INDUSTRY NEWS

Statewide Deposits Increased by $12.3B in 2025

The FDIC’s annual summary of deposits shows banks doing business in Georgia held about $354 billion of in-market deposits as of June 30, 2025, up 3.6% from about $342 billion the year before. A total of 187 banks reported deposits in Georgia, with services offered through 2,024 branches.

There were 137 Georgia-based banks reporting this year, and 50 out-of-state banks from 21 different states. Last year’s report reflected 141 Georgia-based banks, 49 out-of-state banks, and institutions from 19 states. Access the full report here.

Preparing for the Phase-Out of the Penny

In February, the U.S. Treasury stopped producing new pennies as part of a federal cost-cutting initiative. While pennies remain legal tender (an estimated 250 billion are still in circulation), availability is slowing. As circulation tightens, businesses have been advised to consider adjusting their cash-handling practices:

• In areas experiencing penny shortages, banks and retailers may need to modify how they handle transactions.
• Options include rounding transaction amounts, posting signage, or encouraging customers to use electronic payments.
• Clear, proactive communication with customers will be essential as adjustments take place.

Electronic payments are unaffected, and rounding to the nearest nickel is expected to become standard. A Federal Reserve analysis estimates only a modest consumer impact, with rounding generally balancing out over time, but this up for debate. GBA is closely following this transition and participating with an ABA working group on the issue. ABA has developed these talking points for consideration.

Georgia Ranked #1 for Business for 12th Year in a Row

For the 12th consecutive year, Georgia has been named the No. 1 state for doing business in Area Development’s annual Top States for Doing Business survey.

This year’s survey highlights not only Georgia’s consistency but also how the criteria for success have evolved. States are now being measured on how effectively they can align land, labor, logistics and leadership behind fast-moving projects — not just on incentives or low taxes. Consultants cited Georgia’s ability to deliver integrated solutions across agencies, utilities and education partners as a key factor in maintaining its top spot.

The recognition reflects Georgia’s continued strength in infrastructure, workforce systems and project execution, all of which position the state as a reliable partner for business investment and growth. Read more.

USDA Now Accepting Applications for Stage I of Disaster Relief Assistance for 2023–2024 Losses

USDA has launched Stage I of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), providing up to $16 billion for producers with eligible crop losses from natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. Producers who previously received assistance through crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) are eligible in this first stage. Prefilled applications were mailed July 9, and in-person signup began July 10 at county FSA offices. Payments are based on adjusted insurance or NAP coverage and capped at 90% of the loss.

Eligible losses include freezes, hurricanes, floods, drought and other disasters. Drought-related losses qualify if a county was rated D2 (severe drought) for eight consecutive weeks or D3 (extreme drought) or greater intensity. Producers who receive SDRP payments must purchase crop insurance or NAP coverage at the 60% level or higher for the next two crop years.

Stage Two signups for additional uncovered and quality losses will begin this fall. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/sdrp.

CRIME & PUNISHMENT

Augusta Pair Sentenced in $550K Mail Theft and Check Fraud Scheme

Two Richmond County men have been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for using a stolen USPS collection key to steal mail and carry out a check fraud scheme that targeted individuals and businesses. Federal prosecutors said the defendants stole business checks from mailboxes, altered them and deposited the funds into accounts controlled by co-conspirators. They attempted to steal more than $550,000 and were able to withdraw funds until banks flagged the transactions as fraudulent. Each was sentenced to 120 months in prison plus five years of supervised release and ordered to pay fines and assessments. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI. Read more.

ADVOCACY

GBA Supports Indexing Proposal in Joint Letter to FDIC

GBA along with 51 other state banking associations and the ABA this week voiced support for the FDIC’s plan to adjust and index certain regulatory thresholds. The letter points out that static thresholds need to be modernized, with inflation and growth pulling more banks under rules never meant for them. This increases costs and adds to existing compliance burdens. Indexing would allow thresholds to adjust over time, resulting in a more practical, balanced regulatory framework. The letter also recommends tying asset- and activity-based thresholds to GDP, while using price indexes for consumer thresholds. Read the letter.

2025 Georgia BankPAC Going Strong

The 2025 BankPAC campaign has had a great week! Have you participated yet? Contribution forms for the FedPAC and StatePAC along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of gabankers.com with easy to follow options for making these contributions. As a reminder, state-chartered banks or national bank holding companies may contribute to the StatePAC, while eligible individuals may do so to the FedPAC. Members of the BankPAC Board of Directors are making calls now, so please talk with them about this year’s effort and plan to participate soon, if you have not already. If you have questions, contact Elizabeth Chandler at 404.372.7893 or Bo Brannen at 404.731.9886.

Contributing to the GBA StatePAC already are the following banks:

• Community Bank of Pickens County, Jasper, Ryan Keeter, president & CEO
• River City Bank, Rome, Matt Robbins, president & CEO.

And, contributing recently to the GBA FedPAC from eligible employees, officers and directors of the following banks are:

• Georgia First Bank, Soperton, Maury Beasley, president & CEO
• United Bancshares, Peachtree Corners, Monty Watson, Regional President
• West Central Georgia Bank, Thomaston, Bill Bazemore, CEO.

MEMBER NEWS

Learning Every Day: Sara Heath’s Approach to Growth in Banking

Sara Heath didn’t just get her start at Bank of Dawson—she built her career there. Starting as a bookkeeper, she worked her way through various operations roles and now serves as assistant vice president and compliance officer. Through it all, her approach has been to stay curious and keep asking questions. “Always, always, always ask the why… even if you don’t think it makes sense,” she said. “Never stop learning.”

Now a member of GBA’s Compliance Committee, Heath carries that mindset into every policy, procedure and audit trail. And she never forgets the customer side of the business, either. Though most of her work today happens behind the scenes, she still enjoys opportunities to reconnect with familiar faces during community involvement days. Read more in her full GBA Member Profile.

Related: There's still time to join the Compliance Committee at the annual GBA Compliance Conference Oct. 20-22 at The Westin Jekyll Island. Monday is the last day to reserve a room at GBA's discounted group rates!

TRAINING & EVENTS

AI, Ag Trends and Market Risks the 2025 GBA Credit Conference Agenda

The full agenda is now available for the 2025 GBA Credit Conference, set for Dec. 4-5 at the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. Planned by the GBA Credit Committee, this year’s program will deliver timely updates on economic conditions, agricultural markets, artificial intelligence and evolving credit risks. Highlights include:

• Economic Update – Roger Tutterow, Henssler Financial Endowed Chair, Kennesaw State University
• Why AI Should Be on Everyone’s To-Do List – Roman Nazarewycz, Director, Client Engagement, Zest AI
• Agricultural Economy Update – Will Secor, Assistant Professor & Extension Livestock Economist, University of Georgia
• Clarity and Credit: Navigating Uncertain Waters – Cal Evans, Senior Director, Market Intelligence & Analytics, Synovus
• Fireside Chat with State Rep. Houston Gaines and GBA’s Tripp Cofield.

Peer-led panels and roundtable discussions will also provide opportunities to exchange strategies and best practices with colleagues from across the state.

A special thanks to our sponsors:

• Platinum Sponsors: Steve H. Powell & Company
• Silver Sponsors: Carr, Riggs & Ingram; CRS Data; Mauldin & Jenkins; Point To Point Environmental; and Wipfli.
  
  

Bank Marketers to Explore AI and Share Strategies at December Peer Group Meeting

Sign up today for GBA’s 2025 Marketing Peer Group Meeting, Dec. 9 at the Methodist Home for Children & Youth in Macon. This full-day program is designed for bank marketing professionals to exchange ideas, learn new approaches, and strengthen peer connections.

Highlights include an interactive roundtable and a session with Eric Cook of WSI on using artificial intelligence in financial marketing. Attendees will discuss emerging trends, share practical strategies, and connect with colleagues to address common challenges. Registration includes lunch and the opportunity to submit hot topics for group discussion.

Reminder: Enroll Now for the 2026 GBA Compliance School

Now is the time to secure your spot in the 2026 GBA Compliance School, April 26–May 1, 2026, at the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. This premier two-year program equips both new and experienced bankers with the knowledge and leadership skills to build, oversee and maintain strong compliance programs. Program tracks include:

• Year 1 – Building the Base: Fundamentals of compliance and strengthening your bank’s compliance foundation.
• Year 2 – Applying the Knowledge: Practical applications for lending, deposit and operational regulations, plus advanced strategies.
• ACE Track – For Alumni: Flexible, customizable coursework for continuing education credits toward a GBA Compliance School Master’s.

Both Year 1 and Year 2 include housing in the registration fee, and all tracks feature valuable peer networking and leadership development opportunities.

Join Your Fellow BSA Pros!

BSA Peer Group Meeting

Nov. 4, Virtual

Register Here

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

• South Georgia Community Bank Symposium - Oct. 8, Valdosta State University

• New Account Documentation & Compliance Bootcamp - Oct. 8, Middle Georgia State University, Macon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEBINARS – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

Strategic Planning for Your Institution, Welcome to Banking, Coaching Tellers to Excellence and More 

Here’s a sampling of upcoming webinars.

• Accounting Basics/Refresher for Financial Professionals – Sept. 29
• Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity – Oct. 1
• 2025 Head Teller Training: All-Day Streaming – Oct. 2
• Small Business Lending Training Program – Oct. 7
• Strategic Planning for Your Institution: It’s All About Your Strategy! – Oct. 9
• What To Do When Your Vendor Gets Hacked – Oct. 15
• Welcome to Banking - Oct. 16
• Coaching Tellers to Excellence – Oct. 16
• Fraudulent Cashier’s Checks: Best Practices for Avoiding Losses – Oct. 29
• Opening New Accounts Training Program – Nov. 3
• Commercial Lending Training Program – Nov. 6

 Want to see the full webinar schedule?

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

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Make Plans Now to Use GBA’s Holiday Closing Decals in 2026

For more than 35 years, GBA has been the source for banks to purchase top-quality, thoughtfully designed Holiday Closing Decals, that provide a professional appearance and communicate the federal holiday closings recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with FDIC rules. Each set includes 11 unique decals. To place a new order, please contact Bo Brannen at bbrannen@gabankers.com. GBA Holiday Closing Decals feature:

• A unique decal for each holiday
• Large 6"x 9" size to maximize visibility
• No messy adhesive for easy removal and reapplication
• All-weather durability.

The digital landscape is shifting rapidly from Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). SEO helps websites rank on Google, while GEO makes banks show up correctly in AI answers. For banks, this change is critical: if AI tools cannot find or recognize your institution, customers may never see you as an option. GEO emphasizes reputation, verified content, and third-party credibility, making digital transparency and trust essential. Unlike SEO, where money could buy visibility, GEO rewards authenticity and accuracy. The future of customer trust lies in how effectively banks translate real-world credibility into AI-readable identity. Read more about GEO here.

The simple answer: yes. With the shifts in control in Washington and within federal agency leadership, this is a common question. From disparate impact to redlining, fair lending has undergone a wave of scrutiny. Join experts with GBA Strategic Partner NContracts to learn more about why fair lending remains a top priority. They will cover recent regulatory shifts, examples of technical violations and the importance of a strong compliance management system. They will also address how being prepared can protect your bank when future examinations include longer-than-expected lookback periods.

Commercial real estate lending is at a pivotal moment, with commercial banks and private credit increasingly competing and collaborating. In this one-hour session, experts from the S&P Global News and Research team will provide insights into rising risk expectations for commercial banks’ CRE loan portfolios, the impact of private credit and real estate debt funds, and evolving non-bank maturities. Discussion will also cover key sector data from SNL, the growing role of private equity and NDFIs, and strategies to navigate the CRE maturity wall. Start Q4 with a forward-looking discussion designed to equip you with data-driven insights and strategic perspectives on the future of commercial real estate finance.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

Question: How long should banks keep records of consumer complaints? Our policy says two years or since the last exam, but our state law allows up to seven years. Given the risk, should we extend the retention period?

Answer: There’s no single, definitive federal regulation that prescribes a universal retention period for consumer complaints. Instead, the appropriate retention period for a consumer complaint will generally be governed by the type/content of complaint received - so, for example, a complaint regarding an unauthorized electronic fund transfer may most appropriately follow Regulation E's record retention rules, whereas a complaint about an inaccurate deposit account disclosure would fall within Regulation DD's record retention scope. Read more here.

NEWSMAKERS

Atlanta - Coastal States Bank

Carol Stone, senior vice president and commercial lender, has been inducted into the Home Builders Association of Georgia Hall of Fame. Read more.

Augusta - Colony Bank

Hugh Hollar, senior vice president and director of homebuilder finance, has been inducted into the Home Builders Association of Georgia Hall of Fame. Read more.

Cumming - Coastal States Bank

David DeLucia has joined the bank as business banker. Read more.

Johns Creek - Loyal Trust Bank

Afshan Bano has joined the bank as senior vice president, retail growth leader.

Milledgeville - Exchange Bank

Julia Little has been promoted to loan compliance officer. Read more.

Milledgeville / Wrightsville - Century Bank & Trust / Bank of Wrightsville

Century Bancorp, Inc., parent company to Century Bank & Trust, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wrightsville Bancshares, Inc., parent company to Bank of Wrightsville. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, pending customary shareholder and regulatory approvals. Read more.

Vidalia - Altamaha Bank & Trust

The bank was voted Best Bank in a community competition organized by the Greater Vidalia Chamber, covering Toombs and Montgomery counties.

Sheryl Quick

Jennifer Posey and Bentley Murdock

Waynesboro - Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.

Sheryl Quick, Waynesboro market president, has retired after 35 years with the bank. Jennifer Posey has been named branch manager, and Bentley Murdock has joined the branch as business development officer.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Bainbridge - First National Bank

The bank sponsored Van R. Butler Elementary School in Walton County, supporting education and investing in the future of local students.

Dalton - Builtwell Bank

Bank team members partnered with the Dalton Police Department to serve nearly 200 Teen Maze volunteers grilled burgers in appreciation of their service. Teen Maze, now in its 13th year, helps high school sophomores explore the consequences of real-life choices through an interactive “game of life.”

Dublin - Bank of Dudley

The bank sponsored a hole and fielded a team in the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce golf tournament.

Macon - Planters First Bank

Bank team members delivered sweet treats from Acres & Oaks Kitchen to local law enforcement officers.

Perry - SunMark Community Bank

The bank supported Happy Hour Service Center during its Charity Day at Tidal Wave, helping raise funds for inclusive services. Team members also partnered with the Bazemore Cosby Group to supply turkeys to local military families. In addition, the bank served as Game Day Sponsor for the Veterans High School football game, hosting its annual Scholarship Throw Competition.

Thomasville - Thomasville National Bank

The bank adopted Mrs. Kolbey Bracewell’s first grade classroom at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School, providing resources to strengthen literacy and financial literacy skills.

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.