Census Bureau: New Data Shows Growth in Metro Areas Outpaced Nation
Population growth in U.S. metro areas as a whole was faster between 2023 and 2024 than in the previous year and outpaced that of the nation. Additionally, some metro areas that experienced population declines during the COVID-19 pandemic are now observing population gains, according to Vintage 2024 estimates of population totals and components of change…
ICBA: In New Policy Resolution, ICBA Urges Congress to End Tax Subsidies for Credit Unions Over $1 Billion in Assets
With Congress considering legislation to reform the nation’s tax policy, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today called on policymakers to end unwarranted federal tax subsidies for the nation’s largest credit unions. A new policy resolution that ICBA introduced at this week’s ICBA LIVE 2025 national convention in Nashville, Tenn., calls on lawmakers to…
OCC: Agency to Host Virtual Innovation Office Hours in May
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced virtual Office Hours with its Office of Financial Technology on May 6-8, 2025, to promote responsible innovation in the federal banking system. Office Hours are an opportunity for banks and financial technology (fintech) companies to engage with OCC staff on matters related to bank-fintech…
CDFI Fund: FY 2025 CDFI Program or NACA Program Applications Due by March 21, 2025
As a reminder for fiscal year (FY) 2025 Community Development Financial Institutions Program (CDFI Program) and Native American CDFI Assistance Program (NACA Program) Applicants, the deadline for online submission of CDFI Program and NACA Program Application materials, including Persistent Poverty County-Financial Assistance (PPC-FA), Healthy Food Financing Initiative-Financial Assistance (HFFI-FA), and Disability Funds-Financial Assistance (DF-FA), through…
ABA: ABA Testifies Before Senate Ag Committee on Risk Management, Credit and the Agricultural Economy
The American Bankers Association offered the banking industry’s views on risk management, credit and the agricultural economy in testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture today. Caleb Hopkins, current chair of ABA’s Agricultural and Rural Bankers Committee, testified on behalf of ABA. Hopkins, based in Halbur, Iowa, has worked in agricultural banking for 13 years, including the…
SBA: Made in America Manufacturing Initiative Announced
Effort will cut $100B in regulation, expand access to capital and create dedicated infrastructure to support blue-collar boom Today, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced the agency’s new Made in America Manufacturing Initiative to restore American economic dominance and national security by empowering small manufacturers. The agency’s effort will support President Trump’s agenda to create good-paying jobs,…
HUD: Innovative Housing Showcase “The American Home is the American Dream” Returns to the National Mall
Showcase to run May 30 – June 1 and celebrate 250th Anniversary of American Independence Secretary Scott Turner today announced the return of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Innovative Housing Showcase from May 30 – June 1 to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This year’s showcase will highlight history-defining events in…
Agencies Issue 2024 Shared National Credit Program
Federal bank regulatory agencies today reported in the 2024 Shared National Credit (SNC) report that credit risk associated with large, syndicated bank loans remains moderate. However, the agencies noted weakened credit quality trends continue due to the pressure of higher interest rates on leveraged borrowers and compressed operating margins in some industry sectors. The agencies…
OCC: Agency Clarifies Bank Authority to Engage in Certain Cryptocurrency Activities
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today took action to reaffirm that a range of cryptocurrency activities are permissible in the federal banking system. The OCC published Interpretive Letter 1183 to confirm that crypto-asset custody, certain stablecoin activities, and participation in independent node verification networks such as distributed ledger are permissible for…
ABA: Bank Economists See Emerging Risks to Growth and Inflation
While the American Bankers Association’s Economic Advisory Committee expects continued economic growth, the committee’s latest forecast released today recognizes risks emanating from policy changes and uncertainty. Additionally, the Federal Reserve is likely to face significant challenges in returning inflation to its 2% target, according to the group. The committee, composed of 16 chief economists from…