Bank Locally

08/17/2026

Who's funding the small businesses, the farmers, the ranchers?

On a recent episode of The Huddle podcast, ICBA's Rebeca Romero Rainey breaks down what the Clarity Act's stablecoin provisions could mean for deposits, and Main Street, if Congress doesn't close the gaps.

Watch here:

Every morning veteran journalist Rachael Bade, democratic strategis...

08/10/2026

📊 New ICBA polling: 86% of small-business professionals say policymakers should protect community bank lending when debating digital assets.

Community banks power $4.1 trillion in local lending. Small businesses recognize allowing yield on stablecoins puts their business at risk.

ICBA calls on Congress to ensure the Clarity Act prohibits yield on payment stablecoins

Read more:

Washington, D.C. (Aug. 4, 2026) — With the Senate debating the Clarity Act digital asset market structure bill, new polling data shows U.S. small-business professionals say lawmakers should ensure the legislation does not hamper community bank lending in local communities. “New ICBA polling demo...

07/29/2026

📺 WATCH: ICBA President & CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey told Bloomberg Crypto the new Clarity Act still puts Main Street communities at risk.

"Community banks are the backbone of local economies. Our member banks make more than 60% of the nation's small business loans and over 80% of agricultural loans."

Congress must reject this bill as written to protect Main Street lending.

See the full clip:

Rebeca Romero Rainey, president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America, joins Scarlet Fu and Tim Stenovec on "Bloomberg Crypto." They discuss her group's concerns about the current form of the Clarity Act legislation.

07/23/2026

ICBA’s CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey was published in the Washington Examiner on why local lending matters. It’s about communities, not crypto.

The Clarity Act is being rammed through Congress, giving crypto firms and stablecoin issuers a free pass — without the necessary consumer protections.

This isn't a policy argument. It's a purchase. And Congress is the one being bought.

Full story in the Washington Examiner:

A $195 million crypto lobbying blitz is pushing the CLARITY Act through Congress — and it could drain $1.3 trillion from community banks nationwide.

07/16/2026

American families don't want experiments with their money. 🚫💸

Up to 4,000 community banks are fighting back against a "stablecoin" law that could strip $850 BILLION in loans from small businesses and farmers.

We’re taking the fight to D.C. with a new campaign to demand a level playing field.

🗣️ Check out our feature in The Guardian: 🔗

Up to 4,000 community banks fear looming legislation to regulate digital cash will deprive rural firms and farmers of $850bn-worth of loans

03/05/2024

Customers are recognizing the difference and taking action to switch from big banks to . More evidence of the movement gaining momentum from The Wall Street Journal:

Community banks and credit unions are outperforming the banking industry as customers push back against consolidation.

01/05/2024

For people who : Where your money goes, community grows.

01/02/2024

New year, new goals. Whether you’re hoping to buy a house, secure a loan, or even start your own small business in 2024, are here to help. Find one in your neighborhood today!

12/27/2023

Community banks exist for their communities (in more ways than one!).

12/22/2023

ACROSS ✏️
2 ACROSS: The primary retail street in a small town or neighborhood where local businesses are concentrated. (noun)
4 ACROSS: The type of service offered at a community bank. (adjective)
5 ACROSS: The type of bank if you want to keep your money in your community. (adjective)
DOWN✏️
1 DOWN: The online map tool to find the community bank closest to you. (noun)
3 DOWN: A dream that can be accomplished fully with the support of a community bank. (noun)
6 DOWN: The “safety net” that protects your money at a local bank, from the national level. (noun)