U.S. House Passes Bill to Limit Abusive Mortgage Trigger Leads
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The U.S. House this week passed H.R. 2808, a bipartisan bill to curb the sale of mortgage “trigger leads” by credit reporting agencies. These leads often result in unwanted solicitations for consumers—a concern for many GBA members.
The bill would restrict when applicant data can be sold, allowing it only under narrow, regulated conditions. A similar bill passed the Senate earlier this month. Lawmakers are working to finalize a version for the president’s signature. GBA supports the effort to protect consumer privacy.
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Bank Accountant Board Meets, Elects New Leadership and Plans Fall Conference
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The board for GBA’s special membership section of bank accounting firms met Thursday to conduct its annual business and plan its annual conference. Outgoing Chair Eve Rogers of Crowe LLP led the meeting and passed the gavel to Adam Hutchens of Hutchins Clenney Rumsey Huckaby PC, who was elected to serve as chair for 2025-26. Ryan Barrow of Wipfli was elected as vice chair. During a roundtable discussion, board members exchanged insights on key issues affecting bank accounting professionals. Topics included accounting considerations for banking-as-a-service revenue, new Georgia Department of Banking and Finance rules for internal audit reports, trends in risk assessments and growing regulatory focus on CECL model validations. GBA’s Elizabeth Chandler provided a legislative update, highlighting this year’s passage of the bill modifying the state’s intangibles recording tax and ongoing concerns about debanking legislation that may re-surface. GBA’s Bo Brannen also briefed the group on new legislation affecting CPA licensing requirements.
The Bank Accountant Conference is coming up Sept. 29-30. Held concurrently with the President/CEO and Bank Counsel conferences, this year’s venue is the the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.
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Compliance Committee Plans Fall Conference; Registration Now Open!
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The GBA Compliance Committee convened this week at BankSouth’s conference center in Greensboro to finalize plans for their upcoming fall conference. Led by Chair Renee McCullar, BankSouth, and Vice Chair Beth Hamilton, First National Bank, the agenda will feature timely topics such as fraud trends, 1071 updates, fair lending and disparate impact, regulatory and BSA developments, third-party risk management, and other key compliance insights.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Compliance Conference, scheduled for Oct. 20-22 at the beautiful Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort. This annual event offers a full spectrum of compliance education, expert speakers, and networking opportunities in a relaxed coastal setting designed to inspire creativity and collaboration among compliance professionals.
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GBA Retirement Services Welcomes Seventh New Member in 2025
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GBA Retirement Services, Inc. is excited to welcome its seventh new member for the year to the GBA Master 401(k) Trust: First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Valdosta, Thomas Newbern, president & CEO. We have enjoyed meeting with employees from the bank this week as we prepare for them to join our program in July. We look forward to providing outstanding service for these plan participants in the years to come.
Some of the advantages of being part of the GBA Master Trust include:
- GBA’s dedicated staff support as a primary resource and oversight of service providers.
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American Trust Company as an investment manager and discretionary trustee.
- Reduced fees with high-quality service providers.
- Ongoing investment education and retirement planning sessions for employees.
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Personalized Managed Account Solution geared to each participant’s needs through the Unified Plan at no additional cost for participants.
- Added value: Your bank’s business customers are eligible to participate through referral from you as an add on service.
We would love to do a plan review and show you why all of our members are pleased with the service and performance provided by GBA Retirement Services! Contact Mandy Richards at 678.549.4167 for more information about how GBA Retirement Services can help design or improve your retirement plan.
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Federal Reserve Drops “Reputational Risk” from Bank Exams
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In a move aimed at increasing clarity in bank supervision, the Federal Reserve announced it will no longer use “reputational risk” in its examination framework, choosing instead to focus on specific, measurable financial risks. The change could reduce so-called “debanking” claims where banks have been accused of cutting ties with certain customers over perceived image concerns. Fed officials confirm that this change will not weaken safety standards but will promote more objective and transparent oversight while supporting banks’ risk-based decision-making. The Fed’s decision follows similar actions by the FDIC and OCC. It also aligns with state legislative efforts, such as SB 372, sponsored by Sen. Larry Walker (R-Perry) in the 2025 legislative session, which removes references to reputational risk in state-level bank exams, rules and guidelines. That bill is still live for consideration in 2026.
GBA believes this is a more appropriate approach to addressing “debanking” concerns, having lobbied strongly against misguided legislation, such as SB 57 and SB 341, both introduced by Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) earlier this year. SB 57 failed on the Senate floor on Crossover Day, while SB 341 remains live for next year.
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ICYMI: Payment Fraud Input Sought by Regulators
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Re-flagging this for you all from last week as we know it may have been missed with all our annual meeting coverage. Federal bank regulators have issued a joint request for comment on ways to reduce payments fraud, with a focus on check fraud. It’s important that they hear from bankers on this as we’ve been active in advocating for more focus from them on the issue. You may also ask your customers, local law enforcement and other partners to chime in. The agencies are seeking feedback on five areas: cross-industry collaboration, education for consumers and businesses, regulatory and supervisory strategies, data sharing and potential improvements to Federal Reserve Bank services. The goal is to identify actions that better protect consumers, businesses and financial institutions. In a statement, Michelle Bowman, Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision, noted that the agencies have been slow in their efforts, and vowed to work diligently on it going forward. Comments will be accepted for 90 days following publication in the Federal Register. Members are encouraged to review the request and provide input.
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Impersonation Scam Awareness Focus from FDIC Welcomed
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We were pleased to see the FDIC this week issue consumer awareness information to help combat fraud. Taking a more visible and active consumer education role to help curb fraud was one of the suggestions Georgia bankers gave to FDIC and other agencies during our May advocacy visit in Washington, D.C. The most recent edition of FDIC Consumer News includes advice for consumers on avoiding bank impersonation scams. Read it here, and consider sharing it with your customers through social media and other channels.
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Sentencing Begins in Postal Master Key Scheme Tied to $485K in Check Fraud
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Federal prosecutors in Augusta are moving forward with sentencing in a case involving five defendants—one a former postal worker—who used stolen U.S. Postal Service master keys to steal mail and carry out a check fraud scheme targeting financial institutions.
Investigators uncovered hundreds of stolen checks and financial documents, including altered items used to steal funds. Check images recovered during the investigation totaled $485,000. The group accessed blue mailboxes across the Augusta area using stolen USPS arrow keys.
One defendant is scheduled for sentencing June 17. All face up to 30 years in prison. The
U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to urge anyone affected by mail theft at the Martinez or Peach Orchard Road post offices between March and November 2023 to file a report at USPIS.gov/report.
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Inspiration, Insight and Community at the 2025 Women in Banking Conference
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Join us for one of GBA’s most anticipated events of the year, the GBA Women in Banking Conference, returning Aug. 14-15 to the beautiful Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. Since 2014, this conference has brought together women across Georgia’s banking industry for two days of learning, laughter and leadership.
With engaging general sessions, meaningful discussions and plenty of opportunities to connect, this year’s program is designed to empower and inspire. Attendees include women from GBA member banks, Associate Members, Bank Counsel section, Bank Accountant Section and Strategic Partners.
Agenda Highlights:
- Fireside chat with GBA's Elizabeth Chandler and Melissa Sneed, deputy commissioner for supervision, Georgia Department of Banking and Finance
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Leading through change with GBA Chairman-Elect Susan Moss, president and CEO, Planters & Citizens Bank, and Mikelle Brady, Profit Resources, Inc.
- Small-group roundtable discussions with peer-led conversation
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Health and wellness insights with Dr. Audrey Arona, OB-GYN and assistant professor, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Jessi Englert, TIB – The Independent Bankers Bank
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Fraud trends with Dana White, AB&T, and Greta Wood, United Bank
- Closing keynote by author Dima Ghawi on courageous leadership and breaking barriers.
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Ops/Tech Peer Group Meeting Sept. 10 in Athens
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Bank operations and technology professionals should make sure to join GBA's next Operations & Technology Peer Group Meeting, set for Sept. 10 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. Led by Sam Drennen, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, First American Bank & Trust, this event will foster in-depth peer discussions on the critical challenges and opportunities facing bank operations and technology professionals today.
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More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up
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WEBINARS – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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AI and Excel, Hot Topics in IT Examination, Small Bank CRA Workshop and More
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Here’s a sampling of upcoming webinars.
Want to see the full webinar schedule?
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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Spotlight on New GBA Associate Members
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Over the next few weeks, we want to give a warm welcome to several new GBA Associate Members that we onboarded this 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:
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Vivek Shah, Vivek.Shah@IGAPL.com
Atlanta, GA | www.knavcpa.com
KNAV is a global accounting and advisory firm delivering a full spectrum of financial services. They bring clarity to complex compliance matters and help businesses achieve their milestones. Their professionals are experienced in local and cross-border regulations, utilizing this knowledge to assist clients by issuing audit reports, providing tax advice, ensuring compliance, and advising on all aspects of M&A.
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GBA Compensation Survey Deadline is Friday
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Data collection for the 2025 GBA Compensation Survey ends this Friday, June 27. Results will be available during the week of Aug. 11. Pricing is $650 for participants and $1,495 for non-participants. If you need assistance submitting data, please contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com for help from Pearl Meyer.
This valuable resource provides detailed compensation data, including base salaries, incentives, and total compensation, along with insights into HR practices such as salary increases, outsourcing, turnover, and recruiting.
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Learn about Attractive Tax Credit Opportunities for Banks from GBA Partner Monarch Private Capital
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Banks continuously invest in activities that promote local community development. Whether your strategy is to narrow an affordable housing gap, support economic growth, or preserve history and contribute to town-center redevelopment, consider the many opportunities GBA partner Monarch Private Capital has to redirect tax dollars to fuel those specific preferences and see positive, quantifiable outcomes. Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Historic Tax Credit (HTC) financed projects meeting CRA requirements are also eligible for CRA credit. Learn how to redeploy dollars earmarked for federal and state income taxes to address your CRA objectives. Click the links below to learn more about these state credits:
To learn more, contact Monarch’s Ben Zachariah at bzachariah@monarchprivate.com or 404.889.8774, or Brent Barringer at bbarringer@monarchprivate.com or 334.663.4523.
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Compliance Alliance Question of the Week
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Question: Is the bank mandated to require written applications for credit requests?
Answer: Regulation B does not generally require that an application be in writing (it can be either oral or written request for an extension of credit); and it is important to note that the definition of an application under the regulation is very reliant upon a bank's own internal policy (i.e. "in accordance with procedures used by a creditor for the type of credit requested.") But, with that said, there are certainly regulatory and risk-based considerations to keep in mind with such a decision.
Read more here.
Compliance Hub Demo Schedule:
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Alpharetta - Touchmark National Bank
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Touchmark Bancshares Inc. announced two new board appointments:
Bradley Carroll, former chief audit executive at State Bank Financial Corp. and national practice leader for financial institutions at Frazier & Deeter, has been named audit committee chairman.
Todd Bailey, former CFO of Georgia Primary Bank and most recently with Safe Systems Inc., has been named asset liability committee chairman.
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Atlanta - Coastal States Bank
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CoastalSouth Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Coastal States Bank, has launched an initial public offering of 2.6 million shares of common stock. The company plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol COSO.
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Bainbridge - First National Bank
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Bank board member Ed Robinson was recently elected as mayor of the City of Cairo.
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Jason Lauck has joined the bank as senior commercial relationship manager.
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Calhoun - North Georgia National Bank
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Tennessee-based Millennium Bancshares Inc. has agreed to acquire North Georgia Community Financial Partners Inc., the parent company of North Georgia National Bank. As part of the deal, expected to close in the fourth quarter, North Georgia National Bank will merge into Millennium Bank, expanding the latter's footprint into North Georgia. Lesa Downey, president and CEO of North Georgia National Bank, will join the Millennium Bank leadership team.
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The bank was named to the Forbes list of Best-In-State Banks 2025, based on a survey of about 26,000 U.S. consumers.
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Founding directors at the ribbon cutting ceremony when Colony Bank opened at its original location in Fitzgerald.
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Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the bank recently hosted a luncheon in Fitzgerald to honor the community where it first opened in 1975. Read more.
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Moultrie - Moultrie Bank & Trust
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Drew Durham has been promoted to banking officer.
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Moultrie - Moultrie Bank & Trust
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Bradley Grantham has been promoted to banking officer.
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Richmond Hill - Great Oaks Bank
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Jordan Barrentine has joined the bank’s loan operations team.
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Watkinsville - Oconee State Bank
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Joe Godfrey, senior vice president and community president for the Gwinnett market, was selected for the Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2026.
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| Bainbridge - First Port City Bank
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The bank donated a gift basket and team members volunteered at the Cross the Line Paddle for Veterans silent auction. Held June 21, the event brought together more than 114 paddlers to raise awareness for Veteran Suicide Awareness and benefit Homes for Our Troops.
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Hawkinsville - Planters First Bank
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The bank sponsored the Juneteenth Welcome & Opening at St. Thomas AME Church. Representing the bank, Bobbie Clemons spoke on homeownership, fraud prevention and tools to help safeguard seniors from financial abuse.
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Milledgeville - Exchange Bank
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The bank supported Brave Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center with a donation to advance its mission of horse-assisted therapy for individuals with physical and mental challenges across Baldwin and nearby counties.
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Moultrie - First National Bank
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Bank team members attended PCOM South Georgia’s Welcome Event to greet new students and reconnect with returning ones.
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Thomasville - TC Federal Bank
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Bank team members participated in the City of Thomasville’s Kids Summer Reading Series aimed at encouraging literacy and community engagement.
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Savannah - Small Business Assistance Corporation
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The company launched its 35th Anniversary Giveback Campaign, inviting the community to engage through referrals, event attendance, partnerships, loan applications, speaking opportunities and financial contributions through Sept. 30.
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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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