days, and bankers are working with their customers while business is good to manage potential risk down the road. The committee got a good start on setting the program for the conference, which will be May 18-19 at the King and Prince on St. Simons Island. Look for details and registration to open soon. We also welcomed new members to the committee: Madison Sauls, Bank of Dawson, and Jim Hodges, executive director, Georgia Development Authority. With questions, contact Alison Moreau.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Brett Rawls

2026 OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

Precision and Performance: Project Management That Works in Banks

Brett Rawls, head of client engagement at Profit Resources, will be featured at the 2026 Operations and Technology Conference with a practical session focused on project management in banking. In an industry shaped by regulation, precision, and trust, Rawls will share strategies designed specifically for banks to help drive consistent results.

The session will explore how to tailor project management methods for financial institutions, build flexible structures, deploy effective tools, and develop the right people to lead complex initiatives. Attendees will gain actionable insight they can apply immediately to support growth, manage change, and improve execution across operations and technology teams.

The conference will take place Feb. 25–27 at The DeSoto in Savannah. Click here to review the full agenda featuring sessions on managing growth, change, and innovation. The hotel room block cutoff is Feb. 2!

A huge thank you to our sponsors:

• Platinum Sponsor: BankOnITUSA, a UFS Company
• Gold Sponsor: Advantage, powered by JMFA
• Silver Sponsor: ICI Consulting.

Early Enrollment Deadline Feb. 27 for Georgia Banking School First Year Students

Plans are coming together for the 2026 session of Georgia Banking School, GBA’s flagship three-year program focused on building the technical knowledge, strategic perspective and leadership skills bankers need for long-term success. Since 1961, the school has prepared thousands of bankers to lead in every area of their institutions.

The 2026 session will be held April 26–May 1 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education in Athens. First-year students are encouraged to enroll early to take advantage of discounted tuition. Early enrollment is open through Feb. 27, with tuition set at $2,600. Regular tuition increases to $2,700 after that date and includes housing, most meals, course materials and instruction.

Georgia Banking School is designed for high-potential bankers ready to grow and invest in their careers while building peer relationships that last well beyond the classroom. 

Peter Faser

TWO LOCATIONS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

Master Business Cash Flow Analysis to Make Smarter Lending Decisions

Boost your lending confidence with this hands-on seminar designed to sharpen your cash flow analysis skills and enhance your lending performance. Led by Peter Faser, business strategy advisor with The Profitability Coach and chairman of the Georgia Banking School Board of Directors, this full-day program gives you practical tools to assess business repayment capacity and make more confident credit decisions.

Through a mix of lecture and interactive casework, you’ll learn how to:

• Identify key financial trends and cash flow drivers
• Analyze operating cycles and business performance
• Apply a four-step process to evaluate loan requests effectively

Whether you’re a small business lender, commercial lender, or credit analyst, you’ll leave with actionable insights to strengthen your underwriting and credit analysis.

• Canton – Click here to register.
  Feb. 24, 2026 | Cherokee Conference Center at The Bluffs
• (New!) Tifton – Click here to register.
  March 12, 2026 | Georgia Chamber of Commerce – Center for Rural Prosperity

Registration Opening Soon!

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

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

• Legislative and Economic Forum & Reception - Jan. 28, The Ritz Carlton, Downtown Atlanta

• Call Report Seminar - Feb. 3, Middle Georgia State University, Macon

• Breaking into Banking 101: Fundamentals of Commercial Lending - Feb. 25, Zoom Webinar

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

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

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

• Bank Security Conference - April 13-15, The Westin Jekyll Island

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

ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

Using AI as Your Writing Assistant, Teller Basics, ACH Basics and More

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

• Using AI as Your Writing Assistant – Jan. 12
• ABA AI In Banking Workshop – Jan. 12-Feb. 6
• Managing a Successful Call Center – Jan. 13
• 4 Pillars of Exceptional Supervision: Your Toolbox for Success in Leading a Team – Jan. 16
• Teller Basics: Upskill for a Digital World
• Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Regulations' Current Requirements: Succeeding Today While Planning for the Future (All-Day Streaming) – Jan. 22
• CRE Appraisals: Regulations and the Review Process – Jan. 29
• ACH Basics: Understanding the ACH Network – Feb. 3

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

2026 Banking Benefits & HR Policies Survey Opens
Jan. 12

The 2026 Banking Benefits and HR Policies Survey, conducted by GBA partner Pearl Meyer, will open on Jan. 12. It offers banks a valuable opportunity to benchmark their benefits and HR practices against peers across the state and industry. The survey captures detailed data on paid time off, health and wellness benefits, retirement plans, disability and life insurance, payroll and organizational costs, work-from-home practices, and more. For more information, contact Rhonda Snyder at 984.258.2409 or rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com.

Key Dates to Know

• Survey opens: Jan. 12
• Data submission deadline: March 6
• Results published: May 11.

Artificial intelligence is already at work inside community banks, often quietly, inconsistently, and without formal oversight. The full A.I. Framework, developed by GBA Associate Member Artificial Intelligence Risk, shows how to bring structure to this reality. It gives bank leadership a clear roadmap for governing A.I. as an institutional asset rather than a collection of tools. The report explains how to reduce risk, eliminate shadow A.I., and deploy intelligence to strengthen compliance, improve efficiency, and support better decision-making. It is designed for boards, executives, and risk leaders who need clarity, not hype. Whether your bank is just starting or already experimenting, this resource will help you move forward with confidence, discipline, and control. Visit www.aicrisk.com to learn more.

AI is moving from buzzword to business driver in banking, but lasting success depends on more than technology. This free webinar with experts from GBA Strategic Partner Abrigo explores how to move from experimentation to execution through strong strategy, governance, and alignment. See where other banks are finding the most value with AI and what roadblocks often slow adoption. They will also cover how to document and explain models, manage privacy and vendor risk, and plan for sustainable growth that drives performance while managing risk. Click here to register.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

Question: We received a “Satisfactory” CRA rating in November 2023 and have $3.4 billion in total assets. Under the FDIC’s updated examination guidance, when should we expect our next CRA exam?

Answer: Well, as luck would have it, this is exactly the kind of scenario the FDIC’s recent updates are meant to clarify. As this question alludes, the FDIC revised its Consumer Compliance Examination Manual to adjust how often banks receive full-scope consumer compliance and CRA examinations. For many institutions, this means longer cycles between full exams, paired with risk-based midpoint reviews instead of automatic full examinations.

Depending on size and risk (i.e., their previous evaluation), institutions will fall into one of three schedules: 66-78 months, 54-66 months, or 24-36 months between full reviews. Those on the longer cycles will undergo a midpoint risk analysis to determine if any intervening supervision, like a targeted visitation, is needed.

Applying that framework here: with $3.4 billion in assets (assuming the bank exceeded the $3 billion threshold on both of the prior year-end Call Reports) and a “Satisfactory” CRA rating, the Manual places the institution in the 24–36-month examination cycle.

That means the next full-scope CRA examination would be expected sometime between November 2025 and November 2026, absent a change in risk profile or supervisory concerns that would prompt earlier intervention. The FDIC’s examination frequency framework is laid out in the Consumer Compliance Examinations — Examination and Visitation Frequency (and this particular asset size is covered in Table 4).

Compliance Hub for Banks

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

NEWSMAKERS

Katina Nobles

Alamo - SunMark Community Bank

The bank officially opened its Alamo branch under the leadership of Branch Manager Katina Nobles along with team members Janice Cox, Karen Branch and Janet Henry.

Columbus / Atlanta - Synovus Financial Corp. / Pinnacle Financial Partners

Synovus Financial Corp. and Pinnacle Financial Partners have completed their previously announced all-stock merger. The transaction, valued at approximately $8.6 billion, was finalized Jan. 2. The combined holding company will operate under the Pinnacle Financial Partners name and be headquartered in Atlanta. Read more.

Eastman - Magnolia State Bank

Tatjana Thompson-Robards has been promoted to senior loan processor.

Elberton/Dublin - Pinnacle Bank/Morris Bank

Pinnacle Financial Corporation and Morris State Bancshares, Inc. announced a unified holding company name: Vallant Financial, Inc. The new brand reflects the organizations’ longstanding commitment to community banking and follows a strategic partnership announced in November. Read more.

Jasper - Renasant Bank

North Georgia Region Community & Business Banking President Ken Davis retired effective Jan. 2 after serving in his role for over 14 years. Read more.

Lawrenceville - First American Bank and Trust

Deidra Harris has joined the bank’s Lawrenceville team. Read more.

Richmond Hill - Great Oaks Bank

Great Oaks Financial Holdings, Inc, the parent holding company for Great Oaks Bank, raised $6 million in new capital to support additional asset growth and expansion of the bank. Read more. 

Watkinsville - Oconee Financial Corporation

Stuart Willis has been appointed to the Oconee Financial Corporation Board of Directors. Willis succeeds Bob Bishop, who retired in September after 34 years of service. Read more.

Atlanta - FHLBank Atlanta

Wesley Brooks, Deputy Commissioner for Homeownership, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and Deputy Executive Director, Georgia Housing Finance Authority, has been appointed to the bank’s 2026 Affordable Housing Advisory Council. Read more.

Saint Simons Island - Symphona LLP

Schell & Hogan LLP has joined the firm effective Jan. 1. Schell & Hogan’s office will continue operating at 101 Plantation Chase in Saint Simons Island under the Symphona name, with four partners joining Symphona. Read more. Additionally, the firm has added Dani Ashley, CPA, as partner. Read more.

Tampa / Pensacola - Saltmarsh

Jason Keith, CIA, CISA, and Jay Newsome, CPA, have been named firm partners effective Jan. 1. Read more.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Atlanta - Synovus Bank

The bank has made a $500,000 equity equivalent investment in Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership Inc. to expand access to affordable and mixed-income housing across metro Atlanta. Read more.

Chatsworth - First National Community Bank

The bank has sponsored the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce’s signature Keep It In The County campaign. Read more.

Darien - Southeastern Bank

Team members in the bank’s footprint assisted with Habitat for Humanity of Glynn County’s Women Build helping install siding on a house earmarked for a single mom and her family.

Newton County - United Bank

The bank donated to the Peach Education Tax Credit supporting initiatives that reflect the priorities of Newton County Schools including strengthening literacy, closing opportunity gaps and workforce development.

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.