ADVOCACY

State Sen. Bill Cowsert Added to Credit Conference Lineup

We’re excited that State Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) will be part of the advocacy fireside chat session at our upcoming Credit Conference that also includes State Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens) and GBA’s Tripp Cofield. Cowsert is Chairman of the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee. In addition to banking industry issues, the group will discuss House and Senate priorities for the 2026 legislative session, which begins in January. 

It’s all the more reason to join us for this year's conference in Athens Dec. 4-5. The program also includes Kennesaw State University’s Roger Tutterow with an economic update and sessions about AI, commercial real estate and overall credit quality trends, agribusiness and best-practices roundtable discussions. Get details and register here.

CFPB Proposes Scaled-Back 1071 Rule

We’re encouraged that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Thursday proposed narrowing several parts of its small-business lending data rule, taking a slower rollout it says is focused on core lending products, lenders and data. The move follows ongoing litigation that paused compliance deadlines. While these revisions are welcome, GBA continues to advocate for Congress to fully repeal section 1071 of the Dodd Frank Act that requires this additional regulatory burden. Key positive revisions include:

• Removing discretionary data points such as application method, denial reasons, pricing details and number of workers
• Excluding merchant cash advances, agricultural lending and small-dollar loans
• Raising the coverage threshold to 1,000 transactions
• Reducing the small business gross annual revenue threshold to trigger reporting from $5 million to $1 million
• Extending the compliance date for all institutions to Jan. 1, 2028.

While securing a scaled-back version of this rule has been yearslong priority, GBA will continue to advocate for Congress to fully repeal section 1071 of the Dodd Frank Act. Read the proposed rule here.

The Georgia BankPAC campaign is still going strong, and we invite you to join this effort by making a contribution that helps ensure Georgia’s banking industry maintains a strong voice in public policy discussions. All contribution forms and details are available on the Advocacy page of gabankers.com, including instructions and options for giving. State-chartered banks and national bank holding companies may contribute to the StatePAC. Eligible individuals may contribute to the FedPAC. If you have questions, contact Elizabeth Chandler at 404.372.7893 or Bo Brannen at 404.731.9886.

INDUSTRY NEWS

CFPB Proposes Removing Disparate Impact from ECOA

The CFPB Thursday proposed removing disparate-impact liability from its enforcement of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, following President Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to “deprioritize enforcement” of statutes and regulations that include disparate-impact liability. The plan also clarifies rules intended to prevent lenders from making specific statements that would purposefully discourage certain applicants and adds stricter limits on special-purpose credit programs using race, sex or national origin as criteria for qualification. Read the proposed rule here.

How 2026 Cost of Living Adjustments Affect Retirement Plans

The IRS announced today the Cost of Living Adjustments for 2026, including retirement plan limit updates. The maximum annual participant deferral limit for a 401(k) plan will increase from $23,500 to $24,500. The catch-up contribution limit for participants over age 50 will increase from $7,500 to $8,000. In addition, due to the SECURE 2.0 Act, participants who are 60-63 as of the end of the 2026 calendar year will to have a maximum catch up amount of $11,250 again next year.

Please click here to see other retirement plan limits for 2026 in the IRS announcement. We want to help you and your team members prepare for a financially stable retirement. GBA Retirement Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Georgia Bankers Association, is available to help you review your existing retirement plan. Benefits of the 401(k) plans offered through GBA Retirement Services include: competitive fees due to size of Master Trust, customized service from GBA staff, managed investment account solution for participants, flexibility and performance of investments, and added oversight by having American Trust Company as a Discretionary Trustee of each plan in the Trust. Having a Discretionary Trustee helps reduce your plan committee's fiduciary liabilities. Let us help you review your current plan and compare what GBA Retirement Services can do for you. Please contact Mandy Richards at 678.549.4167 with questions or for assistance in doing a periodic review and comparison of your retirement plan.

GBA & MEMBER NEWS

Bankers Well Represented in “Most Influential” List

Ten member bankers and two GBA leaders are listed among the 500 most influential Georgians by Georgia Trend magazine. We appreciate the magazine recognizing the important role bankers play in our state. They are: Kevin Blair, chairman, CEO and president, Synovus, Columbus; Mary Beth Coke, director and Atlanta market executive, Regions Bank, Atlanta; Cynthia Day, president and CEO, Citizens Trust Bank, Atlanta; Keith Fleming, market manager, South Atlantic Region, JP Morgan Private Bank, Atlanta; Randy Koporc, regional president, Fifth-Third Bank, Atlanta; Al McRae, president, Bank of America, Atlanta; Bartow Morgan, CEO, Georgia Banking Company, Atlanta; Palmer Proctor, CEO, Ameris Bank, Atlanta; Katie Saez, EVP and regional president, Truist Financial Corp., Atlanta; and Wendy Stewart, president, Global and Commercial Banking, Bank of America, Atlanta.

GBA President and CEO Tripp Cofield and GBA Insurance Trust President and CEO Russel Carlson were also recognized. Carlson, for his role as Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Community Health prior to coming on board with GBAIT. Read more.

Financial Risk Management Conference Highlights

Bankers from across the state gathered last week in Savannah for the 2025 Financial Risk Management Conference. The Asset/Liability Management Committee planned the conference, with Chair Matt Donaldson, Durden Banking Co., and Vice Chair Chad Hargrove, Classic City Bank, serving as program hosts on Thursday and Friday, respectively. See all the photos on GBA's Facebook page here.

Session Briefs

• Planning for 2026: Economic and Balance Sheet Outlook — Ryan Hayhurst, The Baker Group, unpacked conflicting economic trends, the Federal Reserve’s policy path and balance sheet strategies for interest rate risk, liquidity and the investment portfolio.
  
  
• Public Funds Strategies — David Oliver, Georgia Bankers Association, moderated a panel with Patrick Rutledge, FHLBank Atlanta, and Dave Still, IntraFI. Panelists shared updates on collateralization requirements, alternatives to traditional pledging and ideas for expanding public funds relationships.
  
  
• Liquidity Panel — Danielle Damon, Wipfli, led a discussion with Haynes Standard, First State Bank; Robbie Eidson, Southeastern Bank; and Martha Brown, Planters & Citizens Bank, on liquidity pressures tied to rate shifts, deposit behavior and regulatory scrutiny, along with practical strategies for strengthening liquidity management.
  
  

• The Methodist Home Tax Credit — Rev. Lynn Meadows-White, The Methodist Home, explained how Georgia taxpayers can redirect state taxes to support youth transitioning out of foster care through a 100 percent state tax credit.
  
  

• Exam Panel — Jonathan Hightower, Fenimore Kay Harrison, moderated insights from Mark Denard, Pineland Bank; Holt Redding, South Coast Bank; and Chris Bond, Morris Bank. Panelists outlined key exam themes, including deposit concentrations, capital planning and governance expectations.
  
  

• Audit Panel — Chad Hargrove, Classic City Bank, led a session featuring David Attaway, Symphona; Lacey Goggans, Nichols Cauley; and Ron Mitchell, Mauldin & Jenkins. Speakers highlighted emerging risks and best practices for audit readiness and year-end planning.
  
  

• Unlocking Value with AI — Tod McKenna, Citi Services, provided a forward-looking view of AI’s growing role in financial services, offering a practical framework for identifying strong use cases and ensuring responsible, human-centered adoption in community banks.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors

GBA gratefully acknowledges Profit Resources as Platinum Sponsor; Ncontracts as Gold Sponsor; and our Silver Sponsors Baker Tilly US, BOK Financial, Carr Riggs & Ingram, FHLBank Atlanta, FHN Financial, ServisFirst Bank and Wipfli. Thanks also to exhibitors Empyrean Solutions, FHN Financial and IntraFi for their partnership throughout the event.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Secure Your Spot in 2026 Georgia Banking School

Make plans to enroll today for the 2026 session of Georgia Banking School, GBA’s flagship three-year program that builds the technical knowledge, strategic thinking and leadership skills needed for long-term success. Since 1961, the school has prepared thousands of bankers to lead in every area of their institutions.

• Who should attend?
  Bankers with potential—your A-players eager to learn and ready to grow.
  
  
• When and where?
  April 26 - May 1, 2026, in Athens
  
  
• How much?
  $2,600 early-bird tuition (includes housing, most meals, materials and instruction)

Students gain a comprehensive view of banking and build peer relationships that last a lifetime.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Master Business Cash Flow Analysis, Make Smarter Lending Decisions

Feb. 24, 2026 | Cherokee Conference Center at The Bluffs | Canton, GA

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 faculty member of the Georgia Banking School, 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.

Strengthen Your BSA/AML/CFT and OFAC Program

The BSA Summit

Jan. 12-15, 2026

Lanier Islands Resort, Buford

Enroll Here

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

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

• Credit Conference - Dec. 4-5, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens

• Marketing Peer Group Meeting - Dec. 9, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon

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

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

• Georgia BankPAC Sporting Clays Tournament - Feb. 5, Old Hudson Plantation, Sparta

• Operations and Technology Conference - Feb. 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah

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

ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

Analyzing Financial Statements, Most Common TRID Issues, Deposit Year-End Wrap-Up and More

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

• Analyzing Financial Statements – Dec. 1-March 27
• 2025 Call Report: Common Exam Issues – Nov. 14
• BSA Critical Issues and Updates – Nov. 18
• BSA Reporting and Training for the Board – Dec. 2
• Most Common TRID Issues – Dec. 3
• Deposit Year-End Wrap-Up – Dec. 11
• BSA Year-End Wrap-Up – Dec. 16

Special Offer: OnCourse Learning/Bank Webinars are offering GBA members a seasonal promotion for the fall. Now through Nov. 28, 2025, professionals can:

• Save 15% on any upcoming Live Accredited Webinars
• Or use 4 tokens on accredited webinars and get 1 token back.

These live accredited sessions are a convenient way for bankers to:

• Earn CE credits and stay compliant
• Learn from industry-recognized experts
• Access timely, accredited content on regulatory and compliance updates
• Join from anywhere—no travel required

Use promo code Fall2025 when registering! See the full webinar calendar here.

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

GBA is pleased to offer banks and all Associate Members exclusive savings through our partnership with ODP Business Solutions (formerly Office Depot). This program gives you access to deep discounts on more than 1,300 commonly used banking, office and cleaning supplies, plus furniture, print services and promotional items. Members typically save 20–30% off retail pricing and can customize a list of up to 75 additional items to fit their unique needs. Enjoy free next-day delivery on qualifying orders, easy online ordering and in-store pickup options. Register for an account here: www.odpbusiness.com/banksignup. If you’re already an ODP Business Solutions customer and would like switch to the GBA program, please contact bank.opportunities@odpbusiness.com.

AI is transforming banking—but adoption isn’t just about technology; it’s about people. Join Abrigo’s team of subject matter experts to learn practical strategies for guiding teams through AI change. Discover how to build organizational support, prepare leadership and staff for new tools, and drive long-term adoption success. Whether your bank is starting its AI journey or scaling initiatives, this session delivers actionable insights to ensure your AI strategy works. Click here to register.

Artificial intelligence is transforming banking, but adoption is often more about people and process than technology. Many organizations struggle with low adoption, inefficiencies or unmet expectations from AI tools like Copilot. GBA Associate Member Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. (AIR) recommends seven steps to scale AI successfully. Read more about it here or visit www.aicrisk.com.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

Nov. 18–20, 9 a.m – 1 p.m. | Virtual

Join fellow banking leaders, regulators, and fintech innovators for the 2025 Virtual Stablecoin Conference, hosted by Compliance Alliance in partnership with the Bankers Institute and 38 state bankers associations. Over three days, attendees will gain insights into the evolving stablecoin landscape. From regulatory updates to real-world applications in banking infrastructure and compliance, you’ll hear directly from influential voices such as U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (SD) and U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (TN), Caitlin Long of Custodia Bank, and leading compliance and technology experts shaping digital asset policy and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, connected, and ready for what’s next. Register now to secure your virtual seat.

NEWSMAKERS

Albany - Renasant Bank

Chuck Logan was recently named Albany market president.

Atlanta - Southern First Bank

Alisha Nasse has joined the bank as team leader and senior vice president in Atlanta.

Bainbridge - First Port City Bank

Kevin Unger has joined the bank team as SBA business development officer/lender. Stan Stapleton has joined the bank as SBA and commercial lender.

Barwick - Barwick Banking Company

Barwick Banking Company’s growth and capital raising efforts were featured in American Banker this week. The story highlights the bank’s expansion since CEO Chad Bowling and an ownership group acquired the 118-year-old institution in 2020. At the time, Barwick had one branch and $13 million in assets. Today the bank has grown to $642 million in assets and expanded its footprint with one additional Georgia branch and four branches in Florida. Read more (subscription required).

Macon - American Pride Bank

American Bancorp Inc., parent company of American Pride Bank, has finalized its merger with Charlotte-based New Republic Partners Inc., expanding its Southeastern footprint to eight locations. New Republic Bank becomes a sister bank to American Pride Bank. The holding company now has nearly $900 million in assets, and more than $150 million in equity.  Read more.

Chatsworth - First National Community Bank

Michael Wilson has joined the bank as market president for the Calhoun and Adairsville markets. Read more.

Swainsboro - The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro

The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro celebrated its 125th anniversary this week. The bank was originally chartered on Nov. 10, 1900.

Atlanta - Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Raphael Bostic, president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta since June 2017, will retire at the end of his current term on Feb. 28, 2026. We’ve enjoyed a good relationship with Bostic, as he’s invited GBA leadership and member bankers to be part of panels and programs frequently during his term, and he spoke at our Legislative Forum in 2019. Read more.

Atlanta - Georgia House of Representatives

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) named State Rep. Noel Williams (R-Cordele), chairman of the House Banks & Banking Committee, to serve as a member on the House Appropriations Committee.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Albany - AB&T

The bank welcomed the Albany Young Marines for a quarterly flag-replacement ceremony ahead of Veterans Day. The visit helps ensure the bank’s flag remains in top condition, and staff expressed their appreciation for the Young Marines’ continued support.

Bainbridge - First Port City Bank

Bank team members continued their monthly volunteer visit to the Decatur County–Gilbert H. Gragg Library for Toddler Time, one of the bank’s ongoing community engagement activities.

Cairo - United National Bank

The bank hosted a Veterans Breakfast at the Pickle Patch, welcoming community members for food, fellowship and recognition of local veterans.

Duluth - PromiseOne Bank

Bank team members volunteered at the Junior Achievement Discovery Center in Gwinnett on Oct. 31, guiding eighth-grade students from Creekland Middle School through a hands-on financial literacy simulation.

Perry - SunMark Community Bank

The bank partnered again with the 21st Century Partnership for its October Casual Cause initiative. Employees collected items for holiday care packages for military members and volunteered to help assemble the packages.

Trenton - Bank of Dade

The bank presented a Veterans Day donation to American Legion Post 106. Commander Michael Buehrer accepted the contribution, joined by bank representative Scarlett Hannah, whose family has a history of military service.

Valdosta - Citizens Community Bank

The bank sponsored the inaugural UGA Small Business Development Center Business Summit at Valdosta State University, held at the Rainwater Conference Center. Eight team members attended sessions focused on business leadership and financial success. CEO Jeff Hanson spoke about essential tools for achieving financial strength.

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.