Hurricane Isaias: Resources to Help Banks Prepare and Respond
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With Hurricane Isaias expected to reach the northern Gulf Coast Friday evening, we encourage members to review their storm preparations. Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for all 159 Georgia counties. GEMA advises that strong winds, heavy rain, possible tornadoes and power outages could affect much of Georgia Friday night through early Sunday.
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GBA’s Hurricane Assistance Resources page brings together links for preparedness, bank regulatory resources, outage information, re-entry guidance, disaster assistance and relief efforts. Please bookmark the page and share it with colleagues who support bank operations and customer communications. Follow GEMA/HS and the National Hurricane Center for the latest updates.
Please also share how your bank is helping employees, customers and communities prepare and recover. Send information and photos to David Oliver and Katina Weiss, and use #GAbanksrecover on social media.
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Georgia Banker Featured in CSBS Survey Highlighting Industry Risks, Technology Trends
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The 2026 CSBS Annual Survey of Community Banks, released this week, offers a national perspective on the industry along with insights from a familiar Georgia banking leader. Jim Edwards, CEO of United Bank and former GBA chairman, is one of five bankers interviewed for the report (pages 35-36).
Edwards reports solid loan demand and credit quality in central Georgia, particularly among building trades, while noting some weakness in trucking and transportation. He also discusses United Bank's investments in digital banking and AI-powered fraud prevention, its cautious approach to tokenized deposits and the importance of lasting regulatory relief.
The survey includes responses from 330 community banks across 35 states. Five key takeaways:
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- Deposit pressures persist. Nearly 80% identified net interest margins as a major external risk, followed by core deposit growth at 79%.
- Cybersecurity tops internal risks. Nearly 95% rated it a major concern, while 75% cited technology implementation and costs.
- AI adoption is growing. About 62% are already piloting or using AI in some capacity.
- Digital assets are on the radar. Nearly 18% plan to offer tokenized deposits within 12 months, while 16% plan to introduce stablecoin services.
- Regulatory concerns are easing. The share identifying regulation as a major external risk fell to 62%, down from 89% in 2024.
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Bowman Announces Fed Supervision Restructuring, Signals Community Bank Reforms
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Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman made news this week with plans to reorganize bank supervision into five geographic regions, replacing the current structure based on the 12 Federal Reserve Bank districts. Speaking Oct. 6 at the Community Banking Research Conference in St. Louis, Bowman said the change will improve accountability, consistency and coordination with state regulators.
Bowman did not announce which states will make up the new regions but said the structure will be informed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors' (CSBS) five districts. Georgia is in CSBS District 3, along with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Examiners will remain at existing Federal Reserve locations, including Atlanta.
The restructuring follows a review of supervisory shortcomings surrounding the 2023 Silicon Valley Bank failure.
Bowman also outlined potential reforms of interest to Georgia's community banks, including revisiting the $10 billion community bank asset threshold, tailoring supervision to banks' risk and complexity and reducing regulatory burdens on mergers and de novo bank formation. Additional proposals are expected later this year.
Read Bowman's remarks and view the CSBS district map.
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Cybersecurity Awareness Month Resources to Help Customers Fight Fraud
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and ABA has relaunched two consumer education campaigns to help banks protect their customers and communities from fraud. GBA encourages member banks to take advantage of the free resources available through #BanksNeverAskThat and #PracticeSafeChecks.
This year’s #BanksNeverAskThat campaign encourages consumers to become “Scam Slayers” by recognizing warning signs such as unexpected requests for sensitive information, urgent demands to move money and instructions to keep transactions secret. The campaign also highlights the important role frontline bankers play in stopping fraud. Banks can access ready-to-use videos, social media content, consumer tips and other resources at BanksNeverAskThat.com.
The companion #PracticeSafeChecks campaign focuses on helping consumers and businesses reduce their exposure to check fraud and check washing. Resources at PracticeSafeChecks.com offer practical guidance on protecting checks, monitoring accounts and using safer payment alternatives when possible.
Participation in both campaigns is free for all banks, regardless of ABA membership. GBA encourages members to sign up, share the materials and help spread these important fraud prevention messages. Learn more and register here.
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Reminder: Early Voting Starts Tuesday, Oct. 13
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Early voting for Georgia’s Nov. 3 general election begins Tuesday, Oct. 13, and continues through Oct. 30. Visit the Georgia secretary of state’s My Voter Page to check your registration status, find early voting locations and hours and review your sample ballot. We encourage members to make a plan to vote.
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Update on Georgia BankPAC Campaign
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We’re grateful for the continued support of the 2026 BankPAC campaign. Contribution forms along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of our website with easy-to-follow options for making these contributions.
This week, contributions to the GBA FedPAC have come from eligible employees, officers and directors of:
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Georgia Bankers Association, Atlanta, Tripp Cofield, president & CEO
Steve H. Powell & Co., Statesboro, Stewart Thigpen, president & CEO
TIB, The Independent Bankers Bank, Atlanta, Michelle Fragle, senior vice president
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Last Call for GBA Fall Advocacy Play Day:
Two Great Events, One Important Cause
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Georgia Banking Leaders Gather for Annual Tri-Conferences
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Georgia bank executives, accountants and attorneys gathered Oct. 4-6 for GBA’s 2026 President/CEO, Bank Accountant and Bank Counsel conferences. The concurrent program featured timely industry updates, practical strategies and peer perspectives.
Regulatory and Economic Outlook
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Georgia Department of Banking and Finance Commissioner Bo Fears and GBA President and CEO Tripp Cofield discussed deposit insurance reform, stablecoins and tokenized deposits, fraud, regulatory relief and AI supervision.
- Truist’s Mike Skordeles shared his economic outlook, including forecasts for 2.2% U.S. economic growth in 2026 and 2% in 2027.
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A CEO panel featuring Brad Brookshire, Great Oaks Bank; Ryan Earnest, First National Community Bank; and Ryan Warren, Commercial Banking Company; discussed credit trends and lending conditions across Georgia. Stewart Thigpen of Steve H. Powell & Company moderated the panel.
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Ben Udell of Ben Udell Consulting demonstrated practical ways bankers can put AI to work, from better prompting and dictation to coaching and marketing applications.
- Haberfeld President Sean Payant emphasized the importance of becoming customers’ primary financial institution, simplifying products and removing barriers to account opening.
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The Insiders’ View of M&A
Colony Bank Chief Banking Officer Greg Eiford, First Peoples Bank Director Leonard Moreland and Vallant Bank President Spence Mullis shared firsthand lessons from bank combinations. Jonathan Hightower of Fenimore Kay Harrison moderated. Key themes included culture, board preparation, communication, timing and the importance of understanding the people, policies and procedures of each institution involved in a transaction.
Specialized Sessions
Bank accountants received an update on current accounting issues, while bank counsel sessions covered legal and regulatory developments and the ethical, governance, litigation and cybersecurity considerations surrounding AI.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
GBA thanks American Bankers Association, Carr Riggs Ingram, Crowe, EBS, Elliott Davis, Fenimore Kay Harrison, FHLBank Atlanta, Forvis Mazars, James Bates Brannan Groover, Mauldin & Jenkins, McNair McLemore Middlebrooks & Co., ServisFirst Bank, Symphona, First National Bankers Bank, Troutman Pepper Locke and Warren Averett for their support of the conferences. Special thanks also go to Demarest Strategy Group for providing the Amazon gift card giveaways.
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Welcome GBA's Newest Associate Members
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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.
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360factors
Mr. Kenneth Proctor, kenneth.proctor@360factors.com
Austin, TX
www.360factors.com
360factors provides AI-powered risk and compliance management solutions that help financial institutions improve efficiency, reduce risk and simplify regulatory compliance. Its Predict360 platform integrates compliance, risk management, audits, policies, training and analytics into a single cloud-based solution, providing actionable insights that strengthen governance, streamline operations and support informed decision-making across the enterprise.
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Agora Eversole
Mr. Chris Bates, Chris@AgoraEversole.com
Jackson, MS
www.agoraeversole.com
Agora Eversole provides full-service marketing strategies to more than 65 banks across 17 states through customized and comprehensive marketing services, website design and management, AI marketing, SEO+GEO services, digital advertising and social media marketing. The firm partners with banks to drive growth through differentiation and targeted market growth strategies.
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Bridges and Associates
Mr. Tommy Bridges, tbridges@bkafinancial.com
Columbus, GA
Bridges and Associates provides bank boards with the tools to align executive benefits with leadership retention and succession goals. Its concept-driven review weighs the merits of various short- and long-term incentive plans against each bank’s objectives and financial commitments.
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Crimson Security
Mr. Brandon Bower, brandon.bower@crimsonsecurityinc.com
Melville, NY
www.crimsonsecurityinc.com
In today’s digital world, staying secure and compliant is more important than ever. Crimson Security specializes in helping financial institutions navigate complex cybersecurity challenges and meet regulatory requirements with confidence.
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FinLucidity
Mr. Hart Raley, hart@finlucidity.com
Athens, GA
www.finlucidity.com
FinLucidity is a harnessed, AI-powered financial intelligence platform built specifically for community banks. It transforms complex regulatory, financial, market and bank-specific data into actionable insights. It delivers sophisticated analytics, peer benchmarking, market intelligence, M&A analysis and specialized services such as CECL model validation more quickly and cost-effectively than traditional consulting.
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OSC Insurance
Mr. Michael Randall, mrandall@oscis.com
Kennesaw, GA
www.oscis.com
Insurance and escrow tracking services, Lender-Placed and Blanket Insurance protection policies designed to cover bank collateral/loan insurance exposures. OSC also provides escrow processing, escrow disbursement services, claims administration and loss draft services.
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Acumen Technology
Mr. Craig Cooper, ccooper@acumentechnology.com
Nashville, TN
www.acumentechnology.com
An engineering-driven company founded on the principles of a highly respected IT services provider, Acumen Technology delivers the highest level of technology support through a team of IT professionals with years of vertical-specific knowledge, strong relationships with industry-leading vendors and a broad range of managed services.
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AWR Agency
Ms. Ashley Rice, ashley@awragency.com
Evans, GA
www.awragency.com
AWR Agency provides tailored marketing support to businesses and nonprofits, offering a full suite of services including social media management, event support, fundraising assistance and content design. The agency helps organizations turn their goals into impactful results through customized marketing and communications solutions.
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Business Valuation, Inc.
Mr. Brantley DeWitt, BDeWitt@bvijax.com
Savannah, GA
www.businessvaluationinc.com
Business Valuation, Inc. provides business valuation, litigation support and advisory services to business owners, executives, attorneys and accountants.
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CyberMaxx
Ms. Lindsay Blum, lblum@cybermaxx.com
Linthicum Heights, MD
www.cybermaxx.com
CyberMaxx provides tech-enabled, modern Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services focused on real-time threat response. Unlike traditional managed security service providers (MSSPs), CyberMaxx emphasizes the "Big R" in MDR by actively stopping threats and reducing risk on behalf of clients rather than simply forwarding alerts. Its MaxxMDR solution is available in three distinct service packages, with options that include 24x7x365 threat detection, full response, and remediation delivered through its Security Operations Center (SOC).
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LedgerBridge
Mr. Doug Baird, doug@ledgerbridge.co
Vidalia, GA
www.ledgerbridge.co
LedgerBridge provides cryptocurrency custody and stablecoin solutions for the banking industry, designed to support compliance with the requirements of the GENIUS Act.
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Southern Cash Solutions
Mr. Adam Stephens, adams@stsgrp.com
Cullman, AL
www.southerncashsolutions.com
Southern Cash Solutions provides secure cash logistics and cash management services to financial institutions throughout the Southeast. The company offers ATM and ITM replenishment, cash transportation, vault cash management, coin operations, smart safes and customized cash handling solutions designed to improve efficiency, enhance security and ensure reliable cash operations.
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Personal Cash Flow Analysis Seminar
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Loan Documentation Seminar
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Bankers Sharpen Lending Skills at GBA Seminars
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Bankers gathered this week at Middle Georgia State University’s Macon Campus for two GBA seminars focused on strengthening lending decisions and managing credit risk. Shannon Fortson, executive vice president and chief credit officer at Vallant Bank, led both programs.
The Personal Cash Flow Analysis Seminar covered evaluating tax returns, assessing guarantor strength and determining cash flow available to support debt. The Loan Structuring and Documentation for Loss Prevention Seminar focused on properly structuring loans, evaluating collateral and strengthening documentation to help reduce lending risk. Both sessions provided practical guidance bankers can apply in their day-to-day lending responsibilities.
Look out for GBA Bulletin announcements of future seminar dates!
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Fresh Ideas for Customer Communications at GBA’s Marketing Peer Group
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When fraud threats emerge or unexpected service disruptions occur, getting timely information to customers is critical. But how do banks cut through the digital noise and reach customers who may not use online channels?
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At GBA’s Marketing Peer Group Meeting on Nov. 13 in Macon, Lori Tucker, chief experience officer at United Bank, will tackle these challenges in her session, “Customer Communications: When the Message is Urgent or Challenging.” Tucker will share real-world experiences, lessons learned and how United Bank uses multiple communication channels to reach customers, build awareness and encourage action when it matters most.
The meeting will also feature candid peer discussions facilitated by Beth James, vice president and marketing director at Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company. Attendees can submit hot topics during registration to help shape the conversation and exchange practical ideas with fellow bank marketers.
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New Account Documentation Bootcamp Customized for Georgia
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Protecting your institution starts at the new account desk. This two-day, highly interactive bootcamp is designed to equip frontline staff, supervisors and compliance professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently open and manage consumer, business and trust accounts, while staying fully compliant with state and federal regulations.
Day 1 | Consumer & Business Accounts – Oct. 14
Start with the accounts your frontline staff encounter every day. Day 1 focuses on consumer and business accounts, providing practical guidance on documentation, regulatory expectations and legal requirements, including the details that can create significant compliance risk when missed.
Day 2 | Trusts & Fiduciary Accounts – Oct. 15
Take on the more complex side of account opening. Day 2 dives into trusts, fiduciary accounts and court-appointed accounts, with a particular focus on revocable trusts and changes to FDIC insurance coverage.
Whether you're a seasoned frontline professional looking for a refresher or new to the account-opening process, you'll leave with practical tools and greater confidence to handle even the most challenging account-opening scenarios. Give your frontline team the tools to get it right the first time.
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Build Practical AI Skills with the Banking AI Accelerator
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AI is reshaping banking. The Banking AI Accelerator helps bankers move beyond AI awareness to practical, responsible application. Designed specifically for financial institutions, this 8-week, hands-on virtual program combines live instruction, guided online learning, weekly office hours and banking-focused applications. Participants learn to use AI as a productivity and problem-solving partner, from improving communications and synthesizing complex information to analyzing data and streamlining everyday workflows. The program culminates in a Custom Prompt Library, personalized evaluation and certification. Upcoming cohorts begin Nov. 3 and Jan. 12, with additional 2027 sessions available. GBA member registration is $1,500. Ready to put AI to work at your bank?
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BSA Peer Group Nov. 4: All the Insight, None of the Travel
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This interactive session for BSA/AML/CFT and OFAC professionals gives you the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and tackle the challenges that matter most, all from the convenience of your desk. GBA's BSA Summit facilitator, Kristen Stogniew, leads the meeting.
You can help shape the conversation. Submit your hot topics during registration and bring your questions and experiences to the discussion.
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Reminder: It's Time to Enroll for the 2027 BSA Summit
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Conquer compliance at the 2027 BSA Summit. If you enjoyed the opportunity to connect with your BSA peers through GBA’s BSA peer group meetings, mark your calendar for the 2027 BSA Summit, Jan. 11-14 at Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort in Stone Mountain.
Now in its fifth year, the BSA Summit is designed to give BSA officers, analysts, auditors, and support staff the knowledge, tools and confidence to strengthen their BSA/AML/CFT and OFAC programs. During this multi-day summit, expect practical guidance, timely regulatory updates, real-world strategies and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow BSA professionals, all led by experienced industry experts from Saltmarsh.
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More Upcoming Events and Training Opportunities
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Commercial Lending School - Jan. 10-15, 2027, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
- Legislative and Economic Forum & Reception - Jan. 27, 2027, The Ritz Carlton, Downtown Atlanta
- Georgia Banking School - April 25-30, 2027, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
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GBA Compliance School - April 25-30, 2027, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
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ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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Fraud and Cashier’s Checks, Coaching Teller Excellence, FedNow Risk Assessments Workshop and More
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Take a look at online training opportunities available to GBA members from OnCourse Learning and the American Bankers Association.
Upcoming hot topic webinars:
Self-paced courses, certificates and reference guides:
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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Make Plans Now to Use GBA’s Holiday Closing Decals in 2027
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GBA is 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 14 decals. To place a new order, please contact Bo Brannen at bbrannen@gabankers.com.
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GBA Holiday Closing Decals feature:
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A unique, color decal for each holiday
(Note: for 2027, there is a decal for Saturday, July 3, Monday, July 5, Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25) - Large 6"x 9" size to maximize visibility
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No messy adhesive for easy removal and reapplication
- All-weather durability
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Free Webinar Nov. 5 at 12:30 p.m. on ACH Risk Management
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Nacha’s latest rules raise the bar for ACH risk management. Join experts from Nacha and GBA Strategic Partner Abrigo as they discuss today’s ACH risk landscape, evolving industry expectations and how banks are strengthening monitoring, governance and fraud mitigation. You’ll also gain insights into the growing impact of authorized payment fraud and what effective ACH risk management looks like moving forward. Register here.
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Atlanta – Georgia Banking Company
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The bank announced the public filing of a registration statement with the SEC for the proposed direct listing of its common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol GBC. The listing remains subject to regulatory review, Nasdaq requirements and market conditions. Read more.
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Isabelle Lee has joined the bank as a commercial lender.
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Atlanta – United Community Bank
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The bank announced the addition of seven banking professionals to its Atlanta team, led by Metro President Paige Collier. New hires include Evans Gunn, commercial real estate relationship manager; Ryan Hammack, commercial and middle market relationship manager; Reed Bell, commercial relationship manager; Martin Small, commercial relationship manager; Susan Godbee, CEPA, regional director of private wealth; Jamon Davis, regional treasury solutions officer; and Cheryl Dougherty, regional treasury solutions officer. The bank also plans to open a new location at The Galleria in October.
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Columbus – First Peoples Bank
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The bank celebrated the grand opening of its second Columbus branch, Bradley Park, on Sept. 30. The location at 6100 Whitesville Road began serving customers July 27. Read more.
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Gainesville – Private Bank & Trust
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Private Bank & Trust opened Sept. 28 at 424 Green Street NE in Gainesville and held its grand opening celebration Oct. 6. Led by President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Barrett, the new bank will focus on serving commercial customers in Gainesville and Hall County.
Read more.
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| Brian Utley joined the bank as vice president and city executive of its Jones County location.
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Congratulations to Jim Edwards, CEO of United Bank and former GBA chairman, on his election to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta's board of directors as a Georgia member director. It was good to see exceptional turnout from Georgia’s FHLB members, with more than 92% of eligible votes cast by Georgia member institutions — a significantly higher turnout than in the other states participating in the election. Edwards received 83% of the vote. His four-year term begins Jan. 1, 2027.
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Manchester – F&M Bank and Trust Company
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Vince Ottone has joined the bank as vice president, commercial lender.
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The bank named Vivian Battershill-Diaz executive vice president, Marietta market president.
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Milledgeville – Exchange Bank
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Nicole McCain has been promoted to Main Office branch manager and loan officer. Read more.
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| Bainbridge – First Port City Bank
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The bank supported the Bainbridge High School girls softball team by providing dinner for the players before their game.
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| Moultrie – First National Bank
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Bank team members Cole Pitts, Marybell Hernandez and Victoria Dunn volunteered during United Way of Colquitt County’s Day of Action, joining community members in local service efforts.
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Perry – SunMark Community Bank
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The bank sponsored and participated in the Byron Barbecue Fest.
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Read All About It: Send Us Your News
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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.
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Recruit, Retain and Develop the Best Bankers with GBA's Job Bank
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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.
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