• SUMMER IS HERE, BUT SAVE THESE DATES & PLAN FOR THE FALL! JOIN US at our next big IBANYS event of the year: IBANYS' Executive Leadership Symposium October 5-7, 2026, at 1000 Harbor Hotel in Clayton, NY. Watch our upcoming emails, weekly Updates and newsletters for more details. . .More information is coming soon! You can also visit https://ibanys.net/meetings-schedule/ for news about all IBANYS’ meetings. 

• TODAY IS SRM’S MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS: MEETING A TRANSFORMATIONAL MOMENT. Today’s wave of M&A is about far more than consolidation. As margins tighten, competition intensifies, and customer expectations continue to rise, strategic deals have become a powerful accelerant for institutions looking to expand capabilities and position themselves as future market leaders. Join SRM's M&A and financial services experts today at 2:00PM for a discussion grounded in their latest industry report, Mergers & Acquisitions: Meeting a Transformational Moment. Explore why M&A activity is accelerating, what today's transformational deals reveal about where the industry is headed, and which operational and technology decisions often determine whether institutions can create long-term value post-close. Gain a clearer view of the strategic questions boards and executive teams should be asking right now. To register: https://info.srmcorp.com/winning-through-ma?utm_campaign=webinarmanda0626&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ijeOqiCrHEq1ZQRd2mYaRJDwbCfjDKdZXfVwKv_i0DJfZkanviWdik3Sz4P_sVm4Af4nB-mclFBW_W8v_Ioxhzyy6hw&_hsmi=423029408&utm_content=mandareport-em2-webinar-button&utm_source=hubspot

IBANYS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

IBANYS JULY WEBINARS

Associate and Preferred Partners

Employee Recruitment, Selection, and Placement

• Recruitment standards for effective hiring
• Training importance for less-qualified applicants
•  Selection tools and testing methods
•  Behavioral traits for role alignment 

Situational and Behavioral Interviewing

• Purpose of employment interviews
• Job analysis improves interview success
• Using structured interviews
• Situational and behavioral questions
• Individual vs. panel interviews 

Driving Employee Engagement

• Engagement vs. satisfaction and commitment
• Engagement’s impact on performance
• How engagement evolves over time
• Key drivers of engagement
• Strategies to boost retention and performance 

Creating an Accountability Culture



• Accountability issues and impact
• Barriers to accountability
• Improving individual accountability
• Strategies for mutual accountability 

This program has been pre-approved for 12 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).“ The content of the program submitted has met the criteria for Recertification Provider Program.

ICBA Information

ICBA 2026 Educational Offerings

Thank you for your continued support of both IBANYS and ICBA Education. As we work together to serve the community banking industry, our shared goal is to deliver comprehensive, high-quality training solutions that empower community banks to succeed.

To further streamline processes and enhance the overall experience for our bankers, we are retiring the State Affiliate code from transaction purchases. While this change also eliminates the associated revenue share, ICBA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our state association through a variety of educational programs and collaborative initiatives.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to achieve shared goals and create meaningful impact.

Click here to learn more about ICBA offerings including:

• Certification Courses
• Live Events
• Online Courses
• Resources

Investing with Intent: How Optionality Is Quietly Costing You for Banks



As interest rate uncertainty continues to shape the financial landscape, community banks must look beyond traditional portfolio measures and evaluate the hidden risks embedded in their investments. In this month's article, Andrew Okolski, Managing Director at The Baker Group, explores how optionality risk can silently impact portfolio performance and offers practical strategies for building a more intentional, balance sheet-focused investment approach. His insights provide valuable guidance for bank leaders seeking to strengthen portfolio decisions in an increasingly complex rate environment. Read Article

ALBANY UPDATE

BIG CHANGES FROM TUESDAY’S CONGRESSIONAL & LEGISLATIVE PRIMARIES

• NYC Congressional Primary Results: Mamdani Emerges As “Kingmaker.” NYC Mayor Mamdani and his Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) allies swept a series of congressional primaries in New York City Tuesday in a remarkable show of strength that "sent shock waves through the Democratic Party," The New York Times reports. Mamdani emerged as “an undeniable power broker in New York politics” as all of his endorsed congressional candidates won: Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez and Brad Lander won in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan -- and Chevalier and Lander ousted incumbent Democratic Reps. Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat. Mamdani the DSA beat candidates endorsed by Gov. Hochul and House Democratic Leader Jeffries (D-Brooklyn). https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/nyregion/new-york-primary-takeaways.html?unlocked_article_code=1.slA.IUN5.DiUk7kcAX4S7&smid=nytcore-ios-share

• In Manhattan, Assemblyman Micah Lasher has won the Democratic primary in  New York’s 12th Congressional District, defeating a crowded field of rivals in the race to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler. 

• In the Hudson Valley, Politico’s Jason Beeferman reports GOP Rep. Mike Lawler “didn’t get the outcome he appeared to want, . . West Point graduate Cait Conley, a national security expert and combat veteran, won the Democratic primary to face GOP Rep. Mike Lawler, viewed as one of the GOP’s most vulnerable incumbents in the country in a key swing district in the battle for control of the House.

• In Queens, Incumbent Rep. Grace Meng easily won her Democratic primary in the 6th C.D.

• In New York’s 3rd Congressional District (Nassau County/Queens) Rep. Tom Suozzi and former GOP Assembly Member Michael LiPetri Jr. won their respective party primaries, setting up a rematch of their 2024 race.

• In the North Country: Trump-endorsed Anthony Constantino won the GOP primary for the open seat created by Rep. Stefanik’s decision not to seek reelection, easily defeating Assemblyman Robert Smullen in a major blow to the state’s Republican Party. Smullen was endorsed by the state and local GOP. The Conservative Party has provided its support and ballot line to Smullen, who vowed to continue his campaign through November. Blake Gendebien is the Democratic nominee, as the Times Union reports. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/06/23/nyregion/primary-elections-ny-maryland-utah?smid=nytcore-ios-share

. . .

• State Legislative Primary Results: With many retirements and yesterday's defeats of incumbents, the NYS Legislature will look very different next year. NYC Mayor Mamdani and the DSA appear to have the means to push an ambitious reform agenda; They pressed Gov. Hochul to raise income taxes this past session. and are expected to bring even more pressure in 2027. It appears likely there will be four Democratic Socialists in the Senate and 11 or 12 in the Assembly in 2027 – up from three in the Senate and six in the Assembly the past two years. DSA-backed candidates beat incumbents in three New York City districts, picked up wins in two open seats in NYC and one in Western New York, and In Syracuse a DSA-backed candidate held a late (though thin) lead over one of the state’s longest-tenured legislators. 

. . .In State Senate primaries: Two incumbent state senators lost their primaries: Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas defeated State Sen. Jessica Ramos in Queens, and Assemblyman Jon Rivera beat State Sen. Jeremy Zellner in Buffalo. 

. . .In State Assembly primaries: In Queens, Democratic socialist David Orkin beat Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumarin. In Brooklyn, Christian Celeste Tate defeated Assemblyman Erik Dilan and DSA-backed Eon Huntley beat Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman. In Manhattan, former NYC Council Member Diana Ayala beat Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs in a crowded race. In Syracuse, longtime Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli narrowly trailed socialist Onondaga County Legislator Maurice Brown with 92% of the vote counted. In the Hudson Valley, State Assemblymember Didi Barrett won the Democratic primary for New York's 106th Assembly District. In Greene & Schoharie Counties), Janet Tweed won the Democratic nomination in the 102nd Assembly District and will face former GOP Congressman and 2018 gubernatorial candidate Marc Molinaro.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/nyregion/new-york-primary-takeaways.html?unlocked_article_code=1.slA.IUN5.DiUk7kcAX4S7&smid=nytcore-ios-share

• State Comptroller Primary: Incumbent Tom DiNapoli won an easy victory over two challengers in the Democratic primary.

. . .

• New Siena Poll: Hocul Leads Blakeman By 20 Points. A new Siena Poll of New York State registered voters out this morning found Gov. Hochul leads her GOP opponent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, by 20 points, 52%-32%. Hochul's favorability rating was 43-44% and her job approval rating was 53-42%. President Trump's favorability rating was 32-63% and his overall job approval rating is 34-65%. Voters were pleased with the Legislature as the 2026 session ended: The Assembly’s favorability rating is now 42-31%, and the State Senate’s favorability rating was 42-34%. For the first time in 2026 more voters said the state is on the "right track", 44% to 41%, while the direction of the country was "wrong track" by 28-63%. NYC Mayor Mamdani's favorability rating was 45-34% (58-26% in NYC). Democrats’ lead on the generic congressional ballot was 52-32%, from 52-33% in April.

.  .  .

• Affordable Housing: Governor Hochul has announced the third round of awards for the “MOVE-IN NY” program administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The program is funded by $50 million Hochul secured in the 2025-26 State Budget. The first two rounds of MOVE-IN NY awards had provided $40 million for 128 new homes in Onondaga, Erie, Cayuga, Erie, Montgomery, Schenectady and Suffolk Counties. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-20-million-make-dream-homeownership-reality-nearly-70-families

• What Happened In The 2026 Legislative Session: With the Legislature not scheduled to return Albany until January 2027, when a newly elected Senate and Assembly will be seated.  IBANYS provided a detailed report on what relevant legislation passed – and did not pass — this past session. Read IBANYS’ Summary here, or visit https://ibanys.net/newsletters/ and read the June 10 IBANYS newsletter.

. . .

State Regulatory News



• DFS-NY:  The State Department of Financial Services said it has proposed new stablecoin rules to align its framework with federal requirements under the GENIUS Act. https://crypto.news/new-york-dfs-updates-stablecoin-regime-ahead-of-genius-act-rollout/. 

• EXPRESS NY: Gov. Hochul highlighted the first 50 regulations the state has struck down as part of the new Express NY initiative to reduce red tape and bureaucracy for businesses and individuals that must interact with state government. https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/50RegReformActionsReport.pdf

FEDERAL UPDATE

The Very Latest On Housing/Community Bank Reg Relief Bill

Congress passed its most ambitious housing legislation since the 1980s, a package of more than 50 provisions aimed at making it easier to build homes and make housing more affordable. The Wall Street Journal reports. (Subscription required.) The House gave final congressional approval to The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) that includes ICBA-advocated community bank regulatory relief provisions, and sent the bill to the White House to be signed into law.

• In a national news release, ICBA commended Congress for passing the bill and said the vote is a testament to the community banking industry’s strong bipartisan support in Washington. It includes ICBA-advocated community bank regulatory relief provisions.

• Rep. Barr (D-KY), who chairs the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy, said: “Community banks are the financial infrastructure of housing and rural America. When they thrive, small towns thrive. When they're regulated out of existence, capital dries up and the opportunity for home ownership disappears. This legislation changes that. By streamlining de novo formation, increasing supervisory transparency, strengthening access to deposits, community banks can better serve their communities and remain a key contributor to the home loan market, expanding opportunities… for Americans to become homeowners.”

• BUT -- A LATE UPDATE: Trump Cancels The Bill Singing. President Trump today abruptly canceled an event to sign the bipartisan affordable-housing bill, saying it was “hereby cancelled” until Congress passes his “SAVE America Act” imposing new restrictions on voter identification and mail-in ballots. Read more ›. Shortly before pulling out of the signing event, Trump posted the bill “is of minor importance,” and called  it “The Elizabeth ‘Pocahontas’ Warren centric housing bill.” The House passed the election bill this year, but Senate GOP leaders have repeatedly told Trump they do not have the votes to pass it. (Meanwhile, after Trump's announcement, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters he spoke with Trump and the president still plans to sign the bill in the next 10 days.) https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/trump-delays-housing-bill-save-act?stream=top&utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alerts_all

. . .

• ICBA urged the House to pass the Main Street Capital Access Act, comprehensive legislation championed by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Hill (R-Ark.) that includes more than two dozen community bank priorities.

• Farm Bill. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Boozman (R-Ark.) released draft text of proposed farm bill language, a section-by-section summary, and a title-by-title summary. The 900-page bill amends the 12 titles of the farm bill, including USDA loan programs and rural development programs. ICBA is reviewing the text of the legislation and will provide updates. Last month, the House passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) -- the first farm bill to pass out of the House since 2018. ICBA’s national news release called it an important step to completion of a new farm bill but reiterated opposition to policies that would expand the Farm Credit System’s authorities to engage in broad non-farm financing activities far outside its mission

Federal Regulatory News

• BSA Regs, Due Diligence & Burden On Community Banks. ICBA told the administration President Trump’s executive order on financial services should ensure policies related to immigration impose no additional regulatory burdens on community banks. Executive Order 14406, directs the federal banking regulators to propose changes to BSA regulations to strengthen customer due diligence requirements and issue guidance on managing the credit risks of extending loans and financial services to immigrants without work authorization. Read ICBA's letter to the White House, Treasury, and FinCEN.

• Risk Sensitivity, Transparency & Capital Framework: In a letter, ICBA told the federal banking regulators it supports efforts to improve the risk sensitivity and transparency of the capital framework -- but urged the agencies to ensure any final rules are appropriately tailored to community banks without increasing the systemic risks posed by the largest institutions. 

Industry Insights

• Former FDIC Chair Bair's Warning. “Are Regulators Laying the Groundwork for a New Financial Meltdown?” POLITICO notes: “Sheila Bair was not only a central figure in the government’s response to the 2008 financial crisis — she also warned about the risky mortgage lending practices that precipitated it. Now, the former head of the FDIC is warning that today’s crop of financial regulators are forgetting the lessons of that painful saga by weakening banks’ capital buffers, which act as fortifications against unpredictable losses and are intended to ward off potential taxpayer bailouts.”

. . .

• Passings: Alan Greenspan, who chaired the Federal Reserve for nearly two decades under four presidents of both parties, passed away at the age of 100. He led the Fed from 1987-2006. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/us/alan-greenspan-dead.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share. Former FDIC Chairman William Isaac has also passed away. He served as the 14th Chairman of the FDIC from 1981 through 1985. He was first appointed to the FDIC Board in 1978 under President Carter, and was later named Chairman by President Reagan, becoming at the time the youngest Chairman in the agency’s history.