Over the past year, the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, under Chair Barr’s leadership, has worked tirelessly to examine outdated regulations, listen directly to small businesses, and confront barriers to capital access for small and mid-sized banks. I am proud to introduce the Main Street Capital Access Act to reinvigorate community banking and bring common sense back to Main Street.” Below is ICBA’s summary of key provisions in the bill: • Tailors regulations to the lower risk profile of community banks • Eases excessive capital requirements • Supports the formation of new community banks • Ensures fair and consistent agency examinations • Raises thresholds for holding custodial and reciprocal deposits • Requires appointment of an FDIC board member with experience in small depository institutions • Modernizes the Federal Reserve’s discount window lending programs • Provides relief at the holding company level • Promotes responsible bank-fintech partnerships GENIUS ACT At the time of writing, we are awaiting the Senate Banking Committee’s forthcoming markup regarding broader market structure reforms. While some progress has been made on unresolved issues stemming from the GENIUS Act, one of the most critical remaining questions involves the offering of “interest,” “rewards” or “yields” on payment stablecoins. We have been closely monitoring these discussions. To underscore the stakes, an ICBA analysis found that allowing interest, yield or rewards on stablecoin holdings would reduce community bank lending by $850 billion, driven by a $1.3 trillion decline in industry deposits over the long term. It is essential that our Congressional delegation hears directly from you. Please reach out if you haven’t done so already. Regardless of the outcome of the markup, there is still a long road ahead, and your voice matters. It’s critical that our leaders understand how this could significantly drain community bank deposits and limit credit availability. We must do everything possible to ensure this is adequately addressed, protecting our communities, families and Main Street small businesses. May each of you have a wonderful start to 2026. PEOPLE. TEAMWORK. PASSION. OPPORTUNITY BANK MISSOULA BROADWAY 406.443.2340 cwg-architects.com 650 Power St. Helena, MT Strong foundations for your future. Innovating Montana financial institutions for over 65 years. Community Banker 7
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