ADVOCACY

Reminder: Lead by Example—Vote in Georgia’s Upcoming Elections

Friday, Oct. 31, is the last day for early voting, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. This year’s ballot includes statewide elections for two Georgia Public Service Commission seats (Districts 2 and 3), as well as a number of local races across the state. The Public Service Commission regulates key utilities such as electricity, natural gas and telecommunications, affecting the cost of energy, reliability of service and long-term infrastructure planning for all Georgians.

To confirm your registration, find your polling place and preview your sample ballot, visit the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov.

Georgia Dems Join Effort to Protect CDFI Fund

Georgia Reps. Sanford Bishop (GA-2), Hank Johnson (GA-4) and Nikema Williams (GA-5) joined 120 House Democrats urging the Trump administration to halt plans to terminate staff at the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. The lawmakers called the fund “essential and vital” to underserved communities and noted its $81 billion impact through programs such as the New Markets Tax Credit. Read the letter here. Their action follows last week’s GBA outreach encouraging support for a bicameral letter to Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent signed by Georgia Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-1), Mike Collins (GA-10) and Rich McCormick (GA-7) underscoring the CDFI Fund’s role in expanding access to credit and supporting local economies.

The 2025 BankPAC campaign to raise funds for the GBA StatePAC and GBA FedPAC is going strong, and we hope you will consider contributing. Access contribution forms, along with all BankPAC information on the advocacy page of gabankers.com, which includes 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. Contributing recently to the GBA StatePAC Peoples Bank & Trust, Buford, Ted Williams, president & CEO. If you have questions, contact Elizabeth Chandler at 404.372.7893 or Bo Brannen at 404.731.9886.

Register Now! BankPAC Sporting Clays Tournament 

We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for GBA’s eighth-annual Sporting Clays Tournament! The event, which supports the GBA State BankPAC*, will be Thursday, Feb. 5, at Old Hudson Plantation in Sparta. This four-person scramble tournament is a fun and challenging event and a great opportunity to invite your legislators, directors, customers, and friends to meet and shoot clays with your colleagues in the banking industry. Registration includes 100 targets, cart, one mulligan, one entry into the Cotton Ball Drop Contest and a delicious barbecue lunch. You may register as an Individual Shooter, a Four-Person Team, or a Four-Person Team + Stand Sponsorship. You can also show your support for the GBA State BankPAC through event sponsorship, with options ranging from $350 - $750.

If you do not have your team put together yet, go ahead and register and we’ll remind you when it’s time to add your team members. Contact GBA’s Kathy Friestad or Mary Frances Miller with questions.

* The GBA StatePAC contributes only to candidates running for state-level office such as the Georgia General Assembly, the Governor’s office and the Lieutenant Governor’s office.  Contributions can be made by an individual, from bank funds if you are a state-chartered bank or from a national bank holding company if the contribution is made from funds other than those resulting from the operations of the national bank.

MEMBER NEWS

More Georgia Peanut Bank Week Highlights

As we wrap up coverage of last week’s 49th-Annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week, we want to share more of the fun and festive efforts of our member banks. Thank you to all the teams across the state who worked hard to promote the campaign and pay tribute to Georgia’s peanut farmers. Take a look at a few more scenes below.

And, if you are looking for fun and delicious holiday gifts for your customers or employees, you can shop the Georgia Peanut Commission’s online store anytime. Check out all their great gifts at store.gapeanuts.com. For any questions, please contact Maddie Frost at maddie@gapeanuts.com.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Court Pauses CFPB Data-Sharing Rule

We are pleased that a federal court has halted enforcement of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 2024 rule on consumer financial data sharing while the agency reconsiders it. The original compliance timeline for the rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act was set to begin in April 2026 for the largest banks, with most Georgia banks not required to comply until 2027 or later. Section 1033 requires banks and other financial institutions to make a consumer’s financial information available to them or a third party at the consumer’s direction. The Kentucky Bankers Association and others challenged the CFPB’s rule, citing risks to consumer privacy and account security. GBA will continue monitoring developments that could affect member banks’ data-sharing and compliance obligations.

Security Alert: Suspicious Activity Reported Involving Individuals Claiming to Represent Verizon

A member bank this week wanted us to share details about a recent incident involving two individuals posing as Verizon technicians who attempted to gain access to a bank branch under the pretense of investigating a signal issue. The individuals requested to enter the building to “scan for a device blocking cell service.” Bank personnel appropriately denied access and contacted law enforcement. The individuals left the premises before police arrived. Please stay alert, and we recommend reporting any similar encounters immediately to local authorities and your internal security contacts.

GBA NEWS

Typically, 401(k) catch-up contributions, which apply to workers age 50 and older, can be traditional pretax or after-tax Roth contributions, depending on what a 401(k) plan allows. However, due to the SECURE 2.0 Act, starting in 2026, 401(k) catch-up contributions generally must be made as after-tax Roth contributions if a participant earned more than $145,000 during the previous year. If your Plan does not allow Roth contributions, you may want to consider adding a Roth provision in the coming weeks to prepare for this change in 2026.

For employees over the compensation limit of $145,000 to make catch up contributions, the plan must allow Roth deferrals for all participants. For example, in 2025, the 401(k) deferral limit is $23,500 and the catch up limit for those over age 50 is $7,500 additional, for a total of $31,000 a year. If these limits are still in place in 2026, someone earning more than $145,000 could contribute $23,500 as pre-tax but must contribute anything over that as Roth. Note, the 2026 annual plan limits should be announced in a few weeks.

If you are in the Master Trust and do not currently allow Roth contributions, you were recently notified of this change. If you are not currently part of the GBA Master Trust and would like to learn more, please contact Mandy Richards at 678.549.4167 for more information or to request a proposal of services for your existing 401(k) plan.

Spotlight on New GBA Associate Members

For the past few weeks, we have given a warm welcome to several new GBA Associate Members we onboarded last quarter. They all offer diverse solutions for your bank and provide invaluable support to GBA programs through sponsorships, exhibits and shared expertise. Be sure to get to know these folks and thank them for supporting GBA. You can get information about any of GBA's Associate Members by using the Associate Member search function on our website. This week we want to highlight the following:

Specialty Tax Group

Ms. Mary Wills, mary.wills@specialtytaxgroup.com

Alpharetta, GA

www.specialtytaxgroup.com

Specialty Tax Group helps companies across the country reduce tax liability and improve cash flow. They partner with CPAs to help their clients maximize tax savings through tax credits, incentives, and deductions. Focusing on: R&D Tax Credits, State-Specific Tax Credits (SC/GA/TN), Cost Segregation and 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction.

TransFund

Mr. Luke Shoemaker, LShoemaker@transfund.com

Tulsa, OK

www.transfund.com

TransFund is a national payment solutions provider that helps financial institutions grow through debit/credit card processing, ATM driving, and merchant services. Founded in 1975, TransFund combines innovative technology with personalized instant-answer support, offering services such as instant issue, mobile wallet integration, surcharge-free ATM networks, and custom marketing campaigns—all designed to boost revenue, improve customer engagement, and simplify payment operations.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Registration Open for 2026 Operations & Technology Conference – How to Co-Pilot through Growth, Change and Innovation

Join Georgia bank IT and operations professionals in Savannah, Feb 25-27 at The DeSoto. This annual event is hosted by GBA’s Operations & Technology Committee under the leadership of Chair, Sam Drennen, First American Bank & Trust Company, Athens, and vice chair, Kristy Harrell, First National Bank, Bainbridge.

Sessions will include:  

• Conference Keynote Speaker – Dr. Melissa Furman, MS, DBA, President & Founder, Career Potential, LLC.
• Project Management, Change Management and Employee Change Management – Brett Rawls, PRI
• Protecting Banks and Their Customers from Telecom Focused Threats – Scott Helms, Momentum
• Next Steps in the M365 AI Chain – Eric Delgado, SafeSystems
• Fraud Trends & Best Practices
• Leadership and Workforce Development – John Brantley, The Auxin Leader
• Roundtable Discussion.

With questions, contact Alison Moreau, 404.420.2034.

GBA Partner Program Starts Next Week!

Last Call! Virtual BSA Peer Group Meeting to Cover Cryptocurrency Trends

Don’t miss next week’s BSA Peer Group Meeting, set for Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon on Zoom. This virtual session will focus on one of the most complex emerging issues in compliance: cryptocurrency and digital assets.

GBA’s BSA Summit facilitator Kristen Stogniew will lead the discussion, featuring Becky Reed with an overview of the digital and stablecoin market and Lauren Smith of Chainalysis on identifying irregular transactions and combating crypto-related financial crimes.

Designed for BSA officers, compliance professionals and risk managers, the meeting offers practical insights and peer-driven discussion all from the convenience of your desk.

Secure Your Spot in 2026!

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

Enroll Here

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

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

• 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

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

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

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

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

ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

Commercial Lending Training Program, 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:

• 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

• BSA Critical Issues and Updates - Nov. 18

• Analyzing Financial Statements - Dec. 1-March 27

• BSA Reporting and Training for the Board - Dec. 2

• Most Common TRID Issues - Dec. 3

• Deposit Year-End Wrap-Up - Dec. 11

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Georgia Banking Compensation Survey Report Still Available for Purchase

Unlock the power of informed decision-making with the Georgia Banking Compensation Survey Report. Act now to get industry-leading insights that will elevate your HR strategies and drive your bank’s success.

• Comprehensive Insights: The survey gathers extensive data on officer and non-officer compensation, providing detailed information about base salaries, salary ranges, short- and long-term incentives, and total cash compensation.
  
• HR Policies & Practices: You will receive in-depth details on key HR topics, including salary and merit increases, structure adjustments, outsourcing, turnover, and recruiting. This data will help you refine your HR policies and practices.
  
  
• Strategic Advantage: Use the survey’s findings to stay competitive in the marketplace and guide your compensation programs with confidence.

Contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com for pricing information or to purchase a copy of the report.

As a GBA Endorsed Partner, Ncontracts is offering GBA members an exclusive year-end discount.

Limited-Time Offer:

• 50% off Year 1 when you purchase any two solutions
• 3-year contract required
• Offer expires Dec. 31, 2025

Eligible NContracts Solutions:

• Third-Party Risk Management
• Compliance Management
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Internal Audit
• Policy Management

To schedule a demo and learn more about this limited-time offer, contact Carrie Parker at carrie.parker@ncontracts.com.

Georgia banks play a key role in strengthening local communities, from increasing affordable housing to supporting economic growth and revitalizing historic downtowns. GBA Strategic Partner Monarch Private Capital helps banks turn tax dollars into impactful community investments with measurable results.

Through programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Historic Tax Credit (HTC), Monarch creates opportunities to make a meaningful difference while supporting both financial and community goals. Click the links below to learn more about these state credits:

• Low-Income Housing
• Film & Entertainment
• Historic

To learn more, contact Monarch’s Ben Zachariah at bzachariah@monarchprivate.com, 404.889.8774.

By Robb Rempel, Executive Vice President, Haberfeld

The customers most at risk of leaving your bank aren’t the ones who complain—they’re the ones who stay silent. These quiet customers are the most open to competitor outreach. When revenue growth stalls, it’s worth looking closely at your bank’s culture, service, and how well your team connects with customers day to day. Banks that empower employees to anticipate and meet customer needs build deeper loyalty, more referrals, and stronger long-term growth. The real opportunity lies in understanding what customers aren’t saying, then acting on it. A little listening can turn quiet customers into your bank’s biggest advocates. Click here for more insights from Haberfeld.

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.

Compliance Alliance Question of the Week

Question: We have a customer who withdrew $15,000 from their account at a branch, but then another $500 from that same account at an out-of-network (foreign) ATM on the same business day. How should we file the CTR – and should we include the ATM transaction?

Answer: CTRs involving ATMs can often present some tricky considerations, and even those "BSA aficionados" out there may recognize the fact that the specific scenario outlined in the question above isn't exactly addressed (nor settled) within direct industry guidance - and, as such, the filing "answer" may ultimately be subject to interpretation in the end. Read more here.

Compliance Hub for Banks

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

NEWSMAKERS

Chatsworth - First National Community Bank

Sam Branch has been promoted to assistant vice president and branch manager of the downtown Rome, Broad Street office. Read more.

Clayton - Rabun County Bank

The bank celebrated its 50th anniversary Oct. 9 with an event at its Clayton branch featuring award-winning Blue Hound Barbecue. President Claude Dillard and CEO Johnny Irvin presented an award to founding director Jerry Krivsky, and State Sen. Bo Hatchett delivered a letter of recognition from Gov. Brian Kemp. The bank also made donations to three local charities selected by employees.

Clayton - Rabun County Bank

Ryan Kersey has joined the bank as senior vice president, market executive.

Dublin - Bank of Dudley

The bank celebrated its 120th anniversary Oct. 17 with lunches and prize drawings at all branch locations.

Fitzgerald - Colony Bank

The bank shared a tribute to Ron Paulk, co-founder of the bank’s predecessor, Bank of Fitzgerald, who recently passed away. CEO Heath Fountain remembered Paulk as a visionary leader, entrepreneur and community builder whose belief in progress and people laid the foundation for the bank’s success over the past five decades.

Jesup - PrimeSouth Bank

The bank announced leadership updates in its Jesup market: Rene Hutto has been promoted to senior banking officer, senior vice president, and Dylan Brinkley has been promoted to market president, senior vice president.

Pine Mountain - First Peoples Bank

Leonard Moreland and David Gill have joined the bank’s board of directors.

Valdosta - Commercial Banking Company

Commercial Lender/Vice President Skip Long was recently recognized as the bank's top producer for the fourth consecutive year.

Atlanta - Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta

Kirk Malmberg has announced his retirement as president and CEO of FHLBank Atlanta, effective Dec. 31. The bank’s board of directors has elected Reggie O’Shields to succeed him as the next president and CEO. O'Shields chaired GBA's Bank Counsel Board of Directors from 2020-2021 and continues to serve on the board. Read more.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Bainbridge - First National Bank

The bank supported the Colquitt County Junior Livestock Association, congratulating Roxanne Herndon on being named the 2025 Grand Champion Market Wether. The bank also sponsored Mule Day in Calvary.

Bainbridge - First Port City Bank

The bank awarded the first Marvalynn Carroll Honorary Scholarship to Ja’Myah Perkins, a nursing student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Bank team members also participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 

Cairo - United National Bank

The bank was a Platinum Sponsor of the Farm-to-Table event at Collins Place, celebrating community partnerships, local food and farm families in Whigham.

Cordele - Planters First Bank

The bank’s Cordele branch supported B & T Christmas Tree Farm’s Trees for Military Families program, donating trees for 10 military families, and donated to Concerned Citizens That Care of Cordele in support of their mission to help local families during the holiday season. Bank team members also volunteered for a fall roadside cleanup.

Dublin - Citizens Bank of Laurens County

The bank team participated in Downtown Dublin’s Spooky Treats in the Streets, handing out candy and enjoying Halloween festivities with local families.

Hahira - Community Banking Company

More than 100 kindergarteners from Westside Elementary visited the bank’s historic Hahira branch for a field trip. Students toured the branch, learned about money and stepped inside the original vault.

Milledgeville - Exchange Bank

Annie Folendore and Heather Cook recently led a financial literacy session at Georgia Military College focused on understanding and managing credit. The bank also hosted its Fourth-Annual Blood Drive, collecting 42 units of blood thanks to the generosity of employees, customers and community members.

Perry - SunMark Community Bank

The bank team participated in Habitat for Humanity Houston County’s Women’s Build, working side by side to help construct homes and support families in need.

Ocilla - Planters First Bank

The bank's Ocilla branch hosted the Annual VIP Coffee to kick off the 65th Annual Georgia Sweet Potato Festival.

Ringgold - Builtwell Bank

The bank’s Ringgold team presented donations to three local food pantries: Communities in Schools of Catoosa County, Christ’s Chapel Care and Share Missions and the Catoosa County Children’s Fund.

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.