Inactive Financial Institution Letters

Community Banking Conference 2016 Highlights

Summary:

The FDIC is providing highlights from the Community Banking Conference held April 6, 2016 themed Strategies for Long-Term Success. Four conference panels discussed the community banking model; regulatory developments; managing technology challenges; and ownership structure and succession planning. In addition, the FDIC is sharing information about steps taken to-date in response to issues raised at the Conference.

Statement of Applicability to Institutions With Total Assets Under $1 Billion: This Financial Institution Letter shares information that may be of interest to all FDIC-supervised Community institutions.

Highlights:

• Given the vital role community banks play in the U.S. financial system and economy, the day-long conference drew more than 250 community bankers and other industry participants.
• Four separate panels explored the following critical challenges for community banks:
  • Viability of the community banking model
  • Regulatory developments as they pertain to community banks
  • Ways that technology affects community banks
  • How community banks are managing ownership structure and succession planning
• The FDIC has taken steps to respond to issues raised at the conference. The FDIC:
  • Hosted a panel discussion at a meeting of the FDIC Advisory Committee on Community Banking about the millennial generation and their banking preferences.
  • Conducted three outreach meetings with more than 100 industry participants to provide guidance about the formation of de novo institutions.
  • Issued for public comment a handbook for organizers of de novo institutions, describing the process of applying for federal deposit insurance and providing instruction about the application content.
  • Hosted a meeting with representatives of the industry and educational institutions to explore opportunities to partner in developing the next generation of community bankers.
• The FDIC recognizes the critical role that community banks play in the U.S. financial system and remains committed to helping community banks address existing and emerging challenges.