INDUSTRY NEWS

GBA Keeping Watch on Shutdown Impacts

GBA is keeping a close eye on how the federal government shutdown may affect banks, regulators and communities across Georgia.

We’ve shared a resource guide with member CEOs that includes talking points, customer communication templates and reminders to help banks and their customers prepare for issues such as delayed federal pay or benefits, slower SBA, FHA, USDA or IRS processes, and other potential disruptions. The key message: deposits remain safe, and banks are ready to work with customers who may face hardship.

We also want to hear from you. If you’re seeing effects of the shutdown in your community, please share them with us. We’ll use your input to help keep Georgia’s congressional delegation informed about what’s happening on the ground. Send info to our advocacy team here.

Related: Shareable consumer guidance about managing finances during the shutdown

USDA Provides $531 Million in Recovery Assistance for Georgia Producers

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that USDA will provide more than $531 million in recovery assistance to Georgia farmers through a block grant agreement with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA). The funding will help producers recover from losses caused by Hurricane Helene.

The block grant is part of the $30 billion American Relief Act of 2025, which directs USDA to work with 14 states, including Georgia, to design programs that address each state’s specific disaster recovery needs. Once finalized, the Georgia grant will provide support for economic losses, infrastructure damage and timber losses. Additional details will be available through the GDA.

This announcement adds to ongoing federal disaster support. In July, USDA launched the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to help producers with losses from 2023 and 2024. USDA has also issued more than $1 billion in Emergency Livestock Relief Program payments, with another $1 billion expected, and has provided more than $9 billion in assistance through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP).

It is unclear as of press time as to whether the government shutdown will affect application processing and aid distribution. We’re monitoring that closely. Producers can track the latest updates and application details at fsa.usda.gov.

OCC Webinar to Address Disaster Recovery Partnerships Oct. 16

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) will host a webinar on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon EDT focused on disaster recovery in the Southern region. The program will address recovery needs following federally declared hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, and will highlight how banks can form strategic partnerships to support community and economic recovery efforts.

While the event is designed for OCC-supervised institutions, other bankers are welcome to attend.

Hill addresses GBA members during our May 2025 visit to Washington, D.C.

President Nominates Travis Hill as FDIC Chairman

President Trump has nominated Travis Hill to serve as chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Hill has been acting chairman since January. During that time, he has launched what he called a wholesale review of the agency’s regulations, guidance and manuals “to ensure our rules and approach promote a vibrant, growing economy.”

Our members visiting Washington, D.C., in May had a good visit with Hill. He shared details about workforce reductions at the agency and some of his thoughts on removing regulatory burden and focusing primarily on safety and soundness supervision. Bankers emphasized the importance of tailoring supervision to actual risk and addressing rising fraud threats such as check fraud and elder abuse. The group also underscored banker concerns about resolution planning and de novo bank formation.

SBA Issues Form on Debanking Order

In a Sept. 30 letter to financial institutions with assets of less than $30 billion, the SBA said that to ensure that community banks and other small lenders “continue to focus their limited resources on lending in their communities and other community banking activities,” it is releasing a form institutions can use to demonstrate their compliance with the order, as long as they are also supervised by any of the federal banking regulators. The form and any supplementary information must be submitted to the SBA by Jan. 5, 2026. We were glad to see this development, as it helps bring the requirements of President Trump’s Executive Order on debanking into clearer focus.

Agencies Remind Lenders About Flood Insurance Requirements During NFIP Lapse

Federal regulators have issued a reminder to financial institutions that they may continue making loans subject to federal flood insurance statutes when the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is unavailable. While flood insurance coverage is not required during a lapse, there are some important requirements that remain in place. Read the interagency Q&A on flood insurance here.

ADVOCACY

The 2025 BankPAC campaign to raise funds for the GBA StatePAC and GBA FedPAC is going strong, and we hope that you will consider contributing. Contribution forms along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of gabankers.com with instructions and 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. If you have questions, contact Elizabeth Chandler at 404.372.7893 or Bo Brannen at 404.731.9886.

Contributing recently to the GBA FedPAC are those eligible employees, officers and directors of Community Bank & Trust – West Georgia, LaGrange, Jeremy Gilpin, chairman and president.

ATTENTION ATTORNEYS!

Status of Important Cases for October 2025

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.

GBA NEWS

Trio of Executive Conferences Highlights Economic, Legal and Accounting Priorities

Presidents, CEOs, bank accountants and bank counsel from across Georgia gathered this week for GBA’s 2025 President/CEO, Bank Accountants and Bank Counsel Conferences. Members and guests also paid tribute to recently retired Georgia banking commissioner Kevin Hagler, who was our guest of honor at the opening reception and dinner. Here’s a rundown on the program highlights. See photos here.

General Sessions

Ed Pope, president and CEO of F&M Bank – Washington and chair of GBA’s Community Bankers Committee hosted the program, which kicked off with an industry update talk between Bo Fears, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, and GBA’s Tripp Cofield about the overall state of banking in Georgia.

Another highlight of Monday’s program was Brooke Ybarra, SVP of Innovation and Strategy at the American Bankers Association, who unpacked the newly enacted GENIUS Act and its sweeping implications for stablecoins and real-time payments. Later, Matthew Pieniazek of Darling Consulting Group covered ALCO strategies in a volatile rate environment and balance sheet risks. Chris Nichols of SouthState Bank closed the day’s sessions with a forward-looking presentation on deposit growth strategies, exploring how tokenized deposits, AI and instant payments are reshaping competition.

Tuesday began with a national economic outlook from Lindsey Piegza, chief economist at Stifel, who examined growth trends, fiscal policy shifts and global headwinds. Chris Smith of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America shared lessons from the massive Hyundai project in Georgia, highlighting its economic impact and synergies with the banking sector. The conferences concluded with bestselling author Jim Ferrell, who spoke about how leaders and institutions can thrive by fostering authentic connection in an age increasingly shaped by AI.

Bank Accountant Section

Adam Hutchins, of Hutchins Clenney Rumsey Huckaby, and chair of the Bank Accountant Section, and Ryan Barrow, Wipfli, vice chair, were joined by Eve Rogers and Chris York of Crowe for an interactive session about accounting hot topics.

Bank Counsel Section

The Bank Counsel Conference included a timely presentation from John Willis of Nelson Mullins on legal issues tied to elder abuse and fraud. Bank counsel members also engaged in broader discussions about the intersection of legal practice, regulation and risk management.

Thank You to Our Sponsors
The success of these conferences would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Special thanks to American Bankers Association; Carr, Riggs & Ingram; Crowe; EBS; Elliott Davis; Fenimore Kay Harrison; FHLBank Atlanta; James Bates Brannan Groover; Mauldin & Jenkins; McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.; Nichols, Cauley & Associates; ServisFirst Bank; Symphona; Troutman Pepper Locke; and Warren Averett. And thanks to Demarest Strategy Group for the Amazon gift cards.

Conference sponsor ad:

Insurance Trust Board Approves Premium Holiday For Member Banks, Sets Open Enrollment Dates

At its September board meeting in Athens, the GBA Insurance Trust (GBAIT) board of directors formally approved the plan design and corresponding rates for all benefits plans to be offered in 2026. The board called for a 3.5% premium increase for all medical and dental plans while also providing a one-month premium holiday for all GBAIT member banks in January 2026. This premium increase is as much as 20% lower than industry peers, and, when coupled with the premium holiday savings, provides member banks with an effective rate reduction of roughly 5% next year.

Since 1965, GBAIT has operated as a banker-led organization with no profit motive and currently services 165 banks and Associate members while covering over 14,000 lives. Earlier this week, GBAIT members received a full rundown of the September meetings from Jackson McConnell, CEO of Pinnacle Bank, who chairs the board of directors.

Banker-Led Retirement Services Board Meets

One key resource for GBA members is GBA Retirement Services. The banker-led board met this week as part of its quarterly due diligence of the Retirement Trust. It is notable that 72% of participants in the GBA 401(k) program are on track to replace at least 70% of their current income in retirement. The national industry average is just 25 to 30%. In addition, 34% of participants in the Master Trust are contributing at a contribution level of 7% or higher to their 401(k) plan, and 22% are contributing more than 10% of their compensation to their 401(k) plan. American Trust continues to outperform comparative benchmarks and participants benefit from asset allocation assistance through a Managed Account Solution called the “UnifiedPlan”. Chuck Copeland, president and CEO, First National Bank of Griffin, chairs the GBA Retirement Services board. Employees at 40% of our state’s banks participate in GBA Retirement Services plans, eight new plans were added during 2025, and total assets under management are now at $350 million. For information on GBA Retirement Services, contact Mandy Richards at 678.549.4167.

Welcome GBA's Newest Associate Members

GBA Associate Membership is offered to individuals and organizations that want to do more business with banks as clients. These members also provide invaluable support to GBA's activities and programs throughout the year through attendance, sponsorships, exhibits and shared expertise. Be sure to get to know them and thank them for supporting the GBA.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Last Call to Sign Up for Two GBA Programs Next Week

There’s still time to sign up for two upcoming programs happening next week. Bankers in South Georgia can gather in Valdosta for the annual Community Bank Symposium, and account-opening staff can build skills at the New Account Documentation & Compliance Bootcamp in Macon.

South Georgia Community Bank Symposium – Oct. 8, Valdosta State University
GBA and Valdosta State University’s Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration are hosting the annual South Georgia Community Bank Symposium. The program is designed for CEOs, board members, management teams, lenders, HR and marketing professionals, and others in customer-facing roles. Highlights include:

• Welcome & Update – Dr. Guclu Atinc, Dean, Langdale College of Business Administration
• South Georgia Small Business Trends – Walt Moore, Small Business Consultant, VSU/UGA SBDC
• Credit Quality Outlook – Stewart Thigpen, CEO, Steve H. Powell & Co.
• GBA Advocacy & Regulatory Update – Philip Williams, The Claxton Bank, and Tripp Cofield, GBA
• Economic Outlook – Dr. Elvan Aktas, Professor of Finance, VSU.

Thanks to sponsors Burke Stelling Group and Olsen Palmer.

New Account Documentation & Compliance Bootcamp – Oct. 8–9, Middle Georgia State University, Macon
This two-day program, led by Matthew Dickinson, JM Consultants, covers proper account-opening procedures, compliance requirements, and documentation practices. Attendees will receive a 200+ page manual with checklists and examples.

• Day 1: Consumer & Business Accounts
• Day 2: Trusts & Fiduciary Accounts

Attend one or both days and return better equipped to serve as a resource at your bank.

Ryan Hayhurst

Spotlight on the Economy and Bank Balance Sheets at the Financial Risk Management Conference

When bankers gather Nov. 6-7 in Savannah for the Financial Risk Management Conference, one of the highlights will be a session exploring the economy, Federal Reserve policy and what’s ahead for community bank balance sheets.

Ryan Hayhurst, president of The Baker Group LP, will lead this session exploring the contradictions in today’s economic environment as the nation approaches 2026. GDP has rebounded even as job growth slows, the Fed is cutting interest rates, and growth looks strong in some regions and sectors while others are in contraction. Hayhurst will share insights on what these crosscurrents mean for Federal Reserve policy, the potential for recession, and, most importantly, how they affect community bank performance. He will also review balance sheet trends and provide strategies for managing interest rate risk, liquidity, and investments in this shifting environment.

This session is part of a robust, two-day agenda featuring economic updates, peer-led panels, and practical insights into risk management strategies tailored for Georgia banks.

A huge thank you to our sponsors:

• Platinum Sponsor: Profit Resources
• Gold Sponsor: Ncontracts
• Silver Sponsors: BOK Financial; Carr, Riggs & Ingram; FHLBank Atlanta; FHN Financial; ServisFirst Bank; and Wipfli.

Rhonda Norris and David Attaway

Secure Your Spot for GBA’s Next Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting

Sign up now for GBA’s next Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting, our forum designed exclusively for internal auditors. The meeting is Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Macon at Idle Hour Golf & Country Club. The upcoming program will include educational session led by Rhonda Norris of Symphona, followed by an intensive roundtable discussion facilitated by David Attaway of Symphona. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit topics during registration, which will generate discussion among their peers, as well as topics provided by our facilitator.

One Month Left for Group Hotel Rates!

GBA Credit Conference

Dec. 4-5, UGA, Athens

Register Here

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

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

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

• Succession Planning Online Workshop Series - Nov. 3 & 17, Virtual

• BSA Peer Group Meeting - Nov. 4, Virtual

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

• GBA Compliance 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.

• 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
• Bank Accounting: Interest Earning Assets - 2 Part Workshop – Nov. 12
• 2025 Call Report: Common Exam Issues – Nov. 14

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

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.

NEWSMAKERS

Aiken - Security Federal Bank

The bank’s mortgage department was named 2025 Aiken’s Choice Best Mortgage Company.

Milledgeville - Century Bank and Trust

Sheree Prestridge has been promoted to vice president. Read more.

Waycross - WB&T Bankshares, Inc.

William W. Moore III has joined the bank as vice president of operations. Read more. Katie Stewart has been promoted to chief strategy and innovation officer.

Washington, D.C. – FDIC

The agency announced five senior leadership appointments:

• Ryan Billingsley, director of the Division of Risk Management Supervision.
• Matthew P. Reed, general counsel.
• Alex LePore, deputy to the chairman for policy.
• Mark L. Handzlik, special advisor to the chairman.
• Dan Marcotte, ombudsman.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Atlanta - Georgia Banking Company

The bank supported student scholarships through the Georgia SSO and partnered with Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center, helping expand educational opportunities for children.

Dublin - Bank of Dudley

Matthew Weigel spoke with students in the GYM (Growing Young Men) Program at East Laurens High School. The bank also sponsored the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank’s Inaugural Empty Bowls Luncheon.

Hawkinsville - Planters First Bank

The bank sponsored the 2025–2026 Hawkeye Yearbook at Hawkinsville High School. The bank’s Hawkinsville team also sponsored the Mount Hope Lodge #9 First Responders Appreciation Dinner.

Macon - American Pride Bank

The bank served as a Bronze Sponsor of the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank’s Inaugural Empty Bowls Luncheon. 

Milledgeville - Exchange Bank

The bank contributed $25,000 to the Milledgeville Police Department through Georgia’s LESS Crime Act program, helping provide equipment and training for officers. Read more.

Moultrie - Ameris Bank

The bank announced a partnership with the Moultrie Downtown Development Authority to help create a new downtown city park. In addition, the bank is donating four nearby buildings for potential redevelopment, supporting long-term growth and revitalization in the community.

Thomasville - TC Federal Bank

The bank sponsored the South Georgia Ballet’s Soirée de Ballet.

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.