Industry News

ABA: Iowa Banker Elected as Chair of ABA’s Community Bankers Council

The American Bankers Association has elected Matt Lujano as chair of ABA’s Community Bankers Council for the 2026-2027 association year. Lujano is president and CEO of Westside State Bank in Westside, Iowa. The Community Bankers Council consists of bank presidents and CEOs from across the country who meet twice a year in person to strategize…

SBA: Agency to Showcase American Entrepreneurship with Small Business Expo and Million Dollar Pitch Competition

Dean Cain to host alongside judges Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone and Joe Gebbia; competition to become primetime special premiering in October The U.S. Small Business Administration will bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders and some of the biggest names in business and entertainment on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Washington, D.C., for a Small Business Expo and…

ABA: Foundation Encourages America’s Banks to Host “Lights, Camera, Save!” Teen Video Contest

Teens compete for prizes worth up to $10,000 in national competition sponsored by Visa The American Bankers Association Foundation is urging banks across the country to participate in its upcoming 16th annual Lights, Camera, Save! video competition, which runs from Oct. 1 through Dec. 1.  Lights, Camera, Save! is a national contest that encourages teens ages 13-18 to…

Agencies Reduce Regulatory Burden for Community Banks, Increase Eligibility for 18-Month Exam Cycle

The federal bank regulatory agencies today issued an interim final rule increasing the number of community banks eligible for an 18-month exam cycle. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act increased the total asset threshold from $3 billion to $6 billion for certain supervised institutions to qualify for an extended 18-month on-site exam cycle. Extending…

HUD: Sponsors and Exhibitors Announced for 2026 Innovative Housing Showcase

Showcase Returns to National Mall September 22–24 to Celebrate American Ingenuity HUD today announced the sponsors and exhibitors for its sixth annual Innovative Housing Showcase, taking place on the National Mall from September 22–24. This year’s theme, “Made in America,” highlights American ingenuity and innovative approaches to expanding housing affordability and homeownership.  “Under President Trump’s leadership, HUD is bringing the public and private sectors…

SBA: Agency Recognizes Innovative CHOICE Arrangements as Major Win for Small Businesses

Trump Administration Initiative Expands Health Insurance Affordability, Choice, and Coverage Options for Small Businesses and Workers Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to announce CHOICE Arrangements. Formerly known as Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs),…

HUD: Secretary Turner Joins the National Tribal Housing Summit to Announce Inaugural Awards for Tribal Leaders and Celebrate Historic MOU Signing

Today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) concluded its 2026 National Tribal Housing Summit and announced the inaugural HUD Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Tribal Communities, honoring achievements in housing, community development, and support for Native youth. During the Summit, HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) and the Department of the…

ICBA: 2026 National Community Bank Service Award Recipients Honored for Transformative Efforts to Uplift Local Communities

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the winners of its 2026 National Community Bank Service Awards, recognizing the innovative and exceptional efforts of the nation’s community banks to support and uplift local communities. Stories are featured in the September issue of ICBA’s Independent Banker magazine. “These award recipients demonstrate what makes community banks…

HUD: Agency Takes Action to Make Housing More Affordable

Secretary Turner took action to make housing more affordable by rescinding burdensome guidance that made building, buying, and renting a home more expensive. HUD issued new guidance applying the Fair Housing Act’s statute of limitations to claims alleging violations of the Act’s design and construction requirements. This replaces a flawed Obama-era legal interpretation and properly…

SBA: All Star Lineup Unveiled for Million Dollar Pitch Competition

Judges Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, and Joe Gebbia to join host Dean Cain at finale in Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the all-star judging panel and event host for the grand finale of the agency’s Million Dollar Pitch Competition. The judging panel will consist of global music icon and entrepreneur Nicki Minaj,…