CRA Lending Data

The total number and value of small-business and small-farm loans made by financial institutions subject to the Community Reinvestment Act decreased in 2025 compared to the previous year, the Federal Reserve, FDIC and OCC said in their annual report on CRA lending data.

Support for FCC Robocall Mitigation Database Proposal

A coalition of 49 state attorneys general have expressed support for the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database proposal while urging the agency to require better vetting of the information that telecommunications providers submit.

NCBA BankWork$ Celebrates Graduation of Second Cohort in Raleigh

A new generation of banking professionals is ready to take the next step in their careers! The North Carolina Bankers Association recently celebrated the graduation of its second BankWork$ cohort at First Citizens Bank in Raleigh, marking the final milestone in this eight-week program.

The ceremony featured an inspiring keynote address from Nick Means, Community Banking Officer and Vice President at F&M Bank, who encouraged graduates as they prepared to embark on their careers in the banking industry.

NCBA's Janice Royster, Senior Vice President and Director of BankWork$; Jen Mathis, Vice President, BankWork$ Instructor and Director of Learning & Development; and Lauren Perry, Executive Vice President of Community Bank Services, presented diplomas to the graduates in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

Following the ceremony, graduates participated in a career fair, where they had the opportunity to meet directly with banking professionals, explore employment opportunities, and make valuable connections with potential employers. It was a fitting conclusion to the program, bringing graduates one step closer to putting their newly acquired skills to work.

Congratulations to the newest BankWork$ graduates! We look forward to seeing where their careers take them, and we'll have more to share about this remarkable group in the coming weeks.

F&M Bank Receives 2026 Housing Hero of the Year Award

F&M Bank has been named the 2026 Housing Hero of the Year by WeBuild Concord, recognizing the bank's dedication to expanding access to attainable housing in Cabarrus County.

Presented during WeBuild Concord's Annual Breakfast on October 8, the award celebrates F&M Bank's longstanding partnership with the nonprofit, which works to develop attainable, mixed-income housing and create opportunities for greater financial stability and economic mobility.

Congratulations to F&M Bank on this well-deserved recognition of its commitment to building stronger communities!

Proposed Agendas for House Financial Services Committee

Top Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee are pledging to place greater emphasis on housing policy and tackle financial fraud as they seek their colleagues’ support for committee leadership in the upcoming Democrat-controlled Congress.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) – who is currently ranking member – and Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) are seeking to lead the committee next year.

FinCEN Labels Crypto Exchange as Money Laundering Concern

FinCEN has labeled MEXC Global, a convertible virtual currency exchange, as a financial institution of primary money laundering concern, severing its ties to the U.S. financial system.

FinCEN and Fed Withdraw Proposal

FinCEN and the Federal Reserve are withdrawing a proposed rule that would have significantly shrunk the dollar threshold for banks to report cross-border wire transfers.

Climate Reporting Laws

A federal appeals court has narrowed the scope of a pair of California laws that require companies, including financial institutions, to report greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks.

16 Governors Call on Congress to Pass Cannabis Banking Bill

With nearly every state having legalized cannabis in some form, it is time for Congress to pass legislation to allow legal cannabis businesses to access banking services without fear of federal prosecution, 16 governors said in a letter to congressional leaders.

“The SAFE Banking Act [H.R.9471/S.4942] has garnered strong bipartisan support, both in its current and previous iterations, and provides a pragmatic solution that respects state sovereignty while addressing critical public safety and governance challenges,” they said.

 ‘Opportunity Zone’ Designations

More than 6,500 communities across the U.S. have been designated Qualified Opportunity Zones, which provide tax incentives for investing in distressed areas, the Treasury Department and IRS announced.

2026 Management Forum Brings Banking Leaders Together in Asheville

Approximately 65 bankers and industry partners gathered November 4–6 at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville for the 2026 NCBA Management Forum, with learning, collaboration and connection focused on the issues shaping today's banking industry.

The agenda featured timely discussions on regulatory developments, artificial intelligence in banking, process improvement, North Carolina's changing demographics, financial fraud and scams, economic conditions, credit risk, election results and legislative priorities.

Beyond the educational sessions, attendees had valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, share perspectives and strengthen relationships with fellow banking professionals and industry partners. From insightful presentations and engaging conversations to meaningful networking, this year's Forum reinforced the importance of bringing our banking community together to learn, collaborate and prepare for what's ahead.

NCBA extends its sincere appreciation to all attendees, speakers, guests and sponsors who helped make the 2026 Management Forum a success!

Need Credits? Earn CRCM, CPE, SHRM and More!

Looking to skill up? North Carolina Bankers Association is making it easier than ever to invest in your professional growth. Sign up for one of the upcoming webinars from our partnered providers:

TowneBank Completes Dogwood State Bank Conversion

TowneBank has completed the operational integration of Raleigh-based Dogwood State Bank, with former Dogwood branches officially transitioning to the TowneBank name and banking systems on November 2. The conversion follows the banks' merger in January and provides former Dogwood customers access to TowneBank's expanded network of more than 70 banking locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Atlantic Union Bank Opens Second Raleigh Branch

Atlantic Union Bank has opened a new branch on Creedmoor Road in Raleigh, occupying a former Fifth Third Bank location. The opening marks the Richmond-based bank's second new branch in the Raleigh area as part of its broader North Carolina expansion strategy. Atlantic Union plans to add ten branches across the state, including seven in the Raleigh market and three in Wilmington, while expanding its commercial banking and wealth management teams.

Two young fish are swimming along 
when an older fish passes them and asks: 'Morning, boys. How's the water?'

The young fish keep swimming until one turns to the other and asks: 'What the heck is water?'

Adapted from David Foster Wallace