2022 Vol. 106 No. 5

Hoosier Banker 15 This summer, the Indiana Bankers Association hosted over 70 participants in our nation’s capital for the Annual IBA Washington Trip. The fly-in is one of the most significant and impactful components of IBA’s engagement in the national political process, providing bankers with prime opportunities to talk with and educate regulators and legislators who have a significant impact on the banking industry. Highlights from the trip included meetings with Federal Reserve Gov. Michelle Bowman, Chairman Martin Gruenberg of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Acting Comptroller Michael Hsu of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Director Rohit Chopra of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as gatherings with the Indiana congressional delegation, including Sen. Mike Braun and Sen. Todd Young. The event opened with a dinner and private reception at the International Spy Museum. Policy discussions with both regulators and legislators were productive. Bankers advocated for changes to the proposed Sec. 1071 rule and improvements to the Community Reinvestment Act modernization proposal, questioned the CFPB’s new approach to overdraft fees and expressed concern about proposed rules related to climate risk management. Additionally, bankers advocated for additional oversight of the Farm Credit System and/or credit unions, expressed concern surrounding the impacts of a central bank digital currency and of regulating for climate risk, and voiced support for the Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America Act (ECORA). Bankers also thanked House members who voted in support of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act and encouraged members to support the act, should it Dax Denton 'LMIJ 4SPMG] 3JƤGIV Indiana Bankers Association ddenton@indiana.bank @ibagovrelations Ross Teare Vice President - Government Relations Indiana Bankers Association rteare@indiana.bank remain viable in other legislative proposals. Business meetings began the morning of Tuesday, July 12, with briefings from experts from the American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America. Following were meetings with the Department of the Treasury, the director of the CFPB, FDIC Chair Gruenberg, Federal Reserve Gov. Bowman, Interim Executive Director Jim Cooper of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the acting director of the OCC. After a long day of meeting with regulators, attendees enjoyed dinner at the Capitol Hill Club, joined by Sen. Braun, Rep. Jim Baird, Rep. Larry Bucshon and Rep. Victoria Spartz. Wednesday, July 13, was devoted to lobbying the members of the Indiana congressional delegation on the issues important to the industry. Bankers were persistent with their messaging on the long list of policy items and provided actionable direction for the delegation to support the industry. Overall, there has been a growing list of challenges that face the industry, both in the policy and regulatory arenas, but our members were thorough in educating lawmakers about complex banking issues. Due to the growing list of concerns, the timing of the trip and level of engagement with regulators and legislators could not have been better. It is paramount that those leading the direction on policy and regulation hear from those in communities that are impacted most by these proposed changes. We would like to thank all of our members who attended the IBA Annual Washington Trip. We recognize the sacrifice of being away from your banks and your families to participate in this signature event for the Indiana banking community. The banking industry is better served by your involvement. HB

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